Guide To Burano Venice's Colourful Island

The Venetian Lagoon is an expansive bay in the Adriatic Sea, made up of over 70 named islands and dozens more small islets. Each is distinct in culture and character – from the magnificent hub Venice to privately owned getaways to the smallest specks of anonymous land left to waste away. To the north of the cove is Burano – a dazzling, rainbow-colored fisherman town.

Burano is, more specifically, an archipelago of four interconnecting islands, where the people of Altino (a town in the Abruzzo region of central-western Italy) fled to escape a barbarian invasion during the sixth century – at least that’s what is widely believed. The Altinos settled here and over the centuries established a content little community.

The bright colors that distinguish the town today were in fact a deliberate feature in its original development plan. The fishermen who first lived here would paint their houses vibrant shades for two reasons: first, in order to distinguish their property from that of their neighbours and secondly, to be able to see their homes from off-shore.

Legend has it that a siren one day attempted to seduce one of the island’s betrothed fishermen. The siren queen, impressed with his fidelity, rewarded the fisherman by creating a wave from which a beautiful lace wedding veil materialized. A source of admiration and envy throughout the town, Burano’s women attempted to replicate the magical lace veil, originating the famed Burano lace business, which flourished in the 16th century. A school specifically dedicated to the craft was established on the island, and today it is a museum.

Lacework at the Merletto Lace Museum, Burano

Not unlike a Picasso painting, Burano continually entices visitors away from the bustling waterways of Venice, even if only for a day, with its mad jumble of colors guaranteed to cheer the flustered tourist. What is notable, however, is that the town has managed to retain its authenticity. It is still inhabited, for the most part, by farmers and fishermen, who bring a fresh catch to the shores daily (the Burano speciality is the ‘risotto de gò’ – risotto made with the goby fish particular to the Venetian Lagoon).

There is a very real, distinctly happy Mediterranean community here. Elderly women toddle along the paths, children race through the alleyways, and sea-men gather in groups along the canals laughing and roaring in loud, animated Italian.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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