Burano

Burano takes half a day to see: the houses painted in bold, distinct colors -a tradition that, according to local legend, helped fishermen recognize their own home in the fog- are almost the sole reason to visit, along with the handmade lace workshops still found on the island. April-October is best. It's mid-to-high priced by Italian standards, given its proximity to Venice. Its handmade lace, crafted using a technique dating back to the 16th century, was for centuries among the most sought-after in Europe, and today only a handful of elderly artisans still produce it the traditional way.