River kayaking holiday destinations in Europe

Europe is well-known for its culture and history, but in recent years it has also gained a reputation as a destination for nature and sports. In this blog post, we'll go over the best river kayaking destinations in Europe and their nearby campsites. If you are an experienced kayaker or want to learn more about the sport, most campsites offer equipment rental, guided tours, and kayaking lessons. Prepare to dive into Europe's best waters.

Whitewater kayaking is common in rivers, but not always. On the International Scale of River Difficulty, rapids are rated from Class I to Class V. The easiest classes are I and II, which are suitable for beginners, while Class V is the most difficult and only for experts.

The Ardèche River is one of the best rivers in Europe for whitewater kayaking. This beautiful river in the southeast of France is a haven for outdoor adventurers. This river, which flows through the Auvergne region, is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, forests, gorges, and the Pont d'Arc, a unique limestone arch.

Kayaking down the Ardèche River is a truly unforgettable experience. Participants will paddle beneath 300-meter-high cliffs and under the famous Pont d'Arc natural arch.

What's the best part? These class I-II rapids are fun for the entire family! Half-day and multiple-day options are available at 8km, 12km, 24km, and 32km, and children as young as 7 can participate.

Camping Du Pont En Ardeche is the perfect place to stay for a short or long kayaking trip. It is situated on the riverbanks and provides easy access to the water for swimming, fishing, and other water activities. 

The Dordogne River winds its way through southwest France for 482 kilometres, passing through idyllic pastoral scenes. Patchwork fields and gently undulating hills; fortified medieval towns and elegant châteaux. 

Leave the crowds behind as you travel 150 kilometres from Argentat to Limeuil, a journey that will take you six to seven days. You'll begin paddling in a faster-moving section of the river, with forest-clad riverbanks. As you travel downriver, the landscape will become more cultivated, and the current will slow; between Souillac and Beynac, you'll see fortresses perched on high clifftops, honey-coloured châteaux, and picturesque riverside towns.

Camping Le Vaurette, Camping Le Val De La Marquise, and Village du Port are all recommended campsites in the Dordogne valley.

The Tarn River, nestled in the mountains of Southern France, is one of Europe's best whitewater kayaking rivers. It stretches for 381 kilometres and passes through 65 kilometres of gorges.

The versatility of whitewater kayaking on the Tarn River is one of its distinguishing features. This is one of the few rivers in Europe that offers so many options, from half-day trips to 4-day camping and kayaking adventures.

Once on the water, you'll paddle through deep gorges surrounded by 300-meter-high cliffs. You'll pass through beautiful villages like St. Chély and Sainte-Enimie along the way.

You can enjoy the continuous class I-II rapids when you're not looking at the beautiful scenery. This river provides a thrilling descent all the way down, culminating in a class III descent.

Camping Le Belvédère - Flower is an excellent choice for lodging. Combine water sports with hiking or simply relax in a natural setting at the campsite.

The Tara River Canyon is Europe's longest canyon, with steep cliffs rising from the Tara River (which runs through Montenegro and into Bosnia and Herzegovina). The most beautiful part of the canyon is in Montenegro's Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the sheer walls of the gorge reach up to 1,300 metres. Thrill-seekers flock to the area to bungee jump from the Tara Canyon Bridge or white-water raft down the river's rapids.

You can read about more rafting destinations in the Top 10 rafting destinations in Europe .

Camp Budečevica is a great place to stay.

The magnificent Soča River flows for 140 kilometres through Northern Italy and Slovenia's alpine regions. The river offers beautiful scenery for canoeing and kayaking along its entire length, but the Soča Valley area of Slovenia has some of Europe's best rapids and waterfalls.

The roaring whitewater rapids of this alpine river range in difficulty from beginner to extremely difficult class IV and V sections. You'll pass through soaring peaks on your way down the river, including Slovenia's highest peak, the 1100 metre Triglav. The valley is dotted with outdoor recreation and adventure hubs, but the two most popular stations are Bovec and Kobarid.

Camping Koren is an excellent place to stay near the river and sells daily permits for the Soča River as well as offers a kayak school for beginners.

The River Inn in the Engadine has seven distinct and major sections of whitewater. The upper sections of the river, such as the Brail Gorge, are rarely kayaked because there is rarely any water in them by the end of the spring. Kayaking is most popular in the lower sections, such as the Zernez, Giarsun Gorge, Ardez Gorge, and Schuls Gorge. From Class 2 to Class 5, each of these sections has its own distinct personality. You can also kayak the Class 3 Martina section down to the Swiss border checkpoint if you time it right and the river levels are high. The Giarsun Gorge, however, is by far the best section for Alpine Kayaking.

In the Engadine valley, Camping Chapella is the closest to the river. Hiking, water sports, horseback riding, archery, nearby pools, or simply relaxing by the fire on the campsite are all options.

Head to Italy's Noce River, which flows through the Costa Toscana in the Brenta Dolomites, for a challenging whitewater kayaking adventure. The best time to visit is between May and September because the river floods in the spring due to melting glacial ice. Class III and IV rapids can be found in the upper reaches of the river, while Class V whitewater can be found in the lower reaches, particularly between Ossana and Caldes.

Camping Laghi Di Lamar is centrally located and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. There are activities for everyone, from hiking and biking to kayaking and canyoning. Trento's city centre is also close by, as is the popular Lake Garda. 

The Dora Baltea river in the Aosta Valley has some of the best whitewater in the Italian Alps. Rapids of classes III to IV are difficult and require prior experience. However, there are some beginner-friendly sections.

The Dora Baltea river is easily accessible from Camping International Touring, and the Aosta Valley's central location ensures that cultural attractions, restaurants, and parks are all close by.

The Sella River, located in the beautiful country of Spain, is one of Europe's best rivers for whitewater kayaking. This river, also known as the Ridadesella River, runs for 66 kilometres through the Picos de Europa National Park.

Whitewater kayaking on the Sella usually lasts between two and three hours, passing through Caín and Poncebos before entering Asturias. Las Arenas de Cabrales, a small town famous for its "picon" cheese, is also located near the river. 

This section of the Sella and Cares rivers is ideal for enjoying with family or friends because no special physical abilities are required. You'll float through small streams with calm areas perfect for swimming, and the gentle current will assist you in paddling.

The Sella is unique in that it offers a variety of routes ranging from 12 to 17 kilometres. Some sections are classified as classes I-II, while others are classified as class III. Kayakers will paddle through the towns of Arriondas and Llovio on the class III sections. You'll also get to kayak a section of the famous International Descent of the Sella River, which hosts an annual kayaking competition.

The only campsite in the region that has direct river access is Camping Sella Camping En Asturias. Not only that, but they also rent out all of the necessary equipment and gear.

Hiking is popular in this beautiful gorge, which features spectacular views and cool suspension bridges to cross.

In the Mont-Rebei Gorge, whitewater kayaking activities include hiking and kayaking, as well as just kayaking. The Noguera Ribagorçana, which divides Aragon and Catalonia, runs through this narrow gorge. You can walk across one of the two 500-meter-high suspension bridges high above the gorge.

You can also take optional paths that lead to Pertusa's ancient hermitage via a hidden pathway. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the gorge and the Canelles dam below. The waters are calm, blue, and beautiful, and they are just waiting to be explored.

The closest available campsite is Camping Isábena, which is located in the beautiful Isábena valley. It is a popular stopover for motorcycle travellers.

Croatia is known for its beautiful Venetian cities and numerous offshore islands, but its rivers are just as impressive.

For years, the Zrmanja River has been a popular water sports destination just 2 hours from Split or 1 hour from Zadar. There are kayaking excursions for children as young as six years old, making it an excellent family destination.

Kayak trips are available for families and groups at Camping Village Zrmanja. Their official kayak route is 14 kilometres long and includes a camping base. The water temperature is between 14 and 20 degrees. The second trail is faster and more intense, with jumps of between 1 and 5 metres over waterfalls.

The Class II rapid-filled Hvítá River, located northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is another excellent river for whitewater kayaking or rafting. Iceland is known for its thermal springs and volcanoes, but not so much for its whitewater kayaking opportunities. Flowing for over 40 kilometres downstream, these gorgeous rapids eventually plunge over the edge of the Gullfoss waterfall cliffs.

These glacial waters have an opaque, dreamy blue-green colour to them. The stunning colours of the water are indicative of their source: the Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second-largest glacier. 

You will be treated to some of the most breathtaking natural sights in Iceland while kayaking or rafting down the Hvítá River.

You'll pass through Brarhlö canyon on your way there. Rare rock formations, portholes, breathtaking cliffs, and water-washed breccia walls can all be found here.

The closest place to stay is Camping Hveravellir, which is located between the two large glaciers, Langjökull and Hofsjökull.

The Blackwater River, which flows through Ireland's beautiful Killarney National Park, is so amazing that it was designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1982.

Because of the temperate oceanic climate, the park contains the largest natural forest area in Ireland. A unique strawberry tree is one of several plant species found only in southwest Europe.

Make a reservation at the Parsons Green Caravan & Camping Park.

Kayaking on the Ourthe River is ideal for both beginners and children. However, it’s important to follow the information regarding the river’s water levels because at certain times it’s not allowed due to low water levels.

Book your stay at Camping La Roche-en-Ardenne - Floreal on the riverbanks of Ourthe.

If you're on vacation in the Czech Republic, you must go kayaking on the Moldau, or Vltava in Czech. This river winds its way through South Bohemia's wooded areas. While paddling through the historic cities, keep an eye out for wild boar and deer. The 10-kilometre route from Vyšší Brod to Rožmberk Castle is a must for everyone. Don't forget to pay a visit to the castle once you've arrived to round off your day out. Because the Moldau is one of Central Europe's most beautiful rivers, keep in mind that it can get quite crowded on the water during peak season.

We recommend staying at Resort Beach Nová Živohošť which is situated on the riverbank. In addition to kayaking, the campsite offers a variety of other sports and activities both on-site and nearby.

While you're in the area, you might want to pay a visit to Strahov Monastery, which houses one of Europe's most beautiful libraries. More information about it can be found in the Top 10 most beautiful libraries in Europe. Another option is to go to Kromeriz Palace and its lovely gardens. You can read more in the Top 15 gardens in Europe.

The Vjosa is a beautiful, free-flowing 272-kilometre river that runs from Greece to Albania and finally to the Adriatic Sea. It's a biodiversity hotspot because it's never been dammed, and people have been fighting to protect it for years through the Adventures Not Dams project. The creation of a Vjosa National Park is being pushed by environmentalists and local residents. You can make a difference simply by visiting and promoting the region's adventure tourism potential.

Camping Farma Sotira will allow you to stay in the mountains and close to this wild river.