Italy's 'lagoon islands' -- beautiful Burano, Murano, Lido and Torcello
- Cookie & Keller
- Jul 26, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: May 23
MINUTES FROM VENICE BUT A WORLD AWAY, A THE LAGOON ISLANDS FORM A QUARTET OF CHARMING ISLANDS BECKONS THE TOURIST
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
"The Carpe Diem Kids"
WHEN IN VENICE, don't miss the opportunity to take a side trip to Italy's lovely and nearby lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello and Lido.
These languid, colorful islands are a world apart from the hustle and bustle of St. Mark's Square and each has a distinct personality.
We've been happy with over a dozen Viator tours (the word means traveler). The lagoon island tour was delightful. Easy to access from Venice and a world apart from the bustle.
Quiet Murano was the lagoon island we visited recently. It has been a center of glass-making since the 13th century. It is a fascinating half-day trip, with pleasant cafes and lovely gardens near the boat launch. Murano has a "village" feel, with the main attraction the glass shop, laid-back cafes, and small stores.
Lagoon island of BURANO, on the other hand, seems designed with tourism in mind.
The shops are upscale and offer high-end clothing center near the Burano is a thriving fishing village with quaint pastel colored homes and a centuries-old lace making tradition.
Another Italy lagoon island of Torcello, once vigorous, is now scarcely populated -- less than 100 people actually live full-time on the island. But its beauty, charm and a couple of lovely hotels attract celebrities and the rich and famous. Actor George Clooney chose Torcello for his wedding a couple years ago to a British-Lebanese hybrid and successful attorney.
Lido is mostly about one of the great hotels of the world, the Belmond Cipriani with its stunning views across the water, to the Doge's Palace and beyond.
As one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in southern Europe, this elegant hideaway features exquisite antiques and local artifacts, Michelin-starred gastronomy, gracious help and Venice's only Olympic-sized swimming pool. I've sipped several Campari-with-sodas there.
WE HIT all these islands in a single day, visiting Murano first, a world renowned center of glassmaking for over 700 years.
The island was settled by the Romans and was a prosperous fishing port and salt producer until the 11th Century.
Unlike the other islands in the lagoon, Murano minted its own coins and had a well known monastery, suppressed by Napoleon in 1810, with every monk expelled during the next c couple years.
The island's glassmaking fame came about in 1291 when the glassmakers of Venice were forced to move to Murano because of fire risk. Thus its fame in glass, bead and mirror making began.
Its quality endures and Murano glass is famous worldwide and still the island's main industry.
WE RECOMMEND a full or half-day tour. Here are our two favorite tour contacts, both offering value, expertise and a pleasant outing:
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