SURPRISE ME!

Top 5 Day Trips From Venice

Prachi Joshi

Last updated: Sep 19, 2019

Author Recommends

Want To Go ?

Venice, the city that seemingly floats on water, its multitudinous canals and criss-crossing bridges painting a pretty picture everywhere you look. Much has been written about this romantic city and rightly so. It’s a visual treat, the throngs of tourists notwithstanding. However, when you visit this magical Italian city, don’t restrict yourself only to the main island. There are several tiny islands in the Venetian lagoon that are worth a trip (or two). Here’s our pick of the 5 islands in Venice you should take off too.

Murano

The glassworks of Murano are famous all over the world for their intricate designs, myriad colours and stunning craftsmanship. Born out of fire, these masterpieces of glass are made by skilled artisans whose families have been in the business for generations. Murano is just 1.5 kilometres north of Venice and a short vaporetto (water-bus) ride brings you to the island. You can wander around its Fondamenta Venier lined with glass boutiques or head to one of the furnaces for a free demonstration of glass art in the making. The Seguso Experience, by one of the oldest glass-making families, is quite spectacular. Entry is free but prior registration is required. The Museo del Vetro or the glass museum is also worth a visit.

Burano

About 7 kilometres from Venice (and a 40 minute vaporetto ride away), lies the colourful island of Burano. Traditionally a fishing village, the island even today has a very popular daily fish market that opens in the morning and can rival the more famous Rialto market in Venice. The restaurants and osteria here serve the freshest seafood platters you will ever eat. Burano is a veritable riot of colours – houses painted in bold blues, pinks, yellows and oranges sit side by side giving the island a quirky look. The island is also famous for its delicate handmade lace. You will find beautifully stitched handkerchiefs, table cloths, doilies, shawls and many more products at La Perla.

Lido

Feel like hitting the beach when you are in Venice? A 10-minute vaporetto ride brings you to the island of Lido, which is technically a sandbar separating the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. The beach here is very popular with local Venetians and tourists alike. There’s a public beach at one end of the Gran Viale and the rest of the beach is privately accessed through the hotels lining the waterfront.

Torcello

Time has stood still in Torcello, a lovely little island about 40 minutes (by vaporetto) from Venice. The island is dotted with green fields, canals and ancient churches. It is home to the Venetian lagoon’s oldest cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 7^th century and is decorated with beautiful mosaic works.

Chioggia

Like Burano, Chioggia is also a fishing island but it is much lesser known and not frequented by tourists much – reason enough to go there! You can take the summer tourist boat to get to Chioggia or a train and bus combination. A good place to start is the Corso del Popolo, the main street lined with shops and restaurants. The fish market here is the scene for a lively auction every weekday morning.

Do these islands sound enchanting? Then take a look at MakeMyTrip’s Italy packages. Book your flight tickets today and experience the charm of Venice.

Prachi Joshi

Food, Travel & Lifestyle Writer with various publications. I read, I eat, I travel and I write about it!

Comments

keira | on 28 April 2014

When I was in Venice two months ago I visited Torcello me too. There is a breathtaking scenery...and so quiet on the contrary of Venice! I visited the Torcello Cathedral with a tour ...and later it was magnificent walking around the little island! I remember that I've prebooked the tickets on venetoinside.com....Thanks Joshi for this photos!