When people ask me how my trip to Italy was, I often find myself using the word “magical” to describe my perspective of the country. From the narrow cobblestone alleys lined with boutiques to the sweeping, picture-perfect views of cliffside villages along the southern coast, there are so many gems that make Italy so special in my mind. Burano is no exception to this.
After a hectic and hurried experience walking the main area of Venice, it was a breath of fresh air to escape the hustle and bustle and to be in such a peaceful environment.
It took about 30 minutes to get from the main region of Venice to Burano, a tiny fishing island known for lace making. After the water taxi docked, Giuseppe pointed to a slanted bell tower to our right.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa wasn’t included in our tour package, but apparently the leaning bell tower of Burano was. I was okay with that!
Walking more inland, Giuseppe then called our attention to a clothesline with shirts, towels, socks and underwear hanging out to dry. Apparently, Burano residents weren’t ashamed of anything, he joked.
At first an anomaly, the colorful garments hanging on clotheslines seemed to be a common theme in this town — so much so that it became somewhat of a trademark of the town. The clothes hanging in front of candy-colored homes with flower plants perched on windowsills painted a vivid postcard of the town — a postcard forever etched in my mind.
Another postcard view: The colorful homes and boats lined up on each side of the water. This was a view I could get used to.
We then went into a small restaurant, Ristorante Ai Pescatori, for an early dinner (it was only around 4:30 p.m. at this point). Although I didn’t have much of an appetite since I had a heavy lunch only a few hours earlier, the food served here was still delicious. I was surprised by how many courses this meal included.
Note to those visiting Italy for the first time: Pasta and risotto are appetizers here, not the main course. That could’ve explained why I couldn’t finish the other courses, which included calamari, a green salad, fish and dessert.
(I’ll never forget the look of disgust on the waiter’s face when he asked me if I was done with my plate. I promise it was delicious! I was just stuffed!)
After dinner, we checked out some of the souvenir shops before heading to our meeting spot to catch the water taxi back to Lido. Burano was equally as picturesque at night as it was in the day.
Yes, it had always been a dream to see the canals of Venice and the ruins of Rome before I came here, but at the end of the day, it was places like Burano that made my trip to Italy so much more magical and meaningful.
If you ever get a chance to visit Venice, I highly recommend taking a quick trip to Burano. I promise you won’t be sorry.
Out of State • Out of Mind 
Burano looks like the kind of place I would love for a stroll. So quaint, colorful and full of charm. I supposed there’s no such thing as underwear thieves in this part of town? ;). It’s wonderful to see all of your new posts from your last Europe trip Mel!
Yes! You would love it! You’re right — I don’t think there are any underwear thieves here! Everyone must be really trustworthy 😉