Murano is the big sister, the famous island in Venice that everybody knows because that’s where you can buy the beautiful Murano glass. But there is another island in Venice with a similar name, Burano. It is less known, but is getting more and more popular, partly because it is the perfect place to get amazing shots.
How To Get To Burano?
Hop On The Water Bus!
From the main island, you’ll have to take one of the water buses from Fondamenta Nuovo or Fondamenta San Zaccaria, they are usually quite regular, so you don’t have to plan too much ahead. However, if you want to be sure, look online for the timetables.
Do Not Wait The End Of The Day To Go Back
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Burano. Take that into account in the evening. Do not wait to be exhausted to take the boat, because you’ll have to do the whole journey back to Venice and also walk back to your accommodation. Most of the people on the boat can barely keep their eyes open.
Last time I went to Burano (in October), I asked my friend if we could go. She wasn’t tired and wanted to explore some more, but accepted. The boat journey felt very long and when we finally arrived at the main island, she thanked me because she felt very tired and actually wouldn’t have been able to come back later. We nearly didn’t go out again to get food because of how tired we were. I’m not saying that the boat trip is horrible, not at all, I’m saying that it’s very slow and that it can be extremely tiring, especially at the end of the day.
Plus, if you don’t go too late, you might see the sunset from the boat.
Everything You Have To Know About Burano
Why Is Burano Called Burano?
The name “Burano” was given by its founders. Some of them were from the Roman city of Altino. They had fled the Barbarian invaders (Hello Attila!). In the city, there was a place called Boreana, and that’s where the name of the island comes from. Burano settlement might have been founded in the 5th century.
What Is The Island Famous For?
Burano is small fishing island. If it’s now famous for its colors that look great on Instagram, it has also a long tradition of lace working art, since the 16th century actually. There are lace sawing school founds there, and also a museum called Museo del Merletto. I haven’t visited it, but if you’re interested in history and lace, you should have a look.
There’s a legend about lace in Burano: a fisherman was out fishing outside the lagoon and met a siren. He received a gift from her: a wedding veil made out of foam. When the fisherman got married, he gave the delicate veil to his fiancee and she was admired by all. And so, people created beautiful lace to replicate the veil.
What Do I Like To Do In Burano?
I usually don’t buy much in Burano, I simply like to walk around the colorful houses and take pictures. That’s also why I haven’t been to the lace museum yet.
I like eating the Essi, biscuits that are made in Burano. They are really good, but you have to choose the right bakery. Maybe buy just one to try it first. The first time I came to Burano, I discovered these specialties and I loved them. So, last October, I rushed to buy some. Unfortunately, this was not the best bakery and they were too dry. Not bad, but definitely not as delicious as the ones I had bought a few years before.
You can also find a lot of good gelaterie there, try some Italian ice-cream!
To see more photos of Italy, you can visit the gallery Italy.
