When talking about the sights of Sochi, I mean not just stand-alone monumental objects, but also places where you will simply love to be, and, more importantly, where you will want to return again. All the resort’s attractions can be divided into man-made and natural, within the city and beyond.
As you know, Greater Sochi is not only the city of Sochi itself, but also all its surroundings. There are just a lot of interesting things in them. But I see the main division between the sights of Sochi in the fact that you should definitely see some first and foremost, and others - to the extent possible and if you have free time.
Arboretum Park
If you don’t know what to see in Sochi, then go to the Arboretum without hesitation!
This park (one of the most beautiful city parks on the Black Sea coast) was founded at the end of the 19th century. In fact, this is a huge museum, on the territory of which unique plants from different parts of the world grow. Here you can watch magnolias bloom, see a mammoth tree, stroll through a eucalyptus grove and bamboo thickets.
The park is divided into 2 parts by Kurort Avenue; they are connected by a cable car. At the highest point of the Arboretum there is an observation deck from which a beautiful panorama of the city opens. In the lower part there is a rose garden, an exotarium, an aquarium, and a lake with exotic river inhabitants.
Working hours
(every day):
- In summer - from 8 am to 9 pm;
- In winter – from 9 am to 5 pm;
- In spring and autumn - from 9 am to 8 pm.
Entrance fees:
- Adult – 250 rubles;
- Children (from 7 years old) – 120 rub.
Address:
Kurortny Prospekt, 74.
Official site:
dendrarium.ru.
How to get there:
- From Sochi bus station to Rosa Khutor - buses No. 105, 105C, stop "Circus";
- From Adler - buses No. 105С, 125П, 125С, stop “Sanatorium of Jan Fabricius”;
- From Loo and Lazarevskoye take bus No. 76 or train to the Sochi station in Sochi, and then to the “Circus” stop.
TOP 35 attractions of Sochi and Adler
In this post I tried to collect more attractions for those who came for a long time or have already been to Sochi several times. I visited most of them myself, and took a small part from reviews. Now you have a lot of choice of what to do. All attractions with names, descriptions and photos. For those who need the most basic attractions, see the TOP 15 attractions.
Sochi Arboretum
One of the most famous attractions, the history of which began in 1889 by the publisher of the Petersburg newspaper S. N. Khudekov, who bought a plot on the slope of Lysaya Gora. The park is divided into two halves by Kurort Avenue, but underneath there is an underground passage that takes you to another part of the Arboretum.
The territory inside is divided into thematic zones, there is a small poultry house, a funicular to the highest point of the park, and throughout the Arboretum there are buildings of different sizes, but equally beautiful. Read more about the Sochi Arboretum.
Ticket price: entrance to the park - 320 rubles, cable car - 500 rubles one way.
Arboretum and cable car
Stalin's dacha
A historical landmark, primarily of interest to those who still understand the meaning of the words “Soviet”, “Stalin”, “communism”. The generation that grew up under GDP knows no other time and will not be interested in a nondescript house with strange architecture, creaky floors and a wax statue of a Georgian in a cold office.
Older people will be interested in touching history, learning some details from the life of the leader of the USSR, and remembering the forgotten past. More about Stalin's dacha - Stalin's dacha in Sochi is a story, not an attraction.
Ticket price: up to 14 years old - 200 rubles, from 14 years old - 350 rubles. Individual excursion - 1000 rubles.
Stalin's dacha in Sochi
Historical Boulevard Sochi
Pedestrian zone, a route along the upper part of the embankment in Sochi, which passes through several dozen historical and cultural attractions of the city. The beginning of the pedestrian path is opposite the Marine Station, and it ends opposite the Winter Theater. In the opinion of many (including myself), the Historical Boulevard will be better and more interesting than the central embankment of Sochi.
It benefits from being sparsely populated, lacking retail outlets, and having plenty of interesting spots along the way, including several cool viewing platforms with sunset views. More details and pictures about the boulevard - Historical Boulevard in Sochi is a secret walking area.
Historical Boulevard in Sochi
Park "Riviera
Huge in area and the most famous old park in Sochi. Although it is completely different from Adler’s Sochi Park, you will absolutely spend a lot of time and money in the Riviera. Several entrances to the protected area lead you into lush greenery with alleys lined with attractions. There are larger ones, like an aquarium, a dolphinarium or a hippodrome.
And there are small, standard entertainment for this kind of place: shooting range, stalls, games of accuracy and dexterity, restaurants, children's playgrounds, carousels, wheels and swings. All this happiness is divided into a corner for very young visitors, and all other attractions for all ages. Read more about Riviera Park.
Ticket price: entrance to the park is free, but for attractions you have to pay separately from 200 to 350 rubles.
Park "Riviera
Oceanarium in Adler
Sochi Discovery World is considered the largest aquarium in the Russian Federation. There are entrances directly to the building, but through a system of barriers, so private vehicles will have to wander around looking for parking. The oceanarium itself is a beautiful modern building, inside which delight and admiration await you and your children.
Not that everything is done epically, but the very concept of underwater glass tunnels is advantageous by default. This is one of those places that you leave without regretting the money you spent. More about the aquarium - The aquarium in Adler is surprising, delightful and shocking.
Ticket price: 950 rubles, children from 4 to 11 years old - 550 rubles.
Oceanarium in Adler
Sochi Park
A separate attraction in the Olympic Park is the Singing Fountain, as well as its neighboring paradise of entertainment - Sochi Park. A huge area filled with attractions for people of all ages and interests. You need to come here purposefully for the whole day, and even this time may not be enough to completely explore the entire park. Read more about Sochi Park.
Ticket price: adult - 1900 rubles, children - 1700 rubles.
Sochi Park next to the Olympic Park
Mountain and tower Akhun
Not the highest mountain in the vicinity of Sochi, but according to legend, it was the one that was personally chosen by Stalin, who looked at it carefully from his dacha and ordered an observation tower to be built there. For little money you can easily and quickly get to a beautiful observation deck with a 360-degree view: Adler, the sea, Sochi and the silhouettes of the Caucasus Range. Akhun Tower is perhaps the most accessible observation deck at this height. Read more about the attraction.
Ticket price: entrance to the tower - 300 rubles.
View from Akhun Tower
Prometheus Rock
The correct name of the attraction is Eagle Rocks. It is located, in principle, close to Mount Akhun and Agur waterfalls. That is, all three attractions can be covered in one day. But this is physically difficult, and if you are driving, the question arises about the extra shoulder to get to the car. The place is wonderful for its stunning views of the gorge, mountains and sea. Eagle Rocks parking is available for any type of vehicle except lawnmowers. Read more about Eagle Rocks.
Ticket price: free.
Prometheus Rock in Sochi
Orekhovsky waterfall
As far as I understand, this is the waterfall closest to the city, next to which there is an open-air cultural recreation area. The road to it is good almost to the end, but the last couple of kilometers are for drivers with strong nerves and cars with strong suspension. At the end of the route there is parking for a dozen cars and after it a pedestrian area begins: covered picnic pavilions under the trees and below, by the river.
To see the waterfall you have to go down a steep staircase with railings, but it's worth it. Choose the season to visit carefully - in the hot season the waterfall dries out greatly. More information about the waterfall - Orekhovsky waterfall in Sochi - picnic in nature.
Ticket price: free.
Orekhovsky waterfall in Sochi
Zmeykovskie waterfalls
One of the closest waterfalls to Sochi, or rather a cascade of waterfalls, which can be reached very quickly even by public transport. Almost the entire road to the very end is normal asphalt, which ends with a couple of kilometers of dirt road and a fairly spacious parking lot.
In total, at the Zmeykovsky waterfalls you can observe four main locations, where the water falls or flows from a decent height, and the top and bottom waterfalls are considered the best. See more details and pictures about Zmeykovsky waterfalls here - Zmeykovsky waterfalls in Sochi - 4 pieces.
Ticket price: 150 rubles per person
Zmeykovsky waterfall in Sochi
Akhshtyrskaya cave
One of the simplest attractions, both in terms of the road to it and in terms of attendance. You will calmly drive to the ticket office, park, and in five minutes you will find yourself in the center of the cave. It is small, cold and smells of bats. On the way to the cave, you will see two excellent viewing platforms overlooking the Mzymta River and the Skypark suspension bridge - it is located on the same road as the Akhshtyrskaya Cave.
Not far from the cave there is another attraction, albeit of a religious nature - a grotto with an icon. In my opinion, it’s not worth a visit, but for some it may be significant. More details about the cave - Akhshtyrskaya Cave in Sochi is not an extreme extreme.
Ticket price: adult - 200 rubles, children - 100.
Akhshtyrskaya cave in Sochi
Yew-boxwood grove
An ecotourism trail consisting of two routes of different lengths (large and small circles). The entire route of the large circle passes through beautiful natural places where there are relict plants, a canyon, stone grottoes, lianas, boxwood trees - fabulous landscapes that definitely deserve a separate trip if you like this type of holiday.
The small circle consists of asphalt paths and benches; you can walk through it in just an hour. Read more about the Tisosamshitovaya Grove.
Ticket price: 300 rubles.
Yew box grove
Navaginskaya street
An excellent walk from the railway station to the Marine Station, or just a walk in the city center along an alley densely overgrown with tropical plants. A place of amazing beauty and photogenic, with rows of restaurants, shops, benches and various sculptures. A very popular place that looks equally good both during the day and in the evening with lighting.
The only drawback is the problem with parking in the center, but you can still find paid parking nearby. More about Navaginskaya Street - Navaginskaya Street in Sochi is a natural local Arbat.
Ticket price: free.
Navaginskaya street in Sochi
Marine Station
The end point of Navaginskaya Street, the deep-water sea port of Sochi, the sea marina for yachts, the beginning of the central embankment of Sochi - all this is the Marine Station. A beautiful building with a high spire, which now serves as an expensive shopping center.
It is interesting both inside and out, so it should be considered a “half-hour attraction”, no less. You will have time to take pictures of yourself against the backdrop of the yachts, stroll through the square opposite the Marine Station and wander inside. More information about the Marine Station - Marine Station in Sochi - yachts, boutiques and Semyon Semyon.
Ticket price: free.
Marine Station in Sochi
Gorki Gorod and Rosa Khutor
Previously, I would have written - Krasnaya Polyana, but since I understood the geography of the resort, I write correctly - Gorki Gorod and Rosa Khutor, these two resort towns can be considered a real attraction near the village of Krasnaya Polyana.
In both Rosa Khutor and Gorki Gorod, the lower part (under the mountain) has interesting architecture, a pedestrian area with entertainment and beautiful photographs. And higher up the slope there is a ski resort with cable cars and sports infrastructure. More information about the resort area - Krasnaya Polyana near Sochi - 4 in 1, the whole truth about the resort.
Ticket price: free.
Rosa Khutor in Estosadok
Sky Park
An adrenaline paradise for extreme sports enthusiasts. One of the most killer attractions in the Sochi area: a suspension bridge over the Mzymta River, the length of which reaches 400 meters, and from which crazy people like me jump headfirst from a height of 69 and 207 meters.
The highest swings in Europe and trolls along which you can rush at a speed of 150 km/h await you. Add here the Mowgli rope park and the Via Ferrata climbing route, and you get the best extreme amusement park with no less extreme prices.
Ticket price: adults from 1,700 rubles, children (up to 12 years old, upon presentation of a document) - 800 rubles. Jumps are paid separately.
Skypark and Skybridge
Sochi Art Museum
The Sochi Art Museum, which stands in the center of Ordzhonikidze Street, was founded in 1971. The collection of the Art Museum presents works of art from ancient times to modern painting. There is an option to visit the museum, either with a regular tour or in person, with the help of a portable audio guide. There are even rooms with interactive exhibits that children will absolutely love.
Ticket price: Adult - 250 rubles, children or reduced price - 150 rubles.
Sochi Art Museum
Abandoned sanatorium Ordzhonikidze
One of the unofficial attractions of the city, where tourists are not brought by buses and are not offered to buy a private tour. In fact, this is not an abandoned place in the full sense of the word, but a sanatorium closed for an indefinite period, under guard and with a fence.
I have a separate post with the history of this amazingly beautiful place, which used to be a national health resort, where ordinary working people improved their health, and now it is empty and destroyed due to non-compliance with seismic resistance standards and neighboring illiterate construction projects. More details about the sanatorium.
Sanatorium Ordzhonikidze in Sochi
Ticket price: free.
Singing fountains of Sochi and Adler
One, not very large, is located in the center of Sochi, not far from the Marine Station at the beginning of Navaginskaya Street on Platanovaya Alley. The fountain is quite old - it has been working since 1970, and if earlier people could sit quietly next to it and talk to each other, now in the summer a music and light show begins, attracting attention and eyes.
The second, a huge fountain, is located in Adler, on the territory of the Olympic Park. The official name is the Olympic Flame Bowl. Located on the main square of the park, right next to the torch stele. The fountain schematically means the Firebird, covering the edges of a pool of water with its wings. It works differently at different times of the year, so it makes sense to check the schedule changes in advance on the Olympic Park website. Read more about the fountain in Adler.
Ticket price: free.
Singing fountain in the Sochi Olympic Park
Southern Cultures Park
The Southern Cultures Dendrological Park is located near the Olympic Park in Adler, on the left bank of the Mzymta River. Air, ponds with swans and ducks, bamboo, eucalyptus trees, rare species of pine trees. A quiet, secluded and peaceful place in the middle of a resort town, where you can stroll under the shade of tall trees, hiding from the southern sun. Read more about Southern Cultures.
Ticket price: up to 14 years old - 150 rubles, from 14 years old - 300 rubles.
Southern Culture Park in Sochi
33 waterfalls
You can get to them with a tour or by your own car, on your own to the village of Kichmay. Any car can drive along the road there, so you don’t have to rent a jeep. True, parking will not be at the waterfalls themselves, but the walk will be very close. A pedestrian path with shopping stalls where they sell souvenirs leads to the ticket office.
The largest waterfall is the very first one, reaches a height of almost 12 meters. The rest are located below, but there is something to see there too. On both sides of the river there are wooden walkways and stairs with railings. Read more about 33 waterfalls.
Ticket price: 200 rubles.
33 waterfalls in Lazarevskoye
Agur waterfalls
Usually this attraction is visited in combination with Mount Akhun and the observation tower on Mount Akhun. In the summer season, there are simply tons of people at the Agur waterfalls, they call from everywhere and offer to buy something, there is incredible noise and people line up to take a photo in front of the waterfall.
In the summer it’s certainly great here in the sense that you can swim, but the quietest time for the waterfall is the off-season. Lots of water and few people - everything we love so much about waterfalls. Read more about waterfalls.
Ticket price: free.
Agursky waterfall in Sochi
Sochi Circus
A Soviet classic, a building with a recognizable profile and front, burgundy reclining chairs and the smell of animals. Unlike many Russian circuses, it does not have its own permanent team, and the circus hosts different troupes from all over the country. Therefore, performances can be both excellent and mediocre, depending on your luck.
Ticket price: from 900 rubles.
Sochi Circus
View tower Windrose
One of the not the brightest and not to say very popular observation platforms, which deserves a separate visit. Moreover, it is not located on the mountains adjacent to the city, but in the middle of Sochi. The road here is a little complicated, you can even get lost, but in the end you will get to a good parking lot near the tower itself.
Entrance for visitors to the cafe (and this is exactly a cafe) will be free, and if you just came to gawk at the panoramic view - up to 100 rubles per nose. And the view is really gorgeous, 360 degrees. Read more about Wind Rose
Ticket price: 150 rubles.
View from the Wind Rose in Sochi
Central Embankment of Sochi
In fact, this is a pedestrian Primorskaya Street, which stretches along the coast from the Sea Port to the Winter Theater. The length of the embankment barely exceeds one kilometer, and it consists entirely of commercial buildings. Which, in fact, makes it a minor attraction of the city.
Crowds of people, a narrow embankment lined with restaurant tables, souvenir shops, entertainment for children, very noisy and no romance in the evenings during the season. The historical boulevard wins here on all counts. But then, this is Sochi as it is. Drink beer, sit in a restaurant, feel the atmosphere of the most popular resort in Russia. Read more about the central embankment.
Ticket price: free.
Central embankment in Sochi
Adler Dolphinarium
The show with the participation of dolphins is held 3 times a day, at 12, 15 and 18 hours, lasts about 40 minutes and a significant part of this time is occupied by banal trading - an auction for the sale of paintings painted by dolphins. It would be possible to remove this place from the TOP of the best, but strangely enough, children like it. Adults will most likely be bored, but that’s why they are adults. More information about the dolphinarium - Dolphinarium in Adler (formerly Aquatoria) - for the inexperienced
Ticket price: 800 rubles.
Adler Dolphinarium
Navalishchenskoye Gorge
One of the brightest natural attractions of the Sochi surroundings. The gorge is located on Mount Akhun and can only be reached on foot along tourist routes. Rocks, grottoes, caves, creeks and fonts, a mountain lake and a surprisingly calm atmosphere centuries ago. In autumn it is quite dull here and I would recommend visiting only in the summer months, when nature is riotous with colors and aromas, and the earth does not become limp underfoot.
Ticket price: free.
Olympic Park
Olympic facilities of the maritime cluster, which are located between the old Adler and the border with Abkhazia, on the shore of the Imereti Lowland. The main buildings are the Formula 1 track, arenas for sports and competitions, between which there are kilometers of excellent bicycle paths. The Olympic Park is a new attraction in Sochi, which appeared as part of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Read more about the Olympic Park.
Ticket price: free.
Olympic Park in Sochi
Co-op Square
It’s never of historical value, but from the point of view of resting the eyes and heart, it’s very beautiful here. This is really very beautiful. A chic place for a photo shoot against the backdrop of tropical plants, an excellent option for a walk with a baby or a city picnic for the whole family.
There are serious problems with parking, so it is better to come here on foot so as not to worry about where to leave the car. In spring, cherries bloom here, which for some reason are proudly called sakura. Read more about cherry blossoms in Sochi Cooperative Square.
Ticket price: free.
Cooperative square in Sochi
Imeretinskaya embankment
A relatively recent structure that was created as part of the improvement of the maritime cluster of Olympic venues. Several kilometers of the shore of the Imereti Lowland were filled with concrete, a high parapet and a wide pedestrian path combined with a bicycle path were laid. This is the only place in Adler where cyclists feel like fish in water and are not afraid of hitting someone or being hit.
There are cafes and restaurants along the entire embankment, there are rentals of bicycles and electric scooters, and in general it is an excellent pedestrian area between the port and the border with Abkhazia. See more details and photos here - Imeretinskaya embankment in Adler - the road to the sky.
Ticket price: free.
Imeretinskaya embankment in Adler
Aquarium in Matsesta
The aquarium is most suitable for children; they will be interested in looking at fish and animals, especially if they get into their feeding hours. Circus performances are held with some animals and you can take pictures with them. In addition to many varieties of fish, corals and algae in the aquarium you can see iguanas, crocodiles, sharks, turtles and stingrays.
There is a python and a seal with their own names, a hippopotamus and a fur seal, and an alligator. This is not a very large and spectacular aquarium, of “local importance,” so it’s not worth traveling here from afar, but it’s quite possible to stop by in between, without really expecting anything.
Ticket price: adult - 500 rubles, children (from 6 to 11 years old) - 300 rubles.
Svir Gorge
The gorge is interesting primarily for the Svirsky waterfall. This is the highest and most beautiful waterfall, which, moreover, is located close to the beginning of the route. If you walk along Svirskaya Street in Lazarevskoye, going upstream of the stream, at the beginning of the walking route along the gorge you can see a clearing. To the right of it will be the Svirsky waterfall. Afterwards you need to return back to the clearing and walk in the other direction for about three kilometers.
The trail climbs uphill over rough terrain, winding from one bank of the stream to the other, and leads to the Slava dolmen, Adam and Eve waterfalls, the Moonstone (a piece of rock or boulder of a slightly unusual shape), the wishing tree and Mother-in-Law's Tears waterfall. It will take several hours to complete the entire route. You should focus on red marks on rocks and trees.
Ticket price: 200 rubles for entry to the territory of the Sochi National Park.
“Berendeevo kingdom” and Mamedovo gorge
The recreational facility Berendeyvo Kingdom near Lazarevsky is a designated area of a large natural park and part of the Mamedov Gorge. The name of the gorge is associated with the legend of the Adyghe Mamed, who saved his native village from Turkish robbers by sacrificing his life. Walking along the route in the territory of the Berendey kingdom, you can see the waterfalls of the Bezymianny stream (a tributary of the Kuapse River).
In addition to natural attractions, the park is interesting because the Soviet fairy-tale film The Snow Maiden was filmed here. On the territory of the park there are wooden figures of fairy-tale characters, and the waterfalls have romantic names: Kupava, Emerald, Berendey’s Beard. A 450-meter-long trail leads along the stream from the ticket office to the waterfalls.
Then you can walk from the observation deck at the farthest, 30-meter waterfall Beard Berendey through tea plantations to ancient megaliths, a sanctuary and a dolmen. This part of the route is 700 meters long. The trail is equipped with bridges with railings, marked and quite simple; you can walk here even with children.
A marvelous fairy-tale forest with intertwining tree roots and vines hanging from branches and stones stretches around. In addition to the purely natural component, on the territory of the Berendey kingdom you can fish in a small pond where trout is bred, dine in a cafe, take pictures with fairy-tale characters and take part in entertaining animated shows for children and adults.
The route along the Mamedov Gorge begins behind the Yantar boarding house, a dirt road from which leads to the Kuren restaurant. About half an hour walk along the Kuapse River, through a magical green forest, where beech and chestnut and linden trees grow, and then the road goes to the right, and the path along the stones of the river leads to the Walnut Glade.
A narrow corridor between the rocks marks the beginning of the most interesting thing: first you can see a grotto with sinter formations and bizarre rocks, and then the stone gate of the gorge, where the stone walls converging overhead form an arch. Beyond the gate, travelers find themselves in the limestone so-called “White Hall”, along one of the walls of which flows the stream of the “Mamed’s Beard” waterfall.
Behind the waterfall there is a small natural reservoir called Mameda Bath. Three more waterfalls in the gorge are called Happiness, Youth and Love. They are a little more than 10 meters high. According to tradition, you need to swim in each of them and find all of the above. Rising even higher, you can reach tea plantations and a tea house with a cafe near the village of Bolshaya Mamedka. In the gorge you can also visit the stone dam where the “Mamed’s Head” waterfall and dolmen are located.
Ticket price to Berendeevo Kingdom Park: environmental fee - 150 rubles, children under 7 years old - free.
Quest Imaginarium
Popular entertainment in the form of room quests. The point of the entertainment is that in 60 minutes you need to find the keys according to the clues and leave the room. The game involves a team of 5-6 people. Children from 8 to 14 years old can only participate with adults.
The atmosphere of a mysterious story and fascinating puzzles give bright emotions and thrills to both children and adults. The game takes you into an unusual environment and gives you the opportunity to test your intelligence, logic and team play skills.
Ticket price: from 2500 to 4500 rubles per team of 5-6 people.
Aquapark Amphibius
The water park is located in Resort Town (Adler). Suitable for vacationers with children. The rest might be a little bored. In addition to standard slides and attractions, there is a children's area with a swimming pool and fountains, many cafes where you can eat, and shops. The area is green and well-groomed. During the day you can leave and come back from the water park; it is open during the season from morning until late evening.
Ticket price: children under 3 years old free, from 3 to 7 years old - 700 rubles, adults - 1400 rubles.
Seaport of Sochi
The seaport of Sochi, featured in The Diamond Arm, is a mooring area for pleasure yachts and boats.
On the territory of the port there is a Marine Station, built by order of Joseph Stalin himself. This small building, designed in the Stalinist Empire style, is one of the few architectural attractions of Sochi. The upper tier of the building is decorated with sculptures representing the 4 seasons, and inside there are cafes and fashion boutiques. At the entrance there is a monument to the movie heroes Papanov, Mironov and Nikulin.
Sea walks are popular in Sochi and they start from this port. The cost of a sea excursion starts from 700 rubles per person. You can order at the pier or in advance on our website.
Entrance to the Sochi seaport is free.
Address:
st. Voikova, 1.
Official site:
https://www.morport-sochi.ru.
How to get there:
- Walking distance from the railway station is 10–15 minutes;
- Bus - No. 101, 24, 15, 36;
- Minibus - No. 114.
What sights to see in Sochi
Marine Station
Address: st. Voikova, 1.
Photo: Serjio74 / Shutterstock
The marine terminal building was built in 1955. In style it is a classic Stalinist Empire style with carved columns and a tower with a spire 71 meters high. Above the tiers of the tower there are sculptures that symbolize the four seasons and four cardinal directions. Adjacent to the station is a marina filled with yachts, and on the other side there is a fountain surrounded by a small park. There are now a dozen different boutiques on the ground floor of the building, and a restaurant on the second floor.
In summer, from here at almost any time of the day or night, you can go on an hour-long water excursion on one of the moored yachts. The average cost is from 1,000 rubles per person.
Navaginskaya street
Photo: Zabotnova Inna / Shutterstock
The main pedestrian street of the city. There are street food outlets, a bunch of trendy coffee shops, a palm alley, local monuments, ubiquitous benches and a not-so-convenient bike path. Navaginskaya is always crowded, especially on summer evenings, when street musicians play on it literally every 10 meters.
Be sure to grab a coffee from Surf Coffee or a smoothie with a vegan bowl from Blender, and later in the night head to the Why Not? with the best selection of craft beer in the city and a St. Petersburg atmosphere.
Arboretum
Address: Kurortny Ave., 74.
Photo: Baturina Yuliya / Shutterstock
This is a large (46 hectares) park with more than a century of history, divided into two parts. At the bottom you can find cascades of ponds with ducks, swans and pelicans, as well as bamboo thickets and a rose garden. The upper, larger one, contains about one and a half thousand plants from all over the world, and also houses enclosures with parrots, ostriches and peacocks. The Villa “Nadezhda”, built in 1899, is also located here. The entrance ticket price is 320 rubles.
Abandoned sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze
Address: Kurortny Ave., stop “Sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze”.
Photo: BUTENKOV ALEKSEI / Shutterstock
The sanatorium is closed for restoration (apparently endless), the territory of which can be visited freely and, most importantly, for free by anyone. This is one of the most striking examples of Stalinist neoclassicism with its gigantomania: huge castle-like complexes (alas, it is impossible to get into them), a fountain with statues of bacchantes, Tuscan stairs, an impressive park area. The place was chosen by photographers, so every day a dozen shoots take place here. By the way, in 1956 the famous Soviet film “Old Man Hottabych” was filmed here.
Stalin's dacha
Address: Kurortny Ave., 120/1.
Photo: Deniss Dronin / Shutterstock
One of the 20 country residences of Joseph Stalin, which is located on the territory of the Green Grove sanatorium. For some time it was used as a hotel, but in the 90s a museum was opened here. They tried to keep the appearance of the dacha unchanged, including the unusual green color of the facade - they say that thanks to it the building is difficult to see from the air.
Here you can see Stalin's personal belongings and other attributes of a bygone era: for example, a billiard table from the Yakov Gotz factory, a desk with a rotary telephone and a huge carved chess set. The tour is free, but advance registration is required. You can also attend a tea party here for 500 rubles per person.
Embankment and Riviera beach
Address: per. Riviera.
Photo: official portal of the resort city of Sochi
Riviera Beach is the most popular and widespread in the city. By the summer of 2020, the first stage of the global reconstruction of the embankment area was completed: all shopping pavilions were removed, street furniture, lamps, flower beds and palm trees were installed, and the promenade area was extended to the river embankment. And the most important update was the sunset amphitheater, in front of which every evening they play live music, breakdance or perform stand-up comedy. A playground with exercise equipment and a children's play area were built nearby. The next stage of reconstruction is promised to be completed by the summer of 2021: a new park will be laid out here and a pedestrian bridge will be built across the Sochi River.
Gastroport
Address: st. Nesebrskaya, 1B.
Photo: Allcafe
Gastroport is the first and so far only food mall in Sochi. Structurally, it is identical to the Moscow “Depot” and “Around the World”: many corners with food and common rooms. Black Sea and Caucasian cuisine, burgers at Farsha, fashionable bowls, obligatory Vietnamese dishes from Bõ - the gastronomic set is standard, but varied. All this can be brightened up with really excellent coffee from PaPaPower and good craft beer from BeBeer. There is even a bar “Hands Up” with the style of the 90s and songs by Sergei Zhukov.
Seaside Park
When planning your walking route around Sochi, don’t forget to include the Primorsky Park. It is located at the top of the Central Embankment.
This is a good place to take a break from the summer heat and admire the beautiful nature. There is a shady alley with benches along the entire sea line, and several stairs lead to the beaches.
Also in the park you can see a lighthouse and 3 historical buildings - the Pushkin Library, the house of the first city healer Gordon and the Primorskaya Hotel. Near it there is a popular summer cafe “At the Palm” with delicious snacks at affordable prices.
In the part where the park connects with Teatralnaya Square, there is a pump room with artesian water.
Address:
Central embankment. Entrance to the park is free.
How to get there:
- By bus - No. 125С, 2, 105, 12, 105К, 13, 22, 3, 23, 41, 86, 103, 50, 105С, 120, 14, 121, 125П;
- By minibus - No. 45, 19, 38, 43, 37, 48, 87, 98, 92, 83, 94, 95, 113.
Get off at the Organ Hall stop.
Riviera Beach
After the park, check out the Riviera beach - probably the most comfortable and beautiful in Sochi, almost European. Its promenade reminded me of Barceloneta beach in Barcelona. It connects to the embankment of the Sochi River, along which tourists also walk.
- The best beaches of Sochi and Adler
- Resorts of Greater Sochi: where to relax
I liked Riviera beach and its embankment more than other beaches.
The entrance to the beach is decorated with this beautiful Soviet stele.
Stalin's dacha
The Sochi dacha is among the top 20 most famous country residences of the leader of all nations.
Today a museum is opened here, the interior of which preserves its historical appearance as much as possible. And since Stalin did not like luxury, everything here is quite simple and without luxurious frills. The only exception is a few rooms decorated with precious wood.
Interestingly, the facades and roof of the dacha are painted in a special shade of green, making it almost invisible against the background of the surrounding greenery.
Museum opening hours:
every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Tours run every hour.
Cost of excursions:
- Adults – 350 rubles;
- Children 7-13 years old – 200 rubles;
- Preferential – 200 rubles.
Address:
Sanatorium "Green Grove", Kurortny Prospekt, 120/1.
How to get there:
- Bus - No. 125P, 2, 105S, 125, 105;
- Minibus taxi - No. 122, 124C.
Observation deck Windrose
The site was built in the center of Sochi at an altitude of 146 meters above sea level.
Initially, this simple twenty-meter structure was an ordinary site, but after several large-scale reconstructions, water supply, sewerage, a gallery and the Panorama cafe appeared within its walls. The latter is located right on the roof - through its windows you can see the whole city.
Address:
central part of Sochi.
Entrance fee:
100 rubles or free when visiting the Panorama cafe.
Working hours:
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Purchases
Large shopping centers:
- Moremall
- City Plaza
- Gorki mall
- Mandarin
- Sun City
Markets:
- Central market on Moskovskaya
- Adler market on Democracy.
What to buy in Sochi: leather goods, crafts made from boxwood and juniper, tea, wine, churchkhela, honey, spices, nuts and dried fruits.
Sochi
Abandoned sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze
Famous monument of the Stalin era. Built back in the 30s to treat members of the working class. In 2010, the health resort was closed for reconstruction, but due to lack of finances, the work was never completed. Despite the fact that the object is under guard, you can walk around it.
The Ordzhonikidze sanatorium is often called the lost world of Sochi. There are sculptures along the grassy paths, and there are 2 huge fountains near the grand staircases. Due to the fact that the sanatorium has not been used for its intended purpose for a long time, its territory has begun to be actively overgrown with subtropical flowers and trees. Now it is a wild area, from the buildings of which there is a beautiful view of the sea.
Address:
Resort Avenue, 96/5. Free admission.
How to get there:
- From the airport - bus No. 105, 105C;
- From the railway station - bus No. 120, 121;
- From Imereti Bay - bus No. 125;
- By car along Transportnaya Street.
Olympic Park
The Sochi Olympic Park is a huge sports complex, which includes the Fisht stadium, the Shaiba ice arena, the Formula 1 track and two ice palaces (Bolshoi and Iceberg).
In 2014, the park hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. The singing fountain, built on the site of the former Olympic torch, reminds visitors of them. Now concerts, performances by Ilya Averbukh’s troupe and various sporting events are organized here. Every evening there is a light and music show with Lezginka, songs by the Queen group and Magomayev, and world pop hits.
It is quite difficult to walk around this vast territory on foot. It is more convenient to rent a scooter (5 rubles per minute), a bicycle (50 rubles per hour) or book an excursion on a golf cart (500 rubles).
You can relax after your walk in one of the many restaurants. There are also shops and souvenir shops in the park.
Working hours:
every day from 8am to midnight. Free admission.
Official site:
https://olympic-park.rf.
Address:
Imereti Lowland.
How to get there:
by train from Tuapse to the Olympic Park station.
Imeretinskaya embankment
The Imeretinskaya embankment in Adler was built specifically for the opening of the Olympics.
Now this is the newest, longest and widest of all the promenades in Sochi. The length of the walking area is 7 km - it starts at the port of the same name and ends almost at the border with Abkhazia.
The embankment area is very clean and landscaped. For the convenience of vacationers, it is divided into 2 parts - pedestrian and bicycle.
Along the entire line of the promenade there are portrait painters and souvenir sellers, there are cafes and restaurants, benches and lanterns. There are also a huge number of beaches where people relax even when the Caucasus Mountains are already covered with snow. The contrast is very interesting!
Address:
Nizhneimeretinskaya Bay, Adler. Free admission.
How to get there by bus:
- From Sochi - No. 125С, 88, 135, 57;
- From Rosa Khutor – No. 135, 135E;
- From the airport - No. 57.
Almost all transport stops at the stop opposite the “Big” Ice Palace. You can also get off at the “Residential Buildings” stop and go down to Imeretinskaya Embankment through a block with new houses.
Geography and climate
Sochi is located in the south of Russia on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea at a distance of 1600 km from Moscow and 300 km from Krasnodar. The city stretches for almost 100 km along the picturesque mountains of the Western Caucasus. From the southwest, Sochi is bounded by the Black Sea, from the east by the Psou and Mzymta rivers, from the north by the mountains of the Caucasus Range, and from the west by the valleys of the Magri and Shepsi rivers.
Panorama of Sochi
Sochi is the warmest city in Russia, having a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and humid summers, as well as warm and rainy winters. Snow and frost are rare. From October to March there is a huge amount of precipitation (700-800 mm).
Sochi Park
Where to go with your children? Go to Sochi Park! It is similar to Disneyland, only here the traditional attractions are named after Russian fairy tales - “Magic Flight”, “Firebird”, “Snake Gorynych”, etc.
In addition to the carousels, the park has a sovarium, a dolphinarium, a petting zoo, a puzzle center, playgrounds and workshops. Master classes and quests are held for little visitors, and Baba Yaga’s birthday is celebrated on Halloween.
Working hours:
from 11 am to 6 pm.
Ticket price:
1700 – 1850 rub.
Official site:
https://www.sochipark.ru.
Address:
Imereti Lowland, Olympic Avenue, 21.
How to get there:
- By buses No. 125С, 54, 88, 135Э, 57 or 135;
- By free bus from the Olympic Park railway station;
- On "Swallow".
How to get there
Sochi has an international airport located in the Adler region. It has regular connections with some cities in Europe and the CIS (Vienna, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Minsk, Yerevan), as well as with most major cities in Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Surgut, Novosibirsk, Ufa.
Sochi is also a major railway junction. The city has two train stations and regular connections with other Russian cities. In the summer season, the number of destinations and their intensity increases.
Formula 1 track
The Formula 1 track route runs through the entire Olympic Park, and racing events are held throughout the year on special track days.
You are allowed to drive along the track in your own car or a powerful sports car as a co-pilot. In addition, Formula 1 competitions are held here every year.
You can get to the circuit's territory on a guided tour, during which you will see the central grandstand, garages, paddock, awards podium, control center and car museum.
Address:
st. Triumfalnaya, 26.
Official site:
https://sochiautodrom.ru.
Ticket price
– from 500 rub.
Working hours:
every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
How to get there:
- From the Sochi or Adler railway station by Lastochka to the Imeretinsky Resort station;
- From MoreMall to Sochi - bus No. 125C;
- From Adler - bus number 57.
Best time to visit
Sochi is the most popular resort in Russia. The beach season here lasts from June to October. In winter, the ski season begins in the mountains. The best time for a beach holiday is, of course, the period from July to September. The ski season usually starts in December and ends in the first half of spring.
Already in June, the water temperature in the Black Sea reaches 20 - 21 °C. By August the sea warms up to 25 - 26 °C. In September, the water temperature remains at a comfortable 22 - 24 °C.
Sky Park
The only adventure park in Russia at altitude. Built by architects from New Zealand.
Here everyone can test their nerves and strength. Among the most “scary” entertainments are a rope jump from a great height, trolls accelerating in the air up to 120 km per hour, and a huge swing over a mountain abyss.
All attractions require considerable courage, because you will have to take a “step into the abyss” on your own.
If you still can’t decide to go extreme, take a walk along Skybridge, the longest suspension bridge in Europe. It passes through the canyon above the Mzymta River at an altitude of 207 meters.
Address:
11 km of highway to Krasnaya Polyana.
Website:
https://skypark.ru.
Ticket price
– from 1200 rub.
Schedule:
every day 10:00 to 17:15.
How to get there:
by car on the E97 / M27 highway.
Southern Cultures Park
The list of must-see sites also includes the Adler Dendrological Park, founded at the beginning of the 20th century.
Thanks to the skillful work of landscape architect Rigel, 11 hectares of land turned into a picturesque landscape garden ensemble.
In the middle of the last century, “Southern Cultures” could boast of the largest collection of exotic plants in the entire USSR. However, two strong tornadoes that swept through this area in the 80s and 90s caused great damage. Work is still underway to restore it to its former splendor.
In addition to its beautiful nature, the park is distinguished by a convenient system of stairs, alleys and paths. On the territory there are benches, gazebos and ponds with bridges for observing turtles and swans.
Schedule:
every day from 9 am to 7 pm.
Ticket price:
- Adult – 300 rubles;
- Children (7 - 14 years old) – 120 rubles.
Official site:
https://kavkazzapoved.ru.
Address:
Dead end Nagorny, 13.
How to get there:
- Bus No. 56, 125P, 57, 50, 132, 54, 171, 88, 59, 55, 135;
- Minibus No. 58, 134, 60, 117, 109.
Story
The territory of modern Sochi was inhabited thousands of years ago by mountain tribes and throughout its history was subjugated by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. In 1829, after the Russian-Turkish War, the northeastern coast of the Black Sea was recaptured by the Russian Empire. In 1838, a military fort was founded here. This date is considered the founding day of Sochi.
Panorama of Sochi
Sochi received its modern name in 1896. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, this place began to enjoy the fame of a resort. In 1917, Sochi received city status and a railway. A new round of development of the city occurred in 1934, when under Stalin a large-scale reconstruction of the city was undertaken.
By the way, most of the city’s religious buildings date back to the Stalin period.
In 1961, the surrounding settlements were united into an urban district. After the collapse of the USSR, Sochi became the summer residence of the President of Russia. In 2007, the city received the right to host the Winter Olympics, and in 2014 it hosted the Olympics and Paralympics.
Rosa Khutor
The famous resort "Rosa Khutor" operates in winter and summer. In the first case, 102 km of trails (training and Olympic) await you, in the second - mountain trails.
Conventionally, it is divided into 3 levels of heights. From the lower one (560 m) the Strela and Olympia cable cars start. There is a bus stop, car parking, an embankment of the Mzymta River, hotels and restaurants - a good place for a quiet holiday. There is no need to pay to enter here.
The second height is located at 1170 m. It is in this part that the Olympic mountain village with developed infrastructure was built.
The third height is Rose Peak - 2320 m. It offers a beautiful view of the sea, forests and mountains. From it you can walk to the neighboring peak “Stone Pillar” (40 minutes one way) or go to the other slope of the ridge and walk through the waterfall park (at least 3 hours).
There is plenty of entertainment at Rosa Khutor at any time. The greatest demand is for a ride on the monorail on a sleigh ride, a walk along a suspension bridge stretched between two mountain ledges, paragliding, tubing, horse riding, swings over an abyss, etc. A nice bonus is a beautiful sunset in the mountains.
Address:
Estosadok village, Olimpiyskaya street, house 35.
Official site:
https://rosakhutor.com.
Ticket price
– from 890 rub.
Schedule:
from 09:30 (10:30) to 17:20 (19:15), depending on the lift.
How to get there:
- By Lastochka or commuter train;
- By bus number 63 along Krasnaya Polyana to the stop. Achishkhovskaya;
- From MoreMall to Sochi - bus No. 105, 105C;
- From the Olympic Park - bus No. 135.
What to bring from Sochi
Shoppers and bags for swimsuits “Subtropics”
A local brand that started with shoppers and shopping bags. Then full-fledged bags, backpacks, sets of bags (for example, for wine), all kinds of cases and even raincoats were added to them. The brand maintains the Zero Waste concept and uses 100% thick cotton (of course, where necessary, a layer of raincoat is added). Prices are reasonable, and almost every product is offered in a variety of colors. By the way, you can choose not only the color, but also the slogan that is printed on each item.
You can buy it in the studio on the street. Severnaya, 12, or look in the stores “More Spices” on Gorkogo, Yogurt Ville on Tuapse and in the mountain residence “Flacon”. Or use the brand's website.
Surfer Raincoats
Sochi receives a very large amount of precipitation each year, so it is not surprising that the Surfer Raincoats brand, which specializes in the production of raincoats, has appeared here. They are sewn from three-layer membrane fabric, which protects even from the heaviest rain and wind. But everyone fell in love with raincoats largely due to their bright colors. The yellow oversized raincoat has long been an Instagram hit, and you can buy it for 11,990 rubles.
The project does not yet have an offline store, so you will have to order either through the manufacturer’s website or through Instagram.
Atauchi Jewelry
These silver accessories are inspired by the mountains and the culture of the Quechua people (atauchi means "what makes you happy" in their language). The Rasu collection (translated as “snow-capped peak”), inspired by the landscapes of the Western Caucasus, is in particular demand.
Locally produced cheese
You can go to any market (the same Adler or the emasculated Central on Moskovskaya Street, 22) and buy a standard set of smoked chechil, Adyghe cheese and suluguni (however, you should not delay the transportation of the latter two - they are perishable). The price will depend on how far from the center rows you go and how much you look like a local.
Another option is to buy cheese from local farms. There are now two of these in Sochi. The Exarcho eco-farm is located in the Matsesta mountains and is open to guests. You can try hard goat cheese for 200 rubles per 100 grams, feta cheese for 130 rubles, or classic cow's milk cheese for 150 rubles per 100 grams. The eco-farm also acts as a recreational complex, so you can go there to buy cheeses or use paid delivery within the city.
There is also the Volino farm, which is located in the village of Krasnaya Volya, Adler district. Craft cheeses are produced here using Italian technologies. Caciotta with tomatoes, pecorino, camembert and gorgonzola - there are a couple of dozen items in total. There is no need to go to Adler to buy Volino cheeses - the farm has its own store on Yunykh Lenintsev Street, 14.
Chestnut honey
Another gastronomic attraction of Sochi is honey. Especially chestnut, because about 80% of Russian chestnut forests are located in the Sochi National Park. You need to look for the delicacy in the apiaries in the Krasnaya Polyana area. For example, “Wild Honey”, where 250 grams of chestnut honey will cost 350 rubles. Delivery within the city is available.
Krasnaya Polyana cosmetics
Soap, hydrosols, hair sprays, makeup removers - at Krasnopolyanskaya Cosmetics they make almost everything and exclusively from natural ingredients collected on the slopes of Achishkho. The production itself is located in the high-mountain village of Medoveevka, which was almost deserted 10 years ago. Krasnopolyanskaya Cosmetics has its own lavender farm, apothecary garden and garden there. You should definitely take hydrosol with feijoa, lavender body scrub or soap with mountain herbs for 300 rubles.
If you don’t want to go to Medoveevka or order cosmetics online, you can find the brand’s products in the company store on Navaginskaya, 11/5, or at the Rosa Khutor resort at 9 Medoveya Street.
Local tea
Sochi tea is considered one of the northernmost in the world (tea experts from Adygea are trying to challenge the title). Here, as with cheeses, you can rely on your intuition and go to the nearest market or buy it directly from the plantations. For example, tea from the village of Izmailovskoye, which is sold under the Matsesta Tea brand. A pack of classic black costs 160 rubles. You can buy it not only in Izmailovka itself, but also in the “Okay” hypermarket on Novaya Zarya, 7.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the mountain tea, which is served in almost every restaurant in Sochi under the name “Krasnopolyansky Collection”. You can also buy it directly, for example, order it from the Instagram account mountain_tea_sochi. The brand's products can also be found in many shops at the Rosa Khutor resort. In the center of Sochi, this tea is sold in the souvenir shop of the Zvezdny Hotel.
Krasnaya Polyana
The best places for active recreation also include the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort, which attracts tourists from all over Russia. Life here is in full swing all year round. And the main reasons for this popularity are the beautiful nature and developed infrastructure.
There are also several levels of the cable car here. At the very bottom there is a town of apartments, which in former times was called “Gorki-gorod”. Now it is a long avenue with restaurants, family cafes, hotels and a walking area.
The second level, from which a picturesque panorama opens, begins at an altitude of 960 meters. In the spring, people go hiking to the Polikarya waterfall from here, and in the fall they take a hot air balloon ride. For a fee, anyone can ride an ATV.
The highest point of Krasnaya Polyana is at an altitude of 2200 meters. At this peak there is a circular observation deck and several walking routes from 0.5 to 5 km, running along the mountain ridge. All of them are designed for tourists with unprofessional physical training and those who do not have a lot of time.
Official site:
https://krasnayapolyanaresort.ru.
Cable car ticket price
– from 490 rub. The operating mode depends on the lift.
How to get there:
- Bus No. 105, 105С – goes from the Sochi bus station via );
- Bus No. 135 – from Sochi Park, Olympic Park, Adler railway station;
- "Swallow" to the Rosa Khutor resort.
Where to stay
Sochi's structure is very different from other Russian cities. It stretches along the sea and has a separate mountain cluster. The main tourist locations are the ski resorts in Krasnaya Polyana, the beaches in the Imereti Lowland and the center of Sochi with city entertainment. Each has its own characteristics when choosing housing.
In Krasnaya Polyana there are three ski resorts with their own infrastructure and dozens of hotels. At Rosa Khutor, we recommend staying at the Riders Lodge, the first hotel for riders in Russia. There is a ski in / ski out system: the ski lift is within walking distance, you can start skiing or snowboarding literally when leaving the hotel. Price per night - from 4,450 rubles. At the Krasnaya Polyana resort, one of the most popular hotels is the Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi, with an indoor pool and spa available to all guests. Price per night - from 14,300 rubles. And at the Gazprom resort you can stay at Polyana 1389 with a fitness center and a large climbing wall. Cost - from 7,000 rubles per night.
On Imeretinskaya embankment you can choose a room in the Imeretinsky apart-hotel, which is located as close as possible to the sea. Price per night - from 5,400 rubles.
There are a sufficient number of large chain hotels located in the center of Sochi. A night at the Hyatt Regency Sochi will cost 35,000 rubles, and at the Park Inn by Radisson Sochi Center - from 6,500 rubles. Both hotels are located in the very center of the city. If you look among mini-hotels, a good choice would be “Graphite”, a 10-minute drive from the center. This is a cozy option with stylish rooms and breakfasts so cool that even locals come here for them. Price per night - from 6,930 rubles.
Another option is sanatoriums in the classic Soviet style, with huge park areas. For example, the Metallurg sanatorium, where you can spend three nights (you can’t book for a shorter period in the summer) for 22,350 rubles (three meals a day included).
There are not many good hostels in Sochi, but this summer Plants & Friends is opening in the city center - a project that combines a creative space, a cafe and a stylish hostel.
And, of course, there is always the option of renting accommodation through Airbnb. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost from 3,000 to 4,500 rubles. It is best to choose apartments in the area of Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Morsky Lane and on the streets above the Sberbank stop. Or in certain microdistricts, such as “Svetlana” and “Makarenko”.
Mount Bolshoi Akhun
Mount Bolshoi Akhun, rising near Sochi, is considered the highest on the entire Black Sea coast.
At the beginning of the 20th century, an asphalt road with cozy cafes was laid along it, and at the top a Ferris wheel and an observation tower were built, the height of which is 30 meters. The initiator of the construction was the “leader of the peoples” himself.
From here there is a magnificent view of all directions of the world, and in sunny weather the horizon can be seen for as much as 100 km. If you want to see the city from a bird's eye view, there is no better place!
How to get there:
- Book an excursion and go to the mountain in comfort, accompanied by a professional guide;
- Or take bus number 2 to the Maly Akhun Microdistrict stop.
Sochi city (Russia)
Sochi is a city in the south of Russia in the Krasnodar region, located on the Black Sea coast. It is the country's busiest seaside resort and host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Sochi is called the resort or summer capital of Russia, as well as the “pearl of the Black Sea”. This is a colorful southern city, which is famous for its long coastline and wonderful beaches, warm and clean sea, delicious cuisine and picturesque nature.
Sochi is one of the largest cities on the entire Black Sea coast, which became widely known in the world after it was declared the capital of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. This sporting event significantly influenced the life of the entire city and its infrastructure. Sochi is one of the fastest growing and dynamically developing resorts in Europe. The city receives about 4 million tourists annually. The vast majority of them are Russian citizens.
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
An equally interesting landmark of Sochi is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. This is the first Christian church in the Black Sea district, built in honor of the end of the Caucasian War of 1864.
Starting from the 30s, it was used as a warehouse, but soon after the Second World War the cathedral was returned to believers. Nowadays, it is the main temple not only of the central region, but of the entire city.
The building resembles the shape of a four-pointed cross, the elongated branches of which are covered with vaults, and the center is decorated with a huge dome. Over the long history of its existence, it was rebuilt many times, but after reconstruction in the 1990s, the cathedral managed to regain its historical appearance.
Schedule:
every day.
Address:
st. Moskvina, 12.
How to get there:
- By bus - No. 3, 125С, 105К, 2, 125, 1, 14, 22, 125П, 23, 103, 121, 86, 105С, 105, 120;
- By minibus - No. 37, 19, 38, 43, 41, 83, 45, 92, 122, 87, 94, 98, 95, 113, 180.
Get off at the Organ Hall stop.
Interesting places and buildings
Summer Theater
Summer Theater is a cultural object in the park named after. Frunze, built in 1937 in the style of Stalinist classicism.
Winter Theater
The Winter Theater was built in 1937 and has a portico topped with a pediment. This building is also a striking example of the architecture of the Stalinist period.
Church of the Archangel Michael
The Church of the Archangel Michael is the oldest temple in Sochi, built at the end of the 19th century in the style of traditional Russian religious architecture.
Abandoned sanatorium Ordzhonikidze
Kurortny Prospekt is the central street of Sochi, 10 km long. The avenue was formed in the 40s of the 20th century and renamed in 1957 to Kurortny. In its vicinity there are several interesting places: Singing fountains, the monument to the Golden Fleece, the Stalin's Dacha museum, the abandoned Ordzhonikidze sanatorium.
Art Museum
The Art Museum is one of the most interesting museums in Sochi, the collection of which includes more than 6,000 exhibits (including archaeological finds from Antiquity, paintings and sculptures). The museum is housed in an impressive building dating from 1936.
In Sochi you can see the ruins of several ancient buildings:
- The Byzantine Church in Loo is an ancient Byzantine temple built in the 10th-12th century on a hilltop. The church was rebuilt in the 14th century and later turned into a fortification.
- Godlik is an ancient Byzantine fortress built in the 4th - 5th century AD. Located in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi near Kurskaya Street. The fortress has a triangular shape and is not very well preserved. Although in its structure one can discern fragments of towers and limestone walls. The length of the perimeter walls is about 700 meters, and the thickness reaches 2 meters. The walls are topped with battlements, which were added in a later period by the Genoese.
33 waterfalls
Trout farm
Trout lives only in clean water bodies. On the territory of Sochi, these are the waters of artesian wells located near Cossack Brod. It was near them that one of the largest enterprises in Russia for breeding tasty and very healthy fish was created.
Arriving at this place, you can see huge pools with amber trout, feed them with special food and try seafood dishes in a local restaurant. Other entertainment includes excursions, as well as sport and paid fishing. Plus, the nature here is very beautiful.
Excursions are held every day from 9 am to 5 pm; you can book them on our website.
Ticket price:
- Adult – 250 rubles;
- Children (7-14 years old) – 150 rub.
Official site:
https://forelevoe-hozyaistvo.ru.
Address:
Kazachiy Brod village, Forelevaya street, 45a.
How to get there:
- Bus from Adler railway station - No. 105, 105с;
- Bus from the market - No. 135.
Psaho Canyons
In the vicinity of Sochi there are two Psakho canyons - Mokry and Sukhoi. Both are located on the territory of the Sochi National Park. The places are not the most accessible, but it’s definitely worth going here (preferably as part of an excursion).
The main pride of the canyons is the amazing beauty of nature. In Sukhoi Psakho you will see high limestone cliffs. It is believed that in ancient times this gorge was the ocean floor.
The wet canyon will delight the eye with a crystal clear river, mountain waterfalls, rocky cliffs, evergreen bushes and plants, as well as thickets of boxwood trees. The latter do not grow in any other corner of Russia.
There are also souvenir shops and cafes on the territory of Psakho.
Entry price
— 100 rub.
Official site:
https://npsochi.ru.
Address:
between the villages of Galitsino and Krasnaya Volya, 50 km from Sochi.
How to get there:
- Book an excursion and travel accompanied by a guide;
- By car - to the airport, then along the A-148 highway in the direction of Krasnaya Polyana, turn to Galitsino, after 20 minutes you will see a sign. From there it's a 10-15 minute walk;
- By bus No. 128 from Khosta to the village. Red Will;
- By bus No. 131 from Adler to the village. Galitsino (stop “Batiyskaya Street”).
Unusual excursions in Sochi
For those who want to save time on preparing for the trip and immerse themselves more fully in the atmosphere of the place, I would recommend taking excursions. Look below at the prices for such excursions; something will definitely suit you - Sochi, Abkhazia, Krasnaya Polyana, etc.
Prices for excursions in Sochi →
In my opinion, individual excursions are much more interesting than organized excursions with their large number of people and a hackneyed program. Moreover, you can always agree with a private guide on a time and day convenient for you, as well as adjust the program. But regular group excursions can be convenient, at least in terms of transportation, if you don’t have a car.
Yew-boxwood grove and Devil's Gate canyon
The yew-boxwood grove, planted on the eastern slope of Mount Akhun, is the most beautiful place in Sochi and the surrounding area. It is often called a living museum of ancient nature, because trees have been growing here since prehistoric times.
However, in 2014 this famous natural landmark was under threat. During preparations for the Winter Olympics, the evergreen Italian boxwood was brought to the city. And everything would be fine if the boxwood moth had not arrived in Russia along with the planting material, which in a few years destroyed the bulk of the relict trees. It was not possible to remove the parasite, so if you want to enjoy the gorgeous views, hurry up and sign up for an excursion tour.
The grove also includes the Devil's Gate Canyon, a natural pool with giant stone caves hidden in liana thickets. This place is in great demand among visitors and locals. People often have picnics here and swim in the icy waters of the Khosta River. In addition, not far from the canyon there is a recreation center with a Russian bathhouse, a cafe and barbecue areas. There are also ruins of an ancient fortress here, where people like to arrange photo sessions.
Operating mode:
- In summer (from 15.03 to 30.09) – from 9 am to 6 pm;
- In winter (from 01.10 to 14.03) – from 9 am to 5 pm.
Entrance fees:
- Adult – 300 rubles;
- Children’s – 150 rub.
Official site:
https://kavkazzapoved.ru.
How to get there:
- From the center or Khosty railway station on foot;
- By buses No. 115, 105, 50 to the stop. “Bridge”, then walk 2.5 km;
- By minibus No. 134;
- On the "Swallow";
- By car – about 25 km.
Dacha Kvitko
Colonel Kvitko's dacha is the most mystical landmark of Sochi. And although the park around it is tiny and there is nowhere to walk, I included it in the selection because the place is interesting, beautiful and quiet. It’s interesting to climb around the castle and imagine how the aristocracy lived before the revolution. And what sunsets are here! In general, be sure to arrive an hour before sunset, but first read about the legends and history of the Kvitko dacha.
Colonel Kvitko's dacha is a small Italian castle in Sochi, shrouded in legends.
These are the romantic sunsets you can enjoy from the terrace of the Kvitko dacha.
