Beloved Campi
5 Unique Islands Near Venice
Lagoon Islands
Venture beyond Venice itself to explore the beauty and history of these five unique islands, each with its own charm and character.
01 |Murano
Just a short water bus ride from Venice, immerse yourself in all things glass: its production, history, artistry, and indulge in souvenir shopping right at the source.
02 |Burano
Nothing can prepare your eyes for this explosion of color, where every canal is lined with brightly painted houses and the quiet tradition of handmade lace still lingers in the salt air.
03 |Mazzorbo
Cross the wooden bridge from Burano into a green sanctuary, where walks through local vineyards and encounters with friendly, furry inhabitants offer a serene and peaceful alternative to the crowds.
04 |Torcello
One of the lagoon's earliest settlements, now largely reclaimed by nature, yet still home to one of the oldest churches with remarkable Byzantine mosaics.
05 |Lido
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with some proper beach time and peaceful seaside relaxation at Venice's coastal resort.
Save on getting to the islands
We recommend vaporetto day passes if you plan to explore at your own pace multiple islands in one day.
Most visitors pair Burano with Torcello (and Mazzorbo), as they're farther from Venice.
Fast-paced travelers may even squeeze in Murano on the same day.
If you're not in a rush, spend one day on Burano and its charming neighbors, and another on Murano, including Lido and a bit of hopping around Venice to make the most of a 2-day vaporetto pass.
This DIY approach is ideal for experiencing the islands in depth, but it does require a bit of planning and figuring out which vaporetto lines to take and what to see on each island (which is exactly what this guide is for).
If you'd rather leave the planning to someone else, a guided day tour is a worry-free way to see the islands.
These tours usually include a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, along with stops in Burano and Torcello, letting you cover a lot in a short time without stressing about logistics.
Your questions, answered
Find quick answers below to the most frequently asked questions about the places and essential experiences featured on this page.
If I only have time for one island, which should I choose?
If you want a neon-hued kaleidoscope of colorful houses, head to Burano, while Torcello is the clear choice for ancient, atmospheric silence and Byzantine mosaics. The two are easy to pair, as they're just a 5-minute boat ride apart. For world-famous glassblowing heritage, choose Murano. And for beach time on the Adriatic, head to Lido.
Which of these islands is the closest to Venice?
Murano is the closest, just 10 minutes by vaporetto from Fondamente Nove. Lido is a bit farther, about 15 minutes by water bus from Piazza San Marco.
Are the boat tours worth it?
Half-day organized tours to Murano , Burano, and Torcello are great for travelers with limited time who want to see as many islands as possible in a short visit. However, time at each stop is brief, which may be enough for most visitors but isn't sufficient for those who want a deeper experience.
Do I need to pay the Venice Access Fee to visit the islands?
You can travel directly to Murano from the airport using a water taxi or Alilaguna, or go from Punta Sabbioni to Burano, or between the islands, without paying the fee or registering for a QR code.
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