The prettiest island of Burano - What to see and 18 things to do

I was surprised by how much I liked Burano. In fact, I think I like it more than Venice! It’s certainly prettier than Venice!

If you’re wondering about Burano – what to see and things to do then I got you covered!

I could not soak up enough of this beautiful rainbow coloured island. It’s the perfect day trip from Venice!

With colourful houses, a laid back vibe, less tourists… here’s all the things to do in Burano! Don’t forget to check out the best hidden gems in Venice and best sunset spots too!

If you’re visiting Italy, it’s probably worth checking out my other Italy guides – from Florentine hidden gems to Geothermal springs in Tuscany!

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Table of Contents

Quick Mini Guide To Burano Italy

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Burano.

View from Tre Ponti in Burano with colourful houses

Hotels in Burano & Venice

In Burano: Casa Burano – Stay in one of the colourful homes themselves!
In Venice: Ca’Sagrado – absolutely stunning hotel, converted private noble house
Hotel Dona Palace – stunning authentic Venetian quarters.

How to get there

Take the water bus (vaporetto) – Fondamente Nove in Venice to Burano OR a private tour.

Top sights

Tre Ponti – the 3 bridges. The houses here are super colourfu!
The leaning tower of San Martino
Eat and drink at Piazza Galuppi

Don’t miss…

Stay connected

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Why are the houses in Burano so colourful?

The houses in Burano are brightly coloured because of a long-standing tradition that goes back to when fishermen painted their homes in the brightest colours to easily spot them from the lagoon.

Sometimes, the house colour matches the colour of their boats, adding a fun, personal touch to the island’s charm. Each house is painted a unique shade, making the island look like a rainbow and keeping the vibe lively and cheerful!

Burano – What to see & things to do

Explore the Colourful Houses

You’ve gotta check out the colourful houses in Burano! They are literally everywhere. Don’t worry, there’s thousands of instagrammable locations so you don’t need to worry about trying to find the perfect shot. The whole island looks like a rainbow with these bright, cheerful homes lining the canals. It’s such a fun place to wander around, and trust me, your camera’s going to be working overtime – every spot is just begging for a photo.

Location: All over Burano. Literally everywhere.
Highlights: Super bright houses, charming canals, endless photo ops
History: They say the tradition of painting houses in bright colours started so fishermen could spot their homes from afar
Cost: Totally free

Buy lace or visit the Lace museum

If you’re into crafts or just want to see something really unique, pop into the Lace Museum. Burano is to lace as Murano is to glass. Every shop will sell lace, but it’s worth stopping by the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto). Burano is famous for its lace making, and this museum shows off some seriously impressive pieces. You might even catch a live demonstration, which is pretty cool to watch. They also have Murano glass stores where they have authentic glass blowing, and it’s worth visiting too!

Location: Lace museum, Piazza Galuppi, 187, Burano, or all over town
Highlights: Amazing lace displays, live lace-making demos, and the history behind it all
History: The museum’s in what used to be the Burano Lace School, where they revived lace-making back in 1872
Cost: Around €5

The Leaning tower of San Martino

I swung by the Church of San Martino, and it’s such a chill spot – officially the leaning bell tower at Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo. The leaning bell tower is super iconic and dominates the square, and the inside has this beautiful painting by Tiepolo. It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle, with a bit of history thrown in.

Location: Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, Burano
Highlights: Leaning bell tower, Tiepolo’s stunning painting, and a calm vibe
History: The church has been here since the 16th century, serving the local community for centuries
Cost: Free

The Leaning tower of San Martino, Burano - What to see — The Leaning tower of San Martino

Visit Casa Bepi

Casa Bepi is a must-see when you’re in Burano. This little house stands out even among the island’s colourful homes because it’s covered in bright, multicoloured geometric patterns. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Burano, and it’s not hard to see why – the vibrant designs make it feel like something straight out of a fairy tale. The house was once owned by a local man named Bepi, who was known for his love of painting and cinema.

Location: Calle del Pistor, the house of Bepi Suà, Burano
Highlights: Bright, colourful geometric patterns, unique and iconic house
History: Casa Bepi was painted by its owner, Bepi, who was a local character known for his creative spirit and love of cinema
Cost: Free to admire from the outside

Take a Boat Ride Around the Island

Seeing Burano from the water is a must-do. I took a boat ride, and it was amazing – the views of the colourful houses from the lagoon are just stunning. Plus, you get to explore some of the smaller, nearby islets, which is pretty awesome.

Location: You can hop on a boat from various spots around Burano’s canals
Highlights: Stunning views of the island, peaceful ride, and a chance to see more of the lagoon
History: The canals have always been the main way to get around Burano and connect it with Venice and other islands
Cost: Usually around €20-€40 per person for a private ride

the Colorful Bricked House

If you’re wandering around Burano, you’ve got to check out the colourful bricked house – it’s like something out of a storybook! The mix of vibrant bricks and bold paint makes it stand out even on an island full of color. It’s the perfect spot for a quick photo and a must-see for anyone looking to soak in Burano’s unique charm.

Location: Piazza Umberto I, 30142 Burano
Highlights: Eye-catching colorful bricks, a perfect photo op, and a true slice of Burano’s character
History: Like many homes on Burano, this one’s all about standing out with bright, cheerful colors that reflect the island’s creative spirit
Cost: Free to admire, but the memories (and photos) are priceless!

Eat at a Local Seafood Restaurant

You can’t go to Burano without grabbing some seafood. The local dishes are super fresh and absolutely delicious – think risotto di gò and seafood pasta. Plus, the restaurants are so cozy, with some offering canal-side views. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a meal and soak up the island vibe.

Location: Scattered around Burano
Highlights: Fresh seafood, traditional Venetian dishes, and charming canal-side spots
History: Burano has been a fishing community for ages, so the seafood is as fresh as it gets
Cost: Usually around €20-€40 per person

Shop for Handmade Souvenirs

If you’re on the hunt for unique souvenirs, Burano is the place to find them. The lace shops are filled with beautiful, handmade pieces, then there’s jewelry, ceramics and there are lots of other cool crafts too. It’s the perfect way to pick up something special and support local artisans.

Location: Various shops around Burano. Check out Calle Caletta for amazing ceramics!
Highlights: Gorgeous lace products, handmade crafts, and charming little shops
History: Burano’s been known for its lace since the 16th century, and they still make it the traditional way
Cost: Prices vary depending on what you pick up

Take a Walking Tour of Burano

Exploring Burano on foot is the best way to really soak in the charm. A walking tour lets you wander through the island’s colourful streets, uncovering hidden gems and learning about the local culture from a friendly guide. You’ll get to hear the stories behind those famous brightly painted houses, discover quaint little shops, and maybe even meet some of the local artisans.

Location: Throughout Burano Island, with various routes to explore
Highlights: Vibrant streets, local stories, charming shops, and beautiful photo ops
History: Learn about Burano’s history, from its fishing roots to its famous lace-making tradition
Cost: Usually around €45 per person, depending on the tour length and inclusions

Walking tour of Burano

Visit Mazzorbo Island

Mazzorbo is just a short walk over a footbridge from Burano, and it’s such a different vibe. It’s super quiet and peaceful, with vineyards, gardens, and an old church. It’s the perfect little escape if you want to chill out away from the crowds.

Location: Mazzorbo Island, connected by a bridge from Burano
Highlights: Tranquil gardens, vineyards, and the historic Church of Santa Caterina
History: Mazzorbo was once a lively island with monasteries and estates, now it’s much quieter
Cost: Free to explore

Mazzorbo Island window — Mazzorbo Island

Enjoy Gelato at a Local Gelateria

What’s a visit to Italy without some gelato? There are a few great spots in Burano where you can grab a scoop and just wander around. It’s the perfect treat on a warm day and makes exploring even sweeter.

Location: Scattered around Burano
Highlights: Creamy gelato, local flavors, and perfect for a sunny day
History: Gelato’s been an Italian favorite since the Renaissance, and each region has its own twist
Cost: About €3-€5

Visit Tre Ponti

One spot you definitely shouldn’t miss in Burano is Tre Ponti, or “Three Bridges.” This picturesque intersection of three small bridges offers one of the best views on the island. From here, you can see Burano’s iconic colourful houses reflected in the canals, making it a perfect spot for photos. It’s a great place to just pause, take in the beauty, and soak up the charm of Burano.

Location: Intersection of Via San Mauro and Via Giudecca, Burano
Highlights: Stunning views of colourful houses and canals, perfect photo spot
History: The three bridges connect different parts of Burano, serving as a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike
Cost: Free

Watch the Sunset Over the venetian Lagoon

The sunsets in Burano are absolutely magical. Find a spot along the waterfront and watch the sky light up in the most beautiful colours. It’s the perfect way to wind down your day on the island.

Location: Along the waterfront in Burano
Highlights: Beautiful sunset colours, peaceful setting, and reflections on the water
History: The lagoon’s been central to life in Burano for centuries, shaping its culture and scenery
Cost: Free

Check Out Casa di Gianfranco Rosso

You’ve got to see Casa di Gianfranco Rosso when you’re on Burano – it’s a total gem! This house is painted in a bright blue that really pops, and it’s covered in all these cute little paintings that add so much character. It’s one of those spots that’s perfect for a quick photo, and it totally captures the artsy, laid-back vibe of the island.

Location: Casa di Gianfranco Rosso, Rio Terrà del Pizzo, 128, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy
Highlights: Eye-catching blue walls, tons of little paintings, and a fun spot for photos
History: Just another reason Burano is so cool – locals paint their homes in bright colors to stand out in the crowd
Cost: Free

Visit the Burano Cemetery

Okay, I know this sounds a little different, but the Burano Cemetery is actually a really peaceful place to visit. It’s on its own little island, and it’s interesting to see how the locals have honored their loved ones over the centuries.

Location: Isola di San Michele, near Burano
Highlights: Quiet, reflective atmosphere, and a glimpse into the island’s history
History: The cemetery is where many generations of Burano’s residents have been laid to rest, offering insight into the island’s past
Cost: Free

Book a photoshoot

If you’re into photography, Burano is like a candy store full of pastel coloured sweets littering the landscape and it’s pretty cool to see. It’s worth booking a photoshoot to capture the memories, and it’ll be so worth it – the guide will show you all the best spots and angles, and you’ll learn a lot about the island’s hidden gems along the way.

Location: All over Burano
Highlights: Photogenic locations, expert tips, and capturing the beauty of Burano
History: Burano’s been a favorite for photographers because of its colourful houses and unique canals
Cost: Typically around €30-€70 per person

Try Bussolà (AKA Buranelli)

You can’t leave Burano without trying Bussolà, also known as Buranelli. You can even get bussola ice cream (which is what I tried!). These dense, buttery cookies are a local specialty, and they’re absolutely delicious. They have a unique ring shape and are perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying on their own. It’s a sweet taste of Burano that you’ll want to take home with you.

Location: Available at various bakeries around Burano
Highlights: Rich, buttery flavor, unique ring shape, perfect souvenir snack
History: Bussolà has been a traditional treat in Burano for centuries, originally made by fishermen’s wives to last on long sea voyages
Cost: Usually around €5-€10 per bag

Relax at a Cafe on Piazza Galuppi

After all that exploring, I loved just chilling at a cafe on Piazza Galuppi with a coffee or an aperitivo (order a cocktail and it comes with some snacks and platters). It’s the main square in Burano Island, and it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and soak up the local atmosphere.

Location: Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, Via Baldassarre Galuppi, Burano
Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere, local food and drinks, and great people-watching
History: The square’s named after Baldassare Galuppi, a famous composer who was born in Burano
Cost: Usually around €5-€15 depending on what you order

These activities made my time in Burano so memorable, and I’m sure you’ll have an awesome time exploring everything this colourful island has to offer!

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