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The Outer Islands of Venice, Italy

Murano, Burano and Toricello

Revised July 22, 2007

Each outer islands of the Venice Lagoon has a unique identity and should be visited if you have enough time to squeeze them on to your agenda. They can be reached by Venice's well-planned ferry transit system which, in addition to transporting you to these little gems, give a spectacular distant view of Venice from another perspective

The nearby island of Murano is known as the glass island for the thousands of glass items produced in the furnaces of the island. Murano is on one of the main ferry routes and easy to reach. Also, there are "FREE" boats over to Murano which are actually promotional services for specific glassmakers. The island itself is much like the other Venetian neighborhoods, with a main canal splitting the island in two. If you appreciate the artistry of Venetian glass, you'll enjoy spending a few hours wandering the many shops on Murano (through you can find many shops in the heart of Venice selling Murano glass). You'll be more intrigued by the presentations that show you glassmakers at work. Prices on Murano seemed comparable to prices in the tourist regions of Venice; but it did seem that it we paid much less in Murano than the same pieces would have cost us back home.

If, however, you only have enough time to get to one, get to Burano, the lace island. It is a charming little outpost who coated simple Venetian architecture with fantastic shades of blue, purple, green and yellow to create one of the most visually beautiful communities in the world.

Currently, only a small percent of the millions who arrive in Venice travel to Burano. Get there on the first ferry of the morning and you will greet the shop owners as they set up for the day. Check out the beautiful lacework produced on the island, grab an espresso and a pastry and get your bearings. Notice the tilting campanile that will keep you oriented on this small island. Then wander the canals and sidewalks savoring every new colorful panorama. For a photographer, Burano with good lighting is almost heaven.

Venice Canal

Wandering the back canals of Venice

The most remote island, Torcello, is considered the wild island. It is home to much of the wildlife that inhabits the Venetian Lagoon. Once a thriving community where Attila the Hun ruled his empire, the water has reclaimed much of the land but the Church of Santa Fosca survives, with a large rock seat identified as the throne of Atilla nearby. Many of the restaurants on Torcello get high marks for the quality of their food. Given their remote location and the limited number of local patrons, its no surprise that the restaurants on Torcello must provide good value and excellent food to stay afloat (small pun intended).

To get to Torcello and Burana, you currently must take a ferry that also stops at Punta Sabbioni. The departure point to the islands is near St. Mark's (be sure to get a vaparetto map when you arrive in Venice). If you get an early start, you might want to stop briefly at Punta Sabbioni and then head across the spit to the Adriatic before continuing on to Torcello. Unilike ferry service to the Lido, Murano and within the city of Venice which is fast and frequent, service to the outer islands in on an hourly schedule. Plan for at least 5 hours between the ferry ride and time on the islands, more if you also plan to eat in Torcello or Burano.

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