Salone Nautico Venezia 2026 — Boat Show at the Arsenale, 27 to 31 May
In a nutshell: From Wednesday, 27 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026, the Salone Nautico Venezia boat show takes place — in the historic setting of the Arsenale di Venezia, the former shipbuilding area of the Serenissima. In the water basin and in the halls, over 280 boats from 70+ international shipyards are presented: motor yachts, sailing boats, tenders, traditional Venetian boats, and electric and hybrid propulsion technologies. Day ticket €20, 5-day pass €50. If you are planning to buy a boat in the Adriatic region, or are simply interested in classic and modern marine architecture, a stop at the boat exhibition is worthwhile.
What makes the show so special
The Salone Nautico Venezia (held annually since 2019) differs from other European boat shows through its unique setting: the Arsenale di Venezia was the heart of the Venetian maritime republic for over 800 years. This is where the Serenissima’s galleys were built, with which Venice dominated the Mediterranean. Today the brick halls, some of them UNESCO-protected, display modern yachts and boats — a tension between historic shipbuilding tradition and the present-day boating market.
A second difference: instead of a pure exhibition in a hangar, visitors can view many boats directly in the water — the Arsenale basin is at the same time the exhibition area. Test runs are possible by prior arrangement, and on some days spontaneously too.
What there is to see
- Motor yachts 8 to 30 metres long — the larger ones lie at anchor in the outer basin.
- Sailing yachts of classic and modern design, including some replica models of traditional Venetian ships.
- Electric boats and hybrid propulsion — for the first time in 2026 as a dedicated themed hall, with test runs in the lagoon.
- Traditional Venetian boats (caorline, sandolo, pupparino) — boats still used today in regattas such as the Vogalonga and the Regata Storica.
- Accessories and marine equipment — navigation, safety, lifestyle, from 70+ exhibitors.
- Conferences and specialist talks — sustainability, propulsion technology, boatbuilding innovations.
Opening hours and tickets 2026
- Opening hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Wednesday–Sunday), Sunday until 6:00pm.
- Day ticket: €20 standard, €15 reduced (students, seniors over 65).
- 5-day pass: €50 standard, €40 reduced.
- Children under 12: free (accompanied by an adult).
- Tickets: online at salonenauticovenezia.com — advance booking recommended, longer queues on site.
Getting there — how to reach the Arsenale
The Arsenale di Venezia is in the east of the city, in the Castello sestiere. The best vaporetto connections:
- Vaporetto line 1 (Grand Canal line) — the “Arsenale” stop at the main building.
- Vaporetto line 5.1/5.2 (circular line) — the “Tana” stop, closer to the show entrance.
- On foot from St Mark’s Square: 20 minutes through Castello, straight ahead along the Riva degli Schiavoni.
- On foot from the Giardini Biennale pavilions: 8 minutes — the two locations combine well.
Tip: combine Salone Nautico + Vogalonga + Biennale
If you come for the Vogalonga on 24 May and stay until Whit Monday (25 May) or longer, you can take in the Salone Nautico on Wednesday (27 May) and visit the Biennale Arte, already running since 9 May. This three-event combination (lagoon sport, maritime history, a major art exhibition) is one of the most packed Venice weeks of 2026 — many visitors plan their late-May trip specifically around these dates.
Staying over during this week
The late-May holiday weekend plus the Salone week pushes hotel prices up. If you book at short notice (less than 4 weeks before arrival), you pay a 30 to 50% premium over standard prices. Alternatively: Mestre hotels stay cheaper, with a 10-minute train connection to the island. Or: Cavallino-Treporti by car + vaporetto line 14 — cheaper and with a beach bonus.