Boating and regattas in Venice, Italy are understandably popular pastimes and there are traditional regattas for gondolas and rowing crews. In September, the Regatta Storica is a splendid pageant with historic vessels and crews in costumes from the Renaissance period.

Races take place down the Grand Canal and the race between gondoliers is the most competitive, with special racing gondolas being used. La Sensa and Vogalona in May includes a long row from San Marco to Burano and back to the Grand Canal.