Island Escapes Beyond the Grand Canal
Beyond the Grand Canal lie the islands—each with its own character, charm, and story. These walks take you across the lagoon to Giudecca’s peaceful waterfront, Murano’s fiery glass furnaces, and Burano’s kaleidoscope of color. Whether you’re watching artisans shape molten glass, admiring lacework in a quiet courtyard, or simply soaking in the views from a quiet promenade, these island strolls offer a refreshing escape from Venice’s crowds. Come for the scenery, stay for the slower pace and local flavor.
Each of these islands can be reached by Vaparetto from the historic City Center and from each other.
Giudecca
Giudecca sits just across the canal from central Venice, offering stunning skyline views and a slower pace. Once home to palaces and factories, it’s now a quiet residential island with leafy promenades, local cafés, and a lived-in feel. It’s Venice from a distance—calm, reflective, and authentic.
Murano
Murano is Venice’s glassmaking island, where artisans have shaped molten sand into shimmering works of art for centuries. You’ll find active furnaces, galleries, and the Glass Museum, along with quiet canals and the Church of San Donato. It’s a place where fire, craft, and tradition still thrive.
Burano
Burano is a cheerful island of vivid colors and lace-making heritage. Women still weave intricate designs by hand, continuing a tradition that once made Burano lace famous across Europe. With quiet canals, leaning towers, and a strong sense of community, Burano is both photogenic and deeply local.
Torcello
Torcello is the oldest of the lagoon islands, now home to just a few residents but rich in history. Byzantine mosaics fill the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and quiet paths lead to Santa Fosca and the Devil’s Bridge. It’s a peaceful retreat steeped in ancient stories.
Note. I have prepared this walk for our first trip to Venice at the end of September, 2025. I will update it once we complete the walk.
How to navigate with your mobile device
JCVWalks are designed to be easy to follow on your mobile device. As you walk, you can tap the header or photo for each point of interest to open the location directly in Google Maps. This will help you navigate from your current location to the next point of interest. If you’d like to learn more about any stop along the way, just click the links in the description for additional details and context.
Photo Credits
- Chiesa del Redentore (Venice) – Photo by Didier Descouens – Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, Source
- Murano Glassmaking – Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK – Licensed under CC BY 2.0, Source
- Tre Ponti Burano – Photo by Abxbay – Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, Source
- Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) – Photo by Alberto-g-rovi – Licensed under CC BY 4.0, Source
