Discovering Murano, Burano, and Torcello: A Tourist's Guide to Venice's Hidden Gems

When one thinks of Venice, images of gondolas drifting through the canals and the grandeur of St. Mark's Square often come to mind. However, just a short boat ride away from the city's bustling heart lie three hidden treasures waiting to be explored: Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Murano: The Island of Glass

Renowned for its exquisite glassmaking tradition, Murano is a must-visit destination for any traveler in Venice. Stepping onto the island, visitors are greeted by a myriad of glass shops and studios, each showcasing the skill and artistry of local craftsmen. From delicate glass figurines to stunning chandeliers, Murano's glassworks are as diverse as they are breathtaking.

Aside from its glassmaking heritage, Murano boasts charming streets lined with colorful buildings and picturesque canals. Take a leisurely stroll along Fondamenta dei Vetrai or hop on a vaporetto to explore the island's hidden corners. Don't forget to visit the awe-inspiring Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, adorned with intricate mosaics and home to the relics of Saint Donatus.

Burano: The Island of Colors

A kaleidoscope of vibrant hues awaits visitors on the island of Burano. Famous for its brightly painted houses, Burano is a photographer's paradise and a delight for anyone seeking a splash of color. As you wander through its narrow streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by buildings in shades of azure, lemon, and rose, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Beyond its colorful façade, Burano is also known for its centuries-old lace-making tradition. Explore the shops along Via Baldassare Galuppi to admire exquisite lace creations crafted by local artisans. And be sure to sample some of Burano's culinary delights, from fresh seafood dishes to the island's signature dessert, the bussolà biscuit.

Torcello: The Island of Tranquility

For a glimpse into Venice's past and a retreat from the crowds, venture to the peaceful island of Torcello. Once a thriving center of trade and culture, Torcello is now a tranquil oasis dotted with ancient ruins and lush greenery. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics that rival those of St. Mark's Basilica.

After exploring the cathedral, take a stroll along Torcello's quiet pathways, where the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of the water. Stop by Locanda Cipriani for a taste of Venetian cuisine in a serene garden setting, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the island's timeless beauty.

Conclusion

While Venice's main attractions are undoubtedly captivating, a visit to Murano, Burano, and Torcello offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you're admiring glassblowers at work, photographing the kaleidoscope of colors in Burano, or exploring the ancient ruins of Torcello, each island has its own story to tell and memories to be made.

So, when planning your trip to Venice, set aside a day to discover these hidden gems. You won't be disappointed.

This is my Workshop in Burano Murano and Torcello. Click here

20 Great Things to do in Venice 9/20 – Tour the Lagoon

If you're spending more than a few days in Venice, take time to visit the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Explore the famous islands of  - Murano, Burano and Torcello - on a half-day or full day excursion. You'll see  glass-blowing display on Murano, shop for lace on Burano, be lost in the wonderful colours of Burano and visit Venice's first church on the tranquil island of Torcello. This tour is a great introduction to the magical islands of the Venetian lagoon

You'll reach the islands on water buses operated by ACTV, the Venice public-transportation company best place will be from Fte Nove. Allow a full day for the entire excursion, or half a day if you skip one of them.

ACTV's lagoon water buses can be crowded during peak season, on weekends, or if local groups of senior citizens or schoolchildren are travelling between the islands. If crowds bother you, or if you're unwilling to stand on a moving boat when seats aren't available, consider one of these alternatives:

• Take an escorted tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. This half-day tour is more expensive than a tour by public transportation, but it's worth considering if your schedule is tighter than your budget. The trip is offered by Viator, our sightseeing-tour partner.
• Hire a water taxi by the half-day or day, which could easily cost several hundred euros. If you want the services of a private guide, try a customized lagoon itinerary from WalksInsideVenice or the Venice Tourist Guides Association and let the guide arrange transportation.

Tips:

• Organized tours don't give you much time on the islands, so we'd recommend traveling independently unless you're in a hurry or have limited mobility.
• Instead of buying individual tickets for the boat trips between the islands, buy a 12-hour to 7-day  tourist card at any Hellovenezia or ACTV ticket booth. (See our Vaporetto Fares article.) Or order the tourist office's Venice Connected pass before you leave home, if you can figure out the byzantine pricing scheme.
•  If you have access to the Internet during your trip, you can check boat schedules at the official ACTV Web site.

Sant' Ariano: The Island of Bones

Sant’Ariano island is located in the Northern Lagoon, between Torcello and La Cura islands, north of La Centrega marsh. In 1565 the island was surrounded by a wall to preserve the bones and ashes dug out of Venice cemetery (San Michele) when more room was needed on those grounds. Today, the island is disused and it is believed to plagued with snakes.

From the inside of S Ariano looking out toward the marsh

With my fellows partners we sailed to S Ariano and walked all around the perimeter wall, we tried in few places to reach the centre of the ossuary but  a deep ravine and thorny bushes prevented us. We would have needed a machete! The dead were defending themselves, sending away  the intruders. There were mice not sure about snakes  we just managed a brief glimps of some tombstones and bones but it was impossible to reach them.

"Go Back Home!" said the tenants of  Sant'Ariano.

Islandness

An island generally comes with a bit of mystery and fascination, probably for being so close between sea and land. You may have discovered it by pure coincidence. Sometime slowly slowly the island grows in you. As the time passes you feel closer, factors such as the island’s remoteness, boundedness, and insularity combine to create a state of “islandness” . Then suddenly one day, when you are not thinking, you discover a sense of belonging. That is where you want to spend the rest of your life.

You did not choose the island, the island finally had chosen you.

Flying above Venice

The Seawings tours are specifically designed to complement your cruise experience, Seawings  encourage you to relax as your guide whisks you away to the historic Island of San Clemente; explore the grounds of the luxurious San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort and hop on board for memories that will last forever. Providing unparalleled and rarely seen aerial views of the Venetian Lagoon and the islands of San Servolo, San Giorgio Maggiore, Giudecca, Torcello and Lido, Seawings promises you all the excitement in a lot less time.

No other tour provides such a complete picture of the enitire empire of Venezia. Seawings guided sightseeing tour of Venice is truly a unique way to see Venice as never before.