Venice Lagoon Island - A Guide
LAGOON ISLANDS, VENICE
Lagoon Islands worth seeing in Venice
Venice has around 32 lagoon islands each with its own identity, from the ever-popular Murano and Burano, to the Venice Film Festival glitz of Lido, to more remote ones where times seems to have passed them by.
Some are agricultural islands, one is a cemetery (San Michele), others produce glass (Murano) or are popular for their colourful houses and lace-making (Burano). There are Byzantine mosaics to be found on some (Torcello, Murano). The Venice Film Festival (La Biennale di Venezia) is held on Lido where you can also find beaches. There are also nature reserves (Pallestrina) and much more besides. Below are listed some of the islands with details about them.
Please note: we have included St Giorgio Maggiore and Guidecca for convenience. Both islands are part of Venice’s districts.
Waterbus (vaporetto)
There are various water bus routes to get to the main islands, by either going direct or via another island. Be aware that some services are curtailed or reduced in the off-season, and always make sure that you can get a return service. See our waterbus page here.
Tickets & Information
Tours & Tickets: If you don’t wish to self-navigate your way to islands, a tour is a great option. Below each of the island listings pages you will find tours that travel there. For some of the more remote islands tours may not exist.
The most popular Murano & Burano tours are these:
Main Lagoon Islands
Giudecca
Part of the Dosoduro district of Venice. Shops, squares, galleries and restaurants away from the madding crowds.
San Giorgio Maggiore
Part of the San Marco district, San Giorgio Maggiore’s origins date from 790AD
Burano
A small Venetian island famous for its brightly painted houses and lacemaking.
Murano
Home to the craft of glass making, Museo del Vetro glass museum and rare mosaics
Lido di Venezia
Famous for the Venice Film Festival and a relaxed beach vibe.
Mazzorbo
Vineyards, Michelin starred restaurant and peace
Pellestrina
Nature, novels, beaches and relaxation
San Michele
Venice’s Cemetery Island, located between Cannaregio and Burano
San Servolo
Exhibitions, University and the Museum of Madness
Sant’ Erasmo
The market garden of Venice with birdlife and forts
San Francesco del Deserto
Home of a Franciscan monastery. It is said St Frances of Assisi visited in 1220
Torcello
Byzantine mosaics and a famous hotel frequented by film stars and royalty
San Lazzaro degli Armeni
Home to the monastery of the Mekhitarists, an Armenian Catholic congregation, since 1717
Lazzaretto Nuovo
Inhabited since ancient times, now home to a Eco-museum. Guided visits March to November
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VENICE LAGOON ISLANDS ACCOMODATION
Hotels & Apartments
Murano
Hotels & Apartments
Burano
Hotels & Apartments
Lido di Venezia
Hotels & Apartments
Always double check to ensure the property is in the correct location and suitable for your requirements
VENICE LAGOON ISLANDS MAP
With Place Markers
LAGOON ISLAND AND VENICE TOURS & ACTIVITIES
From Get Your Guide
Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour
Murano, Burano, and Torcello Private Boat Tour
Guided Tour of Burano Island
Grand Canal, Murano and Burano Half-Day Boat Tour
Murano: Glass Lampwork Workshop and Walking Tour
Create Your Glass Artwork: Private Lesson With Local Artisan
Private Yacht Tour and Glass Blowing Demonstration
Murano, Burano, and Torcello Vaporetto Guided Tour
San Michele Cemetery Island Vaporetto & Walking Tour
Giudecca Island Discover Walking Tour
Catamaran Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo
5-Kilometer Sunset Kayaking Class with Gear
All ratings November 2023. E&EO. Images are indicative of the activity but may not be of the tour.