What To Do and See in Burano

Where is Burano (Italy): A Hidden Gem in Venice's Lagoon

If you are visiting Venice Italy, it can be nice to swap the busy centre of Venice for the distinctive and tranquil Burano Island for a day. It will be an intriguing encounter on your Italian vacation.

Located 7 kilometers northeast of Venice in the Venetian Lagoon, Burano is part of the enchanting archipelago that makes up Venice's island system. This small fishing island spans just 21 hectares and is actually four islands connected by bridges. It's the perfect escape from Venice's bustling crowds, offering a serene slice of authentic Italian island life.

How to Get to Burano 

Burano Island Italy is situated in the north of the Venetian lagoon. It’s a short boat ride from Venice and you can get there on the Vaporetto/waterbus, but as many locals will tell you, it’s probably best, and better value, to take one of the guided boat tours that leave directly from Venice. At Avventure Bellissime, the Italian tours and Italian vacations specialist, we run a private excursion to Murano and Burano islands with a local expert guide aboard a luxury launch. We’d love for you to join us.

What to See in Burano (Italy)

Regardless of how you travel, Burano is a truly memorable place to visit. The island is full of very brightly coloured fishermen’s houses; the unusual sight is enhanced by the way these colourful buildings are reflected in the beautiful green lagoon that surrounds the island.

It is traditional to paint the houses of Burano in bright colours and it’s a tradition that still stands today but the original reason for doing so was a practical one. It is said that it helped local fishermen detect their house from miles away, as they arrived back from a fishing trip.

The most colourful house on all Burano is la casa di Bepi Suà. It is painted in bright colours but with an eye-catching pattern of geometrical shapes. Bepi is no longer here, but his house has been restored and preserved and has taken the title of being the most colourful on the island. Given the competition, this is quite an achievement.

Get the perfect photo opportunity of Burano's rainbow-colored houses in a Burano Private Tour with our expert guides who know all the best viewpoints and the fascinating stories behind each vibrant facade.

The Story Behind Burano's Colored Houses

The vibrant houses of Burano weren't painted for aesthetics alone - they served a practical purpose for local fishermen returning home in the dense lagoon fog. Each family had their assigned color, making their homes recognizable from afar. Today, residents must request permission from the government to maintain this colorful tradition.