What’s the Best Day Trip from Venice? Murano, Burano, or the Prosecco Hills?
Looking to escape the crowds of St. Mark’s Square and see a different side of Venice? Just beyond the canals lie islands of glass and color — and, a bit farther inland, rolling vineyards that sparkle like the Prosecco they produce.
So which makes the perfect day trip from Venice — Murano, Burano, or the Prosecco Hills? Let’s find out what makes each one special and how to pick the best fit for your travel style.
For a deeper look at local life, check out our related guides on non-touristy things to do in Venice and how locals really live in Venice.
🌊 Why Take a Day Trip from Venice?
Venice is endlessly fascinating, but part of its charm is how close it sits to other treasures. In just minutes, you can sail to glassblowing islands or colorful fishing villages; in an hour, you can be sipping wine among UNESCO-listed hills.
Day trips let you:
- Experience local life beyond the tourist circuit
- Support small family businesses and artisans
- Discover quiet beauty away from the crowds
- See how the lagoon connects to the Veneto region’s culture and cuisine
Think of Venice as your elegant home base — and these day trips as the stories that expand your journey.
🔥 Murano — The Island of Fire and Glass
Murano has been the beating heart of Venetian glassmaking for over 700 years. Here, artisans still shape molten glass by hand — a craft so precious that the old Republic once forbade glassmakers from leaving the island under penalty of death.
What to See & Do
- Watch live glassblowing: Many studios welcome visitors for short demonstrations.
- Museo del Vetro: A fascinating museum tracing glass history from Roman times to the Renaissance.
- Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato: Ancient mosaics — and, legend has it, the bones of a dragon.
Why Go
Murano is about art, fire, and heritage. You’ll feel the pride Venetians have for their craft — something we explore in depth in our article on authentic Murano glass and how to recognize it.
Local Tip
Go early morning for calm canals and real artisan workshops before the tour groups arrive.
🎨 Burano — The Most Colorful Village in Italy
Burano feels like a watercolor dream come to life. Each house wears a different shade — lemon yellow, coral pink, mint green — originally painted that way so fishermen could spot their homes through the fog. Today, it’s a photographer’s paradise and a quiet slice of Venetian island life.
What to See & Do
- Stroll the canals: Every turn is a postcard.
- Lace Museum: Learn about Burano’s centuries-old lace tradition, once worn by European royalty.
- Meet a lace maker: Only a few women still practice the art by hand — a rare and moving experience.
- Eat local seafood: Try risotto di gò or the buttery bussolà buranelli cookies.
Why Go
Burano is perfect for slow travelers, artists, and anyone who wants to see Venice through a lens of color and community. If you love this vibe, you’ll enjoy our story on Venice’s sweetest artisan treats and desserts.
🍾 The Prosecco Hills — Where Bubbles Meet Beauty
North of Venice, between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, lies a UNESCO landscape of winding hills and family-run vineyards. This is the birthplace of Prosecco Superiore DOCG — elegant, hand-harvested, and made with as much love as any fine Champagne.
What to See & Do
- Wine tastings: Visit boutique wineries that focus on quality over quantity.
- Cartizze Hill: The “Grand Cru” of Prosecco — one square kilometer of perfection.
- Picnic among the vines: Local cheese, salumi, and chilled bubbles with valley views.
Why Go
The Prosecco Hills are for romantics, food lovers, and anyone seeking peace after Venice’s crowds. Combine it with our Amarone and Verona or Prosecco Hills travel stories to plan a full wine adventure through Veneto.
🆚 Murano vs. Burano vs. Prosecco Hills
| Feature | Murano | Burano | Prosecco Hills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 10 min by boat | 45 min by boat | 1.5 hrs by car/train |
| Main Experience | Glass art & heritage | Color & culture | Wine & scenery |
| Vibe | Artistic & historic | Cheerful & photogenic | Romantic & refined |
| Best For | Design lovers | Couples, photographers | Wine lovers, nature seekers |
| Combine With | Burano or Torcello | Murano or Torcello | Treviso or Asolo |
💡 Hidden Tips for Smart Travelers
- Timing: Visit the islands mid-week; explore the hills during harvest (late August–October).
- Packing: Bring a hat, comfy shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
- Shopping: Leave space in your bag for glass or wine — you’ll want souvenirs that actually mean something.
Before you go, read our guide The Ultimate Venice Packing List for what to bring and what to skip.
🧭 Why a Private Day Trip Makes a Difference
You can reach all three destinations independently, but with a private guide you get access to the real stories — the ones hiding behind closed doors and vineyard gates.
- Skip long lines and public-transport hassles
- Meet genuine artisans and winemakers
- Enjoy flexible timing and personalized itineraries
- Support sustainable, local businesses
Our post on why visiting with a local guide is the smartest way to see Venice explains how we craft experiences that go beyond sightseeing.
🚤 Can You Do All Three in One Trip?
Murano and Burano? Absolutely — they pair perfectly in a relaxed half-day outing, especially if you add lunch by the water.
But the Prosecco Hills deserve a full day of slow travel — wine, countryside views, and maybe even a stop in Treviso or Asolo on your way back. (See our feature on Asolo, the Queen of the Hills.)
🏁 Final Verdict: Which Day Trip Is Right for You?
Murano is for artists and history lovers.
Burano is for dreamers, photographers, and couples.
The Prosecco Hills are for travelers who want to breathe, taste, and toast to the good life.
Each destination tells a different Venetian story — one shaped by glass, color, or sparkling wine. Whichever you choose, you’ll come home with something priceless: a connection to the real Veneto.
Before planning, browse more local insights in our articles on Venice Beyond the Biennale and Hidden Gems Only Locals Know.
