There are several islands in the Venetian lagoon, and probably the second most popular (after Venice itself) is Murano – the historical home of the world-famous Venetian glass-blowing industry.

Murano could be called a little Venice, though the locals may not appreciate that. It has a main canal like Venice, which, while not as grand as the Grand Canal has a charm and beauty all its own. The buildings and shops that line the canal are as elegant as any of the more modest homes in Venice, and the whole island has a far more village feel to it than the main city.

If you like glass blowing and glass art, then Murano is possibly the one place in the world you really need to get to. When the rest of the world was praising and celebrating Venetian glassware, it was Murano they were really talking about.

Warning! If you’re looking through the so-called “Venetian glass” shops in Venice itself or elsewhere in Italy, be sure that the glass come from Murano – some shops are just selling cheap Chinese imports and calling it Venetian just because the design is vaguely similar.

The main canal on Murano

For visitors to the main island of Venice, the Venetian city council has arranged an innovative and novel deal for those interested in Murano. Dotted about Venice (certainly in the Piazza San Marco) you’ll find city tourist staff offering you a free water-taxi ride to Murano. That’s worth about €65! So you can get over to the island for free.

Ah, but what about getting back? you ask. If you don’t buy anything once you’re over there, then yes, you have to pay your own fare back. But, if you purchase some glassware from one of the glass-blowing factories, then they will pay your water-taxi fare back to Venice. That’s not to say you only need to spend €5 and you get a free €65 water-taxi ride, but if you spend a reasonable amount (whatever the factory you’re at decides is reasonable, that is) then your trip there and back is covered.

The main square in Murano

Teddy was naughty and spent far too much, but the purchased bowl was so beautiful there are still no regrets! If you decide to buy something large, they’ll even ship it internationally for you at no extra charge. Take no notice of the price tags on the individual items – they tend to be a guide only, and a starting point for negotiations. For large items you are likely to pay much less (probably around half) of whatever is on the price tag, if you ask.

There is more to Murano than the glass factories, of course. For a start, there are many quaint shops along the main canal, and some fascinating back alleys to explore. Eateries are a little plainer than on the main island, but that’s actually a bonus – good (basic) food at better prices.

Murano

As with Venice itself, there is a lot of restoration and rebuilding work going on in Murano, so it will be interesting to visit again in a year or two to see how much it has changed. While it may be politically incorrect to suggest that Murano is like a quiet, small scale Venice, that is certainly the impression that this Teddy came away with.

It is certainly worth taking a walk through the rest of Murano before you return. It is a beautiful part of the lagoon, and well worth your time.