Holiday destinations by a river

The sea and lakes have their charm, of course, but a holiday on a river feels just that little bit different. Rivers meander through green valleys and idyllic landscapes, giving your family a sense of adventure and discovery. You will experience a small-scale and peaceful atmosphere, often with small beaches and lots of nature around you. The beauty of a river is its variety. One day your children are splashing around in shallow water, the next day you're all in a canoe together, and then you discover a village or castle along the riverbank.

Many parents wonder whether a destination near a river is suitable for young children. The answer is yes. Rivers often have small beaches and calm stretches of water where children can play safely. The water slopes gently, allowing toddlers and preschoolers to stay safely near the shore. Children build dams, look for fish or play with scoop nets, while teenagers grab a canoe or SUP for adventure. This way, every child can enjoy themselves in their own way and you, as a parent, can always stay close by.

During your holiday, you will discover endless activities on the river. From relaxation to adventure: every day you will experience something new in and around the water.

• Swimming and splashing: Cool off in clear water and have fun on small beaches.
• Canoeing, rafting or stand-up paddleboarding: Explore the river together and see the most beautiful spots along the way.
• Cycling and walking: Routes along the riverbank take you to forests, vineyards and villages.
• Fishing and exploring: Children will never tire of scoop nets, pebbles and tadpoles. 
• Local excursions: A day trip to a castle, a local market, or a charming village will make your holiday complete.

Looking for the best spots for your river holiday? Europe is bursting with rivers that families love. Each river has its own charm: some are full of adventure, others are wonderfully peaceful. At VacanceSelect, you will always find the river that suits you. A few popular destinations:

• Ardèche (France): canoeing through gorges and playing on small beaches.
• Moselle (Germany): cycling past vineyards and sailing between picturesque villages..
• Soča (Slovenia): turquoise water and the Julian Alps as a backdrop.
• Po (Italy): la dolce vita with nature, culture and delicious food.
• Mrežnica (Croatia): a hidden gem full of waterfalls and quiet swimming spots.
• Gudenå (Denmark): the ultimate canoeing river with forests and fun for children.

You will always find accommodation that suits your family by a river. VacanceSelect offers everything from cosy campsites to luxury holiday parks and comfortable resort hotels.

• A resort hotel by a river gives your family that little bit of extra luxury. You start the day with a hearty breakfast, while the water nearby awaits new adventures. After a day full of activities, you can relax on the terrace and enjoy every comfort.
• At a campsite by a river, children can play outside from early morning until sunset. They make friends, build dams and run along the riverbank with scoop nets, while you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
• In a holiday park by a river, you can combine nature with convenience. Think of a swimming pool for hot days, a playground for the little ones and sports fields where teenagers can let off steam.
• A resort hotel by a river gives your family that little bit of extra luxury. You start the day with a hearty breakfast, while the water nearby awaits new adventures. After a day full of activities, you can relax on the terrace and enjoy every comfort.

A holiday by a river offers families with children of all ages everything they could wish for: nature, adventure and time together. Curious about what a holiday by a river looks like? Read our blog post full of inspiration and tips. At VacanceSelect, you can easily discover the most beautiful campsites, holiday parks and resort hotels by a river throughout Europe. Take a look at our selection and book your next family holiday today!