Kayak through Vicenza: from the old city to the Berici countryside

About

This is the kind of paddle that makes experienced river people stop and look twice at a map. You launch in Vicenza, a city better known for Palladian architecture than for paddling, and within minutes you are moving through an unexpectedly intimate stretch of water beneath bridges, masonry walls and riverside façades. The route begins at Parco Retrone, then follows the Retrone through the city before reaching the confluence with the Bacchiglione. From there, the scene changes gradually. Urban Vicenza loosens its grip, the banks open up, vegetation thickens, and the water begins to feel more rural. Fields, tree lines and quieter river edges replace the city backdrop as you continue south towards Montegalda and the Conca di Navigazione di Colzè, a historic navigation lock.

WHY GO

Because this is not simply “kayaking in Vicenza”. It is a rare urban paddle in Italy where the historical setting is part of the route itself. You are not driving out of town to reach a lake. You are already on the water, moving through the city’s fabric and then beyond it. For paddlers, that combination is the real appeal. There is the pleasure of flatwater touring, but also the strangeness of seeing historic Vicenza from a low, silent perspective, then continuing into the softer landscape south of the city. It feels at once romantic and slightly improbable: bridges, old walls, tree reflections, the slow turn of the river, then open space. For travellers who care about unusual European experiences, it is also an excellent example of what makes Vicenza different. This is not a postcard boat ride. It is a genuine paddle route, with enough distance and texture to interest people who are actually into canoeing, kayaking and SUP.

HOW IT WORKS

→ How to join the next Vicenza in Voga

Vicenza in Voga is an annual organised descent for kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards, following the Retrone and Bacchiglione from Vicenza to Colzè. Registration is arranged for each edition through veloCittà, one of the local associations organising the event.

Next edition and registration

Contact veloCittà at vi.velocitta@gmail.com for the next date, registration opening and current participation requirements. Ask for the new registration form, the participation fee and what is included before booking your travel. Mention your paddling experience, whether you have your own boat and whether you need instructions in English.

Hiring a kayak

The 2026 programme offered single and tandem kayaks with equipment through Laguna Kayak. Contact the company about its involvement in the next edition, rental availability and equipment collection. Event registration and boat hire should both be confirmed before departure.

Laguna Kayak telephone: +39 348 5598088
Email: info@lagunakayak.com.

The finish and return transport

The published itinerary finishes at Conca di Navigazione di Colzè, a navigation lock in Montegalda, south of Vicenza. A return shuttle was included in the 2026 arrangements. Ask the organisers how the next edition will handle passenger transfers, private vehicles and boat transport, particularly when bringing your own kayak or canoe.

River experience and the passage at Debba

The event is intended for paddlers with previous experience. The published rules require an appropriate personal buoyancy aid and a craft fitted with flotation. Confirm that your equipment and experience meet the next edition’s requirements. Previous route instructions included a portage at Vaso di Debba, taking boats out of the water and relaunching below the hydraulic works. Obtain the current passage instructions from the organisers and follow their safety briefing. River levels and access arrangements need to be assessed for the day of the descent.