Discover the Islands of Venice – A World Beyond the Grand Canal
When most visitors think of Venice, they picture gondolas gliding past the Rialto Bridge or the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. But beyond the city’s historic sestieri lies a constellation of islands, each with its own rhythm, story, and charm.
The Venetian Lagoon is home to more than 100 islands, and while many remain uninhabited or closed to the public, several are not only accessible — they’re essential to understanding the soul of Venice.
Here’s your guide to the most fascinating islands to explore beyond the Grand Canal.
Murano
Just a short vaporetto ride from Fondamente Nove, Murano has been the world’s capital of glassmaking since the 13th century. Step off the boat and you’ll smell fire and ash—the scent of furnaces still burning as artisans twist molten silica into chandeliers, goblets, and delicate sculptures.
Don’t miss:
- A glassblowing demonstration
- The Murano Glass Museum for historical context
- The Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato, with its stunning mosaic floor and ancient relics
Murano is quieter than Venice, perfect for a half-day of shopping, strolling, and sipping espresso along the canal.
Burano
Further north lies Burano, easily one of the most photogenic places in the lagoon. This fishermen’s island is famous for two things: lace and color. Legend says that local fishermen painted their homes in bright hues to help guide them back through the fog.
Highlights include:
- Handmade lace workshops, where women still work by hand, stitch by stitch
- Casa di Bepi Suà, the most colorful house on the island
- Tranquil canal-side trattorias serving fresh seafood and risotto di go
Time moves slowly here — embrace it.
Torcello
Step onto Torcello and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another century. This was once the most populous island in the lagoon — long before Rialto or San Marco rose to prominence. Today, it’s home to fewer than a dozen residents, but its spiritual and historical weight remains enormous.
Must-see:
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (639 AD), with Byzantine mosaics that rival those of Ravenna
- The Throne of Attila, a mysterious stone chair in a grassy field
- Peaceful walking paths surrounded by wildflowers, canals, and silence
Torcello is not about things to do, but rather how it makes you feel — remote, contemplative, essential.
San Giorgio Maggiore
Directly across the water from St. Mark’s Square, San Giorgio Maggiore is best known for its postcard-perfect view of Venice. Take the elevator to the top of the campanile, and you’ll enjoy one of the most panoramic perspectives in the city.
Don’t miss:
- Palladio’s masterpiece, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
- The Giorgio Cini Foundation, hosting exhibitions and cultural events
- The quiet of the island, despite its central location
It’s just one stop from San Zaccaria, but it feels like an escape.
Lido di Venezia
A thin island that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, Lido is where Venetians go to swim, sunbathe, and cycle. It’s also home to the Venice Film Festival, held each year at the Palazzo del Cinema.
What to do:
- Rent a bike and ride along tree-lined boulevards
- Walk past Art Nouveau villas and elegant beach clubs
- Visit Jewish cemeteries, churches, and local markets
Lido feels more like a seaside resort than a city — it’s where Venice goes to breathe.
Lesser-Known Gems
- San Lazzaro degli Armeni – A monastic island home to a small Armenian order and an extraordinary library
- San Francesco del Deserto – A peaceful Franciscan monastery surrounded by cypress trees
- Mazzorbo – A quiet island connected to Burano by a footbridge, home to vineyards and the Michelin-starred Venissa
To truly know Venice, you must go beyond the obvious. These islands aren’t just excursions — they’re chapters in the city’s ongoing story. From glass and lace to ancient basilicas and quiet canals, each island reveals another side of La Serenissima.
Let yourself get lost, float between islands, and discover a Venice that most visitors never see — but never forget.