Vogalonga Event Seasonal event

The Vogalonga, Venice's “long row”

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive rowing rally, with no timing or rankings, that brings together thousands of rowers in the Venice lagoon every year. Its name literally means “long row”. Born in 1975, it was first and foremost an event in support of rowing and the protection of the lagoon, at a time when waves from motorboats were damaging the banks and foundations of the city.

The route, about 30 km long (some sources say 32 km), starts from St Mark's Basin, heads across the lagoon to Burano, returns via the Cannaregio Canal and then follows the Grand Canal to the Punta della Dogana. All rowing boats are allowed: gondolas, sandoli, canoes, kayaks, dragon boats and large multi-rower boats, often in costume or in a club's colours.

Plan ahead: the Vogalonga usually takes place on Pentecost Sunday (24 May in 2026), a very busy weekend. Book your accommodation early and expect disruptions to navigation, including vaporetti, along the route.

Next edition: the 2027 dates had not yet been announced in mid-October 2026. If tradition is respected, it should take place on Pentecost Sunday, 16 May 2027: confirm on the official website.

More information: Official Vogalonga website.