Sochi Vacations, Russia

Sochi (Сочи) is a city in south-east Russia on the shore of the Black Sea (see map). Situated in a spectacular natural setting between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea coastline, Sochi has been a popular Russian resort area for nearly two centuries. With a permanent population of roughly 315,000 inhabitants (2004), millions more arrive each year for its favorable climate, beautiful landscapes, beaches, parks, health resorts, mineral springs, festivals and downhill skiing.

Sochi became a fashionable resort during the era of the USSR when Soviet elite (including Joseph Stalin) came to rest in the regions subtropical climate. Currently it is regaining its reputation as a world class retreat. It is now serviced by a large international airport and sea port as well as numerous 4-star hotels and resorts. The city is home to the annual Film Festival "Kinotavr" as well as a world class tennis school that has spawned the careers of such notable players as Maria Sharapova and Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

Although most tourists flock to the city in the summer, the winter season also attracts skiers to the Krasnaya Polyana resort. The resort boasts world class facilities, providing equipment rental, instruction, and ski lifts on a mountain suited for beginners and experts alike.

Source: russia-ukraine-travel.com

Things To Do and See in Sochi

Agura Waterfalls, Sochi
Hike along the Agura ravine to find these stunning waterfalls, the highest at 90 feet.
Attraction type: Waterfall

The Dolphinarium (Aquatheatre), Sochi
Crowd-pleasing shows feature spectacular performances

by trained dolphins, lions, fur seals and killer whales.
Attraction type: Nature center

Private Ethnographic Museum, Sochi
Get a taste of the daily lives of the Adyg tribe by trying on their

clothes, learning how they made their tools and sampling the delicious

smoked cheese and baked trout that were part of their diets.
Attraction type: Specialty museum

River Msympta, Sochi
This river that flows into the Black Sea forms numerous

waterfalls and provides a venue for rafting.
Attraction type: River

Riviera Park, Sochi
Sochi's most popular park contains games, amusement rides,

art galleries, cafes, statues, a pool and beautiful magnolia trees

planted by Russian astronauts in the name of peaceful space exploration.
Attraction type: Park

Matsesta Spa, Sochi
One of Sochi's original structures, this sulfur spa features

bathing rooms and massage areas.
Attraction type: Spa

Sochi Water-Park, Sochi
For those who like to swim, splash and slide, this small waterpark

with a five-lane multislide, sea water pool and more is worth a visit.
Attraction type: Water park

Dendrary Botanical Garden (Dendrarium), Sochi
The largest subtropical park in Russia contains more than

30 acres of stunning natural beauty.
Attraction type: Garden

Dagomys Tea Plantation, Sochi
A tour of this plantation will show you how tea is grown

and how it has been a part of Russian history.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest

Krasnaya Polyana (Red Meadow), Sochi
This popular state reserve offers a breathtaking panoramic

view of the magnificent West Caucasus mountains.
Attraction type: Ski area; Scenic/historic walking area

Friendship Park, Sochi
As a message of international friendship, this park has "Trees of Friendship"

and a museum displaying messages of good will from around the world.
Attraction type: Park

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