Venice Islands

The basics

The only way to visit Venice’s islands is by boat. Private motorboat tours enable you to make the most of your time on each island—visiting the glass factories on Murano, lace-making demonstrations on Burano, and the historic sights on Torcello—without having to navigate the complicated and crowded interisland public transportation system. Half-day Venice Islands tours are great when you're pressed for time. Full-day tours explore the Grand Canal and lagoon islands at a relaxed pace.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque glassblowing demonstrations on Murano and traditional lace-making on Burano.

• Murano glass and Burano lace are famous for their impeccable quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of glass or lace shops that advertise “bargain” prices, which often means low-quality goods imported from outside Italy.

• Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, so always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company to avoid unpleasant strong-arming tactics.

• The church at San Giorgio Maggiore is one of few churches you can visit for free in Venice; if you want to climb its bell tower you’ll have to pay €6.

How to get there

From Santa Lucia train station, walk (it takes about 30 minutes) or take the #1 or #2 vaporetto to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), which should be near the top of your list of things to see in Venice. Then, take the vaporetto water bus ferry line #4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop. Or, opt for a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch near the Doge’s Palace to Murano. From there, local water buses or taxis run to Burano and Torcello.

When to get there

The best times to visit are spring and early fall. Summers in the Venice Islands are less sweltering than in inland Italy but just as crowded. The crowds thin considerably from November through February, though chilly temperatures can mean a less pleasant boat trip across the lagoon.

Torcello in literature

Over the centuries, a number of artists, musicians, and Hollywood stars have famously spent time on the quiet island of Torcello. American writer Ernest Hemingway, for one, wrote parts of the novel Across the River and into the Trees during his stay on the island in 1948.

Ways to explore

The only way to visit Venice’s islands is by boat, and the best option for avoiding the hassle and delays of the public ferries is a private or small-group boat tour. Tours enable you to make the most of your time on each island—visiting the glass factories on Murano, lace-making demonstrations on Burano, and the historic sights on Torcello—without having to navigate the complicated and crowded ferry system between the islands. Choose a half-day sightseeing tour if you’re pressed for time, or a more leisurely full-day Venice boat tour to explore the Grand Canal and lagoon islands at a more relaxed pace.

Accessibility

The Venetian islands are wheelchair accessible, but not all tours have accessible boats. Confirm in advance.

Age limits

There is no minimum age for visiting the islands, and kids generally enjoy watching Murano’s glassblowers and visiting the fairytale island of Burano.

What to pack

Seasickness medication, camera, battery pack

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

Many glass shops do not allow customers to handle their delicate wares—ask first.

Amenities

The islands have a range of shops and restaurants, plus public restrooms.

Address

The only way to reach the Venice Islands from central Venice is by water. You can opt to take a public water bus (known as a vaporetto in Italian) or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal.

Driving

Cars are not allowed in central Venice or on the Venetian islands. Drive to Piazzale Roma, the main transportation hub at the entrance to Venice, and catch a vaporetto or private water taxi from there.

Public transportation

From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take vaporetto 4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch near the Doge’s Palace, to Murano. From there, local water buses or taxis run to Burano and Torcello.

Best times to visit

Much of your time on the Venice islands is spent outdoors, so go when the weather is clear and mild. The glassblowing workshops and lace shops are open all day, while the islands have a charmingly sleepy vibe in the evening.

Best days to visit

Head to the islands on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds that overrun the workshops and restaurants.

Best months to visit

The Venice islands are busiest in the summer. The crowds thin considerably from November through February, though chilly temperatures can mean a less pleasant boat trip across the lagoon.

Special events

Carnevale is one of Venice’s liveliest festivals, and the lagoon islands join the fun with special costumed events and processions.