Murano – Venice

08 Monday Apr 2013

Tags

glass blowing, Murano, Murano glass, vaporetto, venice

During our stay in Venice, we took the vaporetto or water bus to the island of Murano which is north of Venice. About a 30 minute ride on the vaporetto from San Marco.

Murano is the most famous of the Venetian Islands , and the most visited due to the famous glass-works that produce the popular “Murano Glass”.

On arrival to Murano we visited a glass making factory and watched the glass products being made.

From there, we wandered in to the main area of Murano where the shops, cafes and restaurants are all built around the canal.

Murano is such a gorgeous town with so many colourful buildings.

We stopped for lunch in one of the restaurants and I enjoyed the best insalata Mediterranean.

I purchased a few of the glass made pens for gifts which are so special plus some beads for Pandora bracelets. Also, a few other glass items.

Some of the companies that own historical glass factories in Murano are among the most important brands of glass in the world. Today, to protect the original Murano Glass art from foreign markets, the most famous Glass Factories of this island have a Trade mark that certifies products in glass made in the island of Murano.

Today, the artisans of Murano still employ these centuries-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass jewelry to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

Burano – Venice

25 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Burano, Venice

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Burano, Burano lace, venice

Another trip I took from Venice was to the island of Burano. Burano is situated 7 kilometers from Venice, a short 40 minute trip by vaporetto.

Once you leave the vaporetto, after a short walk you will arrive in the centre of the island to Piazza Galuppi. You will be encouraged to go in to the shops to see the lovely lace working.

Burano is very famous for its lace. However on the island there is also production of venetian masks.

Fishing is also a major industry on this island. Everywhere you look you see the little fishing boats and of course the brightly coloured houses.

In the main square you will see the elderly ladies laughing and chatting while they do their embroideries.

There are several great eateries where you can enjoy the locally caught fish. If you just feel like a snack I can recommend the gelato which you will find in the bar or you can get one of Burano’s famous sweet dishes, the Bussola or the Esse

There are many colorful houses to see in Burano. Every color of the rainbow is represented. The village is quiet and peaceful. Enjoy lunch or a drink and buy some lace from a local artist.

Almost every shop on this little island sells lace products. However, beware that there are many cheap foreign products, and the real stuff is quite expensive. In most of the shops in Burano you can tell the hand made lacework from the machine made especially if they are side by side.

The only way to get around Burano is by foot.

Burano is another must to visit if you have the time while staying in Venice.

Lido – Venice

18 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Lido, Venice

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

bike riding, Lido, vaporetto, venice

After a couple of days in Venice, I decided to hop on the Vaporetto for a trip to Lido. It was only a short ride on the water bus.

I had purchased a 3 day pass for the Vaporetto which made it so easy and so economical to hop on and hop off the water buses day and night. I highly recommend purchasing a multi day pass for the vaporetti.

As soon as I arrived in Lido, I felt good. I walked down Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, passing the eye-catching Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria, to the main beach area.

It is less than a kilometer. I sat and enjoyed a gelato before taking a long walk along the beach.

It is not a great beach but it sure was nice to get away from the crowds and just take in the refreshing sea breeze.

It was cool when I was there so not enticing for a swim however the water was clean and quite warm and there were some people in swimming.

There is a great bus service if you would rather not walk or you can rent a bike. Lido on Bike is a bike rental company that is located half a block from the Vaporetto stop. You can cycle all around the island if you have the time. It is a great experience

The Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta is a beautiful wide tree lined street running through the main part of Lido housing hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes.

When I return to Venice, I will re visit Lido, it is a delightful escape from the crowds and busyness of Venice. There were very few cars, people were walking and riding bikes

If for no other reason, visit Lido and breathe some lovely fresh air.

Venice – Monastery

04 Tuesday Sep 2012

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Monasteries, Venice

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

italy, italy on a budget, monastery, venice

The monastery that we stayed at in Venice is in the area called Giardini which is in the old centre of Venice. For info on this monastery click here.

Bridge to our monastery

Giardini is only 2 vaporetto stops from San Marco Piazza. However it is also a very pleasant and easy 15 minute walk from this monastery to the Piazza. Giardini is far enough away from the busy heart of Venice but close enough to enjoy everything.

Vaporetto

My room in this monastery was large and had 2 ceiling to floor windows which over looked the international ships in port.

The breakfast that was included in the rate was one of the best breakfasts that we had at any of the monasteries. Also, there was easy access to internet and wifi.

Main street of Giardini

In Giardini, the main street is lined on either side by many cafes, bars and restaurants. Eating out was very affordable with excellent choices. The atmosphere was charming particularly in the evenings. We dined most nights in the Giardini centre and paid approx. 10 euro for a great meal including wine.

Giardini has beautiful gardens which have been there since the Napoleonic era and now days have been the traditional venue for the International Art Exhibition since 1985.

Of course in Venice the local transport is the Vaporetto, which is the water bus. This is such a fun way to travel. I recommend that you buy a several – day or multi day pass as it makes it so easy to hop on and hop off the vaporetti as they run so often to each of the main islands.

The most cost effective way to get to the airport from Venice is on the water taxi If you are arriving or departing from Venice by train then it is very easy to take the vaporetto to or from the train station.

This was not my first trip to Venice however this trip was by far the best. We only had 4 days here but they were 4 wonderful days. I would certainly return and stay just as long or even longer. I do believe that being away from the heavily congested tourist area made such a difference.

Please note also there are lovely B&Bs in Giardini which are also very affordable.

Travelling with Lyn

~ My experiences in Italy and the world

Category Archives: Venice

Murano – Venice

Burano – Venice

Lido – Venice

Venice – Monastery