Burano

Venice's most colourful island
Word to the wise: Vaporetto tickets must be validated before travelling. Also, check your return trip route, as not all vaporetti return the same way they come in.

It's a pleasant 40-minute water bus ride to this beautiful island, seven kilometres from Venice's north shore. Originally - and still - a fishing community, the fishermen's boats were traditionally painted in the same vivid, contrasting primary colours as the houses so they could easily be seen on misty mornings and, hopefully, avoid collision with each other.
The island is largely residential and, unlike Venice, has never relied on tourism to sustain itself. But there are plenty of little cafes and bars to occupy visitors, as well as a lace museum (lace is much cheaper here than in Venice) and a nice church with a leaning bell tower. The island is also a popular spot with amateur painters, who are drawn to the bright houses.