How to Visit Venice Lagoon Islands, Italy
Doesn’t the idea of visiting the Venice Lagoon Islands sound romantic? Murano, Burano and Torcello are beautiful little islands a short distance off the coast of the world’s most famous water city!
Vaporetto ride to Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands in Venice Lagoon
Original text and photos of the Venice Lagoon Islands by Kali Marco.
Anyone planning to visit historical Venice for 2 days or longer should head out to the Venetian Lagoon Islands too – there are 118 in all, some are reached on public ferry, others can only be seen by private boat, and several are just tiny islets hidden among the salt marshes.
We visited Murano, Burano and Torcello on a vaporetto 24 hour pass and still had time to cruise up Venice’s Grand Canal at twilight (that’s only 20€ for the entire day out). An exciting alternative is to stay on a Venetian Island overnight or for a few days.
- Vaporetto ride to Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands in Venice Lagoon
- Interesting facts about Venice Lagoon and Islands
- Where to Stay on the Venetian Lagoon Islands
- Related Posts: Venice Itinerary
Visiting the Venetian Lagoon Islands is the second day of an exciting 2 day Venice Itinerary. However, if you’ve been to Venice before or are just dying to get out to the islands, turn the trip around and visit the lagoon first!
Staying in Venice itself is the ideal plan, you can walk to all the famous sites then peacefully enjoy the atmosphere of centuries gone by when the daytrippers have left at night. Our hideaway is a genuine Venetian ‘Locanda’ hidden among the network of little canals in Dorsoduro district.
While Italian architecture is hugely impressive, daily spaces are narrow and small (train seating, restaurants and café tables are all cramped, you need to keep your elbows tucked in like a sparrow’s wings). The hotel ‘breakfast room’ cum reception cum corridor is no exception although the food is good.
Reception explains the nearest place to get a day pass for the waterbus and suggests a trip over to see 3 islands on the Venetian Lagoon. Burano and Murano are on my itinerary but I’ve not heard of Torcello. A small ‘rural’ isle with tons of history, it sounds most intriguing. Like Venice, the Lagoon Islands are wonderfully traffic-free.
Tips:
Choosing a sunny day for your trip on the Venetian Lagoon will make it even more enjoyable.
Although we preferred to stay in historical Venice, it’s a personal choice and there’s some great accommodation on the islands if you want to make these your base – out of season prices are more reasonable than Venice itself because they are eminently summer resorts.
When calculating expenses, consider the price of waterbus passes for different durations.
How to get to Venice Lagoon Islands
The public Vaporetti pass costs 20€ for 24 hours (2-day pass for 30€). You can hop on and off as often as you like at the waterbus stops (known as Fondos) but don’t forget to swipe your ticket through the validation machine before you get onboard each time. The Italian railway, tramway and waterway systems work like this – it’s quite simple.
Vaporetti passes are officially on sale at designated kiosks (there’s one near Venice bus station) not always at the stops themselves…a single journey ticket costs 7.50€ which is fine if you just want a trip along the Grand Canal but the multi-stop pass is a better choice for visiting the islands.
Tip: There are 3 ferry routes to Murano with connections over to Burano and Torcello Islands – these leave from Roma Piazzale on the Grand Canal (near Santa Lucia train terminal), San Marco waterfront (S. Zaccaria stop) and Fondamente Nuove (on the north lagoon waterfront).
Details below further down this post.
Murano is a compendium of seven smaller islands joined by a series of small bridges. Only a mile away from the northern shores of Venice, it takes about 20 minutes to get here on a Vaporetto from Roma Piazzale. Public waterbuses depart regularly from this ACTV stop on the Grand Canal, leaving the city along the Cannaregio Canal into the open waters of Venice Lagoon.
The vistas are mesmerizing, the domes and spires of Venice seen from this perspective appear sketched on the skyline in the unmistakable Venetian light. The ferry passes close to Isola di San Michele Island where you’ll see monumental St Michael’s Church (1469) and the walls of Venice cemetery!
Murano Island
Murano is postcard pretty, like a mini Venice crisscrossed by quaint bridges and waterways lined with merchant houses and historical mansions, the street café terraces full of day trippers relaxing beside the canals. Follow the waterside footpaths through the small town, across plazas to old churches and their bell towers, and eventually to the island’s very own cathedral.
Murano Colonna is the name of the first vaporetto stop on the island (there are several but almost everyone gets off here). Rio dei Vetrai leads off the lagoon front, so head that way and stroll along the typical ‘fondamento’ pathway where local watercraft tie up – this is a lively little canal with lots of eateries and gift shops to browse along the way.
Chiesa San Pietro Martire (1363), a massive parish church on the left bank looks over to Campo San Stefano Square clock tower and Murano’s iconic glass tree, a colourful tubular work-of-art and the biggest of its kind in the world.
The island is world famous for exquisitely crafted glassware. Window displays sparkle with bead jewellery, ornate mirrors, extravagant chandeliers and colourful contemporary glass art. The custom stems to the 13th century when fire-hazard furnaces were banned from the old wooden buildings of Venice and the glassmakers moved over to Murano.
Tip: Avoid the tourist touts at the landing pier and find one of the traditional family-owned glassworks where you can watch the genuine glass-masters using the ancient techniques – for example Vetreria Murano Arte glass factory (open weekdays, 10€ entrance and glass blowing demonstration).
Inhabited since Roman times as a fishing port, Murano became fashionable in the Middle Ages when Italian noblemen came over with their families for the summer holidays, and it’s still popular today. Canal Grande is the wide swath of water that cuts through the island, once the main artery for medieval tradesmen, today many waterfront premises look rather weatherworn and faded.
Mazeggo Glass Factory and the 13th century Palazzo Da Mula are to the left as you come out of Rio dei Vetrai, on the Grand Canal. Cross over Ponte Longo and follow Longa waterfront a short way to Canali di San Donato – pass the Glass Art Museum and Murano Cathedral suddenly appears.
Seventh century Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato was apparently the very first church on the Lagoon Islands. Subsequently remodeled, the temple is an unusual red brick and white colonnaded building with an ancient mosaic floor and a golden ceiling depicting the Virgin Mary. The relics of Saint Donatus and his legendary dragon are held inside!
A tiny ‘bacari’ wine bar seems a good place for a pit stop. Locals are having the obligatory Aperol or Campari Spritz with a late morning snack from a selection Italian breads filled with sliced meats or cheese – squeezed in and standing up in true Italian style (there is a supplement to sit at the minuscule patio).
‘Loos’ vary across the world, in Italy there’s often only one unisex cubicle, pedestals come in all sizes and sometimes you have to squat. It takes a while to fathom out the washbasin in this place as there’s a spout but no taps…it works with a foot pedal, so much more hygienic!
*Murano Island is 1.17 km2 in size.
Burano Island
Burano is half an hour away across the lagoon by Vaporetto (the ACTV stop on Murano is clearly signposted and can’t be missed).
A smaller island with a fishing and lace-making tradition, it’s even prettier than Murano if that’s possible. Shops display lacework in every guise although it’s not all authentic…exquisite lacey tablecloths and crochet garments of local designs handed down through the centuries vie with cheap parasols from overseas, which actually make cool props for selfies.
Real artisan lace has been intricately hand-stitched on this island since the 16th century and the cost reflects the hours of work involved. Visit Burano needle-lace school and museum if you’re interested in learning the history and seeing how it’s made.
The island is simple to explore and extremely picturesque. Waterside fishermen’s houses are mirrored coloufully on the canals like an artist’s dream, rowing boats and nets tied up alongside.
Tre Ponti (Three Bridges) is the focal point, a wooden bridge spanning 3 quaint canals in a perfect photo setting. La Pescaria Vecia ‘old fish market’ is a couple of minutes walk away along Via Giudecca facing west across the lagoon.
Tip: Sunsets from Pescaria Vecia over the lagoon are legendary. Change our day trip itinerary around if this appeals and make Burano your last stop, you can enjoy some fresh fish risotto for dinner with a glass of local wine before getting a late ferry back to Venice.
Piazza Galuppi is tucked away among the brightly painted houses in the middle of ‘town’, the wide square surrounded by café terraces, seafood eateries and craft shops. Burano is a popular place with visitors from across the world but peacefully so, quieter than Murano and easier to browse.
A gift shop is selling glass bead bracelets made of real Murano glass not ‘Chinese’ fakes, ideal pressies for the girls back home…something genuine they’ll love, and easy to carry!
A path leads off the square towards the lagoon and ‘Chiesa’ San Martino, the 16th century village Church. The leaning brick campanile looks decidedly dodgy, but I suppose if it’s stood for hundreds of years the chances of it falling down right now are fairly remote.
Few tourists cross the footbridge on the northern shore to Mazzorbo, the island where many locals live and make their living from the land – vegetable plots, fruit orchards and Venetian vineyards, fresh produce which is taken over to Rialto Market by boat each morning.
* Burano Island is 0.21 km2 in size, adjoining Mazzorba is in fact bigger at 0.52 km2)
Torcello Island
The ride from Burano to Torcello only takes five minutes and the boat is not crowded. We even get a seat! Most tourists come earlier in the day or don’t even get this far. The Vaporetto stops at the small pier and few people get off – this is the south-western side of the island, no buildings in sight, just flat countryside divided by a narrow waterway.
Torcello is a protected nature reserve, a rural scene of tranquility in the late afternoon sunshine. The path follows the canal past meadows and vineyards to a tiny hamlet. There’s a strange little bridge crossing to nowhere halfway along, ancient and crumbly with no railings, perfectly atmospheric – gingerly posing on top, I don’t realise it’s a Devil’s Bridge with some seriously spooky legends!
Torcello only has a handful of permanent residents; can you believe that being so close to somewhere as famous as Venice? You can walk from one end of the island to the other in 15 minutes, and that’s dawdling. There seems to be one guesthouse, a restaurant, an ice-cream parlour and the picnic area, and very few houses. However, the ancient church complex is huge, fascinatingly so, a reminder from a splendorous past.
‘Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta’ Torcelo Cathedral was built in 639 and, although it has been remodeled various times through the ages, part of the original baptistery and central aspe wall are still standing today! To be honest, we couldn’t go inside as it was getting late. I missed seeing some unique Byzantine mosaic, golden scenes of 11th century biblical art lining the main dome (Madonna with her Child) and the west wall from floor to ceiling (Last Judgment).
Chiesa Santa Fosca (11th century) is next door, another Roman Catholic Church of majestic design with portico arches held high by solid marble columns, it’s evident who had the power and money in those days. If you’re interested in local history, visit Torcello Museum located opposite the Cathedral.
It’s hard to imagine the dramatic history shaped over the centuries by earthquakes, plagues, wars and floods. Torcello was originally of more importance than Venice… known history begins in 452 when Roman settlers arrived to work the salt flats, the island becoming a significant trading centre during the 10th century and by the 14th century some 20,000 persons lived here.
Dorana di Venetia is an old grape variety still grown in Torcello today, part of the Venice winemaking tradition. In September, you can see the golden grapes hanging down from stone crossbars in the walled plots near Torcello channel.
Canale di Torcello flows along the end of the island dividing the north-eastern shore and a wooded strip of land lying opposite. In this peaceful spot, idly watching 2 canoes racing along in practice for the Venice regatta, the city feels a million miles away.
Tip: Last scheduled ferry leaves Torcello at 8.30pm. Later departures are on request – call 800845065 at least 20 minutes in advance if you want to be picked up.
*Torcello Island is 0.44 km2 in size.
Torcello Island to Venice by Vaporetto
The vaporetto goes straight back from Torcello to Venice via Murano (not Burano) but it’s absolutely heaving with everyone packed-in and squeezed up together like a tin of sardines. Late afternoon is not the best time to catch the return ferry. This line stops in a different part of Venice, on the open lagoon side at Fondemente Nove.
I try to fathom the tourist map, consider walking back and through the Jewish Ghetto which really shouldn’t be missed but it’s getting on and there’s no time today. The plan is to get a boat up the Grand Canal, so we amble along the waterfront and find a Vaporetto stop to Saint Mark’s Square.
As always, the most memorable parts of travelling are quite unexpected, the truly magical moments… standing on the deck, riding towards Saint Mark’s Basin and Venice’s most famous landmark at sunset, the entire sky is glowingly aflame, innumerable towers and domes silhouetting blackly in the distance.
Walking along the lagoon promenade the sunset deepens into twilight as Juan and I catch our last waterbus, slipping slowly behind St. Mark’s Basilica now lit up most spectacularly, glide up the Grand Canal and under Rialto Bridge, past the grand palaces and posh hotels, Murano chandeliers twinkling from windows in the fading light.
The atmosphere seems set in the Medieval Ages and Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice comes to mind. It’s a perfect setting to conclude our truly unforgettable 2 days in Venice.
Interesting facts about Venice Lagoon and Islands
Laguna de Venesia is a Unesco World Heritage Site, a bay which lies along the shores of the north Italian province of Veneto, between the Sile and Brent Rivers, and the Adriatic Sea – Venice is aptly known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’.
Venice Waterbus Information
Waterbus routes connecting Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello
- Vaporetto line 3 from Venice Piazzale Roma, picks up passengers at Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Terminal) then goes directly to Murano where it stops at various places around the island. Returns to Venice on the same route. Takes around 20 minutes one way.
*This is the quickest route Piazzale Roma to Murano (both directions). - Vaporetto line 12 from Venice Fondamente Nove to Treporti stops along the way at Murano, Torcello and Burano Islands. Returning Burano,Torcello, Murano and Fondamente Nove (F. Nove to Murano takes 10 minutes).
*Shortest route from Venice to Murano (both directions).
- Vaporetto Line 4.1 from Venice to Murano and back.
A circular route which travels around Venice anticlockwise with various stops in this direction: Murano → F.Nove → Guglie → P. Roma → Giudecca → S. Zaccaria (S. Marco) → S. Pietro → F.Nove → Murano.
*Take this line from Venice F. Nove to Murano (10 minutes either way); Or from Venice San Marco to Murano (40 minutes). - Vaporetto Line 4.2 from Venice to Murano and back.
This is a circular route travelling around Venice clockwise with various stops in this direction: F.Nove → San Pietro → San Zaccaria (S. Marco) → Giudecca → Piazzale Roma → Guglie → F.Nove → Murano.
*Take this line from Venice F. Nove to Murano (10 minutes either way); Or from Murano to Venice San Marco (40 minutes). - Vaporetto Line 9 links Burano and Torcello Islands.
*The trip only takes 5 minutes.
Map of Venice with waterbus route to Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands
Image via The Orange Backpack.
* For more information on where to purchase tickets, information about all the vaporetto routes and times of service, see the official ACTV public waterbus website.
Visiting the Venetian Lagoon Islands is 2 day of our Venice itinerary. Day one explains everything you need to know about exploring the historical city of Venice.
Best Time to Visit the Venetian Lagoon Islands
The best time to visit the Venetian Lagoon is doubtless in summertime when the hot sunny days are ideal for visiting nearby beaches on Lido de Venezia, taking a boat out across the turquoise waters, and enjoying the balmy evenings on an open-air terrace when the day trippers have gone back to Venice.
Spring and autumn are invariably warm with bright sunny days and occasional showers, popular seasons for staying on the islands when children are back at school and the rush of holidaying families has gone home.
It’s definitely worth visiting Venice and the Lagoon Islands in the winter too – December, January and February will be an entirely different experience, weather may be chillier, even damp and misty, but it’s still much warmer than a northern European winter.
Where to Stay on the Venetian Lagoon Islands
Some people thrive on a lively atmosphere and busy holiday vibe but if you want to live like a true Venetian come over towards the end of the year, through the Xmas season when churches are bright with nativity scenes and into the New Year right up to Carnival time in February.
Visit the sights of Venice in peace and explore all the neighbourhoods, see the museums, theatre and opera, take the train to discover the fabled cities of Veneto -Verona, Padua, Treviso, Vicenza- or take a trip up to Lake Garda.
Learn how to blow glass from the artisans in Murano, watch the art of lace-making in Burano or go out with the fishermen, walk among vineyards and archaeological treasures in Torcello far from the stresses of urban life, chat to the local folk, join them for a glass of wine or Aperol Spritz, dine on traditional food, and take pleasure in living at a slower pace on the extraordinary islands of Venice Lagoon.
Do you fancy staying on one of the Venetian Lagoon Islands? It’s a totally cool experience. However, there are very few hotels there so we’ve sourced the best together with a great selection of holiday apartments and villas, and put together this handy guide on the best places to stay in Torcello, Murano and Burano.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my Disclosures page.
Best Places to Stay in Torcello Island
Enjoy nature and being away from the usual tourist crowd? Then Torcello is the ideal base for a holiday in Venice. Conveniently located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, it’s easy to catch a waterbus over to see the famous sights of Venice City anytime you like.
The vaporetto also goes to Burano and Murano, the better known islands in the same vicinity which make interesting day trips. Venice beach life is only a short ride away across the waters on Lido, the long sandy strip which almost encloses the lagoon.
Best Accommodation on Torcello Island
Locanda Cipriani is the famous Inn where Hemingway stayed, the unpretentious luxury retreat which celebrities adore. Personally run by the Cipriani family for almost a hundred years, the inn has five exclusive guestrooms (2 of these are single bedrooms) with views to the gardens or Torcello canal, while the breakfast room looks right onto the ancient Cathedral! A lovely hotel for a romantic getaway, the prices aren’t crazy either.
*Room prices from 100€ per person per night, includes breakfast and taxes.
Tips
Locanda Cipriani has one of the best restaurants in Venice –
if you’re staying on Torcello go along one evening when the day trippers have left and dine on authentic Venetian food with fine Italian wine. Specialities are seafood and fish from the lagoon, as well as homemade pasta or fresh vegetables.
Looking for somewhere special to get married?
Torcello Cathedral is the perfect setting for a traditional ceremony followed by a banquet in the gardens of Cipriani Inn!
Best Accommodation on Torcello for Families or Group of Friends
Looking for a perfect Venice holiday with family and friends? Our personal favourite is this beautifully restored private ‘Venezia Villa’ on acres of land beside the canal in the heart of Torcello! With four bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it’s wonderfully spacious for everyone.
The gardens are vast, with patios and lawns, pines trees, an olive grove, and a seasonal vegetable plot. Just imagine making a pizza in the outdoor oven to eat with your salads (yes, you can just go outside and pick what you fancy).
Although it’s a minimum 2 night stay, a week or two would be idyllic with time to explore all the Venetian islands, enjoy days at the beach and ride into Venice itself on the waterbus to see the historical city sights.
Tip
You can use Franco’s boat to do some island hopping and discover the array of nearby isles where the waterbus doesn’t stop.
Contact Franco through Airbnb for more information or to book, he’s a friendly guy and extremely helpful: Torcello Venezia Villa
Best Places to Stay in Murano Island
Murano is the bigger island near Venice, the one with the most things to do, lots of restaurants and cafés, where many locals live. It’s vibrant and fairly busy even in winter. Frequent waterbuses for the short trip to the city make it a convenient place to stay.
Private Holiday Homes on Murano
Murano is the perfect place to rent a private holiday home. There are several available on Airbnb our favourite booking system and we’ve sourced the best to make it easier for you to choose.
Ca ‘Bernardo is a stylish 2 bedroom apartment in a beautiful Murano town house. Traditional décor with glass chandeliers, the marvellous terrace balcony and a peaceful location close to the centre of the island are star features of this classy top rated Airbnb accommodation.
Contact Roberto through airbnb for full information on this apartment and also the adjoining villa which has a garden: Murano Cà Bernardo
Venice Lagoon Skyline is a modern 2 bedroom apartment near Murano lighthouse with panoramic sea views of the lagoon and the spires of Venice in the distance on the skyline.
* See Murano Lagoon Skyline on airbnb and contact host Fabio for more details.
Giardino is a smart 1 bedroom apartment (sleeps 4 persons) in the heart of Murano in a quiet area by San Martino Canal, near the Cathedral and Glass Museum. We love this place because it has a large garden with a paved patio, BBQ, lawn, trees and seasonal vegetable patch – ideal for a couple or a family with 2 children, it’s a wonderful setup for anyone staying longer. Pets welcome!
* See Murano Giardino on airbnb and contact host Vinzenco for more details.
Best Accommodation for Couples in Murano
Murano Suites – An authentically renovated 3-storey palace beside the Grand Canal which meanders through Murano, the ground floor is a popular restaurant and street terrace café, with six exclusive suites above.
Acquamare Suite is our favourite if we had to choose! The 1 bedroom top floor ‘loft’ which has a roof terrace with stunning views where you can sit out in privacy for a lazy breakfast or enjoy a romantic evening drink. An extra large sofa bed means sleeping space for a total 4 guests.
Ametista Suite is sumptuous studio apartment with a spacious open plan design and a window balcony overlooking the picturesque canal.
Contact Elodie for through airbnb for more information: Murano Suites, Acquamare Suite & Ametista Suite.
Best Hotel on Murano Island
Hyatt Centric Murano is a luxurious modern 4-star hotel in a converted historical glass factory, really! Imagine sparkling chandaliers, brick detail and glass artwork gracing minimalistic decor behind the very Venetian pink façade.
This is a smart establishment with 119 guestrooms and an exclusive spa located beside Murano’s central Canal Grande – the perfect setting for a cocktail, relaxing on the waterfront terazza just watching the little boats slide past. HYC Murano is pet friendly too, so if you’re travelling with your dog it’s an ideal choice (up to two medium sized pooches per room with a surcharge).
Prices obviously vary depending on choice of room and dates, taxes and breakfast are included. For example, a King Room for 2 persons per night starts at 92€, while a King Room overlooking the canal starts at 202€, and the fabulous Murano Suite from 393€ for a night.
Bookmark our page and if you decide to stay on Murano, come back to make your reservation here for Hyatt Centric Murano.
*Prices subject to change.
Tip
Hyatt Centric Murano offers guest a complimentary water taxi service to/from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport which only takes 20 minutes.
Best Places to Stay in Burano Island
Burano is very popular with more year-round holiday accommodation than the other Venetian Islands which makes up for the lack of hotel. We’ve chosen our favourites and explain why…
Best Accommodation on Burano for Couples
Ca’ de Pilar has to be the most authentic house on Burano. The original structure has been carefully renovated with style to preserve the historical legacy…antique furniture, old-fashioned piano, table made from a wagon wheel, wrought iron stove, brickwork lounge walls, and a statue on the stairway, you get the picture? It’s just like stepping back into time but with all the mod cons cleverly concealed! The exquisite double bedroom makes this a truly romantic treat.
* See Burano Cà de Pilar on airbnb and contact host Lorenzo for more information.
Best Accommodation on Burano for Families
Who wants to stay in a typically colourful fisherman’s house beside the canal in Burano? This is our favourite, we love the traditional olden style with wooden beams and stairways but fully converted with a large kitchen and modern bathrooms.
Burano Sky House accommodates up to 8 people comfortably, 3 bedrooms (that’s 2 double beds plus 4 singles), perfect for families on holiday, couples and friends. If you just want to book for two persons that’s fine too and you’ll have the place all to yourself (prices depend on number of guests).
* See Burano Sky House on airbnb and contact host Filippo for full details.
Tip
A wooden deck on the roof terrace for sitting outside is the star attraction and the reason this place is named ‘Burano Sky House’!
Best Place to Stay on Burano for a Month (or longer)
A typical little house looking out to the Venetian lagoon in a quiet corner of Burano, we chose this accommodation which is about to go live on airbnb for several reasons. What makes this place so special? Imagine spending a few weeks here, watching the sunrise, walking along the shore, exercising in the yoga loft, writing a book, painting the sun setting over the lagoon or the myriad of bright little houses. Sounds like a dream come true! 1 double bedroom and 1 single means a maximum of 3 guests.
We’ve spoken to host Nathalie who is there right now getting everything ready and she’s told us it will soon be available for 1 to 3 month rentals…so watch this space!
Best Place to Stay in Mozzorbo
Mazzorbo Island connects to Burano across a short footbridge. This is where the locals live in rural peace away from the travel tribes! Don’t tell anyone but we’ve sourced a cool place to stay!
Cà Luciotti is a cosy 2 bedroom stone cottage with quaint décor and a private garden set beside the lagoon. Sit on the patio sipping Prosecco on a sunny day under the pretty wisteria or dine alfresco in the evening and look out across the waters at the sunset. An adorable ginger Persian gives the final homely touch!
* See Mazzorbo Cà Luciotti on airbnb and contact host Lucia for more information.
Tip:
All the holiday homes mentioned above have private kitchen facilities which is really handy for making your own breakfast and coffee. Pop along to the local market for fresh ingredients if you fancy a go at real Italian cooking!
PLEASE NOTE: We have taken considerable time to research the accommodations above. The majority of the holiday homes are available through the airbnb platform. If you’d like to book any of these places, go to the airbnb official website and search for the name of each establishment.
*Photos of the accommodations mentioned above are courtesy of the proprietors who have authorised us to use them in this feature.
We personally use Airbnb when convenient and are hosts ourselves – this is our own place overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa Blanca in Spain, which you might like to visit someday: Seafront apartment in Torres Beach, Villajoyosa
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Fantastic blog! Would so love to visit some of these islands when visiting Venice. I’d heard of them but your pictures make me want to visit even more. Love that map of different routes…hahaha might be a bit challenging.
We did love exploring some of the lagoon islands when we visited Venice. But I did not know there were 118 of them. Love that some can be visited by ferry. Sorry that we missed Torcello Island. We certainly used the vaporettos as a great public transit system when our feet were done for the day!
This would be such an amazing trip to take!!! We’ve heard of Murano (because of the glass, of course) but not of Burano or Torcello. Thank you for sharing! Love the handy map too!
I love the islands around Venice! This is such a detailed guide with some fascinating history behind the places. And some great, practical tips too.
Incredible!! I’ve been to Venice and we planned to visit murano and burano but didn’t have the time in the end! I’ve never heard of Torcello!! Thanks for sharing and what a wonderful guide!
Visiting Venice Lagoon Islands looks incredible! I bet most people would just go to Venice and not even think about visiting them but they look like such a treasure!
Amazing and informative. I have been to visit but didn’t see all the islands. I need to go back to explore more ♥️
What an excellent post on the islands of Venice! I’ve been to Venice a few times but never really spent time on any of the islands. Now I’m wishing I had as they look lovely!