Travelling to Murano and Burano from Venice
Over the years, I have heard mixed reviews on Venice and travelling around the island. There are two must see islands that you must visit at least for a day. Murano is known for their hand blown creation and Burano is known for their hand made silk. Both islands are very picturesque and you will not regret the experience.
Murano, island, north of Venice, in Veneto region, northeastern Italy, with an area of 1,134 acres (459 hectares) in the Laguna Veneta (Venice Lagoon). It was founded between the 5th and the 7th century, and it experienced its major development after 1291, when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice. Murano has been a main producer of glass in Europe. The island later became known for chandeliers.
Expectations:
Venice and its surrounding islands are super expensive and can hit your wallet pretty hard. Planning and being prepared is the key element, apart from the experience. Creating a sensible budget and doing the balancing act can also help to stay within your budget and give you the well-deserved experience of a lifetime. If you are not a water person, water taxiing from place to place can be a challenge.
If you are not comfortable with a gondola, you can use the slightly bigger boat called the vaporetto. Using a small water taxi to the island of Murano was very challenging as it was crossing the Adriatic Sea which at certain times can be rough. Not forgetting, the path is occupied by several other water vessels crossing each other at the same time. If you are a fun seeker this is for you. Using the water bus/ vaporetto was a nicer and calming of the nerves experience for me.
Experiencing the ride:
As I was early for the trip, I was about the first to board from Piazza Le Roma. As the vaporetto came and docked, I thought I was not going to be able to board. The vessel was immensely packed, a few persons got off but there was not enough room to fit everyone that was waiting.
Well, I was in for a complete shock. The attendant allowed everyone to make their way onto the ferry. There was no place to hold while standing. For me, it was complete claustrophobia. I was so uneasy that I started to pray and constantly asking myself if this was a mistake. My head was like a pendulum looking for life vests while the vessel rocked on and off. When I located the chest that holds the life vests, I started to count the passengers and fell short. Hopefully there was enough vests should there be a catastrophic event. I continued praying that this vessel do not tip with its load. We were so tightly packed and crammed in. As I looked behind me, I could see that the vessel sank so visibly low into the water, I began to get nauseous and a little queasy.
The journey was just under 20 minutes, so it was fast. Once I got to Murano, I took one deep breath and realized how breathtaking this little island is. It was all worth the worry.
The trip back to Venice late evening was more calming and I did have a seat which allowed me to enjoy the view. It was less crowded and very few standing which did make a difference.
Overall: I do hope that the vessels are sea borne and regularly inspected. The fare is reasonably priced. I wish in the future that the vessels safety tips are posted more conspicuously throughout.
Apart from the fear, which some may love and not have a problem, it was indeed a beautiful trip of a lifetime. Just be prepared!!!
Directions to travel from the train station:
Going to Murano from Venice
- Ride the Line 3 “Diretto Murano” boat, which takes 17 minutes to reach Murano Colonna from the railroad station. Stay on the boat if you’d rather get off at Faro, Navagero, Museo, or Venier.
- The 4.1 waterbus, which is slower than the 3 with local stops along the way.
