Sochi
A much-loved place by Russians who frequent it traditionally as a domestic vacation spot, Sochi is full of excellent things to do in both summer and winter.
Sochi in a nutshell
One of Russia’s premier seaside resorts, Sochi is situated along 90km of the beautiful Black Sea coastline. The 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2014 Winter Olympics before it both put the place on the map, making it evident that Sochi is a fabulous place to visit year-round, with great sporting facilities and beautiful beaches.
It also boasts a stunning setting, with mountains, cliffs, seaside, coastline and waterfalls all vying for attention, depending on the weather.
Located about 1,000 miles from Moscow, Sochi forms part of the magnificent Caucasian Riviera. Stalin built a summer residence here, starting the trend of visiting here in the warmer months, and Sochi later became known as ‘The Pearl of the Black Sea’ because of its glorious subtropical climate.
But there’s more to the town than just a gorgeous coastline. Sochi is also home to the UNESCO-listed Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, home to many caves where prehistoric people lived, megalithic tombs and rejuvenating mineral springs.
With so much attention from hosting major international sports events, many excellent hotels and tourist facilities were built, and today Sochi is Russia’s largest and most popular resort city, with numerous gorgeous beaches to laze on in the summer and great winter skiing opportunities in its nearby mountain area.
There are also some excellent spas where visitors can enjoy the popular mineral springs, including the renowned Matsesta Sulfur Springs. Sochi is also home to a unique tea plantation, the only one in the country, and the most northern tea plantation in the world.
Best time to visit: This stunning resort is a year-round destination, but summer is the most popular time to visit, especially July and August.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Port area Sochi’s former Marina has been revitalized into a shopping and entertainment center, a great place to explore and have fun.
Shopping in Sochi: The town has a number of shopping malls including Alexandria and Olymp. You’ll find excellent local products at the Central Market including fresh produce, cheese, honey and other delicious goods. Upmarket shops and restaurants line Vorovskogo Street, offering a taste of luxury with international designer brands.
Food & Restaurants in Sochi: There are numerous world class eateries all over the town, offering traditional dishes as well as global fare, particularly German, Italian and Uzbekistan cuisines. The town’s 5-story Forward Tower is a mall full of restaurants with inexpensive food choices from all over the world.
Nightlife: The town is renowned for a lively nightlife scene, with everything from theme bars to karaoke and music venues. At the open-air Festival concert hall, world class music acts perform live, and you can also enjoy ballet, philharmonic and jazz performances. There’s also the Winter Theater, a Stalinist structure offering various performances.
Things to do in Sochi:
- Visit the magnificent Sochi Arboretum, with its stunning ocean views, lush gardens and spectacular natural beauty.
- Learn all about Sochi’s history at the Museum of History of the Resort City of Sochi.
- Enjoy a cultural outing at the Sochi Art Museum, with its incredible art installations and 3D displays.
- Visit Stalin’s Summer Residence and other Stalin era buildings in town.
- Explore Sochi National Park to see Mount Akhun, offering views that stretch to Turkey, and the Agurskoe Canyon.
- Discover Dagomys Tea Plantation and learn about how tea is produced and the history of the beverage in Russia.
- See the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel built from stones taken from the Alexandria Fort.
- Take a walk along the Upper Embankment, or sit on a bench and look out to sea and the port.
Best way to get around: Sochi’s most popular mode of transport is a mini bus called marshrutka. There are also trolley buses, or take a taxi. Alternatively hire a car.
Best Area for Families: Lazarevskoye District Less built up than the town of Sochi itself, this is a great coastal resort area to stay in.