Murano, the island of glass

(S/E) From the lighthouse, where the vaporetto drops you off, head straight along the wide, tree-lined street. Walk past the Oratorio del Ospizio Briati. Carry on straight ahead; you’ll already start to see a few shops and glassworks. At the canal, turn left. Ignore the first bridge over the canal and take the second one (Ponte Santa Chiara). Continue left along the canal until you reach Piazzale Colonna (another vaporetto stop).

(1) Walk past the column and follow the lagoon on your left. You’ll find more artistic workshops along the jetties. Walk until you need to turn right. Walk straight on until you reach the blocks of flats (small signs attached to the façades point you in the direction of the Centre).

(2) Turn right. Then take the^second alleyway on the left and finally turn right at the^second one after that. Follow this alleyway until you reach the canal. Continue to the left. Ignore the bridge and walk to the church on your left. Have a look inside. Continue along the canal and take the^first bridge on your right.

(3) Cross the small square diagonally to the left and take the path alongside the restaurant. You’ll find yourself alongside the Canale Ponte Lungo; walk along its right-hand side for about 450 metres and, before the lighthouse, turn right. Walk up Calle Briati until you reach the Oratory. Turn left and return to the jetty. (S/E)

Combine this with a visit to Burano: naturally, you’ll need more time to explore this island than the 45 minutes listed, but don’t miss out on a visit to Burano.
There are several drinking fountains along the route.
The route is open-air, so make sure you’re well protected from the sun.
Plenty of shops and restaurants.
Please note: in restaurants, service isn’t included and you’ll be charged for each place setting!

Take the vaporetto from Piazza Roma, not far from Venice railway station; the journey takes 20 minutes from Venice.
1-day vaporetto pass for €20 (2021)

During
Faro di Murano: The Lighthouse
Colonna: The Column
The glassworks
Chiesa San Pietro Martire / Church of San Pietro: This church houses several paintings by the great masters of Venetian art: two splendid works by Veronese, one by Giovanni Bellini, one by Tintoretto and one by Palma il Giovane.

Nearby
Basilica of San Donato: on the other side of the island