Venice islands Guide: Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Venice is much more than just the famous canals and squares of the main city. The Venetian Lagoon is home to several enchanting islands, each with its own distinct character and attractions. In this Venice Islands guide, we’ll explore the three most captivating islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello, and provide you with all the practical information you need for an unforgettable day trip.

If you are planning a trip to Venice you should definetly include these islands in your visit, epecially Murano for the famous venetian glass.

Also check out my guide to another bucket list destination in Italy: Cinque Terre.

What Each Island Is Known For

Murano: The Island of Glass

Just a short boat ride from the heart of Venice, the island of Murano is steeped in centuries of craftsmanship and rich artistic heritage. Since 1291, when the Venetian Republic ordered all glassmakers to move their furnaces to Murano in an effort to prevent catastrophic fires in the wooden buildings of Venice, the island has become synonymous with the art of glassmaking. This strategic relocation not only protected the city but also helped to keep the closely guarded secrets of Venetian glassmaking confined to one place.

Over the centuries, Murano’s artisans refined their techniques, developing innovative styles and producing some of the most delicate and dazzling glasswork in the world. Today, Murano remains a beacon of artistic excellence, drawing visitors from around the globe who come to witness master glassblowers at work, explore the island’s many glass studios and museums, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect a timeless tradition of beauty, skill, and innovation.

Must-see attractions:

• Glass factories with live demonstrations by master craftsmen (see how to book below)
• Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) housed in the historic Palazzo Giustinian
• The Church of Santa Maria e San Donato with its beautiful Byzantine mosaics
• Colorful glass sculptures dotting the island’s squares and walkways

Burano: A Rainbow of Houses

Perhaps the most photogenic of the Venetian islands, Burano captivates visitors with its cheerful, candy-colored houses that line the narrow canals like a living rainbow. This small island, located just a short vaporetto ride from Venice, is instantly recognizable for its kaleidoscope of hues—each home painted in bright shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange.

According to local legend, the tradition of painting the houses in vivid colors dates back to the island’s fishing heritage. It’s said that fishermen, returning home through the thick fog that often blankets the Venetian Lagoon, needed a way to easily distinguish their homes from one another. The bold colors made their houses stand out in the mist, serving as navigational beacons and personal markers.

Today, this charming tradition is carefully preserved, with residents required to seek government permission before changing the color of their home. Beyond its visual appeal, Burano is also renowned for its intricate lace-making, a delicate craft passed down through generations, adding yet another layer to the island’s unique cultural tapestry. Whether strolling along the canals, browsing local shops, or simply soaking in the island’s joyful palette, visitors to Burano find themselves immersed in a storybook setting unlike anywhere else in the world.

Must-see attractions:

• The leaning bell tower of San Martino Church
• Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum), celebrating Burano’s historical lacemaking tradition
• Local artisan shops selling handmade lace products
• The vibrant canals and squares perfect for photography
• Fresh seafood restaurants serving local specialties

Torcello: Venice’s Birthplace

Torcello is the oldest continuously inhabited island in the Venetian Lagoon, with origins dating back to the 5th century, long before Venice rose to prominence. In its early days, Torcello was a thriving center of trade, commerce, and political power, boasting a population that once surpassed that of Venice itself. During the height of its prosperity, the island was home to thousands of residents, numerous churches, palaces, and even its own bishop, serving as a vital link between the Byzantine and Western worlds. However, over time, the island’s fortunes declined due to a combination of malaria outbreaks, silting of the lagoon, and shifting trade routes, leading much of its population to migrate to the growing city of Venice.

Today, Torcello stands in stark contrast to its bustling and colorful neighbors like Burano and Murano. Quiet, serene, and largely rural, it offers visitors a peaceful escape and a rare glimpse into the lagoon’s ancient history.

Walking through its lush greenery and along its canals, you’ll encounter only a handful of buildings, but each one carries immense historical weight. Chief among them is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 AD, which houses spectacular Byzantine mosaics that are among the finest in Italy. Nearby, the Church of Santa Fosca and the iconic stone throne known as “Attila’s Chair” add to the island’s mysterious and timeless charm. With far fewer tourists, Torcello is a place for quiet reflection, where the past feels especially close and the spirit of early Venice still lingers in the tranquil air.

Must-see attractions:

• The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its stunning Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 11th century
• The ancient marble throne known as “Attila’s Throne”
• The Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo), a footbridge with no railings
• Locanda Cipriani, the famous restaurant where Ernest Hemingway once stayed
• Peaceful natural landscapes and walking paths

How to visit Venice Islands

You have basically 2 options to vist Venice Islands: one is to move via public transport and organize your itinerary yourself, the other option is to use an organized tour, a bit less flexible but requires less planning.

Use public transport

The vaporetto (water bus) is the most convenient way to reach these islands from Venice’s main districts. ACTV, Venice’s public transportation company, operates regular services throughout the lagoon.

Vaporetto Routes to the Islands

• Line 12: The main circular route connecting Venice (Fondamente Nove) with Murano, Burano, and Torcello
• Lines 4.1 and 4.2: Connect Venice with Murano (but not Burano or Torcello)

Travel Times by Vaporetto

• Venice to Murano: Approximately 10-15 minutes from Fondamente Nove
• Venice to Burano: About 45 minutes from Fondamente Nove
• Burano to Torcello: A quick 5-minute ride
• Full circuit (Venice → Murano → Burano → Torcello → Venice): Allow for a full day (8+ hours including stops)

Vaporetto Tickets and Day Pass Costs

As of 2025, these are the current ticket options:

• Single one-way ticket: €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes)
• 24-hour pass: €25 (unlimited travel for 24 hours)
• 48-hour pass: €35 (unlimited travel for 48 hours)
• 72-hour pass: €45 (unlimited travel for 72 hours)

For island hopping, the 24-hour pass is highly recommended as it offers the best value and flexibility. Tickets can be purchased at vaporetto stops, tourist information centers, or through the ACTV app.

Organized tour

An organized tour is an easy option that allows you to just relax and leave the organization to someone else, this being said it definetly leaves less room for personal exploration and improvisation. You can find amazing options for such tours on GetYourGuide, I always use them when planning my travel activities and I was never disappointed.

Planning Your Experiences

It’s very important to plan ahead for your visit to the Venice Islands, as you’ll need several boat trips, and to book the local experiences in advance. If you need to book by phone in some place you can also ask your host or hotel staff to help you and ask for recommendations, asking a local is always a good way to ensure you get the best experience.

I recommend booking a visit to a glass factory with a glass blowing demonstration, some also offer a small glass gift included in the ticket. You can also ask if they have a shop to buy some object, in this way you’ll be sure to buy a handmade original gift.

Tips for a Successful Island Trip

• If you plan to use public transport purchase your vaporetto pass the day before to avoid morning queues
• Start early to beat the crowds, especially in peak season
• Check the last vaporetto times, especially for Torcello which has more limited service
• Bring water and sun protection as some areas have limited shade
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Consider visiting Torcello first and working backward if you want to avoid crowds

Best Time to Visit Venice and its Islands

The islands, like Venice itself, can get extremely crowded during peak tourist season (May-September). For a more authentic experience with fewer tourists, consider visiting:

• April and October: Pleasant weather with significantly fewer crowds
• November to March: The quietest period, though some attractions may have reduced hours
• Weekdays instead of weekends

Local Seafood Restaurants on Murano, Burano, and Torcello

No island-hopping trip would be complete without sampling the fresh seafood caught daily from the lagoon. Each island has its own culinary highlights worth exploring:

• On Murano: Try Ristorante La Fornace or Osteria al Duomo
• On Burano: Don’t miss Trattoria al Gatto Nero or Ristorante da Forner
• On Torcello: Splurge on a meal at the historic Locanda Cipriani or enjoy a more casual lunch at Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo
• Close to Burano: Ristorante Venissa for a Michelin star experience

By venturing beyond the crowded streets of Venice to explore these three unique islands, you’ll discover a different pace of life and gain deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Venetian Lagoon.