Row Your Heart out

Venice will be flooding with activity this May as the Italian city prepares for the annual Vogalonga boat race in St Mark's Basin.

Since it first took place in 1975, the Vogalonga has become one of Venice's biggest events and each year rowing enthusiasts from around the world gather to take part in the 30-kilometre race along the Venetian canals to the island of Burano and back again.

Hymns are sung to Venice and Saint Mark before the rowers set off on their watery course, with huge crowds cheering them on from the water's edge. Over 50 Venetian rowing clubs take part, as well as professional and amateurs from as far afield as China.

But although it is a race, the Vogalonga is anything but competitive. In true festive spirit trophies are handed out randomly to competitors and participants often attend in boats that are designed more with entertainment in mind than aerodynamics. Some past competitors have even chosen to swim the route instead of rowing.

Anyone travelling to Venice at the end of May cannot fail to get swept up in the festivities of Vogalonga. Although the city will be busy there are plenty of cheap hotels and good restaurants for visitors to choose from.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Venice

Updated: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 09:00:00

Related Links:
Venice Tourist Board
Venice Airport