After having discovered Venice over the past two days, exploring Burano, an island in the Venetian Lagoon that calls for travelling at a slower pace, is on the agenda.
Located in the Northern part of the water encircled by islands Torcello, Mazzorbo, and Murano, this Italian island is a short ride away from Venice by boat (a 45-minute vaporetto ride).
The atmosphere completely changes once you dock here: Flowerpots that rim the architecture are abundant, and the island’s colourful houses are the main attraction as they can be spotted from the lagoon as you approach the island. Why the vibrant homes? This was done so that fishermen could spot their residences from the sea.
Like Venice, Burano’s arteries are made up of the canals and bridges separating its landmasses. Except here, you get less commotion than you typically find in larger Italian cities.
As I walk through its narrow streets, I realize Burano isn’t only known for its rainbow-coloured architecture, but for its lace production (a well-rooted tradition taken up by local artists today), and Venetian masks crafted with finesse.
While visiting this fishermen’s town, our party stops to eat seafood at a restaurant called Ai Pescatori. Overlooking a canal and various shops in piazza Galuppi, it’s the ideal location for people watching. We’re served by two of the oldest camerieri on the island. Watching them interact with one another is reminiscent of a skit from la Commedia dell’arte.
I opt for the fresh seafood pasta, which tastes like it comes straight from the sea – as it does – since produce is caught daily from the lagoon. Lunch ends with traditional biscotti “Essi” (S-shaped cookies), a staple I grew up with and am happy to rediscover.
The island of Burano embodies a hauntingly calm allure that isn’t found in its city counterpart during summer. A calm haven frozen in time, it whisks you away from reality making it difficult to return.
Have you been to Burano? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.
That sounds wonderful, I must visit Burano sometime!
Hope you get to visit soon – it is wonderful 🙂
Wow! Totally adding this to my bucket list 🙂
Awesome, thanks 🙂
Wonderful pictures! I haven’t been to Burano before, eventhough I live quite near and I’ve been to Venice on numerous occasions. I put it on my to-visit list.
It’s so hard to miss…and I loved it way more than Venice! Let me know if you end up visiting 🙂
Wow looks so pretty, had no idea about this place! Adding it to my bucket list asap!
I know! It was such a surprise (I didn’t know what to expect until the boat docked).
I’ve been to Venice in the past, and of course it was amazing to see the history, architecture and people, but for my tastes it was a bit too touristy and crowded. It’s nice to see Burano which has many of the same qualities of the Venetian culture, but seemingly without the crowds of tourists, and over inflated prices. Thank you for writing this and I love the canal with vivid house colors! I want to photograph there!
I agree – I didn’t love Venice, which is why Burano is such a gem in my opinion!
Nice pictures. Love a colourful town.
Thanks, me too 🙂
This is a beautiful post! I love image posts – it make me feel like I was there! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your adventures.
xo Kathryn
http://www.fashionablyfrank.com
Thank you, Kathryn 🙂
I was there over twelve years ago and loved every second. I wish we had been able to spend longer there but I definitely plan to go back.
I agree! I only spent one afternoon there and have been dreaming of returning since!
It seems like a good place to relax and read in while having tea.
It definitely is! There are plenty of lovely terraces 🙂
So many gorgeous colors! I love it.
Thank you!
Oh, the colours! Your photos are fantastic 🙂
Thank you, Linda! 🙂