Murano, Burano and Torcello: the islands in the Venice lagoon

Murano is the closest of the northern lagoon islands to Venice, so it's easy to get there by vaporetto and spend a few hours there.

Murano appears to be a replica of the Serenissima, but on a smaller scale and without the major must-see monuments. It's made up of several islands linked by bridges, and its Grand Canal also runs through it!

Murano began specialising in glassmaking in the 13th century. This unique expertise made the island famous between the 15th and 18th centuries, when Murano glass was exported all over Europe. Glass houses, typical of the island's urban landscape, flourished alongside fine residences, as Murano became a sought-after holiday destination for Venetians.

Glass-making is still very much alive in Murano: it's the typical souvenir to bring back from this excursion, and the shops are everywhere. Don't miss a stroll through the narrow streets of the town, a sort of miniature Venice, with its squares, churches and canals. There are a few hotels here and there too: wouldn't you be tempted to stay longer in Murano?

Further north, you need to take the vaporetto to reach Burano, which is always a good way to keep the island's crowds at bay. Perfect for a more tranquil holiday!

Like Murano, Burano has long specialised in one craft: needle lace. In the 16th century, Burano lace was snapped up by noblemen and middle-class citizens from all over Europe. After its heyday in the 18th century, production declined from the 19th century onwards. Few laces today are of the same quality as those made in the past on the island. When the pieces are sewn by hand, Burano lace is sold at a premium!

But Burano is not just about lace. The island's scenery has a unique cachet, with canals lined with small houses with colourful facades. You'll never tire of wandering from alley to alley, looking for a pretty picture to take...

Some people even spend the night here!

Barely further than Burano, the next vaporetto stop is Torcello: a change of scenery guaranteed!

One of the first inhabited islands in the lagoon, Torcello enjoyed a golden age until the tenth century. Its superb Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (7th century), reputed to be the oldest monument in Venice, bears witness to this. Today, it is Torcello's only tourist attraction: for a long time, the island declined in favour of the City of the Doges, losing both its appeal and its inhabitants. There are currently no more than fifteen or so inhabitants!

That's what Torcello is all about: peace and quiet. Move away from the canal leading to the Basilica and take a little country path, towards the Casa Museo Andrich for example. The green, natural setting of the Venetian lagoon awaits you along the way.

🚌 How do you get to the islands in the lagoon?

Vaporetto essential. It's best to take vaporetto line 12 from the Fondamente Nove stop in the Cannaregio district: the line in fact serves each of the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. It's easier that way, and more direct too!

• Journey time to Murano: 12min
• Journey time to Burano: 43min
• Journey time to Torcello: 42min