Murano, Burano & Torcello

Murano ★★

The glass island: Since 1291, glass production has been banished here (officially due to fire hazard, actually to protect trade secrets). In the fornaci (glass furnaces), you can watch glassblowers at work live (free, but with sales pressure). The Museo del Vetro (10 €) showcases 700 years of glass art. Murano glass is recognized by the certificate "Vetro Artistico Murano" — beware of cheap fakes from China.

Burano ★★★

The most colorful island in the world: Each house in a different color — pink, yellow, blue, green, orange. Legend has it that fishermen painted their houses brightly to find them in the fog. Burano is also famous for its lace-making (Museo del Merletto, 5 €) and the best Bussolà (butter rings). A photographer's paradise — most beautiful in the morning when the laundry is hanging out.

Torcello ★★

The mother of Venice: Here, the first Venetians settled before moving to Rialto. Today, only 12 people live on the island. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (7th century, 5 €) has one of the most beautiful Byzantine mosaics in Italy — a monumental Last Judgment in gold. Torcello is the quietest and most spiritual of the lagoon islands.

Getting there: Vaporetto 12 from Fondamente Nove to Murano (10 min.), onward to Burano (35 min.), and Vaporetto 9 to Torcello (5 min.). A 24-hour Vaporetto pass (25 €) is worth it for island hopping.