Volga River Vacation: Places and Resorts

Not by the sea alone: vacations along rivers are also great, especially during the hot season. Even more so along the Volga — the largest river in Russia and Europe. 

Where to vacation on the Volga in summer to make the trip memorable — we tell you in this article.

Where to vacation on the Volga

Tver Region

It is in the Tver region that the Volga originates: here, in the village of Volgoverkhovye, it is no more than a meter wide. But in Tver, the Volga has already spread out to its full width. Once, the traveler Afanasy Nikitin set off from here along the river to India and Persia. Now one of the city's embankments is named after him — we definitely include them and the bridges across the Volga in the plan ""What to see in Tver".

In the regional town of Kalyazin, a bell tower rises in the middle of the water. The town was once flooded, but the structure, surrounded by the Volga, remained standing on a small island. It's a captivating sight — you can admire it from afar or get closer by boat.

Rybinsk

Rybinsk is the second largest city in the Yaroslavl region. Many know it for its connection to the film industry: Leonid Gaidai's film "12 Chairs" was shot here. It is also said that the founders of Hollywood themselves, Joseph and Nicholas Schenck, came from these parts. You can learn more about this at the "Rybinsk — Cinema — Hollywood" museum on the embankment. Besides that, you can visit the Historical and Architectural Museum, see the Gothic church, or the House of Artists.

Outside the city, head to the Rybinsk Reservoir for a vacation: it attracts tourists with fishing, beaches, and cozy spots surrounded by forest. You'll have a choice of spa hotels like "Bukhta Koprino" with all kinds of massages, and possible wild camping in a tent right by the water.

Kostroma

If your life and travel plans include the cities of the Golden Ring, this is the place for you. The city stands on two rivers: Kostroma and Volga. It's worth going to Kostroma to slow down: the city is permeated with quiet streets, among which many different museums are hidden.

Here are some you definitely need to visit: the Museum of Jewelry Art, the Museum of Linen and Birch Bark, and, unusually, the Cheese Museum. Also, Kostroma is home to Snegurochka's residence, which is open to tourists all year round.

Plyos

For a Volga vacation in the spirit of Russian artists, head to Plyos. At one time, this place in the Ivanovo region greatly inspired Levitan: thanks to his paintings, created under the impression of the local landscapes, the town became famous. Here you'll find small cozy beaches, almost no current, green hills, and forests — such an atmosphere will support any creative impulse.

Tatarstan

Sights of Kazan and other places in Tatarstan attract tourists all year round. Of course, it's hard to do without river cruises and echpochmaks here, but cultural events should not be forgotten either. The republic has many historical and architectural monuments to see: for example, the White Mosque and the Kul Sharif Mosque. Moreover, in Tatarstan, Muslim temples coexist with Orthodox ones. And in general, a very friendly atmosphere prevails in the region: in the village of Staro-Arakchino, the Temple of All Religions operates in honor of this.

Zhiguli Mountains

A vacation on the Volga is not just about beaches and water — it's also an opportunity to visit the Zhiguli Mountains, located in the Samara region within a nature reserve. Roe deer and badgers inhabit the flat parts here, and magnificent views open up from the mountain peaks. Another cool nearby location is the Kuybyshev Reservoir, which is the third largest in the world by area. Go there to swim and sunbathe after active hiking — this is usually a common leisure option for locals.

Astrakhan

Another city on the Volga, which also has its own Kremlin and where cathedrals are interspersed with mosques. 

You've definitely heard of Astrakhan watermelons, but besides them, there's another absolute must-try — local seafood delicacies: caviar and sturgeon. 

Also, in these parts of the Volga, lotuses bloom in July: get in a boat and go observe the blooming up close. Or you can take a trip to the border with Kazakhstan: nearby there is the salty Lake Baskunchak, with an unusual white-pink color. It looks impressive!

Beaches on the Volga

Volga beaches in summer are full of people — not only tourists, but also residents of neighboring towns and villages. There's enough space for everyone: both sandy shores with sun loungers and umbrellas, and wild, deserted places, often hidden from the eyes of visitors, find their audience.

Here are a few good beaches on the Volga:

• Levoberezhny Beach in Cheboksary — with gazebos, clean sand, barbecue areas, and sun loungers;
• Koprino Beach in the Yaroslavl region, where you can rent SUPs, shoot at a shooting range, or cycle around the area;
• a beach with the funny name "Bobry" (Beavers), but nevertheless one of the best in the Volgograd area. You can stay in a cabin or book a sun lounger if you're just visiting for a short time.

Active Recreation on the Volga

A wide river like the Volga is a hundred percent option for fishing. Here you can find roach, bream, zander, carp, catfish, pike, and sturgeon.

You can fish from a pier or a boat: rent a wooden or rubber one, with or without a motor, and go explore the waters of the Volga. Fishing rods and spinning rods are also available for rent at many resorts. 

Besides fishing, you can go by boat to lotus fields, and when you get ashore, we recommend spending the night at a campsite. Staying like this, practically as "wild campers," is an excellent alternative to a cabin or a hotel room, which will add new vivid impressions to your trip.

Although settling in one place is not necessary at all: on the Volga, you can combine excursions and accommodation by going on a cruise! A short weekend trip or a substantial one for a week or two — it's up to you.

Family Vacation

A summer vacation on the Volga is ideal for family outings. Fresh air, walks through picturesque places, sports — everyone will find something to their liking. You can pick mushrooms and berries, fish, or go boating. 

For swimming with children, it's best to choose equipped beaches where lifeguards are on duty and the shore is cleaned. Such beaches can be found, for example, in Uglich and Yaroslavl, Plyos, Rybinsk, Samara, and other large settlements on the Volga. We already mentioned the reservoir near the Zhiguli Mountains — it's also among the locals' favorite locations.

No matter which city on the Volga you find yourself in, there will be interesting places for the whole family everywhere. Children and adults will appreciate the zoo in Samara, the circus in Saratov, or the planetarium in Volgograd.

Cultural and Historical Sights

Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd

Mamayev Kurgan is one of the central attractions not only of Volgograd but also of Russia. It is a grandiose complex of monuments dedicated to the Great Patriotic War: at its heart is the majestic monument "The Motherland Calls," the total length of the memorial is 820 meters, and 34,505 people are buried on the top of Mamayev Kurgan.

Sviyazhsk

Sviyazhsk is a museum-town in Tatarstan. Here are significant historical sites like St. Nicholas Church and the Assumption Cathedral, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition to architectural monuments, the town has preserved a special atmosphere of antiquity throughout: tourists are treated to Tatar cuisine and greeted in national attire. You can walk around Sviyazhsk all day, so we advise you to prepare and dress comfortably.

Gorodets

Gorodets is considered the birthplace of Gorodets painting. Also, Prohor, the teacher of icon painter Andrei Rublev, was born here, and Alexander Nevsky died here. Although a small place, it has a rich history — after all, Gorodets is almost as old as Moscow.

When to go

Of course, a vacation on the Volga River is best in summer. During the warm season, many more entertainments are available; it's comfortable to fish, sunbathe, swim, go on excursions, and hike. SUPs, boats, catamarans are available for rent, and speedboats offer thrilling rides.

Spring and autumn are seasons for fishing or quiet gatherings in a cabin with a view of the local landscapes. As for winter, ice fishing is also available during this period, and snowboarding replaces SUP surfing in the region — you can do it on the slopes in Kazan, Plyos, and Saratov.

Where to stay

If you choose a Volga vacation with a beach, the accommodation options vary greatly. These can be luxurious tourist complexes and resorts with spas and private swimming areas, as well as wild campsites where you'll be provided with a spot for a tent. And there's always the option to spend your vacation on a cruise — this option won't let you get bored, as the view from the window will constantly change.

If you prefer the classics, here are some excellent hotels on the Volga:

• eco-hotel "Mayak" with cozy townhouses equipped with everything necessary;
• "Podsnezhnik" resort with a cool pool and spa complex;
• "Zarya" with magnificent views, its own embankment, and a fishing pier.

Prices

A vacation on the Volga in 2025 can be absolutely diverse, including in terms of cost. 

Firstly, several regions and interesting cities are located along the river, which you can visit for an excursion. They differ in size and cost of living — and therefore, in the price for an apartment or a hotel room. The larger the city and the closer the hotel is to the center, the more you will have to spend.

Secondly, the coast is full of resorts — from the simplest and quietest to more elaborate and expensive places. 

Thirdly, expenses depend on how you decide to spend your vacation: trying all kinds of active leisure like boat trips and fishing, or having a lazy beach chill.

We advise checking prices once you have decided on your destination: at least roughly estimate what you want to do, and based on that, research where and when to go. And, of course, how much money to take with you. 

Travel Tips

• The Volga is a very large river that flows through many regions of Russia. We advise you to study all of them to choose the one that suits you best in terms of climate, atmosphere, and comfort;
• for camping, less crowded beaches away from large cities are preferable. All-inclusive options are best sought in hotel complexes near regional centers;
• there are four million-plus cities on the Volga: Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Volgograd. Naturally, there will be more people on the Volga beaches near them. Keep this in mind so as not to be disappointed expecting to find the quiet atmosphere of Plyos in tourist-heavy areas;
• it's still better to choose the summer season for a Volga vacation, as this is an opportunity to get the most impressions from your holiday. During this time, cruise liners sail along the river, rich excursions are conducted, and you can fish and fully enjoy nature;
• any waterside vacation is accompanied by mosquitoes and midges in one way or another. Arm yourself with protective gear so that nothing interferes with a quality rest.

May your vacation on the Volga coast be wonderful!