Burano in a Day: A Local’s Tour of Colorful Houses, Lace Traditions, and Hidden Gems
Burano is one of the most colorful islands in the Venetian Lagoon—and honestly, it might just be the most captivating.
Known for its vivid, rainbow-painted houses, centuries-old lace-making tradition, and sweet, buttery Bussolà cookies, Burano isn’t just photogenic—it’s packed with charm, history, and authentic local life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through streets that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook, Burano is the place.
On my recent visit, I had the chance to explore this stunning island with Silvia, a local guide who grew up here and knows every quiet alley and overlooked gem.
Her tour, “Secret Corners of Burano,” offers more than just pretty sights—it’s a deep dive into Burano’s heart, history, and hidden stories.
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Meeting Silvia and Discovering Burano’s Story
Our tour started at the Vaporetto stop, near the “Waiting for Peace” statue—a striking piece of local history. What I didn’t expect was that this statue had personal significance for Silvia.
Her relative posed for the artist Remigio Barbaro, a Burano native. The young woman depicted was seen as progressive for her time, embracing a bold role in the island’s artistic heritage.
As we walked, Silvia painted vivid pictures of Burano’s past. She explained how in the 6th century, as barbarian invasions threatened the Roman Empire, refugees sought safety in the Venetian Lagoon.
Here, they founded settlements, including Burano. The island soon became a hub for fishermen, who painted their houses in bright colors to find their way home through thick lagoon fog—a tradition that still makes Burano famous today.
16th Century Fame
In the 16th century, Burano’s fame grew thanks to its women, who mastered the art of lacemaking. Their delicate work was so renowned that it was exported across Europe, attracting the attention of figures like Leonardo da Vinci. The lace tradition lives on, woven into the very fabric of Burano’s identity. You can catch the lacemakers of Burano if the weather is right, they might be sitting on their back porch doing what they love.
Where You’ll stop on The Secret Corners of Burano Tour
The House of Bepi: Possibly the most famous house on the island, Bepi’s home is a riot of color and geometric shapes. Once owned by a local movie lover who painted it to cheer up his neighborhood, it’s now a beloved landmark and B&B.
Church of San Martino Vescovo: This peaceful church houses remarkable artwork from masters like Giambattista Tiepolo and Girolamo da Santacroce, dating back to the 16th century. The leaning bell tower is one of Burano’s most iconic sights.
Museum and School of Lacemaking: Step into the world of intricate lace with a visit to this museum. You’ll see lace pieces from different eras and learn about the techniques passed down through generations.
Silvia isn’t just a tour guide—she’s a lifelong local who knows every colorful alley and fascinating backstory. SHE KNOWS everyone as well.
👉 Want to discover these stories yourself? BOOK SILVIAS TOUR HERE
Fascinating History About the Houses
The Houses of Burano are unique because a color will dictate where someone’s house begins and another one ends. It’s quite charming. You can paint your house any color you want but only after checking with the local government first! People tend to be going toward the bright color combinations these days. I learned that neighbors will try to outdo each other when it’s time to paint their houses.
Interested in buying a house? well, it might be inexpensive to purchase, however, the cost to remodel can set you back a pretty penny due to rennovations and permits.
Silvia told me that the houses have pretty small rooms and they build up rather than out. That hasn’t stopped her from owning several and even renting them for people to stay in!
👉 See these places up close with Silvia. Reserve your tour now.
When to Visit Burano
- Best Time: Winter and spring—cool, pleasant, and fewer crowds.
- Avoid: Weekends, unless you love big crowds.
- Pro Tip: Visit midweek. I went on a Tuesday afternoon and felt like I had Burano to myself.
👉 Silvia’s tours run year-round, but availability is limited. Check the latest schedule and book
How to get to Burano
Getting to Burano is easy:
- Take Vaporetto line #12 from Fondamente Nove in Venice (20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square).
- The ride takes about 45 minutes. Tickets are €9.50 one way.
- Save with a Venice City Pass—good for day or week-long travel.
Handy Apps for Your Trip
Before you go, download a few helpful apps:
- GoogleMaps: For easy navigation.
- CheBateo?To check Vaporetto schedules.
- AVM Venezia Official App: For real-time public transport info.
Don’t Just Visit—Experience Burano
Burano is beautiful, but seeing it through Silvia’s eyes made it unforgettable. Her stories, the quiet corners, the history—it all came alive. If you’re heading to Venice, don’t miss this.
👉 Ready for your own Burano adventure? Book Silvia’s Secret Corners Tour now before it sells out!
Bonus: More Adventures Await
After Burano, why not explore more? Check out my favorite Venice tours and don’t miss a side trip to the Dolomites—they’re closer than you think.y to share tips from my travels!
