I have been visiting Venezia on a yearly basis, and every year includes a day in Murano: a day of strolling the canals, looking at the glass work, and occasionally strolling in to a church. But it wasn’t until this trip that I realized that there is so much more to this wonderful island and I am smitten!
Nights
Sometime in 2016 (I think), the Hotel Le Gare (http://www.lagarehotelvenezia.com/en/) opened on Murano and I have been dying to stay there since. It did not disappoint! The hotel is modern, but mixes in the famous glass of Murano, the architectural details and structures from the original building (an old furnace), and is just so welcoming and inviting that you may not want to leave.
I will also tell you that Murano is an island of two faces: during the day, it is overrun with tourists looking for that special gift to take home. But at night, when the tourists leave, this is a wonderland of solitude, and quiet, and even reflection like few other places I have ever been.
Bites
If you only have one night in Murano, be sure to book the Osteria Aquastanca (http://www.acquastanca.it/homepage-en/). It’s only a short walk from the Le Gare and the food is absolutely divine! When I arrived, the entrance was full of locals talking to the owner and the barman. And immediately after sitting down, the restaurant was joined by 2 other guests, at separate tables: one, a local woman having her dinner and another man, just returning from business, who stopped in hoping to have meal. And given that they kindly made vegetarian options for me – carcioffi (in season!) with fresh mozzarella – I knew I was in love.
Sites
Lose yourself. Wonder around. Get lost. It’s an island after all so when you see water, and if that’s not where you want to be, then turn in a different direction.