Back in April I hot-footed my way to Venice for the first time. As well as finding time to don some classic Venetian-inspired stripes, I also grabbed my camera and went on a knockout colour hunting adventure to a little island called Burano. Click through after the jump to discover all the charming and colourful corners of what could very easily be the brightest place on Earth!
Unlike Venice where the canals are lined with terracotta and neutral shades, Burano’s banks are lined by row upon row of rainbow facades. The individual vibe of each home and building lends the island bucket loads of character. From a distance the buildings look like storybook sets; up close their weathered paint texture and age-old street names result in a juxtaposition to the abundance of cheerful colour.
Shortly after disembarking the boat (the island is around forty minutes by water from Venice) I walked down a narrow alleyway and turned the corner at the end to see this (above picture). Safe to say my excitement levels hit 100 at that point: all those incredible colours in one place was extraordinary to see for this hue hunter! I spent a good hour wondering up to buildings, capturing the colour combinations, the textures, and the everyday scenes of this quiet square.
Alongside all the colours, there was also an abundance of stripes. I know – amazing! Little stores selling lace are found all over the island as it’s famed for it’s lace production. Another island en route to Burnao called Murano is famed for it’s coloured glass, while Burano focuses on textiles. Darling nonna’s sit chewing the fat/gossiping(!) on stone steps and old wooden chairs, the colourful lace they have made billowing in the wind around them. But why all the lace? Well many years ago the wives of fishermen started to knit lace while they waited for their husbands to return from sea, and soon the island became known as the ‘land of lace’.
The fishermen weren’t just a catalyst for the island’s lace heritage, but also are the reason why the houses are each painted a different colour. In the old days, fishing was the main way for the islanders to earn a living As the fishermen would go out to fish early and return late it would be almost impossible to find their homes, especially during the winter, when their homes appeared to be ‘invisible’ because of thick fog. As such, it’d hard to see two houses side by side in the same colour on the island.
Where should you eat when you walk the island of Burano? Well, if you fish is your game then Al Gatto Nero da Ruggero is a must try. Jamie Oliver even recommended this restaurant in one of his TV shows many years ago and it’s clear to see why! If you are looking for something more casual (and, to be honest, even if you aren’t you should still try this!) then head to Devil’s Pizza. Here you buy by the slice and see the pizza being made by hand in front of you. No exaggeration: this is the best pizza I have ever eaten in my life! 
Have you ever been to the island of Burano? Where is the most colourful place you have travelled to?
// Photography by Will Taylor
31 Comments
Woooooooooooooooow!!! I need to visit this place now! Amazing pictures!
@Belle – It’s like a dreamland. I would love to go back! 🙂
Your travel photography gets better and better Will. Bravo man!
@Jake – Cheers, that means a lot from your talented eye!
Whoa there, this is a serious attack of colour!
Buckets & Spades
@Mat – Right?! Just incredible! Never before had I seen any place like it.
This place looks amazing! Shows what a splash of colour can do!
@Jess – Totally, I agree!
Such a gorgeous place, and like everyone else said – some serious color going on, but in a quirky, small town vibe kind of way.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
@Josh – I know, such a knockout little place. Loved it!
I will add this to my travel bucket list.
Well captured, really made me smile! 🙂
Cheers, Rob
@Robert – So pleased it made you smile! 🙂
Whoooa! So fun! I love it! This city was made for you! Miss you, Will! ;D
@Dabito – You would looooooove it there! Let’s go! Miss ya too, buddy! 🙂
Soooo beautiful! So cheerful! It trully makes you smile! ♥♥♥
Thanks for sharing!
@Florencia – Yay! My pleasure! 🙂
Wow! i really like this colorful post
Your photos are stunning
xoxo
@welovefur – Thank you.
You really inspire a person to go travelling! Love your pics and articles. Your Blog is really one of the best out there. Take care x
@Cols – Such a lovely comment; really made me smile, thank you. So pleased it has inspired you to go travelling! 🙂
What stunning photos. Never heard if this place but is now on my very long bucket list. Thanks 🙂
@Julie – Yay! Well worth putting near the top of that list! 😉
OMG OMG!!!! this is insanely beautiful. I bet the peeps who live here are always in a good mood. LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos. Think I’ll visit this post again when it’s grey and rainy outside.
cheerio,
mikky
@Mikky – Wahoooo! Thanks for stopping by, really pleased you enjoyed it! 🙂
What an amazing place, so bright and colourful you couldn’t not wake up with a smile here!
@Glyn – I agree, just wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to go there for years! Stunning.
@David – Oh, you must – a total dreamland!
Just got back from a 13 country tour and that island was my favorite place, would love to return there someday.
Fantastic post, I’ll be dreaming of Burano for the rest of the afternoon! The most colourful place I’ve been to is Cuba. Particularly Havana and Trinidad:)
@Leanne – I would LOVE to visit Cuba. That must have been amazing!