For those of you who have never heard of Burano, I can tell you that it is an island in the Venetian Lagoon famous for its colourful fishermen’s cottages. Just a 40 minute vaporetto (water bus) ride from Venice herself, it is often overlooked by those who visit La Serenissima on a tight timetable and decide it is not worth the effort. Wrong! It is a wonderful place to visit and – summer or winter – it never fails to delight.

With a population of less than 3,000 hardy souls, it a densely built-up little island interwoven by canals filled with colourful fishing boats which match the bright houses.

It is situated at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon and – apart from being highly photogenic – is famous for its lacework.  As you stroll through the island’s labyrinthine, narrow streets, you will see many ladies sitting in the…