If you’re dreaming of an Italian escape filled with history, charm, and postcard-perfect scenery, but without the overwhelming tourist crowds of Rome or Milan, consider heading to Burano, the country’s dazzling island that looks like it leapt straight out of a painting.
Just a 45-minute vaporetto (water bus) ride from Venice, Burano is a technicolour dreamland tucked away in the Venetian Lagoon. Known for its kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses, tranquil canals, and slower pace of life, this small fishing village has quietly become a top contender for Italy’s most underrated destination.
While Rome lures visitors with ancient ruins and Venice with romantic gondola rides, Burano offers a different kind of magic.
Rows of houses in bubblegum pink, lemon yellow, turquoise, and lavender line every narrow street and waterway.
Legend has it that the homes were originally painted in vivid hues so that fishermen could recognise them from afar while out at sea in the lagoon’s dense fog.
Today, the tradition remains, and locals must request permission from the government to repaint, ensuring Burano’s iconic palette is carefully preserved.
But the island’s beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Burano is also famous for its centuries-old lace-making tradition.
Visitors can learn more about this intricate art form at the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) or wander into a workshop to see lace-makers at work. It’s a craft passed down through generations, and pieces from Burano are prized around the world.
Seafood lovers will also find plenty to celebrate here. As a fishing village, Burano’s restaurants offer some of the freshest seafood in the Veneto region.
Don’t miss trying risotto di go, a local speciality made with goby fish caught from the lagoon.
Best of all, Burano remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. While nearby Venice struggles with over-tourism and visitor limits, Burano offers a peaceful alternative where you can still experience authentic Italian island life without the crowds.
So if you’re planning a trip to Italy and want something more colourful, and perhaps more memorable, than the usual tourist trail, skip Rome and Venice and head to Burano. It’s a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight.