Visit All the World

Saturday May 23rd 2010

For one day every year all motor boat traffic in Venice is shut down and only the traditional gondolas, kayaks, eights, fours and fishermen’s sandoli take over the Venetian lagoon. Over 5000 eager rowers journey 32 kilometers across the lagoon from the Bacino of St. Mark up to Burano and back down the Grand Canal via Cannaregio.

The Vogalonga is a famous rowing regatta attracting boat lovers and hundreds of spectators every year. One of Venice’s biggest events, the first Vogalonga took place in 1975 by a group of rowing revivalists protesting against the motor boat traffic that through wash and pollution endanger and destroy their precious city’s waterside buildings. Since then each year on a Sunday in May, for a few hours the suffocating motorized boats cease and the lagoon is left alone to the oars. Over the years virtually none of the features of a protest are left; the regatta has developed into a carnival procession, sporting challenge and affirmation of the love for the city and its “marriage to the sea”. With imaginative fancy dresses, admirals’ caps and even onboard bagpipers, in cliché Italian stripey shirts, all draw applause from the enthusiastic spectators who line the canals and fire the boats on.

The more than 3000 participants come with incredible enthusiasm to have the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience and see Venice as a river of thousands of boats.

By 9 in the morning you can watch thousands of heads bob gently in the early morning sunshine. Starting with a cannon shot, the thousands of eager rowers begin their 32 kilometer journey, shoulder-to-shoulder, rowing the Vogalonga through the most charming Lagoon in the World.

Come and be a part of the biggest boat race in Venice – even for non-participants it is an incredible experience, whether you’re holding a paddle or a nice glass of wine. To be able to fully enjoy this unique and amazing event, we offer our splendid and comfortable apartments in the city centre, ensuring a fantastic holiday at a more than competitive price. Come and enjoy the city of Venice and be a part of this unforgettable festival in the best conditions!