In summer, coastline nightclubs pump out booming baselines from dusk till dawn. The city has undergone several immense changes with billions of rubles spent preparing the city and the nearby Krasnaya Polyana skiing area for hosting this world event. Russian Visa Information Memorial to Victims of Political Repression, Russia’s Black Sea playground: exploring Sochi. The Arboretum and Riviera Park are among the city’s most popular destinations. The Agura and Orekhovskaya waterfalls are perhaps the most strikingly beautiful representations of these attractions. Sergiev Posad, Golden Ring Prior to its 2014 debut on the world stage, Sochi was celebrated in Russia for its sunny skies and balmy temperatures, which attracted privileged Party…. Sochi is located in the south of Russia and is the second-largest city of Krasnodar Krai. Sochi is one of Russia's most southern cities, located on the Black Sea coast almost 1,000 miles south of Moscow. All competitions took place in two areas: the newly constructed Coastal Cluster, for indoor ice events, and the Mountain Cluster - featuring a renovated Krasnaya Polyana for all downhill and skiing sports. No. All Russia Tours, Why Travel to Russia Serving as a beautiful backdrop for Sochi are the Caucasus Mountains, home to the nearby snow skiing resort of Krasnaya Polyana. The biggest resort town on what's called the "Russian Riviera," Sochi is preparing to step onto the world stage as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. In summer, coastline nightclubs pump out booming baselines from dusk till dawn. Moscow Travel Guide Sochi is often called the unofficial 'Summer Capital' of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. The first Russian settlement on the site was called Fort Alexander, founded in 1838 at Sochi River's mouth. Its tea-house’s picturesque view of the Black Sea from the exclusive Dagomys district provides the perfect setting for sampling Russia’s home-grown offerings. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. It's Russia's busiest seaside resort, attracting more than 4 million visitors every year to its mountains and sweeping beaches. The name has two possible sources: it could be a variation of the term "sshatche," was used by the local people to mean "place by the sea" or "shacha," which locals used to mean "sell ahead" because the territory of the town used to be where slave markets were held. Given that it exits the Black Sea, Sochi is known and often called the … I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. With a permanent population approaching 350,000 it holds the record as the largest resort city in Russia. Sochi also contains a special tea plantation, the only one in Russia and the northernmost in the world. Make use of handy advice from experts, About the Leading Travel Operator for Russia, Our goal is to organize the most rewarding journeys to Russia, We know every detail about traveling to Russia. Still, the mountains also hide mysterious caves where traces exist of the first humans migrated northward through here into Neanderthal-dominated Europe some 35,000 years ago. Volga River Cruises Tours in Sochi Being one of the best among tourism organization, Tari Tour will take care of putting together all of your vacation plans and programs and will help you live up to your goals and expectations of Sochi tours. In contrast, skiing in the nearby mountain makes it an ideal place for winter vacations. Away from the embankment, magnolia- and cypress-filled parks provide a fine setting for strolling. © 2020 Lonely Planet. Many local experts consider daily walks as important for the restoration of health to the body and mind, so it's not unusual to find many strollers on scenic pedestrian byways like the gorgeous Eagle Rocks path. more. Learn more, Catch the relaxing vibe of resorts and beaches of the Black Sea, Explore the Olympic Park of 2014 and the famous Riviera Dolphinarium, Get inspired bu the natural marvels in Sochi surroundings. Ski & Snowboard Areas, Cross-country Ski Areas. It would be fair to say that Sochi is long used to being among the most glamorous spots in Russia. It is perhaps most famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2014. Tari Tour is an experienced Russian national tourist agency that operates in many regions of Russia. As the unofficial capital of the Riviera of the Caucasus, its many beaches make the city popular in summer. We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. With so much local attention to health and exercise, the International Olympics Committee found Sochi to be the obvious choice to host the 2014 Winter Games. Moscow & St. Petersburg Read More in Our Blog, Hermitage Museum Away from the embankment, magnolia- and cypress-filled parks provide a fine setting for strolling. The resort has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times when the Zygii people inhabited the Area. It is still famous today for its recreation facilities. Kizhi Island Nicknamed the ‘Summer Capital of Russia ’, Sochi abounds with sport, active recreation and eco-tourism opportunities. Siberia Since 1909, Russian glitterati have thronged here, and movie stars have been a regular feature at the city’s Kinotavr Film Festival every June since 1991. Fill out the short trip survey to receive a personalized itinerary from a destination expert. Tips Before Traveling Welcome to Sochi Gateway to the optimistically named ‘Russian Riviera’, Sochi is a Black Sea resort with a lively boardwalk and glorious sunsets. Private Tour Packages The Russian president himself maintains a dacha near the tea plantation in Dagomys, which is used to entertain foreign heads of state. Somewhat ironically, Sochi is really quite temperate for most of the year, with its Black Sea waters warm and swimmable well into October. 4-star edition of the private 9-day tour of the Russian capitals, 5-star edition fo the private 9-day tour of Moscow & St. Petersburg, 13-day in-depth discovery of Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg, 13-day tour of the untouched wilderness of Siberia & the Capitals, 11-day private discovery of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring. Church of the Savior on Blood One of the first big names to put Sochi on the map was Soviet leader Joseph Stalin - he built his favorite vacation home or dacha here. It has an exit onto the Black Sea coast, and you can arrive by traveling around 600km south of Moscow. So it is fair to say that Sochi is clearly familiar with top-notch athletes!