Burano

Burano Review

Cheerfully painted houses line the canals of this quiet village where lace making rescued a faltering fishing-based economy centuries ago. As you walk the 100 yards from the dock to Piazza Galuppi, the main square, you pass stall after stall of lace vendors. These good-natured ladies won't press you with a hard sell, but don't expect precise product information or great bargains—authentic, handmade Burano lace costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10-inch doily.

Museo del Merletto. The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) lets you marvel at the intricacies of Burano's lace making. The museum will likely continue to host a "sewing circle" of sorts, where on most weekdays you can watch local women carrying on the lace-making tradition. They may have authentic pieces for sale privately. Piazza Galuppi 187, 30012. 041/730034. €5, or free with MUVE pass. Apr.-Oct., daily 10-6; Nov.-Mar., daily 10-5. Vaporetto: Vaporetto: Burano.