History
The Vogalonga is the annual rowing regatta in Venice. It was originally launched as a peaceful protest against motorboat traffic and to preserve the Venetian rowing tradition. But that was a long time ago. The goal used to be to prevent the destruction of the lagoon caused by the wake of motorboats. But how exactly would that work: no more motorboats? The airport is 15 km from Venice. And no visitor can reasonably be expected to cover that distance in a gondola or rowboat. And transporting goods without motorboats is also hardly conceivable today—motorboats are just as much a part of everyday life here as street traffic is in any other city.
Name
Vogalonga means "the long oar.".
Date
It was first held in 1975. It usually takes place on a Sunday around Pentecost. Next date: May 16, 2026
Home
The regatta usually starts at 9:00 a.m. in the lagoon right in front of St. Mark's Square.
Objective
Back at St. Mark's Square.
The Route
The total length of the route is approximately 30 km. From the San Marco harbor basin (Bacino di San Marco) to the northern island of Burano, then back again, past Murano, and returning to the north of Venice near the train station, through the entire Grand Canal back to the starting point: San Marco. See the map on the next page.
Participants
Anyone who owns a rowing boat without a motor: The following are eligible: gondolas, dragon boats, canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, Venetian lagoon boats, etc.
Number
Often, several thousand rowers from all over the world take part. There are usually more than 2,000 boats
Tradition
It promotes traditional rowing („Voga alla Veneta“)—that is, standing and rowing while facing forward, just as is done in a gondola.
Today
Today, the Vogalonga is a very, very colorful, non-commercial festival with no competition. It's all about taking part, not about winning.
The Vogalonga Route
The entire route is about 30 km long. Therefore, all participants should be in reasonably good physical condition. Parts of the tour follow the tidal current, while other parts go against it.
It's the same with the wind. Since it's an (elongated) loop, the participants experience both tailwinds and headwinds.
Vogalonga.com
The organizer asks all participants to register in a timely manner. It even promises an early-bird registration period (until around mid-April).
He also recommends that all participants not underestimate the entire route and prepare themselves physically accordingly
Not on loan
You must bring your own equipment, as there are no rental options available on site.
Significant traffic disruption
Since the Vogalonga route also runs along the entire length of the Grand Canal, significant traffic disruptions are expected.
The same goes for the star attraction of the tour in the harbor basin in front of St. Mark's Square. This is the tourist hub, and this is where the city's heaviest boat traffic is usually found.
Even if the start is scheduled for 9 a.m., the first messengers begin gathering hours beforehand.
All Boats
The service disruptions apply not only to ACTV public transit boats but also to Alilaguna boats providing airport transfers, and all water taxis are prohibited from operating.
The fastest rowers reportedly take only 2 hours to complete the entire tour. This means that at 10:30 a.m., the entire Canal Grande is closed to all other boats. And since this canal is the city’s main thoroughfare, you can imagine just how much your arrival or departure will be disrupted during this time. Expect significant delays and very long, far walks to the train station or parking garage.
Recreational athletes
The Vogalonga is an event for recreational athletes. The goal is to participate, not to come in first. Everyone who crosses the finish line has succeeded. Although the official start is right on St. Mark’s Square, the very nervous or very ambitious participants are already waiting with their boats one kilometer down the course. And when the cannon fires the starting signal at exactly 9 a.m., they already have a head start of one or two kilometers.
Grandstand: Suitable for spectators
Of course, the two large bridges over the Grand Canal are ideal spots for spectators and family members: the Rialto Bridge and the Accademia Bridge.
But …
As is often the case with other large events, these bridges are closed to spectators. They are then open only for crossing, but not for lingering.
No lakeside path
And since there is no continuous path along the entire length of the Canal Grande, there are only a few spots left for spectators.
Expert Tip:
The steps at the Church of La Salute, shown here in the photo, are ideal for all spectators. First, There are plenty of comfortable places to sit on the steps in front of the church, secondly all the boats right in front of you pass by on the canal, and thirdly Look ahead to the finish line at St. Mark's Basin.
Vogalonga Impressions
