Murano and Burano are the islands of Venice's Lagoon, unmissable if you're planning a holiday in Venice. Spring is the ideal time of the year to visit them, with its beautiful sunny days and the warm weather.
Murano
Murano is famous all over the world for the glass, and to this day a visit to the glass workshops, to see with your own eyes the glass-blowers at work, is a must-have experience. To find out about the history of glass-making you can visit Murano's Museum of Glass (“Museo del Vetro”), which displays glassware from all ages, from antiquity to contemporary design. But there is not only the glass in Murano: the basilica is also worth a visit, a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. And if you stop at a “trattoria” (one of the local small restaurants), don't forget to try the eel cooked on the stone – the locals call it “bisato all'ara”. Then it's time to take the boat to Burano.
Burano
Burano is the island of the small colored houses, of the typical local sweets called “Bussolai”, and of Galuppi, a celebrated musician from the 18th century. Take a walk among its streets to breathe in the quiet atmosphere of this island of fishermen, and take some pictures. You can then visit the crochet museum with its more than 200 specimens which showcase the skills of the locals, and where you can watch a live demonstration of this ancient art. In front of the museum, the statue of Baldassare Galuppi is the island's homage to the great organist and composer. And finally go to a bakery for a taste of the “bussolà buranello”, the big cookie in the shape of a doughnut made with flour, butter and a lot of egg yolk. A true delight!
The Lido of Venice is the perfect place to stay if you plan on visiting Murano and Burano, which you can reach in half an hour by motorboat and waterbus. Both leave from Santa Maria Elisabetta, a two-minute walk from the Hotel Cristallo.