Burano: Tours and Guided Visits

Known for its brightly colored houses and exquisite lace work that is sold all over the world, Burano is one of the most-visited islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The charming island is home to one of the prettiest towns in Italy, and there is no shortage of amazing photo opportunities.

Burano tours from Venice provide an in-depth introduction to the island, as a local guide will lead the way and show you the very best it has to offer. Burano is most often visited with the nearby islands of Murano and Torcello.

Here's all you need to know about Burano, one of the most exhilarating sightseeing tours in Venice.

Where is Burano and how do I get there?

Burano is a tiny archipelago off the Venetian coast, located roughly 10 kilometers northeast of Venice. The four islets that form Burano, which are all connected by bridges, span less than half a kilometer. Burano Island can easily be accessed by water taxi.

What will I see and do in Burano?

See the colorful houses

One of the things that Burano is most famous for is its colorful houses. The local houses are painted every color of the rainbow and this makes for amazing photo opportunities. People travel from far and wide to take photographs against the backdrop of Burano’s bright homes.

Don’t forget to bring your camera if you have one, as there are not many places in the world that offer the same unique atmosphere as Burano. The island is often named one of the most photogenic places in the world for good reason.

Visit Piazza Galuppi

Piazza Galuppi is Burano’s main town square and is one of the island’s must-see attractions. The square boasts an Istrian stone that dates all the way back to the 6th century, as well as a statue of the renowned composer, Baldassarre Galuppi.

The town square is also home to the Burano Museum of Lace (another must-see attraction). Surrounded by the colorful and narrow streets of Burano, Piazza Galuppi provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine as you explore the island.

Attend a lace demonstration

Burano is undoubtedly one of the most famous lace producers in the world. The island’s centuries-old lace industry is known for its exquisite and intricate laces that are bought by brides and fashion houses around the world.

Attending a lace demonstration allows you to see lace makers’ quick fingers in action and provides you with a new appreciation for this timeless craft. No trip to Burano is complete without at least a peek into the island’s fascinating world of lace-making.

Buy lace souvenirs

Lace items make practical souvenirs, as they are lightweight and easy to pack in your suitcase. Dozens of shops sell beautiful lace items such as ribbons, trims, handkerchiefs, scarves, dresses and more.

Even if you aren’t interested in making a purchase, it is an enjoyable experience to walk around the lace shops and browse the hand-crafted items. Remember your time in Burano and spoil your friends and family back home with Venetian lace souvenirs and gifts.

Visit the Burano Museum of Lace

Located in the town’s square, in the same location where the Burano Lace School was established, the Burano Museum of Lace provides in-depth insight into the island’s long, rich history with lace-making.

Learn about the legends associated with Venetian lace and see examples of vintage and modern lacework when you visit the museum. The museum is well-run and making a quick stop here is a must for anyone visiting the island for the first time.

Marvel at the leaning tower of Burano

While it may not be as impressive as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burano’s very own leaning tower is sure to catch your attention. Surrounded by the colorful houses in the town center, the slanted tower is part of the Church of San Martino Vescovo.

Legend has it that there was once a stone angel on top of the tower, but after a destructive storm, the angel was replaced by an iron cross. The leaning tower is an interesting focal point that makes for great photo opportunities.

What are the best tours to visit Burano?

Burano lace-making and Murano glass-blowing tour from Venice

See talented craftsmen doing what they do best with this full-day experience from Venice. Spend the day on the Venetian Lagoon, exploring these two charming islands with your local guide leading the way and provisioning you with fascinating commentary.

Your first stop is Murano, where you’ll see glassblowers in action at a traditional glass factory. After this demonstration, you’ll make your way to Burano, where you’ll see the lacemakers hard at work creating detailed lacework items.

Admire the Gothic architecture and colorful houses of both islands. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at a discounted rate, and at the end of the day, your guide will take you back to Venice.

Burano, Murano and Torcello day trip from Venice

Explore three of the Venetian Lagoon’s most famous islands with this day trip that visits Burano, Murano and Torcello. An experienced, English-speaking guide will meet you at Ponte della Paglia, where your experience on the lagoon will begin.

A motorboat will transport you and the other tour participants from island to island. You’ll get to see the famous glass-blowers of Murano, the lace-makers of Murano and the colorful houses of Torcello.

An audio guide, which offers historical and cultural descriptions of the attractions you’ll visit, is also provided by the tour operator.

Private excursion to Burano and other islands from Venice

Customize your experience in Burano when you choose a private tour from Venice. As you and your travel companions will be the only people on the tour, you’ll get to personalize the itinerary and choose what sort of activities you participate in.

In addition to visiting Burano, you’ll also get to see Murano and Torcello, which are some of the most beautiful and famous islands on the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll be transported by a typical Venetian motorboat, which will add to the authenticity of your experience.

Admire the islands’ charming architecture as you visit glass artisans in Murano and the lace experts of Burano. There will be plenty of time to enjoy traditional snacks, take photographs and relax as you take in the atmosphere of the islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

What are the prices for Burano tours?

Basic Burano tours typically cost around €25 per person for group tours that also visit the nearby island of Murano. Small-group tours that offer a more comprehensive experience usually cost roughly €40 per person.

Private Burano tours, which can be customized to your specific needs, generally cost upwards of  €150 per person, depending on how many people there are on the tour.

Where do tours to Burano start?

Tours to Burano usually begin at easy-to-find landmarks in Venice, such as the Hotel Gabrielli Sandwirth and the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II. Private tour operators may offer hotel pickup services from your hotel in Venice.

When is the best time to visit Burano?

The best time of the year to visit Burano is in the ‘shoulder’ seasons of spring and autumn. These periods offer mild weather conditions and you can expect the island to not be as crowded as it would be during peak season.

Travel tips

• Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated during your Burano tour.
• Book your Burano tour ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.