Murano and Burano from Venice: Colorful Canals & Crafts

August 20, 2025

Just beyond Venice’s canals and famous landmarks lies another side to the city—one that many visitors often tend to overlook. Out in the Venetian lagoon, the islands of Murano and Burano preserve historic traditions.

Far from the crowds of St. Mark’s Square, these islands offer a glimpse into Venice’s enduring heritage, from Murano’s glass furnaces, which have been blazing since the 13th century, to picturesque houses that still dot Burano’s winding canals. Read on to find the perfect way to visit Murano and Burano from Venice.

Tour group walking across a historic stone bridge on the Venetian lagoon near Murano and Burano, with a bell tower in the background.

Discover the beauty of Italy.

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The Best Way to Explore Murano and Burano from Venice

On our Premium Lagoon Excursion Tour, you’ll leave the chaos of central Venice behind and travel by private boat to discover these cultural treasures in comfort. Guided by one of our expert local guides, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories, legends, and hidden details of Murano and Burano.

From an exclusive glassblowing demonstration to exploring the intricate artistry of lace-making, it’s a chance to discover another, equally captivating, side of Venice’s rich cultural heritage—one that shines brightest on the islands of Murano and Burano.

A group of five people walking down a stone pathway lined with tall cypress trees and old brick walls, heading toward a historic church with a bell tower and arched entrance.

Discover hidden corners of Murano and Burano.

Here are just a couple of highlights you’ll get to experience:

Explore the Venetian Lagoon

For over a thousand years, the Venetian lagoon has been the lifeblood of “La Serenissima,” its shimmering waters serving as both a natural defence and the gateway to trade, travel, and cultural exchange. Scattered across its expanse, the lagoon’s many islands have been shaped by their own unique history, holding layers of Venetian culture that stretch far beyond the city’s famous canals.

On our Premium Lagoon Excursion Tour, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Laguna di Venezia by cruising through it on a private boat. During our 30 minute ride, away from the crowds of tourists in the city center, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Venice’s skyline, of landmarks from St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, to the Bridge of Sighs and the Floating City’s many domes, palaces, and bell towers.

Along the way, your guide will also share insights into a lesser-known Venice, making the crossing an introduction to places most visitors miss—including the histories of Murano and Burano, whose names are synonymous with the islands’ world-famous crafts.

A group of people riding on a boat across calm waters on a sunny day. One man stands taking a photo with his phone while others sit, wearing sunglasses and hats, enjoying the ride to Murano and Burano from Venice.

Sun, water, and good company: the perfect travel combination.

Experience Murano’s Glassmaking Legacy

About a mile from central Venice lies Murano, an island famed for its glassmaking since the late 13th century. When the Venetian Republic moved all glass furnaces here, both to prevent fires and protect trade secrets, Murano became a hub of innovation, producing crystal-clear glass, intricate flowered millefiori patterns, and prized beads, among other creations that captivated Europe’s nobility.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, Murano’s glassblowers had risen to high social status, granted privileges in exchange for remaining on the island to safeguard their techniques. Generations of artisans refined enamel painting, chandelier-making, and other methods that turned glassmaking into a symbol of Venetian wealth and prestige.

Today, glassmaking still defines Murano’s identity. On our Premium Lagoon Excursion Tour, we’ll step inside one of the island’s historic factories for a private glassblowing workshop, seeing where the mastercraftsmen carry out their craft. And afterwards, you’ll have time to explore Murano’s galleries and shops, where centuries of tradition live on in every piece.

Two artisans carefully shaping molten glass using long metal rods during a glassblowing demonstration, with glowing orange glass being worked on in a workshop setting.

The dance of fire, skill, and patience: a glimpse into the timeless craft of glassblowing.

Discover Burano’s Colorful Houses and Lace-Making Traditions

Across the lagoon from Murano lies Burano, a small fishing island renowned for its brightly painted houses in shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green. According to legend, fishermen painted them to spot their homes through the fog.

Beyond its colorful streets, Burano is equally renowned for lace. From the 16th century onward, its delicate handmade patterns adorned the garments of Europe’s elite, including royalty. Each piece, stitched entirely by hand, was the product of remarkable precision. Though the craft nearly vanished in the 19th century, local artisans revived it, and today lace is still produced in small workshops, preserving a centuries-old heritage.

On our Premium Lagoon Excursion, you’ll visit the Lace Museum in the Podestà of Torcello, once home to the island’s lace-making school from 1872 to 1920. Your guide will then lead you through Burano’s winding streets, pointing out landmarks like the disused fish market and the main church.

Paired with Murano’s glassblowing heritage, Burano’s craftsmanship rounds out an exploration through Venice’s lesser-known gems, where centuries-old crafts, colorful streets, and local stories reveal a side of the city beyond the usual attractions.

Insider tip: Stay in Burano for dinner and indulge in some traditional Venetian Lagoon cuisine at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero or Trattoria Da Romano.

A quiet canal in Burano, Italy, lined with colorful houses in shades of blue, green, yellow, and red, with boats moored along the water.

Burano’s charm lies in its rainbow-colored houses, where every corner feels like stepping into a painting.

Frequently Asked Questions—Murano and Burano from Venice

What’s Included?

Private glass blowing demonstration
Private round-trip transfer by boat
Visit to lace making shop (optional)
Ticket to the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) (closed Mondays)
Small group of 20 guests maximum
Local English-speaking guide

How long is the tour to Murano and Burano from Venice?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.

A scenic view of Venice’s Grand Canal with historic buildings, a bell tower in the distance, water taxis, and gondolas moving along the water under a partly cloudy sky.

Life along the Grand Canal — where centuries-old architecture meets the rhythm of Venice’s waterways.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the centrally located Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It officially ends there as well, but guests are welcome to stay on Burano after the tour. Your guide will provide recommendations on what else to see and instructions on how to return to central Venice via public transportation.

Is access to the Lace Museum included?

Yes! Your tour includes tickets to the Lace Museum. On Mondays, when the museum is closed, you’ll instead attend a lace-making demonstration and visit the showroom.

Sail Beyond Venice’s Canals – Visit Murano and Burano from Venice on Our Premium Lagoon Excursion, travel by private boat with an expert guide and discover hidden stories, techniques, and sights that most visitors miss, offering a unique perspective on Venice’s artistry, history, and charm. On the islands of Murano and Burano, discover why these names are synonymous with Venetian craftsmanship and creativity.