Glassblowing oven Murano, Venice © 2010 Nick Katin

To the north of Venice proper away from the madding, seething, cruise ship throng found in San Marco there’s lies two islands, Murano and Burano. They are just two of over 40 islands in the Laguna Veneta that surrounds Venice. Of course both of these attract (and indeed, need) tourists but at least they have to make some sort of effort to get there. Murano is famous for its glass and crystal production and it’s full of factories and shops with their glass blowing “Fornace” and artisans. More on colourful Burano next week.

Glassblower Murano, Venice © 2010 Nick Katin