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ItalyVenice

Colourful Venice – Exploring Murano, Burano and Torcello

June 27, 2017 68 Comments

After visiting historic Venice on foot, we got up really early that day and took a boat to Murano, the island famous for its glass. Murano was a commercial port as far back as the 7th century, and today it is the best place to buy glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), or other amazing pieces from Murano’s artisans.

Everything was very quiet when we arrived, it was still really early, and we nearly had the place to ourselves.

 

Murano
Murano
Murano
Murano

We decided to go the glass museum but it was a bit disappointing. Not a lot of information and it was just tons of glass pieces stacked up in some display cases. There was a few historic pieces but more of the things were quite recent and not that impressive.

 

Murano

We then took the vaporetto to Burano. This island was definitely my favourite! The houses were so colourful! This island is very famous for lace, however people also produce Venetia masks and glass on the this island as well.

 

Burano
Burano
Burano

We had amazing food over there and took a lof of pictures of the colourful houses and the laundry hanging outside.

Torcello was our last destination. Torcello is a bit less well known that the other two islands. Torcello was found in 452, and now has a full-time population of 10 people! There is a lovely church to visit, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Not a lot of tourist are making the journey to visit that part of Venice as it is further away!

We had a coffee in a garden and it was lovely. Then we tried to go back to the historic part of Venice and it was a nightmare to catch a vaporetto back. A lot of people were just cutting the queue and it was so frustrating to have wasted so much time trying to get back!

MummyTravels

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Previous Article Exploring historic Venice on foot
Next Article Canal Grande and other famous sights in Venice

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68 Comments

  1. Francis.R Reply
    October 16, 2017 at 12:19 am

    The blues in everything, the sky and the things and the paintings of the boats… are so yummy. My favorite color in a very iconic dream city. Thank you. n_n

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      October 16, 2017 at 7:45 pm

      Francis!! Long time no see… I love the blue colour and the blue in Burano was exquisite!
      darwinontherocks recently posted…Exploring Cinque Terre – visiting the 5 villagesMy Profile

  2. brencation Reply
    September 9, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    Ahhh! The photos are so beautiful! Gave me major wanderlust vibes! <3

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      October 10, 2017 at 6:01 pm

      I’m happy you enjoyed the pictures 🙂

  3. Pooja Thapliyal Reply
    September 2, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I too was quite impressed with this lovely and colorful island and enjoyed your post remembering about my visit to it..

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      October 10, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      I can imagine why you were so impressed! It was so colourful and the atmosphere was so great./

  4. Bipasha Reply
    July 19, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Ahh, Murano 💖

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      October 10, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      Definitively the best place in Venice 🙂

  5. Tanja Reply
    July 17, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    pretty photos!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      October 10, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures! It was difficult to select a few amongst the hundreds I have taken

  6. Ticket to Adventures Reply
    July 2, 2017 at 7:25 am

    So beautiful! I absolutely love all those colourful houses!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      July 5, 2017 at 10:37 am

      It was so eye-catching and picture-perfect!

  7. joylovestravel Reply
    July 1, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    We loved Burano as well and felt exactly the same about the glass museum in Murano.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      July 5, 2017 at 10:37 am

      What is not to like about Burano, it’s so picturesque! The Murano glass was very disappointing.. it is so strange, they have so much potential but they didn’t exploit it well.

  8. Dave Ply Reply
    June 29, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    Don’t know if there’s any truth to it, but when we were in Burano our guide told a story suggesting why the reason the houses were different colors. Years back, when houses were a similar color, after having a few drinks too many the local fishermen were having trouble finding their own house. I noticed a lot of the doors were unique too…

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 8:12 am

      That is an amazing story!! haha! Love it! I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some element of truth in it but they probably tweak it a bit to make it more interesting (some people also say that every house was painted a different colour to signify the borders of each house because there is no number so it’s linked to your story as well, so they can easily find their house with no number)

  9. MummyTravels Reply
    June 29, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    A pity to have a frustrating end to a lovely day – Burano always looks so beautiful, somewhere I wish I had had chance to visit when I was in Venice, I hope still to get there one day. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 8:08 am

      Burano is the typical “postcard” town, everywhere you look at is pretty and picture worthy. I hope you will get the chance to visit once day!

  10. pigeonpairandme Reply
    June 29, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    I’ve been to Venice, but never these islands. They sound more appealing than the old town. I like the idea of wandering round quiet Torcello! #citytripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 8:07 am

      It’s a bit less crowded than the old town and less stressful. If you get the chance to go back to Venice, check them out 🙂

  11. Bumble Bee Mum Reply
    June 29, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Oooo.. I LOVE Burano too! I liked Burano much more than Murano too… And I remembered eating a pretty good pasta in Burano! Now you’ve made me hungry… #CityTripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 8:06 am

      I know right, Burano is just the place to be! And we had delicious past alle vongole with some Fragolino wine and it was divine!

  12. Amanda Afield Reply
    June 29, 2017 at 6:00 am

    Those islands look beautiful! And a bit less crowded than what I’ve heard Venice can be like!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 8:04 am

      Venice is very crowded indeed but these islands are a good getaway to the busy historic city centre!

  13. Marilyn Albright Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    On my one trip to Europe I visited these places (except for Torello) and I also remember being underwhelmed with Murano and even the glass but liking Burano! This was in the days before I had a digital camera, so I have few photos – thus enjoying yours brought back some nice memories! Thanks.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 7:58 am

      That’s interesting! We were wondering if Murano had a more glorious past and was maybe better to visit a few years ago but by reading your comment it appears not! Burano is lovely and they manage to maintain the charm of this little island despite the tourism.. which is great!

  14. lexklein Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    Glad you were able to escape the historic Venice hordes for a day. So what would be worse: queueing for an hour on Torcello or being in the Piazza San Marco for an hour?! 🙂

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 30, 2017 at 7:57 am

      Haha yes I can see your point, I suppose it could have been worse, all is just a matter of perspective isn’t it? 🙂

      • lexklein Reply
        June 30, 2017 at 3:04 pm

        🙂 Hope you know I was being silly!

        • darwinontherocks Reply
          June 30, 2017 at 5:05 pm

          I know but in a way you are right, I should tell myself that there are always worse situation. I could have had a heat stroke and a sprained ankle while waiting there 😀

  15. Hilary Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    The last time I was in Venice was my honeymoon 16 years ago! I definitely need to get back there! #citytripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      Oh wow! I wonder if things have changed in 16 years! Must have been so romantic! Aw

  16. Sue Slaght Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 3:48 pm

    Gin we loved Venice and especially our trip to Burano. I didn’t have a blog at the time so I will admit my photos are not the quality of your beauties.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:28 pm

      Burano was the highlight of our trip to Venice, we loved it! Took so many pictures of it!!

  17. California Globetrotter Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 6:44 am

    I’m so sad that my first time to Venice back in 2008, I didn’t know about Burano and Murano! But I also went with the wrong person, so when I go back with my husband, we will check these little towns out! 🙂 #CityTripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:24 pm

      Maybe there were not as well advertised at that time! If you have the chance to go back, it’s really worth it, the atmosphere is really different, more laid back and less stressful. You can really enjoy Venice, and it’s quite romantic as well. Forget about romance on the historic Venice, it’s too packed with people 😀

  18. sheketechad Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 2:23 am

    So beautiful, thank you for bringing it to life!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:22 pm

      The little houses were so colourful and beautiful! Thank you!

  19. rosemaylily2014 Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 12:45 am

    The colours on those little houses are amazing! Good that you could get away from it all but sorry the journey back to Venice was so stressful! Still you had some tranquil time away from the city 🙂

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:17 pm

      It was a lovely day, visiting these islands were the highlight of our trip to Venice. The weather was fantastic as well! I’m used to queueing now and feel really annoyed when people don’t do it (despite having lived in a country where queuing was not very popular most of my life)!

      • rosemaylily2014 Reply
        June 30, 2017 at 10:11 am

        The islands look very pretty – can see why it would be the highlight of your trip! Yes I get quite stressed when people jostle and push in – much prefer orderly queues!

        • darwinontherocks Reply
          June 30, 2017 at 10:45 am

          Do people queue in Australia? Like the British do?

          • rosemaylily2014
            July 1, 2017 at 11:35 am

            Yes it’s more like it is in the UK over here – we do queue up!

  20. Ruth Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 12:40 am

    I would love to go to these islands! I have been to Venice but not to the small islands. Nice to see how you moved around using the vaporetto. I know there are tours doing this route but I would not like to use that option. It is upsetting when people cannot respect lines (or other who are in line). #citytripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:14 pm

      For me, visiting these islands were the highlight of our trip to Venice. It was delightful to see all these colourful houses and we had an amazing meal on Burano. I’m not sure a tour is really necessary, using the vaporetto is quite straightforward but people not queuing is frustrating! Now I have been living in the UK, I’m used to the queue system! 😀

  21. Mabel Kwong Reply
    June 28, 2017 at 12:37 am

    Sorry to hear about the glass museum. I think as you said in your other posts, museums aren’t entirely your thing. They aren’t mine and even if they have history stories, I’d still prefer to spend an hour or so and move on 😊 The houses and the two birds are so cute!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:12 pm

      I definitely prefer outdoors experiences, but some museum are really entertaining and sometimes.. I even enjoy myself visiting them 😉 But it’s true.. I always complain about museum, I can see a trend there 😀

  22. YellowCable Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    Lovely pictures of the places. I do like those pastel color houses too. I think they are good eye candies. They give a break from brick or stucco.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      It looks so nice with a bit of sunshine! I suppose it’s less impressive under a dull or rainy sky but it does wonder under a bright sunshine!

  23. The Year I Touched My Toes Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    Burano does look great. Why was it so hard to get back from Torcello?

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      When you are on the two other islands, Burano or Murano, there are different vaporetto (like bus but on the water) that connect you to the main part of Venice. On Torcello, you have to go back to another island first, like Burano, before getting back to the centre of historic Venice And there is only a boat every 30 minutes to get to Burano and so it takes forever to go back to historic venice.. and people don’t queue like in the uk so they push and go first. We waited almost an hour to go back to Burano and it was a bit frustrating people people were rude.

  24. Ingrid Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    Fascinating landscape. Thanks for sharing your delightful photos and tales.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 8:06 pm

      I wasn’t not expecting so many colours!

  25. soreiya Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    Beautiful pictures!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:53 pm

      Thank you! It was a real pleasure to take these pictures!

  26. Christine | The Journey of Christine Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Your post makes me miss Burano so much! Such a fun beautiful island! #citytripping

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      I’m glad it brought back nice memories! Can’t wait to see your post about Burano, I’ve seen that you haven’t post about it yet!

  27. Fede Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Wow this Torcello island I have never heard of it, even though I am Italian :O only 10 people lkving there crazy!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      It is very small and there is not so much to see or do over there… but it was worth it! It was nice to be away from the busy historic Venice and explore the islands in the lagoon!

      • Fede Reply
        June 28, 2017 at 7:49 pm

        I guess Venice is really crowded with tourists and you cannot get to enjoy much the city but here it looks much better from this point of view 😉 one day I will go as well 😀

        • darwinontherocks Reply
          June 29, 2017 at 3:46 pm

          Good to know! I’m sure you will enjoy yourself!

  28. Awa on the Road Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    It looks so amazingly quite there!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:46 pm

      I felt in love with Burano! Loved the colourful house with the laundry hanging outside… so pretty. I suppose it would have been different under the rain 😉

  29. Jet Eliot Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    Thanks for taking us with you to Venice, Gin. I so enjoyed the vibrant photos and hearing about your experiences.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:46 pm

      The vibrant colours really amazed us and it was delightful to walk in these colourful little streets!

  30. exploRVistas Reply
    June 27, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    What a colorful and delightful post, Gin! 😊

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      June 28, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      I was very amazed by how colourful Burano was!! A real feast for the eye!! And with a bit of sunshine it was just amazing!!

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I love travelling and exploring new countries. I’ve spent a few months in Galapagos Islands during summer 2011 and that was the beginning of my passion for travelling.

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