The Historical Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is one of Italy's most storied waterborne competitions, bringing together Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice in a display of pageantry and athleticism. When the event lands in Amalfi, it transforms the town with a centuries-old maritime heritage into a stage of colorful parades and intense rowing. For a comprehensive overview, see our Regata Storica Amalfi guide.
Because the regatta moves between cities, the schedule is not fixed each year. This guide explains how the rotation works, what a typical Amalfi edition includes, and how you can find out when the next one will be.
How the Rotation Works
The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is held annually, but it rotates among four cities: Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice. The official charter, instituted in Amalfi on December 10, 1955, established that the festival would take place in turn in each of the four republics, so a full cycle spans four years.
This means Amalfi hosts roughly every fourth year, not every year. For instance, the 70th edition was held in Amalfi in 2025, and previous editions have taken place in the other cities in intervening years.
To know when Amalfi next hosts, the most reliable approach is to follow the official tourism website of Amalfi and the event's communications. Since the rotation is not always in a strict sequence due to planning, checking these official channels for updates is essential.
A Typical Amalfi Edition
When Amalfi is the host, the event typically spans several days, blending civic celebrations with the sporting centerpiece. The 2025 edition, for example, ran from May 15 to May 18, starting with the presentation of posters of all 70 editions and a conference on the history of the regatta.
On the Saturday, proceedings often begin with a women's rowing palio from the Marmorata stretch to Atrani, followed by the presentation of crews in Piazza Umberto I in Atrani. The highlight is the historical procession, where participants in period costumes parade from Atrani to Amalfi, culminating on the steps of the Cathedral.
The Sunday is reserved for the main event: the Palio Remiero, a rowing race among the four republics. The afternoon typically also includes an awards ceremony and performances by the Carabinieri band.
The 2,000-Meter Race Course
In Amalfi, the race starts from Cape Vettica, a promontory marked by a 16th-century viceregal tower. The course runs along the western coast for a 2,000-meter length, finishing in front of the Marina Grande, with the backdrop of Mount Aureo and historic towers.
Each city's galley is built to 12th-century designs, is 8 meters long, and weighs 760 kilograms, with eight rowers and a helmsman. The boats are painted in the traditional colors: blue for Amalfi, red for Pisa, white for Genoa, and green for Venice, and they carry distinct figureheads such as Amalfi's winged horse.
Schedule from the 2025 Edition
The 2025 program offers a concrete reference for what to expect. On Saturday, May 17, the women's rowing palio started at 5:45 p.m., with the historical procession departing from Atrani at 7:30 p.m. and arriving at the Cathedral at 8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 11:45 p.m. over the bay.
On Sunday, May 18, the Palio Remiero began at 12:30 p.m., departing from the waters of Vettica and arriving at Marina Grande. The awards ceremony followed at 1:15 p.m. in Piazza Flavio Gioia. Later that day, the Carabinieri fanfare performed in Piazza Duomo.
While these timings are specific to 2025, they illustrate the general structure. For a future edition, always verify the current schedule from official sources, as times and activities may vary.
How to Get Updated Date Announcements
Because the event does not happen in Amalfi every year, confirming the next edition requires checking official channels. The Comune di Amalfi website and the Visit Amalfi tourism portal are the best places for announcements, including exact dates and the full program.
Additionally, local news outlets and social media pages for the event often share updates. If you are planning around a specific year, contact the Amalfi tourism office directly for confirmation before booking travel.
Plan Your Visit
Attending the Regata Storica in Amalfi offers a unique chance to see history come alive on the water. Whether you are drawn to the colorful parade or the fierce competition, understanding the rotation and schedule structure helps you plan effectively.
Remember that the event only takes place in Amalfi every few years, so stay informed through official channels to catch the next edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Amalfi Regata Storica?
The Amalfi Regata Storica is not held annually in Amalfi; it rotates among Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice. The most recent edition in Amalfi was held May 15-18, 2025. For the next scheduled date in Amalfi, check official Amalfi tourism sources.
How often does Amalfi host the Regata Storica?
Amalfi hosts approximately every four years, since the event rotates among the four Ancient Maritime Republics. The exact interval can vary, so monitoring official announcements is essential.
What is the schedule for the Amalfi Regata Storica?
The schedule generally includes a historical parade and a rowing race. In 2025, the parade took place on Saturday evening from Atrani to Amalfi, and the race was on Sunday afternoon. Exact times change each edition, so verify from the official program.
Where does the Amalfi regatta start?
The regatta in Amalfi starts from Cape Vettica, a promontory with a 16th-century tower, and the 2,000-meter course finishes at Marina Grande.