Dreaming of an escape from Italy filled with the perfect scenery of history, charm, postcards and postcards, but without the overwhelming crowds of tourists in Rome or Milan, consider heading to Brano, the country's stunning island of leaps straight from painting.
Aboard a Vaporetto (water bath) just 45 minutes from Venice, Burano is a technical dream land hidden in a Venice lagoon. Known for its brightly painted houses, quiet canals and a kaleidoscope of slower living, this small fishing village has become a top candidate for Italy's most underrated destinations.
Rome fascinates ancient ruins and Venice visitors with romantic gondola rides, but Brano offers a different kind of magic.
Lines of houses in all narrow streets and waterways with bubblegum pink, lemon yellow, turquoise and lavender lines.
Legend says that the houses were originally painted in vibrant colours, allowing fishermen to recognize them from afar while they are in the ocean in the thick mist of the lagoon.
Today, tradition remains, with locals having to ask the government for permission to repaint, ensuring that the iconic palette of Brano is carefully preserved.
However, the beauty of the island is not just about the depth of its skin. Brano is also famous for its lace making traditions that have been around for centuries.
Visitors can learn more about this intricate art form at the Del Mellett Museum (Lace Museum) or wander into workshops to see lace makers at work. It is a craft passed over generations, and Brano's work has been praised all over the world.
Seafood lovers will also find plenty to celebrate here. As a fishing village, Blano's restaurant serves the freshest seafood in the Veneto region.
Don't miss Risotto Deego, a local specialty made from gobee fish caught from the lagoon.
Above all, Brano remains relatively unexplained by popular tourism. While nearby Venice struggles with tourism and visitors restrictions, Brano offers a peaceful alternative that allows you to experience authentic Italian island life without crowds.
If you're planning a trip to Italy and want something more colorful and perhaps more memorable than the regular tourist trails, skip Rome and Venice and head to Brano. It is a hidden gem worthy of the spotlight.
