What is there
to see?

Burano is one of the largest islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Like many islands here, it is actually made up of several smaller islets, connected by bridges. Around 2,700 people live on Burano – fewer than on Venice itself, but still enough to make it one of the more densely populated islands in the lagoon.

So what makes Burano truly special? Why does it stand out? Colour. Every house is painted in bright, cheerful hues – green, yellow, red, purple, blue, pink – a photographer’s dream. Historically, there’s a practical legend behind the rainbow streets: the houses were painted in vibrant colours so that fishermen could find their way home through fog and rain. Charming, isn’t it?

At just 670 metres long and up to 450 metres wide, Burano is small, but there’s plenty to see if you take your time. The island is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, simply wandering and soaking up its charm. Still, there are a few key spots to aim for along the way. 😉

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo
Two features make this church particularly interesting:
1) A Tiepolo painting – A Crucifixion scene by Tiepolo is no longer in the sacristy; it has been moved, along with other works, to the nearby Chapel of Saint Barbara, which is open to visitors.

2) The bell tower (Campanile) – This isn’t any ordinary bell tower. Known as the “Campanile Pendente” (Leaning Bell Tower), it could rival Pisa for slant! Designed by architect Andrea Tirali, it was built between 1703 and 1714. Standing 53 metres high with a square base of 6.20 × 6.20 metres, its tilt began during construction and became a defining landmark. By 1970, additional supports were added to stabilise it.

Address:
P.za Baldassarre Galuppi, 20, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy

Piazza Baldassare Galuppi
Baldassare Galuppi was born on Burano in 1706 and went on to become a highly respected composer and organist. Naturally, a statue and a square on Burano were dedicated to him. The square lies beside (or in front of) the church.

Although his name may not be immediately familiar, Galuppi was clearly well-known in his time. He even made his way to St. Petersburg at the court of Catherine the Great, where he composed Ifigenia in Tauride. He was also visited by the future Tsar Paul and conducted a musical tribute for Pope Pius VI in Venice.

Ponte dei Tre Ponti (Three Bridges Bridge)
This bridge is another little must-see on Burano. It sits at a canal junction and stretches over two canals, turning a corner in the process. Technically, it could be called the “Two Bridges Bridge,” but for some reason it’s called Tre Ponti (Three Bridges).

Either way, it’s a fantastic spot for photos and a lovely example of Burano’s charm.

Address:
Via Giudecca, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Among all the colourful houses on Burano, two stand out in particular for combining multiple colours in a single façade:

1) The “Colourful Bricked House” – located next to the church.
Address: Piazza Umberto I, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy

2) Bepi’s House – once home to local artist Giuseppe Toselli, who painted his house in an even more vibrant palette and regularly organised community cinema nights for children and adults alike. Although Bepi has sadly passed away, the house remains a cherished memory of childhood for many Burano residents and a charming story for visitors.

Address: Corte del Pistor, 339, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy

The Lace Museum
While Murano is famous for glassblowing, Burano has its own artisanal speciality: lace-making. Since the 16th century, the island has been renowned for the intricate needle lace technique called Reticella. You can explore authentic Burano lace at the Museo del Merletto, where historical pieces are on display. Even today, Burano lace is considered a luxury item – but a word of caution: some shops on the island now sell lace imported from Asia, marketed as Burano lace.

Address: Near the church: P.za Baldassarre Galuppi, 187, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy
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Food & Dining

There aren’t a huge number of restaurants on Burano, but those that do exist generally have decent ratings, around 4 stars. We hope these reviews are accurate!

Here are three options we haven’t personally tried:

1. Trattoria Al Gatto Nero – Google rating: 4.4 (1,824 reviews)

2. Osteria Cicchetteria da Gigetto – Google rating: 4.3 (924 reviews)

3. Osteria Al Fureghin – Google rating: 4.3 (729 reviews)

One local speciality you should definitely try is Bussolai di Burano – a traditional Burano biscuit or cookie that was invented on the island.

Tip: Consider staying overnight on Burano if you can. It offers a peaceful, relaxed experience once the day-trippers have gone.