By Monika
Murano, Burano and Torcello: an Amazing Day Trip to Venice Lagoon Islands.
Do you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the center of historic Venice?
Plan a day trip to Venice Lagoon Islands!
A visit to Murano, Burano and Torcello will allow you to relax, unwind, and enjoy the unique atmosphere, charm and history of each individual island.
Murano is famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, where you can watch skilled artisans at work.
Burano captivates visitors with its brightly colored houses, picturesque canals, and lace crafts everywhere.
Torcello, the quietest of the three, offers a glimpse into Venice’s earliest history, with ancient churches, peaceful walking paths, and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere in the lagoon.
Together, these islands make an easy and rewarding day trip from Venice.
Let me show you how to visit all three islands in a day, what to see on each one, and share some practical tips to help you create a perfect Venetian Lagoon Islands itinerary for your trip!
This post contains affiliate links to trusted products and services that I use and love myself. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive compensation at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I appreciate your support! Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the Disclaimer Policy and the Privacy Policy for more details.
- Murano, Burano and Torcello: an Amazing Day Trip to Venice Lagoon Islands.
- What are Venice Lagoon Islands?
- How to get to Venetian Lagoon Islands?
- Murano
- Burano
- Enjoy the colorful streets and houses
- Eat a “bussolà”
- Visit Tre Ponti (“Three Bridges”)
- Visit Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi
- Visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)
- See the Church of San Martino Vescovio and the Leaning Bell Tower
- Visit Casa Bepi
- Take a quick trip to Mazzorbo
- How much time do you need on Burano?
- Torcello
- Are Venice Lagoon islands worth visiting?
- Which Venetian Lagoon Island is the best?
- Best time of year to visit Venice Lagoon Islands
- Venice Lagoon Islands Tours
- F.A.Q.
What are Venice Lagoon Islands?
Venetian Lagoon islands are islands located in the Adriatic Sea Bay, surrounding the city of Venice.
There are over 118 of them scattered on the water, but the most famous (and most visited ones) are the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, and these are the ones I’ll introduce you to in this guide.
The entire lagoon and its islands are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history, architecture and culture.
How to get to Venetian Lagoon Islands?
To travel to and between the islands, you’ll be using the vaporetto – a water bus. It’s a super convenient way to travel on the lagoon, and in addition you get a relaxing boat ride with stunning views of Venice.
Think of the vaporetto stop as you would think of a bus stop, only on the water.
They have schedules and routes posted at each stop and also online.
Helpful hint: if you plan to spend your day island hopping, I recommend purchasing a 24-hour Venezia Daily Pass that covers all modes of public transport in Venice, including trains between Venezia Santa Lucia and Mestre stations.
The pass is valid for 24 hours from the first scan, and the convenience and time savings are unbeatable.
You can also purchase it online or at any vaporetto station.
We stayed near the Santa Lucia train station and saw the Ferrovia vaporetto stop right across from it, so that’s where we headed on the morning of our Lagoon Islands day trip.
We purchased our passes there and a very helpful employee instructed us to walk over to the S. Giobbe stop to get to our first destination – Murano.
Important: Murano has two vaporetto stops – Murano Colonna and Murano Faro. It’s only a short walk between the two. Always check which stop your line arrives on/departs from.
Let me share our route:
- S.Giobbe (Venice) to Murano: line 4.2, a 20-minute ride to Murano Colonna stop (if you stay closer to the Fondamente Nove stop, take line 12, a 12-minute ride)
- Murano to Burano: line 12 from Murano Faro stop, a 30-minute ride
- Burano to Torcello: line 9, a 5-minute ride
- Torcello to Burano: line 9 again
- Burano to Venice: line 12 to Fondamente Nove, a 45-minute ride (we walked to our apartment from there)
To get back to S.Giobbe, we would have to get off at Murano Faro, walk back to Murano Colonna and take line 4.2 or 4.1 to S.Giobbe.
The ride back to Venice was very busy – we stood the entire way.
Helpful hint: as in any crowded space, be aware of pickpockets!
The vaporetto map and schedules can be confusing, so if you have any doubts or questions, just ask the attendants at the ticket windows or on the boat – they are very helpful.
So now that you know how to get to the islands, let me show you what to expect on each one:
Murano
Walk around the streets and canals
We arrived at the Murano Colonna stop and took our time strolling along the alleys on the canal, taking in the views from many bridges we crossed and stopping by the glass shops on the way.
You’ll see a lot of amazing things made out of glass.
Fun fact: we saw way more stores selling glass goods than places to eat and ice cream shops!
See a glass blowing demonstration
We went to the Original Murano Glass Factory (OMG) where we saw a Venetian glass-making demo, which we really enjoyed!
You have to make reservations online, but come in any time within the opening hours (daily from 9:30 am till 5:30 pm) on the day you booked – it’s not a timed entry.
The cost is €5 for guests over 14 years old (under 14 enter for free).
Make sure to explore the souvenir shop after your tour!
There are other places on Murano offering glass-making demos, but this one was recommended to us, and I can absolutely pass that recommendation on to you!
Once you’ve had your fill of Murano’s charming canals and glass, walk back to the Murano Faro vaporetto stop and make your way to Burano.
How much time do you need on Murano?
I would allow 2-3 hours on the island, depending on how much time you’ll spend walking around the streets and admiring the authentic Murano glass products in many local shops on the way. The glass demo takes about 30 minutes.
Burano
Enjoy the colorful streets and houses
This little island is just bursting with color! It is as vibrant and beautiful as you see in the photos online or on postcards.
Just walk around and enjoy the views!
And admire the famous Burano lace products – you’ll see just about anything made out of lace: tablecloths, dresses, magnets, even toilet paper covers! (which I was sure I took a photo of, but I guess I did not!)
Eat a “bussolà”
While you’re strolling along the canal, stop by a store or a café selling “bussolà” – traditional donut- or S-shaped Burano biscuits, often vanilla, citrus or rum-flavored, also known as “buranello”.
Can’t leave the island without having one!
Visit Tre Ponti (“Three Bridges”)
If you keep going down the main alley, you’ll eventually reach the most famous intersection in Burano – Tre Ponti – where three main canals of the island meet and you can reach them by crossing a single wooden “triple-armed” bridge.
It’s a very busy spot, but ery unique, so worth stopping by.
Visit Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi
This is the main square of the island, full of shops, restaurants, souvenir stalls and of course lace!
You’ll find the Lace Museum and the Church of San Martino Vescovio here (more on both below), but also a statue of Baldassare Galuppi – an Italian composer born on Burano.
Stop into the lace shops, particularly into “Merletti dalla Olga”, where in addition to all the wonderful lace products, you can watch a skilled lace maker work – it’s amazing!
Visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)
The Lace Museum is a great place to visit.
First, you’ll watch a short movie about the history of lace making and the museum; then you can walk around and look at many lace crafts and historical tools and equipment used in the process.
On a hot day, it’s also a nice way to cool off!
You can buy tickets online or onsite, when you get there (that’s what we did).
The cost is €7 for a full price adult tickets, but there are discounts for children, EU students under 25 and seniors.
Confirm the opening hours when you plan your visit – most days the museum closes at 4:00 or 5:00 pm.
See the Church of San Martino Vescovio and the Leaning Bell Tower
Across the square from the Lace Museum stands the Church of San Martino Vescovio.
While the church itself was very pretty inside, but – to me – not that exciting, the bell tower is very interesting.
You have to look at it from the right angle, but when you do, you’ll notice that it’s leaning, just like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa!
You can’t go inside the tower but just walk around and look at it from different perspectives.
Bonus:
Don’t miss THIS interesting house!
Not only is it beautifully painted outside, but it also has historical water levels written on the wall, with the tide on October 3rd, 2020, marked as the highest.
It’s located near the church, on a corner of two streets of the piazza, as you head to the right, away from the bell tower.
Visit Casa Bepi
This is the most famous house on the island and definitely the most colorful house on the island!
You’ll find it in a small courtyard, which you’ll reach via a narrow alley, opposite restaurant Galuppi, just before you get to Piazza Galuppi.
You can’t miss it – it’s painted in bright colors and geometric shapes.
It belonged to Giuseppe Toselli, a movie theater operator and candy seller. He passed away in 2002, but the house exterior is still beautifully maintained.
Take a quick trip to Mazzorbo
If you have time, before you head to Torcello, cross the long wooden bridge (“Ponte Longo”), located near the main vaporetto stop and take a short walk to the island of Mazzorbo, known for its vegetable fields, fruit orchards and vineyards.
We haven’t visited, but I’ve heard it’s one of those underrated hidden gems worth a spot on the itinerary.
Helpful hint: you can also visit the island of Lido from Burano, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and for hosting the Venice International Film Festival. You can also get there directly from Venice.
How much time do you need on Burano?
Burano will take the most time to visit during your day trip. There is a lot to see and do here, so I would allow at least 3-4 hours to explore without rushing from place to place.
Torcello
Torcello is a smaller, quieter island but also very scenic and unique with its medieval architecture.
Devil’s Bridge
As you start walking towards the main part of the island along the main promenade on the canal, you’ll pass a small but quite famous stone bridge, called the Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo).
According to a legend, each year on December 24th, the devil shows up on this bridge to claim a black cat as a reward for a good deed from the past.
You can read the full legend here.
Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
The basilica is part of the remains of the Roman settlement on the island.
You can go inside and also climb its Bell Tower. It’s an interesting and not very difficult climb as you walk on inclines, with only a few steps near the top.
The views of the area from the top deck are well worth the effort!
Helpful hint: if you bought a ticket to visit the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, remember that it grants you access to other sites, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on Torcello!
To climb the Bell Tower, you do need to purchase a separate ticket, which costs €5 and can be bought onsite.
My husband chose to skip the climb and instead explored the vineyards surrounding the church.
Attila’s Throne
Next to the Basilica is another church – Church of Santa Fosca – and in the large lawn in front of those churches you’ll find Attila’s Throne.
It’s a stone seat believed to have been used by the King of the Huns.
Torcello Museum
The Museum is located opposite the Santa Maria Assunta Church and showcases artworks and artifacts, taking visitors through the origins of Venice.
How much time do you need on Torcello?
Exploring Torcello will take you 1-2 hours, depending on your pace nd whether or not you choose to climb the Bell Tower and visit the museum.
Are Venice Lagoon islands worth visiting?
Absolutely!
It was one of our favorite day trips (rivaled only by our tour to Cinque Terre from Florence!).
Island hopping via the water bus was fun and relaxing, and exploring each island’s unique architecture and atmosphere made for a great day.
I definitely recommend carving time in your itinerary to visit the islands – if not all three, try to get to at least one or two.
Only have one day in Venice? Find out how to plan your day AND still visit the Lagoon Islands by following the one-day Venice itinerary!
Which Venetian Lagoon Island is the best?
That’s a really hard question to answer.
As you can see, each island has its own unique charm.
I will say this: the glass-blowing demonstration on Murano was an incredible experience, Torcello was a much needed quiet ending to a busy day, but I have the most pictures from Burano…
Here is a quick comparison that may help:
| If you love… | Visit |
|---|---|
| Colorful photography and charming streets | Burano |
| Traditional craftsmanship and artisan demonstrations | Murano or Burano |
| History, medieval sites, and peaceful surroundings | Torcello |
| Limited time and only one island visit | Burano |
| Family-friendly activities | Murano + Burano |
| Avoiding crowds and finding tranquility | Torcello |
Best time of year to visit Venice Lagoon Islands
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are generally considered the best times to visit. The weather is nice but not too hot, and crowds are typically smaller than during the peak summer months.
We visited in August, and while our early morning on Murano was cool and quiet, the rest of the day was hot and much busier.
For ideas on how to incorporate Venice Lagoon Islands into your Italian vacation, check out our 7- days Italy itinerary and see exactly how we spent our days!
Venice Lagoon Islands Tours
Want to leave taking care of the island-hopping logistics to someone else? No problem! There are many amazing Venice Lagoon tours to choose from:
F.A.Q.
Yes. Murano, Burano, and Torcello are all suitable for families with children. Kids often enjoy watching glass-blowing demonstrations in Murano and exploring Burano’s colorful streets. Keep in mind that some areas have bridges and uneven pathways that may require extra care when traveling with strollers.
Yes. All three islands have cafés and restaurants, although Burano offers the largest selection. Many visitors choose to have lunch in Burano, where seafood restaurants and traditional Venetian cuisine are especially popular. We ate at the Restaurant Galuppi and were very happy with both the food and the friendly service.
Most visitors start with Murano, continue to Burano, and finish with Torcello. This route follows convenient vaporetto connections and allows you to end the day on the quietest island before returning to Venice. That’s what we did and had a great day!
Yes, all three islands offer accommodations. Murano has the most hotel options, Burano offers mostly B&Bs and apartments, and Torcello is the most limited, primarily to quiet, exclusive properties.
First and foremost, wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll spend much of the day exploring on foot. During warmer months, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. In cooler seasons, a light waterproof jacket is useful because weather conditions on the lagoon can change quickly.
Are you ready to plan your trip?
👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!
🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!
👉 To learn about my trusted travel planning resources that help me (and will help you too!) plan trips easily and save money, read this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe: My Favorite Travel Resources Revealed.
Let me help you plan your trip!
NEED A PLACE TO HOLD ALL YOUR TRAVEL NOTES TOGETHER?
Grab my handy PRINTABLE, FILLABLE TRAVEL PLANNER – keep track of flights, hotels, tours, daily itineraries – even your trip budget!
Access from any device and edit as needed or print for a hard copy!
BONUS! The planner has journal pages for your memories!
You may also like:
- 21 Practical Tips for Visiting Italy for the First Time.
- How to spend 2-4 Days in Rome: Easy-to-Follow Rome Itinerary.
- 17 Things to See in Rome: An Honest First-Timer’s Guide.
- How to Spend One Day in Cinque Terre: Itinerary Options and Practical Tips
- 21 Best Things to Do in Florence: The Ultimate First-Timer Guide + Travel Tips.
- How to Visit the Florence Cathedral + Climb the Duomo (a Complete Guide)
- How to Plan a Perfect Pisa Day Trip from Florence (+ Pisa Leaning Tower Tips)
About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
