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Head for the Riviera di San Nicolò at the Lido (see Lido: beach side) to watch this ancient ceremony of “Venice wedding the Sea”. A costumed “doge” casts a ring into the sea amid a procession of celebratory boats. Symbolizing Venice’s maritime supremacy, the Sensa has been staged since Venice took Istria and Dalmatia in AD 997.

Venetians make a pilgrimage to Longhena’s church on the Grand Canal (see Santa Maria della Salute) every winter, to give thanks for the end of the 1630 plague. The area assumes a festive atmosphere with stalls selling candy floss and balloons.

The word regatta originated in Venice so what better place to enjoy the year’s most spectacular event? Ornately decorated boats propelled by costumed oarsmen parade down the Grand Canal bearing passengers dressed as historical dignitaries. A series of furiously contested regattas follows.

Immensely popular Venetian pastime practised standing-up. Join the oldest club Canottieri Bucintoro.

Yachtsmen gather at the marina on San Giorgio Maggiore island.

Anyone can take part in this leisurely non-competitive walk or run “up and down the bridges”. A variety of official routes can be followed, and all participants receive a medal on finishing.

Head for the Lido, or the crowded indoor pools at Sacca Fisola and Sant’Alvise.

The Lido has the only courts available to visitors.

One of the world’s most beautiful marathon routes. Runners from all parts of the globe begin this classic 42-km (26-mile) race at Villa Pisani on the Brenta waterway, cross the causeway to Venice, the Zattere and San Marco, and finish near the public gardens in Castello.

A colourful armada of rowing craft from all over the world embarks on a 32-km (20-mile) non-competitive route around the lagoon’s scattered islands. The “Long Row” is a great experience for both participants and on-lookers, who line the Canale di Cannaregio towards midday to cheer on the breathtaking final stretch down the Grand Canal.