Venice Islands
You don’t want to miss
Venice is one of the most magic cities in the world spread out over 118 beautiful and independent islands. And while most tourists only visit San Marco, there are other islands you wouldn’t want to miss.
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Murano
This group of islands 1.5 km north of Venice became a centre for glass making in the 14th century, when all the glass makers of Venice were forced to move out of the city due to the risk of fires. These glassmakers’ extraordinary technical and artistic skills made them extremely popular. They developed a number of special glass products like the glittering aventurine glass, multicolored millefiori, enameled smalto and milky white lattimo, and their mirrors, beads and chandeliers were exported to countries all over Europe.
You can still see glassmakers at work in the artistic glass works of Murano, where there’s also a dedicated glass museum
Burano
The bright colourful houses on Burano serve as an instant mood booster. This island 7 km and a 40 minute boat trip from Venice became famous in the 16th century when women started to make lace for altar cloths using a technique they had learned from Cyprus. Today people visit the island not just for the lace but also for the brightly painted houses that follow an ancient colour scheme. Some say the colours run in families making it easier to find next of kin, while others claim they serve as guidance through the fog. Anyway, they make a real pretty sight along with the lace museum and the only church on the island holds both a leaning tower and a painting by Tiepolo
Chioggia
This lagune city 25 km south of Venice is like La Serenissima’s plain sister. There are fewer canals and the palazzos are not quite as impressive , yet there’s a relaxed, unspoiled atmosphere. Chioggia is the centre of the Venetian fishing industry, which may explain why the town looks like a fish skeleton when seen from above. Here you’ll find northern Italy’s leading wholesale fish market – mercato ittico – with a highly entertaining fish auction that is also open to private customers.
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Chioggia looks interesting. I’ve just seen a film at the Italian Film Festival (in Sydney) that was set there. It’s called ‘Shun Li and the Poet’ and as the cinematography is lovely, it gives a really good snapshot of the place.
Hadn’t heard about that film before. It sounds interesting.
I’ve only been to Murano - when I was 15, and much too young to appreciate it. One day, I’ll set aside enough time in Venice to properly explore the city and the lagoon. Gorgeous, colourful photos here.
I keep planning to go back as well. Great place.
I have never been to Venice and I would so love to go - and especially to these wonderful looking islands. Ahhhh one day.
I hope you’ll make it Leigh. Would be such a pleasure to see those places through your camera lens.
I was not aware that there are islands around Venice, since I have never been there. Beautiful photo of Burano!
Well, it would be boring if we had nothing to look forward to.
Lovely pictures! We loved Burano and their colorful houses. We did a tour that included Murano, Burano and Torcello. It was too short so I would love to go back. I’ve never heard of Chioggia before and it sounds so interesting.
Don’t know a lot about Torcello. Have to take a closer look around that part soon.
This all comes as a surprise to me, probably because my only experience with Venice comes from the episode where Scooby-Doo and Shaggy got lost there. I’d love to explore some of these places though…especially Murano. Being driven out of a city because you’re too dangerous for it is serious bragging rights.
Ha ha - I’d never thought about it this way, but the right might come in handy sometime:)
Venice is one of the places I loved traveling. Like you said, I’ve been to San Marco but not to Murano and Burano. Perhaps on the next visit…
That’s the way most tourists do Venice. And then they never go back, because they found it too crowded and touristy. It’s a shame really.
I had no idea that there were so many islands in Venice, that’s incredible. This will be very useful when I go to Venice hopefully sometime in the next few months.
You have got a lot to look forward to.
Oh… Seductive Venice! You make us want to return! Venice is one of those cities you can visit time and time again, and always discover something new. One of our favorite cities in the world…
So right:)
I love your ilands-post. My favourite islands so far is Burano. I was there just three weeks ago. The many colorful houses are amazing and the best place to eat is Da Romano :-)
Thanks for the comment and the recommendation. I can’t wait to try that restaurant;)
Torcello is our favourite - the campanile and Locanda Cipriani
I’m spoiled for choice, but Torcello is sweet.
I am visiting Venice this August (2013) after a few days in Rome. Can’t wait to get back as this is my fourth visit. Staying in close to Accademia Bridge. Wonderful city!
Wow - I can understand the thrill. Hope you’ll have a fantastic holiday.
Murano is lovely, really nice place both to see and to stay in. They also get fewer overnight visitors there, so the restaurants etc are more ‘local’ in flavor. You just made me really curious about Chioggia now, will have to put it on the bucket list.
I like Chioggia, which is a bit rough around the edges, but some might argue it is not proper Venice.