Best Islands Around Venice Italy
The vaporetto system makes it really easy and cheap to travel to these islands. We highly recommend you escape the crowds and see the other side of Venice on these islands.
How to get to the islands?
For Burano, Murano and Torcello you can get a 75 minute ticket for 7.50 Euro that you can use on multiple lines, as long as you don’t use it to go back to your starting point. For the Lido is costs 13 Euro for a return ticket, this includes the buses on the Lido. Alternatively, you can get a water taxi which could be worth it if you have a large group.
Visit The Colourful Island Of Burano
Burano is a photographers playground. It is arguably the world’s most colourful town. Legend says that the houses were painted in bright colours so the fisherman could see their way home in the fog. Burano is also famous for lacework.
An excellent restaurant is Trattoria Al Gatto Nero. This family owned and run trattoria offers high quality local cuisine. It is popular so it’s best to make a booking.
Watch Glassmaking On The Island Of Murano
Murano is famous for its Venetian glass. You can see a glass blowing show where they mould glass into different shapes by heating it up.
Nason Moretti's handmade glass is known around the world for it’s outstanding quality and beauty. It’s no surprise that some of the world’s most luxurious brands have collaborated with them. The products incorporate vivid colours and intricate patterns. We were guided around the factory and watched how the glass is produced. Each worker has a specific role in the production. The skill and concentration was incredible to watch. After we were taken to the showroom with many different styles that they had produced over the years.
You can visit the Glass Museum and learn about the history of glass and local Murano glass. The museum features impressive glass art.
Where: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, Murano
When: November to March 10 am to 5 pm. April to October 10.30am to 6pm
Price: €10, €7.50 student
Visit Torcello Cathedral
The quiet island of Torcello is the oldest populated region in Venice. From the only vaporetto stop, you have to walk to the other side of the island along the peaceful canal to reach the historic buildings. Several restaurants line the main canal.
The Torcello Cathedral is one of the most ancient religious buildings in Venice and contains the earliest mosaics in the area of Venice. The cathedral was founded in 639.
Where: 700m North East of the vaporetto stop
When: March to October 10.30am to 6pm. November to February 10am to 5pm
Price: €5, €4 student
Relax On Lido Beach
The Lido is an 11km barrier island which shelters Venice from the sea. The sand beach on the Adriatic Sea is amazing. One of the best private beaches is at Hotel Excelsior. The public beach is located to the North.
On the Lagoon side there are spectacular views of Venice. The Lido is most known for hosting the Venice Film Festival from the end of August to beginning of September.