With a multi day boat pass in hand, I decided to spend some time in the nearby islands of Burano and Murano. In order to get a jump start on the tourist crowds, I took an early morning boat to the island of Burano.

Riding the 45 min ferry (Vaporetto 12) through the Venetian lagoon was fun in itself. I always like to experience a city from the water, and since Venice is a city built on the water, ferry rides were part of the city experience.

The ferry lands at a small green space with local sculptor Remigio Barbaro’s “Attesa di Pace” (“Waiting for Peace”), which the artist gifted to the island for its bicentennial in 1965.  A quick walk from here brings the main attraction of the island into full focus. 

The historic fishing village is known for the striking colors of its row houses set along small canals. The painted houses started as a way for local fishermen to find their home in the fog, and its piano del colore (color plan) is still honored today as current homeowners may only repaint their house one of the government approved colors according to the original color plan.

A few bridges offer canal crossings and views from the center of the canal; the most famous one because of the views it offers is the Tre Ponti bridge because it is set at the intersection between the two main canals. The light of the sun brings the colors aglow and the reflections in the still water of the morning doubles this effect.

I enjoyed some time wandering around the quiet streets, along the canals and taking in all of the brilliant colors. I especially loved the color juxtaposition from house to house and the addition of flower boxes to the splash of colors of the houses. 

As the shops opened up for the day, I was able to enjoy seeing some of Burano’s famous lace making artistry as well.  The history of lace making dates back to the 1500s. As a fishing village, fishermen and their wives were adept at mending fishing nets, and this skill easily translated into the needlepoint craft. During the 1600s, Burano lace makers dressed the European royalty. While the industry suffered at the hands of the industrial revolution, the island has worked hard to maintain its cultural history on the island. 

After taking in the color of Burano’s main center, I walked back to the coast, and a bell tower across on the adjoining island called to me. So, I walked across a bridge to the small island of Mazzorbo and entered a medieval walled vineyard. An informational sign explained that the 14th century bell tower was once part of the San Michele Arcangelo church but now stands as the centerpiece to Venissa winery. Unfortunately, since it was only late morning, the tasting room wasn’t open yet, so after enjoying the serenity of the vineyard, I hopped on a ferry to my next destination.

Murano is another island in the Venetian lagoon, but this one has a different cultural significance: glass. I had already appreciated Venetian glass work in the museums and historic buildings in Venice, so I was excited to learn about their origins.

While Burano’s color comes from its houses, Murano’s comes from its glass displays.  Glass shops, design stores, and glass studios flank both sides of the main canal and signs direct people to venture away from the canal to experience glass blowing demonstrations.

Since I’ve participated in glass blowing workshops in the past. I didn’t join one of the glass blowing demonstrations, but if you never have, this would be the place to do so. Instead, I had a relaxed lunch along the canal before browsing the variety of glass artists. The island offers a range from everyday items – jewelry, glassware, figurines – to gallery showpieces. I happened to visit during the annual Venice Glass Week so there were international exhibits to experience as well.  

I spent a half day exploring these colorful islands. They were a nice reprieve from the chaos of Venice and offered a glimpse into the artistic significance of this area.  If I was there in the summer months, I would’ve tried to add in the island of Torcello, but off season, the ferry times were limited so I had to pass.