Vogalonga Venice – The Grand Rowing Regatta of the Lagoon

Welcome to Vogalonga Venice 2027

On Sunday, 16 May 2027, the Venice Lagoon transforms into a spectacular rowing celebration. The Vogalonga is one of the most extraordinary events in the world of sport: no competition, no winners, no time limit. Thousands of rowers from around the globe take on a 30-kilometre route through Venice's canals and lagoon islands, celebrating Venetian rowing culture and the protection of the lagoon.

History

The Vogalonga was founded in 1975 as a symbolic protest by Venetian rowing clubs against the growing motorboat traffic and the wave damage it caused to the city's foundations and canal banks. The name simply means "long row". What began as a local act of protest has grown into an international event welcoming up to 8,000 participants and more than 2,000 boats from dozens of countries.

Highlights

• Traditional cannon shot start at 9:00 AM from the Bacino di San Marco
• Up to 8,000 participants from around the world on the water
• Over 2,000 boats: gondolas, kayaks, dragon boats and all types of rowing craft
• 30 km route through the northern lagoon and back along the Grand Canal
• Passage through the islands of Murano, Burano, Sant'Erasmo and Mazzorbo
• Finish line in front of the Basilica della Salute and Punta della Dogana
• Every participant receives a medal, diploma and official Vogalonga merchandise

The Route

The Vogalonga starts at the Bacino di San Marco and heads north through the lagoon, passing Sant'Elena and the island of Certosa, then continuing to the islands of Vignole, Sant'Erasmo, San Francesco del Deserto and around the eastern side of Burano. From there, boats pass through Mazzorbo and Murano before returning to Venice through the Rio di Cannaregio into the Grand Canal, passing under the Rialto Bridge and the Ponte dell'Accademia, and finishing in front of the Basilica della Salute.

Registration & Participation

The Vogalonga is open to everyone aged 16 and above who has access to a rowing boat. All types of non-motorised rowing craft are welcome: traditional Venetian gondolas and sandoli, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats and more. Registration is completed exclusively online at www.vogalonga.com and opens approximately one month before the event. Places are limited, so early registration is strongly advised. The participation fee is announced on the official website.

Visitor Tips

• The best spectator spots are the Zattere waterfront, the Riva degli Schiavoni, the Rialto Bridge and the Fondamenta di Cannaregio.
• Arrive early: from around 8:30 AM boats gather in the Giudecca Canal ahead of the start.
• The finish at Basilica della Salute continues from early afternoon into the early evening as boats trickle in.
• Book hotels in Venice well in advance; the city fills up quickly for this popular spring weekend.
• Travel by vaporetto (water bus); private cars cannot enter Venice.