Burano, Venice Colourful canal houses in Burano © 2010 Nick Katin

Arguably the prettiest palace in Venice’s lagoon, Burano is known for its lace industry and the colourful houses that line the streets and canals. Legend has it that the fishermen in days gone by wanted to see their houses from afar as they returned after a hard day’s trawl.
A walk along the streets will reveal a few shops that have their own seamstress producing intricate lace. But beware Chinese imitations are creeping in.
The day we were there was perfect but we must have also hit washing day! Washing dangled from lines drawn across alleys, streets, window to window, TV aerial to chimneys, anywhere that a make shift washing line could be installed.

Lacemaker Burano, Venice © 2010 Nick Katin