Events • May 2027
Vogalonga in Venice: the great lagoon rowing celebration
Thirty kilometres with no competition, thousands of rowers and a city experienced at the rhythm of the water.
Vogalonga is one of those events that reveals Venice’s relationship with water at its strongest. Thousands of people arrive from around the world to row through the lagoon together, with no stopwatch and no ranking.
What is Vogalonga?
Vogalonga is a non-competitive rowing event and an act of love for Venice, its lagoon, islands and rowing boats. It still carries one of its original aims: encouraging greater knowledge and conscious respect for the city’s natural and cultural environment.
30 kilometres through lagoon, islands and Grand Canal
The historic route is approximately 30 kilometres long, crossing the Venetian Lagoon, passing its islands and eventually entering the Grand Canal. There is no ranking to chase: the point is to take part and experience Venice powered only by oars.
Thousands of rowers and boats
The official website describes around 8,000 rowers and 2,000 boats taking part. Rowing craft of different weights, sizes and crew numbers are welcome, creating a colourful international fleet.
A celebration with a sustainability message
Vogalonga pays tribute to traditional navigation techniques and promotes rowing boats as a more lagoon-friendly way to move on the water. It also draws attention to protecting Venice from the damage caused by wave motion.
Where to watch if you are not rowing
It is spectacular even from the shore. Different points around the lagoon offer views of the passing boats, while the huge fleet entering the Grand Canal is one of the most memorable moments. Always check transport and navigation changes on the day.
2027 edition
The next edition is expected in May 2027. The exact date, registrations, final route and organisational measures should be checked on the official Vogalonga website, whose main page currently still shows the 50th edition held on 24 May 2026.
Marghera Venice Apartments tip
Reach Venice early and keep the day flexible. Choose one section of the route to watch, then leave time for a walk: on Vogalonga day, the lagoon itself is part of the experience.
Official information
The exact 2027 date is not yet published on the official homepage. Always check the latest updates before planning your visit.
Vogalonga – official website ↗Keep exploring
More Venetian traditions on the water
A convenient base for Venice
Visiting Venice for this event?
Stay in Marghera with free private parking and convenient day-and-night connections to Venice.