Visiting Murano and Burano, two islands close to Venice, is a must while in the area. While there is no escaping the crowds completely, the two islands certainly have a calmer vibe and a slow pace of life.
Murano is predominately known for its glass blowing and glass factories, while Burano is a multicoloured wonderland.
I visited both in a day (albeit Murano was brief) and here’s how you can too.
Tickets
Tickets can be bought from any boat stop at a ticket desk or sometimes a machine. €20 gets you a 24hr ticket and as long as your taking more than 2 boats it’s the cost effective option.
Getting There
Starting from Venice, catch the 4.1, 4.2 or 3 ferry to Murano then the 12 to Burano. Google Maps is your friend for figuring out which is the most efficient route depending on your starting point.
I started at Piaza d. Roma and accidentally took the 4.1 instead of the 4.2, so lapped 3/4 of the island before heading to Murano!
MURANO
Murano is a cute island, with a calmer feel than Venice. The day I visited was the annual Regatta, welcoming over 2000 participants and many spectators.
Because of this I absolutely loved the energetic vibe along the main canal. Spectators and participants were cheering each other, (it’s a non-competitive event). However, because of my timing, I don’t think I saw Murano as it would be on a regular day.
I stayed an hour or so, wandering the streets and watching the rowing boats. If you get here around lunch this would also be a perfect break spot before boarding the boat to Burano. 
To Burano
The boat to Burano is Line 12. The schedule was messed up because of the regatta so you’re best to ask on arrival in Murano when the next Burano Boat leaves to avoid any problems. 
Arriving in Burano, I was initially disappointed by how chaotic the streets were. But doing as I do, I waked away from the crowds and found a quiet spot surrounded by rainbow houses to enjoy lunch. 
The whole island is so colourful, with photo ops on every corner. (As a result, tourists and cameras on every corner too!)
I snapped away and then found another quiet spot by the water to watch the boats and enjoy my nth gelato of the trip. 
Returning to Venice felt smoother, staying on the 12 all the way back. From there I opted to spend my evening wandering the streets, but you could easily use your 24hr ticket to transfer onto a Venice boat back to your hotel. (Again; Google is your friend).
All in all, despite the crowds, Murano and Burano are well worth a visit.
