What a sea in Sochi. Holidays in Sochi: when and where to go, what to see and where to stay? Active recreation and excursions

Sochi is the most beloved and popular resort on the Black Sea. A very beautiful, warm and hospitable city. The magnificent views that open up to visiting tourists simply amaze with their incredible mystery. Only here the warm sea is adjacent to snow-covered cliffs.

This resort is unique: you can soak up the magnificent beach, splash in the warm sea, and a few hours later you can already ski and play snowballs with your children and friends on.

The city is full of cypresses, palms, and magnolias. Due to the mountainous terrain, pebbles predominate along the entire coastline. That's why the sea in Sochi is crystal clear. This is what gives the sea an incredible purity that a sandy beach cannot boast of.

However, many modern hotels located on the coast equip their vacationers with magnificent coastal areas with white sand. And many tourists prefer urban small pebbles to enjoy the azure water.

There is everything for the convenience of vacationers: toilets, showers, changing rooms, first aid stations, and a rescue station. There are a lot of attractions and water activities on the coast.

Note! If you come here with children, then it is best to look for sandy beaches outside the city; it is better to head to Imereti Bay in the Adlerovsky district of the Olympic village.

It is very important for every tourist to know when is the best time to go to this magnificent resort. But to do this, you need to know the temperature of the water and air at the resort by month, then you won’t be surprised by a slight cold snap or frequent rains with thunderstorms.

Interesting! Be sure to visit: Japanese garden, Agur waterfalls, 33 waterfalls, Yew-boxwood grove, Arboretum.

Holiday season

You can come to this wonderful resort at any time of the year. Each season has its own charms. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and damp. In summer and autumn you can enjoy the warm sun.

And in winter and spring, come to improve your health in the best sanatoriums of the Black Sea coast, and attend excursions. The city always welcomes its guests. It is worth noting that after the Olympics Sochi has two tourist centers: sea and mountain. Therefore, you will not be bored here at any time of the year.

Winter resort

December

Winter is a great time of year to enjoy the majesty of the cold sea, leisurely see all the sights, as well as go skiing. Most often in January it rains here, which brings with it strong humidity.

Sea water temperature is about +10-11°C.

Reference: It will be more convenient to get from Sochi or Krasnaya Polyana by swallow. Find out the train schedule on the Internet.

January

The weather is capricious and unpredictable. Sometimes it indulges in warm days +10-12°C, and after a couple of days the air temperature can drop to almost zero. The weather is damp and cold.

The sea is gray, the water temperature drops to +8°C.

Despite the winter coolness, the whole of Sochi is evergreen all year round: trees, grass in the flower beds, amazing palm trees, yuccas, and irises all around. But the busiest place in winter is Krasnaya Polyana. January is the beginning of the season for snowboarders and ski enthusiasts.

Attention! The resort has ski schools for children or children's rooms where you can leave your baby while you ski.

February

In winter, snow falls extremely rarely. If this happens, it practically does not linger and immediately melts.

The sea water temperature is about +9°C, and the air temperature is +10°C.

At this time, you will get the maximum of new impressions; snow-covered mountain slopes, cable cars, and trails of varying difficulty levels await you. Thrill-seekers have a great choice: hiking of any complexity, mountaineering, diving, windsurfing, jet skiing.

Spring Resort

March

It is quite cool in the first months of spring. This is the best time to visit excursions and attractions.

Air temperature - +10°C, water temperature - +11°C.

April

In March-April it still rains sometimes, so it’s damp and a little cool.

However, the air warms up to +12-15°C, and the sea is still not warmed up - +11C.

May

The real warm days come in May. The city becomes like a bride dressed in a snow-white outfit; the time of dazzling flowering begins. The bravest “walruses” are already starting to swim.

Sea water temperature is about +14-16°C.

Sochi in summer

June

If you are not afraid of the heat and the huge influx of tourists does not bother you, go here in the summer.

The temperature in June can reach +25-27°C, water - +20-21°C.

Sometimes it may rain heavily. The beach season is beginning and there are more and more vacationers.

Important: Don't forget to buy special shoes so you can safely walk along the pebble beaches.

July

Tourists rush to grab the best spots on the magnificent beaches.

The air temperature rises to +28-30°C. Sea water, like “fresh milk”, reaches +24-25°C.

August

The weather at the end of summer is hot and sunny, with only occasional rain.

Air temperature is about +27-32°C. The water temperature is quite high +25-27°C.

Golden autumn

September

The long-awaited slight coolness is finally coming, but the weather is still comfortable enough for taking air baths.

Air temperature - +24-25°C. A good time for swimming and relaxing on the beach, the water temperature is +23-24°C.

For those who prefer to enjoy nature and local attractions in autumn and spring, there will be a lot of entertainment here, and there will be much fewer tourists.

Reference: for convenience, install the 2Gis application on your smartphone.

October

At the beginning of the month, you can feel the approach of autumn. It rains more and more often, and in the evening it becomes quite cool.

The air temperature is +15-17°C, the sea is slightly warmer - +19°C.

November

Winter is coming soon, the winter chill is already blowing. There are cold rains with thunderstorms.

The temperature drops to +15°C, and the water in the sea becomes cooler - +14-15°C.

It is worth noting that the sea in Sochi never blooms. This is due to the structure of the seabed in this area, since it is covered with pebbles, you will not see any algae near the shore.

Fishing

Coming to the Black Sea, every tourist wants to make the most of what the sea gives us. For many, ideal leisure time consists not only of passive time spent on the beach, but also of fun, active entertainment.

Fishing is the most favorite and popular type of recreation among tourists. Moreover, it is located next to the sea, which is rich in various fish, it is impossible to deny yourself this pleasure. Fishing gives incredible excitement and pleasure.

Any tourist can rent gear, find a calm bay, far from noisy beaches, and fish on the shore. But for more demanding tourists, there are companies in Sochi where you can rent a boat or yacht with a captain and spend the whole day on the open sea, doing what you love.

Don't miss the opportunity to show off your rich catch. Your trophy can be cooked on coals and served.

The cost of such entertainment is from 2000 to 4000 rubles.

Everyone is looking for cozy and best places for fishing, where they can enjoy this activity to the fullest, have fun and relax with a glass of beer.

For true fishing lovers, we would like to present to your attention 3 excellent places in Sochi where fishermen should visit.

Marine

Sea fishing. Every day in the morning, fishing boats depart from the Sochi port to the open sea. Here you can have a great time in the company of friends. Your catch could be hake and horse mackerel.

For 3 hours of fishing you will pay from 600-1000 rubles. Everything you need will be provided to you free of charge.

Russian courtyard "Rybino"

This magnificent complex is located at the foot of Mount Achishkho. Along with fishing, you can admire the beautiful mountain scenery and breathe clean air.

There are three lakes on the territory, which are full of carp and trout. A great place where you can take a steam bath and ride horses in the breeze. There is everything here for your pleasure and comfort.

Cost from 1200 to 2500 rubles.

Ponds at the Trout Farm

In the Adlerovsky district there are three huge ponds, in which teeming with fish: carp, grass carp, crucian carp, carp. Here you can grill delicious shish kebab or fish over coals, drink ice-cold beer and enjoy the picturesque views of the Caucasus Mountains.

The price of such pleasure is 200 rubles, fishing rod rental is 300 rubles.

To summarize, it is worth noting that the beauty of this resort is mesmerizing at any time of the year.. It doesn’t matter what month you have a vacation, without even thinking about it, go to this mysterious fairy-tale city. It’s not for nothing that Sochi is compared to Nice. Only here everything is dear, sincere, close to our hearts.

Tours and packages

You can look at prices on Level.Travel and buy a ticket online. The tour price includes: airfare, transfer from the airport to the hotel and back, accommodation and meals at the hotel and medical insurance.

Undoubtedly, Sochi is the pearl of the Black Sea. A special city with exotic plants, magical snowy slopes, warm sea and magnificent beaches. To fall in love with this resort, you should visit here at least once. Waves of excitement, pleasure, and entertainment will cover every tourist and leave an unforgettable impression for a long time.

Save it so you don’t forget!

Is it worth vacationing in Sochi, and if so, what time of year is it better to go, what transport to choose, where is the best place to stay, what to do, what to see and what to buy as a souvenir? In this small guide I will try to answer these questions so that you can successfully plan your holiday in Sochi.

Panorama of Sochi from the observation deck of the Sochi Arboretum

Sochi is the longest city in Russia. Its length along the coast is about 145 km. The total area is 3502 sq. km, but 81% of the territory is occupied by specially protected natural areas. Urban development occupies only about 8.1% of the city's territory. The rest is occupied by industrial and agricultural enterprises, transport infrastructure and energy facilities, forestry, etc.

Greater Sochi includes four districts: Lazarevsky, Khostinsky, Adlersky and Central. Lazarevsky district is the northernmost, and Adlersky district is the southernmost. Even further south is the border with Abkhazia.

History of Sochi: from the All-Union health resort to the Olympic Games

Sochi is a fashionable seaside resort. Some love it for its beauty and elitism, others hate it, considering it the center of vice. But this city does not leave anyone indifferent.

The first people appeared here about 350-400 thousand years ago. In many caves, tools of ancient man, sites of Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons were discovered. Later, different tribes settled here, in the VI-V centuries. BC. this region was colonized by the Greeks in the 1st-5th centuries. AD - by the Romans. In 562, these lands went to Byzantium; since that time, the ruins of Christian churches and fortresses have survived to this day, some of which were founded in the Roman era. In the XIII-XIV centuries the Genoese appeared here. The region later came under the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

This region was ceded to Russia during the Caucasian War (1817-1864). Founded on April 21, 1838 Fort Alexandria(near the Sochi lighthouse and the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel), renamed a year later to Navaginsky fort. However, during the Crimean War (1853-1856) the Russian garrison was forced to leave it and go to Novorossiysk. In 1864, at the mouth of the Sochi River, a Post Dakhovsky, renamed ten years later to Dakhovsky Posad. In 1896 it was renamed Sochi, after the river on which it stood. Sochi became a city in 1917.

Back at the beginning of the 20th century, people came here to be treated with the healing “fire waters” of Matsesta, discovered in 1902, to sunbathe, enjoy the sea and beautiful landscapes. During the First World War, due to the inability to vacation in Europe, Sochi became a popular destination. Many famous people have been here.

"Caucasian Riviera" is one of the first hotels in Sochi. It was built in 1909, giving rise to Sochi as a resort. Demolished in 2010, now in its place is a long-term construction

In the 30s, Sochi turned into an all-Union health resort; numerous sanatoriums were built both for ordinary citizens and for the party nomenklatura. Stalin and other senior officials of the Soviet state often rested here for a long time. During the war, Sochi became a hospital city, where people were put back on their feet and returned to duty even after the most severe wounds.

The Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium is one of the most famous and beautiful not only in Sochi. Built in 1934-1937 in Italian style. Here, in particular, an episode of the film “Old Man Hottabych” was filmed

In the post-war years, the development of Sochi as an all-Union resort continued. The 1990s were quite dark for the entire region, as well as for the country as a whole. Many previously successful enterprises became unprofitable, some of them were closed. Sanatoriums and boarding houses, previously owned by trade unions, passed into private hands, often through not entirely legal means. Many historical buildings were empty, which subsequently led to their loss. A stream of refugees poured here from the former Soviet republics of the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, which found themselves in the fire of military conflicts.

The Marine Station is the “calling card” of Sochi. Opened in 1955

A new stage in the development of Sochi began in the late 2000s, when preparations began for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The city turned into a huge construction site, which, of course, caused a lot of inconvenience to local residents. The work was accompanied by numerous conflicts and scandals. Many famous architectural monuments were lost, such as the Caucasian Riviera boarding house and Khludov's dacha in Riviera Park. Although many other natural, historical and cultural monuments were, on the contrary, put in order.

Those who have visited Sochi in previous years will certainly note the emptiness of this place: behind the beach of the Zvezdny Hotel rises an abandoned building structure on the site of the demolished Caucasian Riviera.

IN Imereti Lowland(coastal cluster) and in Krasnaya Polyana(mountain cluster) magnificent Olympic venues were erected. New modern railway station and airport buildings have appeared in Adler, designed to accommodate a large number of passengers. New highways were built, tunnels were dug, and many Sochi serpentines became a thing of the past.

Expressways and tunnels in Sochi

Contrary to fears, the Olympic venues were not abandoned after the end of the Games. Today, training and performances of athletes and Formula 1 competitions are held here. The Olympic Park has become one of the popular leisure destinations. In 2018, Sochi will become one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup.

Today the Olympic Park is one of the most visited places in Sochi

Sochi is located in the humid subtropical zone. In summer, the sea brings humid air and softens the heat; in winter, the Caucasus Mountains protect the coast from cold winds. Thanks to this, there is no climatic winter here. Although in some years snow falls and remains for several days. In the mountains, snow falls already in October and lasts until May.

The warmest months in Sochi are July and August. In June the weather is quite warm, but the water temperature is only about 20°C. In September, the water temperature is on average about 23.5°C, and the air temperature is lower than in the hot months. From about mid-September it is established the Velvet season when daytime temperatures do not exceed +20-26°C. This is the most comfortable time to relax in Sochi.

Sochi is dominated by lush subtropical vegetation. In the photo: blooming oleander in the Primorsky Park of Sochi

During the winter months and early spring, cloudy days and rain are common. In some years there are frosts, and heat-loving vegetation may die. Even in April the weather can be unstable, with the return of cold weather. However, in general, in the winter months the temperature on the coast is about +5-7°C.

In winter in the mountains, the height of snow cover can reach several meters in the high mountain zone (1001-1700 meters above sea level), up to 10-15 meters in the alpine zone (above 1701 meters above sea level). At altitude there are glaciers and snowfields.

In Sochi, there are catastrophic floods when mountain rivers overflow their banks, carrying uprooted tree trunks and huge stones in a stormy stream. The formation of tornadoes is possible over the sea.

The Sochi River seems calm. But during floods it turns into a roaring torrent and often overflows its banks, flooding nearby streets

When and why to go to Sochi

If you want to swim and have a sunbath, then the best time to visit Sochi is July, August and September. However, in summer the city and its surroundings will be very crowded, and prices for hotels and air tickets are significantly higher than at other times of the year.

If you want to swim and see the sights, then choose the Velvet season - September and the very beginning of October. There are already fewer people at the resort.

If you want, first of all, see the sights, if you don’t want to swim or if the hotel pool will suit you, then you can come to Sochi at any time of the year. From my own experience and the experience of my friends, I can say that in the summer, due to the heat and the large influx of vacationers, it is almost impossible to combine a classic beach holiday with sightseeing.

if you love skiing, then it is best to go to the ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana in February-March, when you can find light and soft snow there - Krasnopolyansky puffy. You can also ski in April.

If you want to admire the flowering plants, breathe in the aromas of spring, come to Sochi in March-April. At this time, you will find mimosa, sakura, magnolia and other beautiful plants blooming. However, at any other time of the year there are many exotic flowers in Sochi.

if you love mountains and mountain hikes, then you should go to Sochi from May to October.

If you are going be treated on the waters of Matsesta or Kudepsta, then it is better not to go during the beach season: when taking procedures, the sea and the beach are not recommended.

In August, oleander blooms everywhere in Sochi - a poisonous but very beautiful plant

Beach holiday in Sochi

The resorts of Greater Sochi are suitable for a beach holiday. These are Adler, Vardane, Vishnevka, Volkonka, Deep Slit, Golovinka, Blue Dacha, Dagomys, Kudepsta, Lazarevskoye, Loo, Magri, Makopse, Sovet-Kvadzhe, Soloniki, Sochi, Khosta, Chemitokvadzhe, Anchor Slit.

Good beaches were made in the Olympic Village in the Imereti Lowland. The most popular are Lazarevskoye, Vardane, Loo, Dagomys, Sochi, Matsesta, Khosta, Kudepsta, Imeretinsky, Adler.

Almost all beaches in Greater Sochi are pebbly. There are areas with silver-gray sand. In total, there are more than 130 beaches on the coast of Sochi, most of which belong to sanatoriums, boarding houses and hotels. There are also public city beaches. For a small fee you can usually visit closed beaches and use all their infrastructure.

In addition, there are wild beaches on the coast, and there are also nudist ones. As a rule, they are located at a sufficient distance from populated areas.

Many hotels in Krasnaya Polyana have their own beaches on the coast, where buses go several times a day.

The water on the pebble beaches is very clean. But going into and out of the sea is torture. Only bathing slippers can save you

Disadvantages of a beach holiday in Sochi

The downside of Sochi beaches is the railway that runs along the entire coast. There are passages through it. Walking along the paths is prohibited, but many people walk by taking shortcuts.

Another significant disadvantage of a beach holiday in Sochi is that when the water temperature is above +24-26°C, it begins to develop rotavirus (intestinal) infection , which is especially difficult for children. Therefore, at this time it is better to prefer swimming in a pool or in shallow mountain springs, where the water warms up. And observe the rules of personal hygiene.

There are four beaches in Dagomys: paid at the Dagomys health complex, paid at the Olympic Dagomys boarding house, a free city beach and a wild beach. A railway runs along the coast

Sights of Sochi

There are many interesting sights in Sochi. Here you will find picturesque rocks, waterfalls, and relict groves. There are countless architectural monuments - dolmens, ancient churches and monasteries, medieval fortresses, picturesque dachas of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, luxurious buildings in the “Stalinist Empire” style, interesting sculptures. Unfortunately, some of them are in disrepair, while others have been lost and in their place, at best, a new copy has been built.

Khludov’s dacha and the sculpture “Doe with a Cub” in Riviera Park. This is not an entirely exact copy of Khludov’s old dacha, demolished in 2009, which was built in 1896 according to the design of the famous architect Lev Kekushev

Dolmens, ancient fortresses and temple ruins

• Dolmens Solonik- single and groups of dolmens located in the vicinity of the village of Soloniki.
• Volkonsky dolmen(village of Soloniki) is the only surviving dolmen of a monolithic type in the world, carved into a stone boulder with an imitation of an entrance portal. The height of the internal dome-shaped chamber is about 1.5 meters. Located in the Lazarevskoye forestry of the Sochi National Park.
• Tract "Three Oaks", located a few kilometers from the village of Solokh-aul. More than a dozen dolmens. The road there after winter is difficult.
• Bagu Fortress(Godlik, Soloniki village). Located on the left bank of the Godlik River, the perimeter of the walls is about 700 meters. It was erected before the 5th century, when it was first mentioned in written sources. Until the 10th century it was owned by the Byzantines, then until the 15th century by the Genoese. In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was a large shopping center. The walls and six towers have been preserved.
• Solokhaul Fortress- a small fortress at an altitude of 388 meters above the village of Solokh-aul. Apparently, it had a sentry role, guarding the ancient caravan route along the Shakhe River.
• Khosta fortress(Khostinsky district). Located in a hard to reach place yew-boxwood grove on the eastern slope of Mount Bolshoy Akhun. The construction time has not been precisely established. To date, the remains of walls made of limestone and four towers have been preserved.
• Ruins of a Byzantine temple in the village of Loo. The Loo temple was built in the 10th-12th centuries, restored in the 14th century, and rebuilt into a fortress in the 15th-16th centuries. It is located on the top of a mountain 308 meters high, 1.5 km from the coast.
• Ruins of the Temple of Agua(Svanidze River). Presumably the temple was built in the 14th century. Walls up to 1 meter high have been preserved. They believe that countless treasures are buried here.

Monasteries and temples

• (Solokhaul village, Koshmana street, 10) is a Serbian monastery with strict Athonite charter, built in the early 2000s. Nearby, in a picturesque gorge, is the Holy Spring of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.
• Cathedral of the Holy Archangel Michael(Moskvina St., 12) is the main Orthodox church in Sochi. Built in memory of the end of the Caucasian War (1817-1864), consecrated in 1891. Partially composed of the remains of fortress walls.
• Temple of the Apostles Simon and Thaddeus(11 Parallelnaya St.) - Roman Catholic church, erected in 1995-1997. According to Catholic tradition, the apostles Simon and Thaddeus preached in the Caucasus. Most parishioners are Armenian Catholics.

Cross and icons near the Holy Spring of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon near the Holy Cross Hermitage

Estates and dachas

• V Riviera park(Egorova St., 1). Built in 1896 in the pseudo-Russian style with Art Nouveau elements according to the design of the architect Lev Kekushev. It belonged to the founder of the park, Vasily Alekseevich Khludov. During the Soviet years, the building housed a clinic; in 2009 it was demolished. The current building is a remake, different from the original.
• V Sochi Arboretum. Built in 1899 by Sergei Nikolaevich Khudekov for his wife. In 2014, the building was restored and now houses a museum.
• (Kurortny Prospekt 32a/1) was built in the Art Nouveau style with eclectic elements in 1910 by Sochi city mayor Nikolai Anatolyevich Kostarev. Currently - Sochi City Center for Extracurricular Activities.
• Dacha of Colonel A.V. Kvitko(Novorossiysk highway, 11a). Built in 1916 for Gendarmerie Colonel Andrei Kvitko. After the revolution, a children's labor colony was located here, then a sanatorium, then a rest home for NKVD employees. The building is surrounded by dark secrets and is haunted by ghosts. Currently empty and gradually being destroyed.
• Trapeznikov's dacha(Pirogov St., 10/1 building 3). Built in the Moorish style for the famous St. Petersburg doctor Fyodor Trapeznikov. After the revolution, sanatorium No. 6, owned by the NKVD, was located. Yagoda and Beria rested here. In the 1960s, the boarding house "Zapolyarye" was located. Currently, the external appearance of the building has been restored, but the interiors have been lost; only two fireplaces have survived.
• Sanatorium named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze(Kurortny Ave., 96). Located on the slope of Mount Bytkha, offering beautiful views of the sea. Built in 1934-1937 in Italian style. Many will remember Old Man Hottabych, who mistook this building for the luxurious palace of the padishah, and Volka, who explained that this palace was built for the recreation of ordinary people.
• (Khosta, Kurortny Ave., 120) is a two-story green building on the territory of the Green Grove sanatorium. You can go inside only with a guided tour, which is organized on site as the group gathers.

Villa "Nadezhda" in the Sochi Arboretum

Museums

• Sochi Art Museum(Kurortny Avenue, 51). Built according to the design of the architect I.V. Zholtovsky in 1936 as an administrative building. Sections: painting, graphics, sculpture, decorative and applied arts, arts and crafts. More than 6,000 exhibits, the oldest dating back to the 1st century. BC.
• Museum of the History of the Resort City of Sochi(Vorovskogo st., 54/11). It was founded in 1920 and is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the city. It is based on the collection of the Sochi branch of the Caucasian Mining Club (1902-1917). 14 halls, more than 4,000 unique exhibits reflecting the history of Sochi and the entire region from antiquity to the present day.
• Literary and Memorial Museum of N. Ostrovsky(Pavel Korchagin St., 4). Includes the Memorial House of the Soviet writer Nikolai Alekseevich Ostrovsky (1904-1936) and a literary museum. An exposition dedicated to the literary history of Sochi, exhibitions of fine art from the collections of central museums of Russia and private collections.
• House-Museum “V. Barsova’s Dacha”(Chernomorskaya St., 8) - museum of the Russian opera singer Valeria Barsova, since 1920 - soloist of the Bolshoi Theater. She had a lyric coloratura soprano. The house was built according to the design of the architect N. Trishkin.

Streets, squares, interesting places

• - formerly Stalin Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Sochi, where the most magnificent buildings and sanatoriums are located.
• Vereshchaginsky viaduct— a picturesque road bridge on Kurortny Prospekt over the Vereshchaginka River. Built in 1935. The length of the bridge is 220 meters, height is 27 meters.
• Sochi Embankment (Promenade). Extends approximately 2 km from seaport to Pushkin Avenue. One of the popular walking places. One of the episodes of the movie “The Diamond Arm” was filmed here, on the square near the building seaport Monuments to Geshe Kazadoev and Lyolik, and Semyon Semyonich and his family were erected.
• Arts Square(Kurortny Prospekt, 51). Located next to Sochi Art Museum And Resort Avenue. A small open-air museum: sculptures, fountains framed by subtropical vegetation and flower beds.
• - pedestrian street leading from Railway station to the side seaport. Subtropical plants, sculptures, a fountain, many shops and cafes.
• - a huge coastal cluster in the Imereti Lowland. Includes the Fisht stadium, the Bolshoi, Shaiba, and Iceberg ice palaces, the Adler Arena indoor skating center, and the Ice Cube curling center. In the center of the Main Ceremonial Square, Medal Plaza, there is the Olympic Flame Bowl, now a light and music fountain. Nearby is the Main Olympic Village and the “Russian Disneyland”.
• . You can go there at any time of the year to admire the beautiful landscapes, interesting buildings, and take the cable car to Rosa Khutor to an altitude of 2320 meters above sea level. There are several interesting museums in Krasnaya Polyana and the village of Esto-Sadok.

Buildings, observation decks

• . From a 700-meter height, magnificent panoramas of Sochi, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus Mountains open up. Near the tower there are stalls with souvenirs and a cafe. They serve delicious Krasnodar tea with pastries.
• . The beautiful building of the Marine Station in the “Stalinist Empire” style, built in 1955, is somewhat reminiscent of the Admiralty in St. Petersburg. Luxury yachts, large vessels and ships moor at the marina. You can book a boat trip.
• Sochi lighthouse(Primorskaya embankment). Built in 1880 from remains Navaginsky fort. Its light was visible at a distance of up to 32 km. In the past, depending on the time of year and day, it shone in different colors; now the light of the lighthouse is green.
• Pushkin Library V Seaside Park(Primorskaya St., 1). One of the oldest libraries on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Founded in 1899. In 1912, a new building was built in the Art Nouveau style according to the design of the architect A.Ya. Butkin. The volume of the library collection currently amounts to about 70 thousand copies of books and magazines. Book exhibitions, literary and musical evenings are held, subscription services and a reading room are provided.
• Sochi railway station(Gorky St., 56) opened in 1952. A three-story building with three courtyards and a tower 55 meters high. It is included in the UNESCO Red Book and is recognized as the most beautiful railway station building in Europe.

The observation tower on Mount Bolshoy Akhun, built in 1936-1937 on the site of the ruins of an ancient Turkish fortress, offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area, and in clear weather even Abkhazia is visible

Theaters

• (Chernomorskaya street, 11). Built in 1937 according to the design of the architect V.S. Krolevets. Accommodates 800 spectators. Located on the territory Frunze Park.
• Winter Theater(Teatralnaya str., 2). Built in 1934-1937. Surrounded by 88 columns of the Corinthian order. The pediment is decorated with three sculptures by V.I. Mukhina, personifying painting, architecture and sculpture. The hall seats 946 spectators. Near the theater there are Seaside Park And garden "Phytophantasia".

Summer theater in the evening

Monuments

• Monument "Anchor and Cannon" V Seaside Park. Created in 1913 in memory of the end of the Caucasian War and in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. The anchor was cast in 1779 at the Votkinsk (Botkin) plant in Udmurtia, and the ship's gun - in 1807 at the South Ural Aleksandrovsky plant.

Unusual forged sculptures by Hakob Khalafyan can be found in many parts of Sochi. In the photo: sculptures in the courtyard of the restaurant “Old Bazaar” (Nesebrskaya St., 4)

Tea attractions

Sochi - homeland Krasnodar tea. There are tea plantations along the coast. They buy tea for themselves and as a gift: black, green, with herbs (mint, thyme, berries, etc.).

• (Solokh-aul village, Koshmana street, 29). The place where Judas Koshman was first able to successfully grow the northernmost tea at that time. The tea plantations planted by Koshman, the grave of Koshman and his wife, and the house where the museum is now located have been preserved. Tasting and sale of Krasnodar tea from the plantations of Solokh-aul.
• Tea houses in Uch-Der(village Uch-Dere, Zaporozhskaya st., 302). Built in Russian style in the 1970s to receive foreign delegations. Tasting and sale of Krasnodar tea. The museum has a collection of Russian decorative and applied art. Performances by the Russian song and dance ensemble “Rus”.

Tea plantation and graves of Judah Koshman and his wife at Koshman's estate in Solokhaul

Parks and squares of Greater Sochi

Sochi has many beautiful parks and squares where exotic plants grow and amazing flowers bloom. Many of them were brought from distant countries even before the revolution. Eucalyptus trees are planted in Sochi, which perfectly absorb moisture from the ground and thereby help drain the swamps - in the past, malaria was a real scourge in these places.

On the streets and in gardens you can see palm trees, bananas, eucalyptus, ginkgo, figs, ivy, yucca, cycads, agaves and other plants that we usually grow as indoors.

• (Kurortny Avenue, 74). Large collection of plants from different parts of the world, themed gardens. On the territory there is Villa "Nadezhda", various sculptures, fountains and pavilions of pre-revolutionary and Soviet times. Consists of two parts: Upper and Lower Park. You can take the cable car to the very top, from where observation deck there is a beautiful view of Sochi, mountains and sea.
• (Egorova St., 1). It was founded in 1883. Initially, the dacha of the owner, V.A. Khludov, was located here. Numerous exotic plants were planted. Since 1902 it has been a public city park. Currently, the territory houses numerous attractions, aquarium. Restored Khludov's dacha.
• Southern Cultures Park(Adler, Tsvetochnaya St., 13) - founded in 1910 on the initiative of the owner of the “Casual” estate D.V. Drachevsky according to the design of the gardener-decorator A.E. Regel. A beautiful landscaped park with elements of formal gardens. Exotic coniferous and deciduous plants. Currently, large-scale restoration work is being carried out in the park.
• Garden of Russian-Japanese Friendship(Morskoy lane, 9). Founded in 1891 in the style of Japanese gardens. The author of the project is landscape architect S.I. Venchagov. The garden is especially beautiful in spring.
• . Founded in the 1930s on the site of an old boulevard. Many exotic plants and beautiful panoramas of the Black Sea. At the bottom - Sochi embankment. Interesting objects: Hotel "Primorskaya" built in the 1930s, Pushkin Library, composition "Anchor and Cannon" and others. Located nearby Winter Theater, Temple of Michael the Archangel, Concert Hall "Festival", antique Sochi lighthouse.
• Frunze Park(Chernomorskaya st., 11). Founded in 1899, at that time it was called Vereshchaginsky Park. Later, in honor of the Russian philanthropist A.S. Ermolov, it was named Ermolovsky, and after the revolution it received the name Frunze. Located on the territory of the park.
• Yew-boxwood grove(Khosta village, Samshitovaya street). Located on the eastern slope of Mount Bolshoy Akhun. Relict vegetation grows: yew berry, Colchian boxwood, oak, beech, hornbeam, linden, holly, rhododendron and others. On the northern border of the grove there is a medieval Khosta fortress. Currently, the yew-boxwood grove is endangered due to boxwood moth, accidentally imported from Italy during preparations for the Olympic Games.
• Park "Berendeevo Kingdom"(Lazarevsky district, Kuapse river valley). Picturesque rocks, mountain streams, waterfalls, swimming pools. Alexander Ostrovsky’s fairy tale “The Snow Maiden” was filmed here, so all the waterfalls bear names from this fairy tale. Above waterfall "Berendey's Beard" An observation deck is equipped.
• Botanical Garden "Fitophantasia"(Teatralnaya str., 2). Park of “continuous flowering”, created by S.I. Venchagov. About 260 species of exotic trees and shrubs and more than 100 species of flowers have been collected. Located next to Winter Theater.
• Ornithopark in Imeretinka(Lenin St., 96). Located on the territory Olympic Park in the Imereti Lowland. Thanks to the activity of ecologists, during the preparation for the Olympic Games, it was possible to preserve this unique corner, where more than 40 species of birds live in natural conditions; many birds stop during migrations.
• Sycamore Alley(Kurortny Ave., 113) was planted in 1913 as a monument to the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. During the construction of Stalin Avenue (nowadays) it was in danger of disappearing, but it was managed to be defended. In 1970, singing fountains were installed here.
• Park named after Bestuzhev-Marlinsky(Adler, Democratic St.). It was founded in 1910 on the initiative of local residents and with the support of General Drachevsky, the founder of the Southern Cultures Park. In 1957, a monument with a bas-relief of the poet was erected at the grave of the Decembrist Bestuzhev-Marlinsky (1797-1837).
• Sochi National Park(Sochi, Moskovskaya st., 21). One of the first national parks in our country, created in 1983 in order to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. A program is being carried out to restore the population of the Central Asian leopard in the wild.

The parks of Sochi are an amazing harmony of nature and people, lush flowers and exotic plants. In the photo: a flowerbed with agave in the Sochi Arboretum

Farms

• (Adler district, Kazachiy Brod village, Forelevaya St., 45A). There are interesting excursions where you can see how trout and other types of fish are raised. Nearby there is a fish store and a tasting room.

The Adler trout farm breeds golden and rainbow trout, as well as other species of fish.

Natural beauty and active recreation in Sochi

Around Sochi there is beautiful nature: mountains, mountain rivers and streams, waterfalls, picturesque rocks. Some places can be easily reached, while others will have a lot of difficulties getting to. The surroundings of Sochi are an ideal place for hikes, both independent and organized, of varying difficulty levels. There are hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, and rock climbing. Jeep trips are organized to many places. In the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana and Rosa Khutor there are special trekking trails.

Registration of permission to visit the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve and border zone

Some natural attractions of Greater Sochi are located on the territory Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve. To get there, you need to get a pass to visit the reserve (issued on the spot), the cost is 300 rubles per day per adult, 100 rubles per child.

You can only walk along special trails (11 routes are currently open), tents can be set up only in specially designated areas, and you must take garbage with you. Usually the reserve is open to tourists from mid-June to mid-October. In spring and autumn, the reserve is closed for animal registration.

Some natural attractions are located in border zone. To visit it, permission is required from the border guards (Sochi border detachment of the FSB).

Documents for issuing a pass can be submitted in Sochi (Teatralnaya St., 5, FSB reception) or on the “State Services” website in the “Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (federal service)” section. The period for preparing documents is 1 month. If the exact dates of the trip are unknown, you can apply for a permit for the entire season. Entering the border zone without permission is punishable by a fine and deportation from the zone.

• For information about obtaining passes to the Caucasus State Biosphere Reserve, places where permission from border guards is required and addresses where you can obtain a pass, read on the reserve’s website.
• What documents are required to obtain a pass to the border zone, see the website of the FSB of the Russian Federation.

Picturesque places of Greater Sochi

• Neighborhoods of the village Solokhaul. One of the most picturesque places in Greater Sochi. Attractions: , tract "Three Oaks" with dolmens, Shahe river valley, Solohaula Canyon. It is planned to create a safari park.
• Mount Fisht(2867.7 m). Mountain peak in the western part of the Main Caucasus Range. Translated from Adyghe - “white head”. Climbing routes of difficulty from 1B to 6A, horseback riding to the mountain. Named after her Fisht stadium V Olympic Park.

The Caucasus Mountains are extremely picturesque. In the photo: view towards the Main Caucasus Range from the Observation Tower on Mount Bolshoy Akhun

Waterfalls

• Agur waterfalls- cascade of waterfalls Agura River in a picturesque Agur Gorge. A 3-meter high waterfall, the Devil's Cup lake, the Devil's Hole cave, the Lower Agursky two-cascade waterfall (18 and 12 meters), the Middle Agursky waterfall (23 meters), the Upper Agursky waterfall (21 meters). Nearby - Eagle Rocks. One of the most popular places in Sochi, access to the waterfalls is paid. Located between Matsestoy and the mountain Big Akhun.
• Thirty-three waterfalls(Lazarevsky district, Dzhegosh tract, in the valley of the Shakhe River, 4 km north of the village of Bolshoy Kichmai). A mountain gorge with a cascade of waterfalls up to 12 meters high on the Dzhegosh River. Relict vegetation. Natural monument. Included in .
• Bzogu Waterfall(village Dagomys). A two-cascade waterfall with clear water, relict vegetation, a picturesque gorge. About an hour's walk from the village of Solokhaul.
• Polikarya Waterfall(Krasnaya Polyana village). The height of the waterfall is about 70 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the Krasnodar region and one of the highest in Europe. It is located a few kilometers away at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, in the area of ​​alpine meadows. Next to the waterfall is a glacier. You can get to it on foot or by SUV.
• . Picturesque baths in a deep gorge, created by inclined layers of rocks lying across the riverbed. Popular vacation spot: beach, cafe. Excursions often stop on the way back from Solokhaul. Nearby are tea plantations.
• Makopse waterfalls(village Vishnevka). A group of waterfalls on the Makopse River and its tributaries. The most picturesque are “Tears of Laura” and “Serenade of Love”.
• Boxwood Falls(Dagomys village) - picturesque waterfalls in the gorge on the Eastern Dagomys River. They are located upstream of the river from the village of Baranovka.
• Waterfalls of the Khadzhipse river valley(village Anchor Shchel). Small picturesque waterfalls 1.5 km from the village. Anchor Slot. A horse trail runs past them.
• Svanidze waterfalls— a cascade of 2-3 meter waterfalls on the Svanidze stream, the left tributary of the Agva River. Few tourists.
• Psydakh and Shapsug waterfalls(Lazarevsky district, Ashe, Kalezh village). Two- and three-cascade waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in the Caucasus. The Wishing Stone is located near the Shapsug waterfall. The area around the waterfalls is landscaped for a comfortable stay, there are observation platforms.
• Zmeykovskie waterfalls(Khostinsky district, Izmailovka village). A group of waterfalls on the Dikarka River, a tributary of Matsesta. The area around is landscaped and a fee is charged for visiting.
• Waterfall Maiden's Tears(Krasnopolyanskoye forestry). A 13-meter waterfall flowing into the Mzymta River. Represents unhappy love. The exit to the waterfall is located behind the village of Chvizhepse, 2 km before reaching Krasnaya Polyana.
• Waterfall "Paradise Delight"(village Verkhnee-Armenskoe Loo). The waterfall in the Loo River valley, not far from the village, is easily accessible on foot. Nearby is an ancient Armenian village that has preserved its traditional way of life, and a trout farm.
• Achipsinskiye waterfalls. The waterfalls are located on the Achipse River on the southern slope of the Achishkho ridge. It takes some physical preparation to get here.
• Orekhovsky waterfall(Orekhovka village). A two-stage waterfall, the second highest in Sochi. Located in the Khostinsky district on the Bezumenka River at its confluence with the Sochi River. The height of the most picturesque part of the waterfall is 27.5 meters. Picturesque gorge. The area is landscaped and a fee is charged for entry. There is a cafe.

It’s nice to swim in Koryty on the Western Dagomys River on a hot day

Caves

• Akhshtyrskaya cave(Adler district, Kazachiy Brod village). Located on the starboard side Akhshtyr Gorge over the Mzymta river. The entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of 120 meters above the river level. Site of primitive man - Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons. The first people settled here about 70 thousand years ago and lived until the early Middle Ages. The thickness of the cultural layer is about 5 meters. A unique monument of primitive architecture. There is an entrance fee to the cave.
• Vorontsov Cave(Khostinsky district, Vorontsovka village). Located in the upper reaches of the Kudepsta River. More than 10 entrances on the sides of the Kudepsta River valley at an altitude of 419-720 meters above sea level. Collapse-type chambers in Upper Cretaceous layered limestones, stalactites, stalagmites, columns. Sites of ancient man of the Upper Paleolithic, Neolithic and Eneolithic eras, bones of a cave bear. Excursion route through the cave.
• Witches Cave. Other names: House of Spirits, Cave of Salvation. Located on the right bank of the Ashe River. To get to it, you need to cross a long suspension bridge over the Ashe River. The cave is half-flooded; part of the path passes through water. Excursions are organized.
• Tiger Cave(village Lazarevskoye, aul Tkhagapsh). The cave is divided into three branches. The length of the cave is about 145 meters, but due to the low height of the arches it is impossible to walk through it all. On the way to the cave you need to cross the suspension bridge over the Psezuapse River. Multi-colored layers of rocks make up the walls of the cave, which is why it received its name.

Gorges, canyons, rocks

• Dzykhrinskoye Gorge. A small picturesque gorge near the top of Mount Dzyhra (1277 meters above sea level). Formed by the Dzykhrinka stream, a left tributary of the Mzymta River. The depth of the gorge is 60-100 meters, the width in the lower part does not exceed 10 meters, and the length is 1.3 km. The stream forms cascading waterfalls with a total length of 20 meters, the height of the largest waterfall is about 6 meters.
• Volkon Gorge and rocks Two Brothers. A picturesque gorge through which the rapids Godlik River flows. Volkonsky dolmen. Hydrogen sulfide mineral spring, rich in sodium and chlorine. "Glade of Roots" Rocks Two Brothers connected by a natural tunnel. Located in the Lazarevsky district near the village of Volkonka.
• Canyons of the Psakho River. One of the most beautiful Sochi routes. Takes place near the village of Golitsyno in the Adler region, across the territory Sochi National Park. Jeeping. A standard tourist route includes a visit to two Psakho canyons - “dry” and “wet”, Ivanovo Falls, and the Trinity-St. George Convent. Entry into the territory of the Sochi National Park is paid.
• . A picturesque gorge on the road to Krasnaya Polyana, flowing below Mzymta River. Akhshtyrskaya cave, where people lived from the Middle Paleolithic era to the early Middle Ages. Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi with the world's longest suspension bridge Skybridge (439 m long, at an altitude of 207 m), bungee jump, Sochi swing and other extreme entertainment.
• Agur Gorge. Hydrogen sulfide sources, Agur waterfalls, the Devil's Font reservoir and the Devil's Hole cave. From here there are routes to Eagle Rocks And .
• Eagle Rocks and Prometheus Statue. Rocks 125 meters high on the right bank of the Agura River. Territory Sochi National Park. The statue of Prometheus on top of the rocks was installed in 1998. The Lower Agursky waterfall is visible. Routes to Agur waterfalls And Mount Bolshoy Akhun. Can be combined with a trip to.
• Svir Gorge(village Lazarevskoye). Svirsky waterfall, Slava dolmen, Adam and Eve waterfalls, Mother-in-law's tears. Moonstone, Wishing Tree. Walking route.
• Mamedovo Gorge(Valley of the Kuapse River). The walking route is about 7 km. Waterfalls Happiness (12 m), Health and Youth (10 m), cascade of Love waterfalls (13 m). Water cascade Mamed's Beard and Mamed's Bath reservoir. If you return along the upper road, you can see dolmens, the most popular is dolmen healer.

The Akhshtyrskoye Gorge attracts with its beauty and attractions

Rivers and lakes

• Svanidze stream,
• Valley of the Ashe River,
• Khmelevskie lakes.

The rivers in Sochi are picturesque and treacherous. In the photo: Matsesta River

Children's holidays in Sochi

Children will be delighted with their trip to Sochi. In Greater Sochi there are several oceanariums, dolphinariums, numerous water parks, and animal farms.

Dolphinarium, aquariums, zoos

• Sochi Discovery World Aquarium(Sochi, Adlersky district, Kurortny Gorodok, Lenina St. 219a/4) - the largest oceanarium in Sochi. There is a tunnel.
• Big Sochi Dolphinarium V Riviera park(Egorova St., 1). Performances of dolphins and marine mammals.
• - a small aquarium with an interesting collection of fish, sea animals and corals. Show.
• Matsesta Aquarium(Khostinsky district, Cheltenham Alley, 4). It is home to fish, reptiles, amphibians and marine mammals. Circus shows, you can watch feeding.
• Zoo "White Kangaroo"(Plekhanov St., 42-44). A small zoo on the territory of the Oktyabrsky sanatorium. Among the most interesting animals is the liger, a hybrid of a tiger and a lion.

The Sochi Dolphinarium is considered the largest in Eastern Europe. Performances with dolphins and other marine mammals are regularly held here.

Water parks and other entertainment

• Luna Park (Ordzhonikidze St., 6),
• Marine Park "Aquatoria" (Lenin St., 219, building 2),
• Water park "Mayak" (3/7 Primorskaya embankment),
• Water park "Amphibius" (Adler, Lenina St., 219a),
• Water park "Starfish" (Lazarevskoye village, Lazarev St., 108a),
• Water park “Nautilus” (Lazarevskoye village, Pobeda str., 2/1),
• Year-round water park "Aqualoo" (Sochi, Dekabristov St., 78-b).

Entertainment for children in the Olympic Park

Be sure to visit with your children (Adler district, Imereti Lowland, Olympic Avenue, 21) - this is a Russian Disneyland. It's better to go here for the whole day. Some attractions, such as Quantum Leap, are among the most extreme in the world, but are absolutely safe for children and adults.

In the very Olympic Park Children will certainly be interested in the car museum, the electric museum of Nikola Tesla, the dinosaur museum, and the mechanical museum of Leonardo da Vinci.

You can spend the whole day with your children in Sochi Park. All conditions have been created here for young visitors: attractions, entertainment programs

Danger for children: rotavirus infection in warm water

The sea is good for children, but do not forget about rotavirus infection in warm water. Many complain that in the summer children often catch it and become seriously ill. The holiday is ruined. Judging by numerous reviews on the Internet, in children's hospitals at this time there are usually a lot of small patients, there are not enough places and there are beds even in the corridors.

Perhaps in July-August, when the water warms up best, it is better to choose another children's resort or swim in the pool. Be sure to have a first aid kit with you and practice good hygiene. And at the first signs of illness, take your child to the hospital.

Many hotels have swimming pools where children can safely frolic and swim. In the photo: swimming pools of the Dagomys health complex

Ski holidays in Krasnaya Polyana

Snow in the mountains usually falls in October. However, the snow cover may then disappear several times and lie down again. At the beginning of the ski season, which usually occurs in mid-December, and during the New Year holidays, Krasnaya Polyana, Esto-Sadok and Rosa Khutor are very crowded. Prices for hotels and ski passes are the highest at this time. There are many who come to the mountains just to have a good time, sit in a cafe and ride the cable cars.

The best snow is in February-March. Prices for hotels and ski passes are lower. At this time, mostly educated people who sincerely love alpine skiing come to ski resorts. The ski season lasts until the end of April. Some fans manage to finish the ski season in May.

You don’t have to take your ski equipment with you from home; you can rent it.

In summer, life in Krasnaya Polyana does not stop either. You can walk in the mountains, ride horses or mountain bikes, and climb to the peaks using cable cars. Many hotels have their own beaches on the Black Sea coast, and a special bus runs there several times a day. It is colder in the mountains than below, so even in the hottest weather, take warm clothes with you.

You can get from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana by car, taxi or bus along the highway, as well as by a comfortable Lastochka train.

Mountain Olympic village at an altitude of 1170 meters above sea level in Rosa Khutor. You can live here both in winter and summer

Treatment on the waters

If you want to be treated on the waters of Matsesta and Kudepsta, it is better not to go during the height of the beach season to avoid the temptation: it is not recommended to combine procedures with sun exposure and swimming in the sea. Before the trip, you need to undergo an examination, since treatment with hydrogen sulfide waters has a number of contraindications. The waters of Kudepsta are considered more gentle on the body than those from Matsesta.

During pauses between procedures, you can get acquainted with the sights. Or simply lead a healthy lifestyle and relax while walking around the area.

Hotels and accommodation in Sochi

Hotel prices in Greater Sochi strongly depend on the season; the difference in room prices can vary by two or more times! Of course, in the summer season prices will be higher than in the low season. During the New Year holidays, prices will also be higher than at other times of the year. You can buy a ticket to a sanatorium or health complex.

Hotels in Sochi - for every taste and budget. There are expensive luxury hotels with their own beaches that are closed to outsiders. The price for such a room during the season can exceed 10-15 thousand rubles per day.

Hotel Primorskaya and Hyatt Regency Sochi

There are small hotels, the price of a room in them is 2-4 thousand rubles per day, but breakfast is not necessarily included in this price. There is no private beach; you will have to walk through the city area to get to the sea. Some of them may have a small swimming pool, which is very convenient.

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In addition, you can rent a room or apartment. Housing prices start from about 500 rubles per day during the season. In the off-season, prices can drop to 200 rubles and below. You can book accommodation in advance, for example, through, or you can book it on the spot (although this option is not the best). At train stations and airports there are special services for booking accommodation; upon leaving the building you may be approached with an offer to rent an inexpensive room. Advertisements for housing rentals can also be seen on houses.

Boathouses along the Dagomys River. You can rent a room here for 500 rubles

How to get to Sochi: car, plane or train?

One of the most difficult questions for a traveler is how to get to your destination. Of course, it all depends on the time of year, the availability of free time, the condition of your personal vehicle, and cash.

In general, there are four possibilities: car, long-distance train, plane and bus.

To Sochi by car

The car is very convenient for travel. There is no need to depend on public transport; you can get to almost anywhere. However, there are also many disadvantages. First of all, it's a long road.

For example, the distance from Moscow to Sochi by car is 1622 km. From St. Petersburg to Sochi - 2334 km. The last section is especially difficult: in summer, traffic jams accumulate on the roads, there are many serpentines that exhaust both the driver and passengers.

In addition, driving along serpentine roads requires certain skills from the driver. I have seen terrible accidents several times: on descents, drivers constantly applied the brake pedal, causing the brakes to overheat and fail.

You can read about the condition of the road, toll sections and places to stay overnight in the article. Although only part of the route is described there, I think the tips will be useful when traveling by car to Sochi.

It’s very pleasant to get around Sochi by car

To Sochi by long-distance train

You can arrive to Sochi by long-distance train. By train “Double-Decker” 104B the travel time from Moscow to Sochi will be 23 hours 20 minutes, by train “Premium” 102M - 23 hours 20 minutes. However, their ticket prices are higher than on other trains. On average, passenger trains travel from Moscow to Sochi for more than a day and a half.

The branded train “Northern Palmira” 035A runs from St. Petersburg to Sochi, the travel time is 37 hours. Other trains take longer.

Train schedule Moscow -

Train number	Route	Departure	Arrival	On my way	Approximate prices	Travel date
	Moscow Kurskaya → Sochi → Adler	20:03 Moscow Kursk	09:31 +1 day	1d 13h	4,285 rub. 4,134 rub.
102M "Premium"	Moscow Kazanskaya → Sochi → Adler	14:10 Moscow Kazanskaya	13:24	23h 14m	RUB 5,833 4,146 rub. RUB 13,634 RUR 29,154
	Moscow Kazanskaya → Sochi → Imereti Resort (Olympic Park)	23:18 Moscow Kazanskaya	08:24 +1 day	1d 9h	RUR 3,962 RUB 3,820
	Murmansk → Moscow Kursk → Sochi → Adler	00:24 Moscow Kursk	17:12 +1 day	1d 17h	RUB 3,641 4,291 rub. RUB 9,883

The city is known as the resort pearl of Russia; thousands of tourists come here every year who do not want to leave the country for any reason and at the same time expect a high-level vacation. The city's population is 390,00 people. The tourist infrastructure of Sochi is probably the most developed in Russia, because it has everything that tourists with the highest requirements need:

• well-maintained beaches,
• luxury hotels with modern rooms,
• restaurants and bars,
• themed parties in nightclubs,
• There are plenty of options for spending leisure time with children.

Moreover, most of the tourist sites here appeared on the eve of the Olympics. Here you can always spend that favorite “lazy” holiday on the beach under an umbrella with a glass of your favorite cocktail. Fans of active recreation can play beach soccer, volleyball, go on water rides, rent scuba gear, go on a boat trip, but that’s not all. Don’t forget that Sochi, among other things, is also a center for alpine skiing, so here you can spend your time in completely different ways.

There are many resorts concentrated on the territory of Greater Sochi, in addition to Sochi itself, each of which is special in its own way:

• Adler is a full-fledged resort, on the territory of which there is all kinds of entertainment, there are also resources for climate therapy and balneological procedures;
• Kudepsta is a resort that is perfect for both relaxation and recovery due to the presence of mineral springs.
• Metsesta is the main health resort of the region;
• Dagomys is the center of mountain tourism;
• Krasnaya Polyana is the center of alpine skiing, the so-called “Russian Switzerland”;
• Loo is a great place for a quality holiday at attractive prices;
• Lazarevskoye – beach recreation area;
• Verdane is a resort designed for a relaxing family holiday.

The unique nature and favorable climate have created the necessary conditions for recovery, so when you go to Sochi, you can not only relax, but also improve your health. The pride of Greater Sochi is Krasnaya Polyana, dolmens, mineral springs, “White Nights” and, of course, the Olympics held in 2017, thanks to which this city became known throughout the world.

The Internet service VashOtel.RU allows you to organize cultural recreation in Sochi of any level. There is always a program at your service, as well as places to relax in Sochi, which will be appreciated both by those who visited the city for the first time and by experienced tourists who are already difficult to surprise with anything. Please note that the cost of a holiday in Sochi directly depends on your preferences, and we, in turn, will offer favorable prices for hotels in the best places. Tourism from VashOtel.RU is chosen by all those who are used to relaxing in comfort, try it too!

Holiday season in Sochi

The answer to the question “when is the best time to go to Sochi” is purely individual, it all depends on who you are eating with and what you want to do. Holidays in Sochi are good in their own way at every time of the year. Summer in Sochi is hot and humid, winter is mild and damp. The average annual air temperature is +14°C. The coolest region is Adler, the warmest is Khosta, but if you want to get to the sunniest place, go to the Central region.

Holidays in Sochi in summer

If you want to spend the hottest days here and are not bothered by the “peak” season and the huge influx of vacationers, go on vacation in the summer or during the “velvet season”, which occurs from August to September. Please keep in mind that the cost of accommodation during this period will be about 45% higher than in the low season. By mid-June, the water temperature in the Black Sea reaches +21, in July – +23, and in August – +25°С. The air temperature warms up to +30 °C and above.

Holidays in Sochi in spring and autumn

For those who prefer to enjoy nature and the attractions of the resort in the fall or spring, there will be a lot of entertainment here, and there will be many fewer vacationers; you will be able to enjoy the fresh sea air and unique nature. Objectively, there is no “low” season at the resort, since the beach season smoothly flows into the ski season, but it is in spring and autumn that accommodation is the most budget-friendly.

The beach season here begins at the end of May, when the water temperature reaches 17-18°C, despite the fact that swimming under such conditions is not so comfortable, sunbathing is in great demand. If we consider the spring period, the most favorable period is late spring, since March is a rainy month, although warm.

Holidays in Sochi in winter

At this time of year you will get the maximum of new impressions, because you will find numerous cable cars, snow-covered mountain slopes, trails of varying difficulty levels, which are suitable for lovers of alpine skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. Winter in Sochi is quite mild, as evidenced by the average daily temperature of +11°C. It is noteworthy that in winter it rains quite often, which results in icy conditions on the roads.

10 things to do in Sochi

• Climb to the observation deck of Mount Bolshoi Akhun to see Sochi, the Caucasus and, of course, the clearest sea and bird's eye view.
• Buy aromatic spices at the Sochi market.
• Visit the largest arboretum in Russia.
• Visit “Russian Switzerland” by visiting the rapidly developing resort called Krasnaya Polyana.
• See the legendary 33 waterfalls with your own eyes.
• Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Sochi Oceanarium.
• Try the famous khinkali, shish kebab and chebureks, which are prepared according to traditional Caucasian recipes.
• Visit numerous Olympic venues.
• Throw a coin into the huge light and music fountain located on the square of the Olympic Park.
• Cope with mountain rivers.

Where to stay - hotels in Sochi

The Internet service VashOtel.RU offers you a list of the best hotels in Sochi for a holiday with family or friends. The modern, comfortable hotels in Sochi presented in our database are a worthy choice for all tourists, regardless of the purpose of the trip.

Sochi has no analogues. This unique resort is changing every day, gradually becoming the center of world tourism. The legacy of the Winter Olympics, coupled with its stunning geography, continues a new era in the history of this amazing city. The appearance of a modern metropolis does not interfere with the wonderful landscapes. Mountain ranges with snow-white peaks serenely look out over the sea. Palm trees and banana trees have settled near the legendary sports venues. The winter competitions of five years ago entered the annals of the “white games” not only thanks to the success of our national team, but also with the help of the competition venue itself. Southern flora and subtropical climate rarely accompany such forums. It would seem that a fantastic adventure eventually turned into an outstanding triumph (and not only for the winners, but also for the organizers). It’s as if the city, created anew, is still reaping the benefits of its recent past. The arenas are functioning, and hotel complexes, as before, are filled with a diverse audience. In a word, today this brilliant ensemble amazes its guests with a rich program and pristine beauty of the landscape.

I'll take you, I'll take you to Sochi

The status of an international resort was achieved, including with the help of developed infrastructure in the field of transport. Bus, train, and air services here are at the highest level. The airport in Adler is one of the main “arteries” of the region, and trains run throughout all areas of the city, right up to the legendary ski resorts.

Airport. Adler

Some tourists suggest that Adler airport is located far from civilization, and in order to get to Sochi it is necessary to spend a considerable amount of time. In fact, a place with a sonorous name is part of the famous resort town.

• It will take about an hour to get to the center of Sochi from the airport by taxi (cost from 500 to 1000 rubles)
• The airport is located a five minute walk from the beach
• There are public transport stops near the airport building

Railway

The railway, as we have already said, is laid through the entire city. It passes through all famous resort areas. Long-distance trains and high-speed “swallows” will allow you to be at the desired station.

• The cost of a ticket for the “swallow” from Krasnodar will be no more than 600 rubles
• Long-distance trains stop not only at Sochi station, but also at almost all famous resorts of the city
• From some stations to the sea the journey will be no more than 7 minutes, and to the ski slopes no more than 15.

Bus and car

The presence of high-quality roads in Sochi allows you to travel from anywhere in the country. A European-level route, naturally, has a positive effect on tourists’ desire to visit the “famous health resort” by private car or other means of transport.

• Intercity buses complete their journey at Sochi station (at the railway platform of the same name)
• Many people go to Sochi by car
• The quality of the route allows you to travel even on a motorcycle

Good weather? Yes! This is Sochi!

The combination of climatic elements freed Sochi from seasonal boundaries. The evergreen city has now turned into a winter resort. The temperature is not low. Consequently, pirouettes on the ski slope occur accompanied by the sun. What can we say about the summer period?

• The swimming season in Sochi begins in early May
• Ski slopes are open without a break for summer holidays
• In winter the temperature can reach 20 degrees, and in summer 35

Is this a luxury?

The fairly wide location of Sochi guarantees an incredible range of prices. In addition, a lot depends on the intentions of the visitor. Some people want to indulge in resort vaudeville (the city has turned into the capital of nightlife), some want to be closer to the coast, and others strive for the foot of the mountains. Abundance leads to polarized ideas about the cost of living. However, do not be intimidated by the grandiose price list.

• The cost of budget apartments near the coast ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles per day per person
• In the private sector, prices start from 800 rubles
• Tourist lodges at ski resorts offer prices starting from 1800 per night

A resort for everyone

As described above, Sochi is methodically moving away from the concept of high season. In the sense that the legendary resort attracts tourists at any time of the year. However, one should not deny the existence of a rush during a certain period. Holidays and vacation time cannot be cancelled. Naturally, a trip to the Black Sea is generally preferred not during the January celebrations, and a trip to the ski slopes is unlikely to be adequately accepted in July.

• The most popular beaches in Sochi are Adler and Lazarevskoye
• Sochi beaches have a combined surface with the advantage of pebbles
• The famous ski resort "Krasnaya Polyana" is suitable for both professionals and amateurs. The best time to travel here is January

This is something

Looking for any attractions in the city is a rather strange idea. Sochi, in itself, can be called a masterpiece of urban planning. The feeling of a European resort and the fantastic pictures that amaze the viewer throughout the entire perimeter of the region make this alliance a real relic. The natural monolith and modern architecture transformed the main health resort of the Krasnodar region. Of course, the Olympic capital blossomed like an ugly duckling. Although, even before the grandiose construction, it looked quite decent. Memories of old species are still alive, but there are fewer and fewer of them. Nowadays, guests of the “southern metropolis” prefer to make pilgrimages to the buildings of the current era.

• The legacy of 2014, in the form of the Olympic Park, is the main place for excursion walks
• Loo offers tourists a grandiose water park
• A ride on a cable car to the Krasnaya Polyana estate also does not depend on the time of year.

Popular places in Sochi:

Why go on vacation abroad if there are so many places in Russia where you can spend your vacation. A very beautiful, warm and hospitable city of Sochi! This is the pearl of Russia. There are many different types of entertainment and amenities for tourists. There is only one drawback that can slightly spoil the long-awaited vacation, we will learn about it later in the article.

"D" in geography

Sochi is one of the longest cities in the world, which is located on the shores of the Black Sea. He is very unique. Here you can swim in the gentle sea (season April - November), then sunbathe, and an hour or two later skiing and throwing snow balls on the famous Krasnaya Polyana mountain. And how many cypresses and palm trees there are in the city! Blooming oleander and magnolia are simply a miracle. It’s also a good idea to spend time in a gorge near a mountain river, breathing in the wonderful mountain air. And in 40-50 minutes you will go back to the sea.

In fact, it is this blue expanse that many people come here to see. What happens? People hoped to lie on the yellow and warm sand in Sochi so that they could return home with a beautiful skin color. But in reality they were only exhausted, their feet were skinned on sharp stones. It was especially difficult to walk out of the water on the pebbles.

Yes, apparently they got a bad grade in geography at school. Due to the mountainous terrain, the city does not have its own natural sand. All beaches are covered with pebbles. So, when asked where there is a sandy beach in Sochi, you will be told that there is none, there are only small areas of this kind.

Walking on pebbles

First, let's walk along the Maybe on our own sandy beach in Sochi. Here is “Primorsky” (near the Central Embankment). It is pebbly and rocky. Maybe we’ll find what we’re looking for on the Riviera? The shore here is spacious, roomy, but also covered with small pebbles and, in some places, sand. The question of where there is a sandy beach in Sochi remains open.

“Swallow” (microdistrict “Mamaika”) is all strewn with small stones. "Lazurny" is always ready to welcome tourists in the summer. There are comfortable sun loungers and sun loungers here, otherwise visitors will have to lie on hard pebbles under the well-baked southern sun. This is also not where there is a sandy beach in Sochi.

“Chaika” pleases with clear sea water, amazing views of mountain peaks, and a convenient beach. It is the largest within the city limits (located in the Adlersky district). Its area is 30 thousand sq.m. There is everything you need for the best possible rest, even a rescue post and a medical center. And the beach is small pebble. True, wooden floorings are carefully placed everywhere so that people do not walk on hot stones and scalding sand.

Are you here on holiday with small children? Go to “Mayak”, where the pebbles are quite small and there are sandy and pebble areas.

All coastal areas in the city do not have continuous sand. So a positive answer to the question of where there is a sandy beach in Sochi is unlikely to be obtained. What to do? I have an idea!

Outside the city

We need to drive away a little and see where the sandy beaches are. For example, what is 18 km. It boasts clean seas and spacious beaches. But they are also sand and pebbles. And if someone did not have time to take a place on the sand in the morning, then you will toil on the pebbles. The village of Vardane is 30 kilometers away. This is an excellent resort with excellent conditions and service. But the shore is again made of stones.

To find out where there are sandy beaches and clear seas in the Sochi area, let's go to Golovinka - this is in the Lazarevsky district. Here the Black Sea waters are considered the most unpolluted.

Curious story

Where did these smooth, sharp, small and large pebbles on the beaches of Sochi come from? And these mountain rivers and rivulets have been eroding the Caucasus Mountains for centuries and carrying various debris, boulders, and tiles into the Black Sea. The sea continued to crush and polish them. 70 million years. They grew and formed during the eruption of lava. After all, the local mountains are volcanoes, already extinct. Pumice is solidified magma filled with air, and therefore light. There are also tuffs and basalts that simply froze at the exit from the vent. They are heavier than pumice, but, of course, lighter than granite. By the way, it can also be found on the beaches.

Souvenir for memory

Granite pebbles are beautiful in a special way. Take a few of these stones as souvenirs. Basalts can also be found under your feet. There are simply decorative stones, and even semi-precious ones. Add flint-chalcedony here. Healers are now talking about its healing properties with all their might.

And on the coast and the same beaches you can see stones with holes, sometimes with through ones. This means that the sea mollusk, the stone cutter, has already worked. They say that finding such a pebble is lucky. So don’t be too upset that you didn’t get to hang out on the beach the way you wanted.

On the golden sand

But everything flows, everything changes. Quite recently, a completely new beach opened in the Imereti Lowland area. Its area is the size of three football fields. Almost a thousand people can sunbathe at the same time. Here you will receive the long-awaited answer to your question, where are the sandy beaches in Sochi. The photos selected for the article will confirm this.

Construction of the beach began recently - in April 2015. We carried out all types of necessary work and finished with landscape design and landscaping. The fact is that this beach is artificial, artificial. Since Sochi does not mine its own sand due to the rocky terrain, no less than 11 thousand tons of special gold were brought here. It was chosen from 15 samples that were searched both in Russia and abroad. In particular, in Africa, as the beach workers themselves said. This unusual cargo was transported to the Black Sea by rail in 160 wagons. Each contained 70 tons.

It is, of course, better to rest on a sandy surface, although there is a drawback: vacationers will still have to walk into the sea on pebbles.

Two levels of pleasure

The new beach consists of two areas: coastal and main. The first accommodates 200 people and is located right by the sea. The second is 30 m from the seashore. On the lower terrace there is an entrance area, sports and dance floors, and a little town. On the top there is its own cafe plus terraces (for 700 sun loungers). This is also an area of ​​special, increased service: additional services and services, there is a jacuzzi.

Let's not even talk about showers and toilets - these are trifles, as well as a medical center with a rescue service.

You can stay here all day with your whole family or in the company of friends - no one will be rushed. Residents of the area pay 200 rubles per day for this luxury, visitors - 400.

Many people have already been here. Rumors about this amazing structure are constantly growing. Now you can explain to everyone who is interested where the sandy beaches and clean sea are in Sochi.

Many dreamed of visiting Sochi, swimming, sunbathing, but not on the rocks, of course, but on the soft sand. From now on, all this is quite real for them.