Event Details
Welcome to the Regata Storica 2026 in Venice
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Grand Canal in Venice once again becomes a floating stage for the Regata Storica. The historic rowing regatta commemorates the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, in 1489 and has remained one of the city's most important traditions for centuries.
Highlights and Attractions at the Regata Storica in Venice
- A spectacular historical parade featuring more than a hundred sixteenth century style boats
- The Bucintoro, a faithful replica of the ceremonial state barge once used by the Doge
- Rowers and crews dressed in elaborate Renaissance costumes
- Four consecutive races, each featuring a different traditional Venetian boat type
- The gondolini race as the sporting highlight of the day
- Races for women and for young rowers in the Schie and Maciarele categories
- The floating finish line grandstand, the Machina, near Ca Foscari
Find Accommodation in Venice
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Venice
The historic corteo storico sets off around 3:30 PM from St Mark's Basin and travels along the Grand Canal toward the railway station before returning to the finish area. From around 4:00 PM the actual races begin, starting with the youth and women's regattas, before the main gondolini race concludes the afternoon with the prize giving ceremony at the Machina around 6:00 PM.
Tickets and Admission for the Regata Storica in Venice
Watching from the fondamente and public spots along the Grand Canal is free, though good positions should be claimed several hours in advance. For a comfortable view with guaranteed sightlines, seats on the floating grandstands can be booked through the official Venezia Unica portal; prices range from around 76 to 163 euros depending on position and proximity to the finish line. These seats typically sell out months ahead of the event.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Venice
- Private boats are not permitted on the Grand Canal on the day of the event, so plan to arrive on foot or by vaporetto
- For a good standing spot along the canal, arriving three to four hours before the parade begins is advisable
- Early September usually brings warm, sunny weather to Venice, so sun protection, water and patience are recommended
- Accommodation in Venice should be booked well ahead given the high demand around this weekend
- Restaurants and bars overlooking the Grand Canal are in high demand that day and should be reserved in advance
