You just came across the mention on Burano or Murano on your social media and are wondering what is it about? I am pretty sure you have ever seen colorful homes on all major social media and left a like in there. Or are you planning a trip to Venice and deciding if you want to venture into those islands?
Then stick with this guide to Venice’s little sisters, Lido, Burano, Murano and Torcello.
Why should you visit there?
It’s a common side trip to venture into Burano or Murano (or both of them) if you have more than 3 days in Venice. I don’t recommend visiting them on a tight travel itinerary like one day or two day. Dedicate your time to just Venice if you have only a day or two.
Traveling to those islands takes some time if you need to check the vaporetto schedule. Unfortunately, the vaporetti is pretty much the only way to reach there (unless you have your own licensed boat to cruise the Venetian Lagoon). The vaporetto ride isn’t frequent and can be quite packed during the peak times which is about 8–21h daily.
So I would not see any point in visiting the islands in a hurry if your allotted time is very limited in Venice. I staunchly believe that Venice shouldn’t be visited only for a few days if you want to do some justice to the city—but I get a lot of you have only a very little time for the city.
But going forward I will give you tips to explore those islands if you come there anyway. This blog post will show you how to do a round-trip covering all the three islands in a less time-consuming way, so stick around if you’d like. If you come to this fabulous part of Venice, make sure it’s worth your experience.
This blog post will assist you with that.
Enjoy some coastal walk in Lido.
How to get to those islands?
Strategically speaking, book your accommodation near Fondamente Nove (a vaporetto stop)—this matters a lot especially if you will be sailing to the islands on your tight schedule. This way you will reach the vaporetto pier with a little walking time, reserving some minutes for the precious visit on the islands later on. A lot of private water taxis can bring you to the islands without dealing with the vaporetti crowds, but I don’t recommend it if your budget is also limited as your time in Venice.
Then you have three options to get there:
To Murano, Burano or Torcello
Murano Route to change to Line 12
Take vaporetto Line 4.1, 4.2, or 3 to reach Murano (Murano Faro stop). This is the gateway to Murano, the island famous for its glassmaking tradition. From here, you can change to Line 12, which continues towards Burano and Torcello.
Direct Line 12 from Fondamente Nove
If you want to skip Murano (not recommended unless you are short on time), you can take Line 12 directly from Fondamente Nove to Burano and Torcello. This is the most straightforward way to cover both islands without detours.
Photo: visit-venice-italy.com
To Lido
Lido Route
There are plenty of vaporetto lines that stop at Lido! The ACTV lines 1, 2, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 8, and 14 all serve the island. For the most scenic and convenient ride, I recommend lines 1, 2, 5.1, or 5.2 — they pass through some beautiful parts of Venice and require minimal transfers.
If you’re coming from Marco Polo Airport, the Alilaguna red and blue lines offer a direct connection to Lido. Please note that ACTV tickets are not valid on Alilaguna vaporetti as they are not the same transport providers. Make sure you got the correct ticket while you travel with their transport.
Highlights of Each Island
Murano – The Island of Glass
Murano has been known worldwide for its glassmaking since the Middle Ages. You can visit glass factories where artisans demonstrate their craft, explore the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro), and shop for unique souvenirs. The island is less colorful than Burano but has a quieter charm with canals, quaint bridges, and small piazzas.
A quick stroll through Murano feels like a more authentic, less tourist-heavy Venice.
Burano – The Rainbow Island
Probably the most Instagram-famous of the three, Burano is a small fishing island known for its brightly painted houses. The tradition goes that fishermen painted their homes in vivid colors so they could spot them easily from the lagoon. Burano is also famous for lace-making, with artisans still keeping this tradition alive.
Be sure to stroll along Via Baldassarre Galuppi, the main street, for shops, restaurants, and lace museums. And don’t miss the leaning bell tower of San Martino Church.
Torcello – The Peaceful Escape
Torcello is the quietest and most historic of the three islands. It was once the most important settlement in the lagoon, even before Venice rose to prominence. Today, it feels like a countryside escape with very few residents.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to 639 AD, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. Don’t miss the Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo), shrouded in local legends. Torcello is perfect if you need a calm break from the bustle of Venice and Burano.
Lido – an Island Village with an Idilic Flair
Well connected to Venice via the extensive vaporetto network, Lido offers a peaceful escape with holiday accommodations, scenic promenades, and hiking trails. Bike rental shops are conveniently located near the vaporetto jetty, and you can easily rent one using the RideMovi app. Lido is also home to several sports complexes, including the historic Circolo Golf Venezia.
The island has a rich cultural past — Thomas Mann lived here and completed Death in Venice, inspired by his time in the city. While Lido holds traces of complex history, today it’s an ideal retreat from the bustle of Venice, perfect for soaking up nature and tranquility.
Suggested Itinerary (Round Trip for Murano, Burano, Torcello and Lido in One Day)
- Morning: Start early from Fondamente Nove. Take Line 4.1 or 3 to Murano. Explore the glass factories and museum for 1–2 hours.
- Late Morning: Continue on Line 12 from Murano Faro to Burano. Have lunch there (try the seafood risotto or bussolà cookies, a local specialty). Spend about 2–3 hours strolling the colorful streets and visiting lace shops.
- Afternoon: Take Line 12 from Burano to Torcello. Spend 1–1.5 hours exploring the cathedral and quiet landscapes.
- Late Afternoon: Stay on the Line 12 to Lido which is the last stop. At dask take any vaporetto bound to Venice (and your accommodation).
This way, you’ll see all four islands without rushing too much.
Final Tips
- Start as early as possible to beat the crowds.
- Buy a day pass for the vaporetto to save money if you plan to hop between islands.
- Bring water and snacks since options can be limited and pricey on the islands.
- Burano is busiest around midday; if you want quiet photos, go early.
Venice’s lagoon islands—Murano, Burano, and Torcello—offer a wonderful contrast to the main city. Murano is artistic, Burano is cheerful, and Torcello is serene. Lido built up its own peaceful community for visitiors.
Together, they give you a deeper sense of Venice’s history and beauty beyond the usual canals and gondolas. If you have the time, don’t miss them!
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