Mrs Green and I will be in Venice in October. We are spending four nights in Venice and feel we have time to take one day trip. We are debating Verona vs Burano.

Any thoughts?

Whoops, that should have been Verona!
Anyway, I'm after the opinions of those who have been to both places. If you had to choose one over the other, which would you pick and why?
Thanks!

With only 4 nights in Venice....I think Burano would be the better choice. You can take a boat from the San Zaccaria stop.
Plus the ride through the lagoon is wonderful!!

I agree.

That's a real toughie! Verona is my favourite Italian town but I would agree that with your time constraints that Burano would be a better bet. I found it mesmerising! You could feasibly do all three of the islands, Murano (famous for it's glass), Burano (famous for its lace and painted houses) and Torcello (famous for ancient ruins, an eerie church and about 3 inhabitants!), that way you would get more sightseeing for you time, because a whole day in Burano is really too much, unless you just want to have a stroll, people-watch and soak up the Italian atmosphere (which is great too!).

The boat trip from Venice to the islands is breathtaking too, especially compared with the cramped TrenItalia trip to Verona. Much as it pains me to say it, you could always come back and spend more time in Verona on your next trip!

I hope that's helped!

xverso xxxx

I would definitely do more than one island in one day...you could make it your "Islands day" and see Murano as well...personally I prefer Murano. It's a beautiful island that I find quieter, colourful yet subdued, and you can walk around forever without dealing with crowds.

Try to see both if you can. You won't regret it.

The American Express office runs a 3-hour boat tour of all 3 islands so if you are pressed for time you can still see all three without worrying about catching particular vaporettos.

Also, if you see an island you like, you could always remain on it and enjoy it the rest of the afternoon. We did that for Torcello - and caught the vaporetto back in the evening.

Isabela, do you remember how much you paid for the 3 hours trip?I was thinking to do a day trip to Verona , but the boat ride seems quite tempting..

Tough call for me. I really like them both a lot. There is a lot more to see in Verona, and it's a great city for walking. Burano is smaller-scale, but it's unique, beautiful and easy to get to.

I say...make it a game-day decision!

Hi, we were there just last June 2004 so hopefully the prices are the same. It was either 18 euros or 22 euros, I can't remember (we just got there from Barcelona and I got it confused with the cost for the Barcelona Bus Turistic!).

But anyways, it is definitely either 18 or 22.

One small tip though: when they get you to Murano you will be herded in to see a glass-blowing demo. Don't bother, it's not manditory to sit through it - just walk out and catch up with the boat gang in 30-45 minutes.
At least then you get to see a bit of Murano, since they like to herd you back on the boat after the demo.

And remember, you could always choose to stay on Burano or Torcello if you like.

another thought: those boat tours go twice a day, though I'm not sure for October.

If you just want to see Murano and Burano (not Torcello), it might make sense to just do it on your own, and therefore avoid being rushed.

Burano. Have lunch outside at Gatto Nero. View the camanile that looks as if it will topple over at any minute. Buy some lace tableclothes.

Sorry, that should be "campanile."

kismetchimera, we did the 'Island tour' (Murano and Burano, no time for Torcello) on our own. We bought a travel card for the vaporetto, available at any ticket booth, that was valid for 24 hours. It also gave us the opportunity to cruise on the Grand Canal at dusk which was magical. Actual price for a one day ticket is € 10.50.
Info on http://www.actv.it

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am definitely leaning more towards the islands now. I will hate to miss Verona, but with the time being limited, I think this is our best option. And it sounds more interesting now than it did before, too.
Thanks, again!

With only 4 nights, definitely the lagoon islands. You won't have enough time to see all the sights in the main part of Venice as it is.

Burano and wander around the streets of "the main one". Bring your camera, the colors are wonderful. We tried to wade our way to Gatto Nero without success. (We went on a day after a Acqua Alta). We ended up a Da Romana and had a swell meal. You can dine outside there but you must check out the inside of the restaurant..rather old world. The grilled shrimp are excellent.
When you come back to Venice head up to the Danieli bar for a drink on the patio. You will have all of the lagoon and Venice beneath you. A negroni costs $9 euros but the view is worth it.

Umm Negroni..bring backs so many good memories of my youth..