While we might often consider Venice as that primary cluster of islands, the truth is Venice spreads further than this. Venice is made up of 118 islands, some naturally present since the city’s founding, others built up artificially.
All of these islands are connected by a network of canals and bridges, but some might be a bit further and require a quick boat trip. If you have some time in Venice, take the opportunity to go beyond Venice and explore the Venetian Islands.
What islands to visit in Venice
If we consider the cluster of islands that make up the primary city of Venice, these are the most commonly visited islands of Venice:
- San Marco Island: This is the main island of Venice and is home to famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica (Plaza San Marco, 328).
- Murano Island: Just a quick boat ride away, Murano is famous for its glass-making industry. Here visitors can see artisans at work, visit the Glass Museum, and buy exquisite glass made on-site.
- Burano Island: Known for its colorful houses and lace-making industry, Burano is a charming island not far away from the main city.
- Lido di Venezia: To the south of Venice, this island is a popular beach destination and hosts the Venice International Film Festival.
- Giudecca: Some would still consider this part of central Venice, located to the south. Giudecca is located across the canal from San Marco and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Exploring the Venetian Islands
It’s likely you will step foot on San Marco Island and that you might take a quick trip to Murano. We wanted to dig a little deeper and share our favorite Venetian Islands and what makes them unique.
Burano
Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, famous for its vibrant houses and lace-making. Burano was founded in the 6th century when fishermen from Altino (found on the mainland) settled here to escape barbarian invasions.
It wouldn’t be until the 16th century that Burano became famous for its lace-making industry, rather than as a fisherman’s post. The island’s women became renowned for their skill in creating intricate patterns within the lace, of course, all produced by hand. Lace brought such prosperity to the island that lace-makers even formed their guild.
While lace came first, the colorful houses soon followed. This became a trend in the 17th century. Legend has it that the houses were painted brightly so that fishermen could easily find their way home in the dense fog.
Murano
Chances are you’ve already heard of Murano for its renowned glass-making. The island dates back to the 7th century when the same people from Altino settled here as well as Burano to escape invasion.
While glass had been made for centuries in Venice it was in the 13th century that the industry was moved to Murano to prevent the risk of fires that could be caused by the furnaces. With an area to focus all their skill, Murano’s glass-makers soon became renowned far and wide, and they too founded a local guild.
While it is a relatively quiet island, it is an excellent way to experience a long-standing tradition of the area. Head to the glass museum and find out how exactly to spot the real deal when shopping for Murano glass.
Lido di Venezia
Lido di Venezia is one of the last Venetian islands of the lagoon, separating the city from the Adriatic Sea. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches, and luxury hotels and film lovers will love to catch sight of the Venice International Film Festival, hosted here every year in August.
Lido has been a popular beach destination since the early 20th century when it became fashionable for wealthy locals to escape the summer heat of the city. Today, the island welcomes many locals and visitors alike.
We love this island for just a bit of summer relaxation. Walking the winding alleys of Venice and taking in all the great art of the Venetian churches could tire anyone out after a bit. Luckily you can hop on a quick boat and lay back on the sandy beach of Lido in no time.
Pellestrina
Pellestrina is a small Venetian Island found between the island of Lido di Venezia and Chioggia. It’s a quaint island known for its picturesque villages, traditional fishing, and long sandy beaches.
Pellestrina highlights:
- It’s only about 11 kilometers long and 200 meters wide.
- It’s a peaceful place, with little traffic and few visitors, but it remains a local gem.
- Filled with colorful houses, narrow streets, and small churches, the island is worth a peek.
Plus Pellestrina is the spot to go for seafood lovers. Still known for its traditional fishing industry, visitors can watch fishermen at work and sample some of the local catch, fresh off the boat. If Lido di Venezia gets a bit crowded, you can hop over to Pellestrina for another sandy beach stop.
You’ll find they are uncrowded offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Venice. This is a great destination for those looking for an authentic Venetian experience.
Torcello
Torcello is a hidden gem in the Venetian Islands that is known for its ancient history and beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Torcello was once a thriving trade center, but today it is a quiet island, with only a few permanent residents.
One of the main attractions of Torcello is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 7th century. The cathedral houses beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, so that visit is well worth it. The most famous mosaic is the depiction of the Last Judgment, which you can find on the west wall of the cathedral.
On the island, you’ll also find the Church of Santa Fosca (Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, 24). Built in the 11th century, it features a beautiful circular design and stunning marble decor. Torcello is also known for its beautiful scenery.
Insider’s tip:
- Visitors often love to take leisurely walks through the island’s fields and canals, enjoying the natural environment.
San Michele
San Michele is a curious find in the Venetian islands and is often overlooked. Here you’ll find the main cemetery of Venice, the final resting place for many famous Venetians, including artists, writers, and musicians.
The cemetery on San Michele is considered one of the most beautiful places in Venice. It dates back to the early 19th century when the city decided to close all its local cemeteries to prevent the spread of diseases. San Michele was designed as a garden, with pathways and flower beds, and it quickly became a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
You’ll find many notable tombs on your visit, including those of the composer Igor Stravinsky, the writer Ezra Pound, and the family of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The island also has a church, which was built in the 15th century and is home to several works of art.
