As if by magic, most of the masked figures in Venice set out on Tuesday mornings, take the vaporetto, and head to the neighboring island of Burano. The masked figures have been familiar with this routine for a long time, and the photographers seem to follow them as if by prior arrangement.

Burano is a small island, a small village. You’ll find your way around very easily there. Both the masked people and the crowd of photographers take the boat (vaporetto). So everyone already knows each other by the time you arrive on Burano.

If you're new here and visiting for the first time, just follow the masks—go with the crowd. They know their way around. They know where the best and most colorful houses are.

Burano, the „colorful“ island in the lagoon

You can easily reach the colorful island of Burano by vaporetto. The easiest way to get there is by Line 14 There. It departs directly from St. Mark's Square—we highly recommend this route, as it is centrally located and convenient.

Alternatively, you can also use the Line 12 From Fondamente Nove to Burano. However, this pier is located a bit outside the historic center and is significantly farther away on foot.

Our tip: If you're staying near St. Mark's Square or starting your visit there, Line 14 is the most pleasant option. Plus, this line offers a beautiful ride through the Venetian Lagoon. And it's usually not as crowded as Line 12.

Colorful Beyond Belief

Even if this is your first time here in Burano, you'll quickly find your way around. Most of the models are seasoned and have been here many times before. They know exactly where to pose.

Just follow the masks—and your success as a photographer is practically guaranteed. However, one thing that’s beyond your control but has a major impact on the quality of your photos is the weather.

The mask makers know this, too. After all the preparation—tailoring the costumes and carefully painting the masks—they hope to be rewarded with impressive photos for their own portfolios.

For this reason, there are usually far fewer masks in bad weather or under overcast skies than when the sky is bright blue.

Dates and times.

There is no central organization and no set rules that the masks must follow. Each mask and each photographer acts according to their own interests and preferences.

As mentioned earlier, the Venice Carnival lasts about two weeks—two weeks and two days, to be exact. It begins on the weekend that falls two weeks before the actual highlight of the festival. And every Tuesday is „Burano Day.“.

The first masks arrive around 10:00 a.m. As each boat arrives at 30-minute intervals, the number grows. The peak is reached around noon. After that, the masks return to Venice one by one.

You can stay for just an hour, or take the opportunity to enjoy a quiet lunch and take home some photos of the colorful houses—all without masks.

Quieter than Venice

If, as a photographer, you've already experienced the crowds and jostling in Venice—and perhaps even come away with a bruise or two—you'll find your stay here in Burano to be truly relaxing and especially pleasant.