“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” (Wassily Kandinsky)
I may have a penchant for neutral-hued fashion, but the colorful island of Burano’s charm was enough to melt even this monochromatic heart. The candy-colored fishermen’s cottages on this archipelago in the Venetian lagoon is the stuff out of which fairytales are made.
A visit to Burano during your trip to Venice is worth the 40 minute vaporetto ride. From the San Marco area where we were staying, it was about a 20 minute walk to the vaporetto station, Fondamente Nove. The walk itself was enjoyable. It took us out of the busy Piazza area and through quieter canals and bridges. On the way to the station, you can get a great view of Isola di San Michele, the cemetery island.
The ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus line number 12 leaves from Fondamente Nove and makes stops at Murano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Burano, Treporti, and finally Punta Sabbioni. Tickets can be purchased from the booth. Don’t forget to validate the tickets before boarding. There is a white electronic card reader near the walkway that leads to the vaporetto platform. Hold your ticket near the circular panel for a few seconds until you see a green light and hear a beep. Then, you’re good to go!
If weather and space permits, go out to the back of the vaporetto as it approaches Burano for a great photo opp of the island.
Once on the island, go get lost! It’s a tiny village that can easily be walked through in less than an hour. Don’t forget to grab a lace souvenir and bite to eat. We enjoyed lunch at Trattoria da Romano (on recommendation of Anthony Bourdain).
There is just something indescribably special about Burano. I think it might be nearly impossible to step foot onto the rainbow-filled island and not feel a sense of happiness rush through you.
