Venetian Lagoon Islands
the four most fascinating islands a short ferry ride from Venice
Photo: view of the Lagoon from Torcello Cathedral
Venetian Lagoon Islands
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Latest page update: 22 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Venetian Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Adriatic Coast, covering an area of 550 km².
There are more than 100 islands in the lagoon, only a few of which are inhabited. The largest by far is Venice while some of the more famous are Murano, Burano and Torcello. Pellestrina isn't everyone's cup of tea and I almost didn't visit it after reading some negative reviews but it turned out to be one of my highlights of the whole Veneto region. Burano is something quite unique, a tiny Lagoon island where almost every building is painted in a bright colour and it even has its own leaning tower! |
Burano, Venetian Lagoon
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Related links
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
Burano
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Burano, a charming island in the Venetian Lagoon, is located about 7 kilometers from Venice. Renowned for its vibrant, colourful houses, the island is a picturesque destination that has inspired artists and photographers for centuries.
Legend says fishermen painted their homes in bright colours to make them easily visible from the lagoon. Burano is also famous for its intricate lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century and remains a celebrated craft today. Key attractions include the Lace Museum, the leaning bell tower of San Martino Church, and quaint canals lined with boats. |
Burano
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Murano
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Murano lies just north of Venice and is world-renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition.
Visitors can explore glass workshops, museums like the Museo del Vetro, and purchase exquisite handmade glass art. Murano’s highlights include the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, and charming canals lined with colorful buildings. Murano gained prominence when Venice moved its glass furnaces here in 1291 to prevent fires. Today, it blends artistic heritage, history, and Venetian charm, making it a must-visit destination. |
Murano
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Pellestrina
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Pellestrina, a narrow island in the Venetian Lagoon, lies between the Adriatic Sea and the lagoon, south of Lido. Known for its peaceful charm and traditional fishing culture, the island is lined with colourful houses, quiet streets, and sandy beaches.
Pellestrina is protected by the Murazzi, impressive stone sea walls built in the 18th century to defend against flooding. The island is famous for its lace-making tradition and fresh seafood, particularly in the village of San Pietro in Volta. Historically, Pellestrina played a key role in Venice’s maritime defences. |
Pellestrina
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Torcello
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Torcello is a tranquil island in the Venetian Lagoon, located a short distance from Burano and Venice.
Renowned for its historic significance, Torcello was one of the earliest lagoon settlements, thriving as a major Byzantine trade hub in the 5th century before Venice’s rise. Today, the island is sparsely populated, offering a peaceful retreat rich in history and charm. Its highlights include the 7th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring stunning Byzantine mosaics, and the ancient Church of Santa Fosca. Visitors can also see the famous Attila’s Throne and enjoy the serene natural landscapes. |
Torcello
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