“To be or not to be” Hamlet wondered, “Murano or Burano” are you wondering the same way? Don’t worry: I’m here to help you make a decision!
Are you short on time and undecided which island to choose? Although they are both beautiful and appreciated, so it would be worthwhile to be able to visit both, you can get an idea of which one might be right for you.
Murano and Burano share the peculiarity of possessing craftsmanship with a centuries-old history: that of glassmaking and lace-making.
Both also have a museum dedicated to their crafts, as well as churches, colorful little houses, nature and much more to discover.
Read on to learn what to expect from each island and which one you feel most in tune with, but before you continue let me give you some advice.
Get moving on time! Book your guided tour of Murano and Burano now-this way you’ll save resources and especially time, maybe you might find you can explore both!
BEST-SELLING TOUR EVER
Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration
Discover Murano, Burano and Torcello and participate in a glassblowing demonstration at one of the most important factories on the island of Murano.
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Murano: glass, history and craftsmanship
Murano and its lighthouse | ID 36578825 @ Jose Lledo | Dreamstime.com
Murano is the largest island in the Venetian lagoon, giving it perhaps a slightly more “urban” feel.
Accessing the island from Venice is very quick and easy, and there are several dedicated lines, including the Alilaguna, a private service.
There are several stops around the island so you can get around more quickly and without having to walk too far inland from one place of interest to another, but should you wish to stroll, Murano will amaze you.
In fact, you will manage to combine relaxation and pleasantness, as well as the opportunity to visit little stores and also find some local and small restaurants.
The great attraction of Murano is glass, and therefore you will be able to visit many glassworks where you can watch the demonstration of glassmaking.
But that’s not all: discover the lighthouse, a symbol of the lagoon, Murano Cathedral or the glass cathedral , and much more!
Burano: colors, lace and quietness
Colorful houses of Burano in the evening | ID 76670461 @ Nataliya Hora | Dreamstime.com
Burano, on the other hand, perhaps gives a somewhat slower pace and maintains a wilder soul, linked to its seafaring tradition.
The island seems to have been preserved from the time of its first inhabitants: the buranelli were originally fishermen, proud of their customs.
Are you wondering how this nature of the inhabitants influenced the island? Well, for example, it is the reason why you can admire Burano’s famous colorful little houses.
In the past, in fact, the bright and ever-changing colors were used by fishermen to orient themselves on days of heavy fog so they could immediately find their homes.
In addition, the island is strongly linked to its traditional craft: lace. Indeed, this art played a key role in Burano’s economic revival.
Today you can visit its museum and watch the master lacemakers at work, while also having the opportunity to purchase authentic, precious artifacts.
Burano, with its colors, nature and particularly striking light at different times of the day is an ideal destination for taking wonderful photographs that immediately make you think of the belpaese.
Smaller than Murano and slightly less visited, it offers more peace in its quiet streets, yet it also offers slightly less choice in terms of clubs and small stores.
Also in terms of staying overnight, here you will not find hotels or other accommodations but only houses run by local families who guard sustainable tourism on the island.
BEST-SELLING
Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration
Discover Murano, Burano and Torcello and participate in a glassblowing demonstration at one of the most important factories on the island of Murano.
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Which island to choose based on your travel style
Venice Steamship | ID 599311 © Andrew Chambers | Dreamstime.com
It is difficult, not to say impossible, to give advice on which of the two islands to choose for your visit: both Murano and Burano have much to offer and to visit them is to give yourself a wonderful experience.
In addition, personal taste takes over, which is unavoidable to make a judgment: however, I will try to give you some tips to help you make a decision.
If you are a family, perhaps with children in tow, Murano might be preferable: quicker trip from Venice by vaporetto and more offerings on the island to entertain even the youngest.
For example, many glassworks provide free admission for children under 10, and especially the glassblowing demonstration often entertains children who are amazed.
Conversely, if you are a hiker or photographer looking for tranquility, perhaps some glimpses for an unforgettable shot, you may be more easily surprised by Burano.
The island, with a bit of green popping up among its iconic colorful houses, knows how to win the hearts of its visitors and it is impossible to leave here without some unforgettable shots.
Are you a couple looking for a little romantic getaway? It won’t be easy to choose: consider whether you love peace and quiet or are in the mood for a little action, perhaps during an aperitif right on the canal.
Finally, if you are an art lover and want to discover some gems in this part of the lagoon Burano offers the home of Remigio Barbaro, a Franciscan sculptor.
However, it is perhaps advisable in this case to opt for Murano: in the basilica of Santi Maria e Donato you will find a splendid Byzantine mosaic floor, but that’s not all!
In fact, you cannot miss the art contained inside the Church of San Pietro Martire: you will find works by important artists such as Veronesi, Tintoretto and Bellini.
Finally, you will admire a beautiful altarpiece by Pordenone inside Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Frequently asked questions
It is impossible to say which of the two islands in the lagoon is the most beautiful: both have much to offer and are highly appreciated by visitors. Subjective tastes must be considered in making a judgment, and therefore it is impossible to answer objectively. However, depending on whether one seeks more of a compromise with the city or seeks nature and peace, it is possible to express a preference. In addition, both have characteristic handicrafts related to their own history: that of glass in Murano and that of lace in Burano.
Visiting each of the two islands takes approximately 3 hours, although time is added if you decide to visit the various attractions including museums. At least half a day is required to visit both, although it is recommended to set aside a day to visit the entire lagoon at leisure and in depth.
Torcello is especially famous for its Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses two splendid mosaic cycles. However, there are other attractions, some related to curious legends such as the Devil’s Bridge and Attila’s Throne.
If you have a day to visit Murano you can explore the whole island without missing anything important. First, visit the Glass Museum and Fondamenta dei Vetrai where you can find a glassworks where you can watch a demonstration of glassblowing. If you wish, you can also do so in the former Church of Santa Chiara, now known just as The Glass Cathedral. Also visit the lighthouse, a symbol of the lagoon, the basilica of Santi Maria e Donato which houses a splendid Byzantine mosaic floor and the Church of San Pietro Martire where you can admire works by Bellini, Veronesi and Tintoretto. Finally, also visit Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses an altarpiece by Pordenone, and Palazzo da Mula, a Gothic-style building.
Conclusions
You have now concluded your reading of this article on the differences between Murano and Burano in which I tried to help you make a decision.
It is indeed not easy to choose between Murano and Burano since the two islands have many differences, but also some similarities and subjective tastes become essential.
The comparison between Murano and Burano showed that the former offers a more urban atmosphere with more clubs but also more visitor flows, while the latter gives you quieter atmospheres but a decidedly slower pace.
I told you that each island has a typical handicraft: glassmaking in Murano and lace-making in Burano.
I then explained to you what tend to be the most popular choices for different types of travelers, depending on whether you are planning to come to the lagoon as a family, as a couple, or if perhaps you are a photographer looking for the perfect shot.
Finally, I answered the most common questions: all the doubts that grip visitors who have to decide which island to explore.
Have you already chosen which one will be your destination? Have you already been to the lagoon and want to tell us your opinion on which one you prefer between Murano and Burano? Leave us a comment below!
Book your visit to Murano or Burano and get priority admissions to the main attractions, but most importantly, consider booking an organized tour: by optimizing your time you might be able to explore both islands.
Either way, whether you are more attracted to glass or lace, more to the streets of Murano or the colors of Burano, don’t worry: the lagoon will leave you with wonderful memories!
BEST-SELLING
Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration
Discover Murano, Burano and Torcello and participate in a glassblowing demonstration at one of the most important factories on the island of Murano.
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
