Burano, Italy

When people tell me they’re traveling to Venice, Italy, I immediately suggest that they make time for a side trip to Burano, an island about 30 minutes from Venice.

My first visit to Burano was about 20 years ago. My brother and I were traveling around and we somehow stumbled upon the tiny island.

I remember that moment I stepped off the water bus (boat), because it’s one of those places that’s etched in to your mind forever—it’s one of those place that can immediately stops you in your tracks and make your jaw drop.

Rich, vibrant hues painted on every home as far as the eye can see reflect on the canals that Venice is famous for.

Yes, Venice is a must-see spot, but Burano is pure magic.

As the story goes, back in the day fishermen would come home drunk after a long day at sea, and then would stumble home…only they’d enter the wrong house since they all looked the same.

So someone had the bright idea (literally), to start painting their homes different colors.

The result is an island that could be classified as its own work of art.

There really isn’t much to do on this tiny island except to walk around and gawk at the beauty.

And to pinch yourself, because being there always feels like a dream. There are several places to eat, and lots of little stores for shopping.

Burano is known for making high-quality lace, and you’ll see fancy and frilly lacy things hanging from shop windows around every corner.

Plus, of course, classic shots of regular clothes hanging out to dry.

Time to let the pictures do the talking:

Gorgeous, right?

I still can’t believe that this stunning place was only about an hour and a half away from us.

Of course, now I’m kicking myself for not going there every single weekend, but I have to remember that we lived there and weren’t just on vacation every weekend.

Still, I’m thankful we had the opportunity to visit as often as we did, and I’m even more happy that I have these photos to look back on years later.