The Venice Islands: Your Guide to the 4 Most Scenic and Unique Islands
Ciao, travel butterflies and organization enthusiasts! Feeling the sweet, sweet sting of Venice wanderlust but terrified of getting swept away in a gondola traffic jam (I’ve been there, done that, and almost fell into the canal)? Don’t worry; your super-organized traveler is here to calm your pre-travel anxiety and help you plan the best visit to all Venice islands!
Venice is stunning, no doubt, but let me tell you, its surrounding islands are like stepping into a secret Renaissance postcard.
Think pastel-colored fishermen’s houses, glass-blowing workshops that glow like molten rainbows, and beaches that whisper promises of lazy afternoons with gelato (I’m talking Italian gelato guys). ️
So, ditch the anxiety, my lovely anxious travelers, and grab your organizational fanny pack (because even mermaids need snacks!) because we’re about to embark on a journey through the Venetian lagoon’s most charming island gems.
From the lace-loving haven of Burano to the glassblowing magic of Murano, I’ll guide you through each island’s must-sees, must-eats, and must-don’ts (like accidentally buying your entire vacation budget in hand-blown trinkets, whoops!).
So, put on your imaginary gondola hat, raise your metaphorical glass of Aperol spritz, and get ready to discover the Venice you never knew existed!
Also, don’t forget your notebook and pen. We’ll be jotting down organizational tips and tricks to make your island hopping smoother than a freshly shaved gondolier (if that’s even a thing?).
Hi! I’m Valentina
I help travelers avoid travel anxiety by providing all the necessary info and tips to plan the most organized trip. Be part of my FREE VIP TRAVEL ZEN CENTRAL to receive my 42-page guide to becoming a super-organized traveler, weekly travel discounts, detailed itineraries, complete packing checklists, and more. Let’s fight travel anxiety together!
How was Venice made?
Venice’s Centro Storico (historic center) comprises 118 small islands separated by 150 canals, forming one large island. It is divided into six districts, called sestieri. Around this heart lie other islands, also part of the city, and the ‘other’ Venezia, its mainland sibling, Mestre.
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The Most Visited Venice Islands Guide
1. Burano:
Burano is the most colorful island of Venice—the best place for your Instagram pictures. Burano is known for its brightly-colored fishermen’s houses painted in bright shades so they could see their way home when fog covered the lagoon and for its restaurants serving seafood from the sea.
The Museo del Merletto has exhibitions on the progress of lace-making on the island, and many shops sell lace goods like linens and clothes, as well as my favorite Venetian cookies made with butter and eggs, called “bussolai or buranei.”
To know more about what to buy in Venice, read my article “Unmissable Souvenirs You Have to Buy in Venice”.
How to get to Burano: Vaporetto (ferry) line 12 runs from Venice’s San Zaccaria stop (near St. Mark’s) to Burano and Murano, with another stop at Venice’s Fondamente Nove stop. It takes about 45 minutes and costs €6.50 per person.
Where to Eat in Burano: Al Gatto Nero da Ruggero
Founded in 1965 by Chef Ruggero Bovo and his son, Massimiliano Bovo, Trattoria al Gatto Nero has consistently offered the highest quality local cuisine in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
For this family-owned trattoria, the ever-present queue outside the door and the content faces of an international, satisfied clientele are the ultimate satisfaction.
Address: Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy.
Book in advance.
What to Buy in Burano: Don’t forget to buy the delicious Buranei/Bussolai Cookies you can find in any bakery and food shops on the island, and if you like laces, why not take home a nice tablecloth with you?
If you want to save time and money, why don’t you book an organized tour to see this island’s beauty and learn more about it? Check out these fantastic deals on the Burano Tour! Plan to avoid stressing out!
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Want to become a SUPER-ORGANIZED TRAVELER and fight TRAVEL ANXIETY? Check out my Travel Anxiety Tips Page, where you will find all the help, tips, tricks and guides to plan your next adventure in the most organized way!
2. Murano:
Murano was founded between the 5th and the 7th century. It experienced significant development after 1291 when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice. That’s how its long tradition of glass-making became famous. Thousands of visitors explore the Museo del Vetro, which tells the story of glass through the centuries, and buy locally crafted souvenirs.
How to get to Murano: The fastest way to reach the Murano Faro stop on the island of Murano is to take the Vaporetto line 12 from Fondamente Nove to Murano. The same Vaporetto then goes to Burano Island.
Where to Eat in Murano: B Restaurant alla Vecchia Pescheria
At this restaurant, you will find a modern, unusual setting in the lagoon area, with a beautiful terrace in the square in front of the old fish market. The chef and owner, Lorenzo offers traditional Venetian cuisine of fish and meat reworked in a contemporary key, with an eye to the seasonal products of the lagoon area.
Address: Campiello della Pescheria, 4, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy.
Book in Advance.
What to Buy in Murano: Beautiful Murano Glasses are waiting for you. You will see so many different things made with glass that you will want to buy almost everything (I know, because this is how I felt). Everything is so colorful and shiny that leaving Murano without a glass souvenir is impossible.
Heads up! Are you looking for a guided tour where you can relax while someone takes you to the beautiful Murano island, teaching you everything you need to know about it and seeing the unique and famous Murano Glass factory? Look at the Glass blowing Experience for a 20% discount on all glass purchases.
Don’t wait; save money by booking a tour in advance. It is worth it. I did it, and I loved it!
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3. Torcello:
Tiny Torcello island has few residents, but it’s often busy with travelers during the summertime. They visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, with its Venetian-Byzantine mosaics and views of nearby Burano from the bell tower, or check out the Ponte del Diavolo, a bridge with no parapets, and the stone seat known as Trono di Attila.
To know more about Venetian Bridges and the legend behind the Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo). Many delicious places along the canal serve delightful food. It is the perfect place to go for a relaxing walk.
How to get to Torcello: You can take the LN ferry route “Laguna Nord.” Several boats operate on this route to reach these islands. You can take ferry line 12 from Venice’s Fondamenta Nove ferry station. This line runs with Vaporetto boats to Murano, Burano, Treporti, and Punta Sabbioni. Take off at Burano and change to Vaporetto line 9 to Torcello.
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4. Lido di Venezia:
The Lido, or Venice Lido, is an 11-kilometre-long barrier island in the Venetian Lagoon, home to about 20,400 residents. The famous Venice Film Festival occurs at the Lido in late August/early September. If you plan to visit that month, you might cross paths with some celebrities.
It’s nice to go to Lido if you’ve already visited most parts of Venice; it is the perfect place to rest in a peaceful place and, during summertime, swim in the Adriatic Sea. Lido Venice is a peaceful place with many green and beautiful beaches. There is a boardwalk with easy access from the beach to nearby restaurants and bars.
Remember that this is a summer island, so there is nothing to see during winter.
Where to Eat in Lido di Venezia: Trattoria Andri
Excellent food and service await you at this typical restaurant in Lido di Venezia, where you will enjoy local seafood and much more.
How to get to Lido di Venezia: Some Vaporetto leave St Mark’s Square, go to Lido, and return.
- Ferry line 1 from San Marco Ferry stop,
- Ferry line 5.1 from San Marco/San Zaccaria “F”
- Ferry line 5.2 Ospedale stop
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How is Venice also known?
Venice has been known as “La Dominante,” “La Serenissima,” “Queen of the Adriatic,” “The City of Water,” “City of Masks,” “City of Bridges,” “The Floating City,” and “City of Canals.” Parts of Venice are famous for the beauty of their settings, architecture, and artwork.
But probably the real reason Venice is a unique city is that within its art and architecture, it continues to boast its immense wealth, most accumulated by the Venetian Republic so many centuries ago. Venice is the main island, but there are also six beautiful islands not too far from it to visit.
Your super-organized travel blogger
Xoxo Valentina
