Believe it or not, the sunny side of Russia exists! Although most Russian travel destinations are far from something you might want to call beach resorts, Sochi definitely is not. This traditional Russian summer holiday destination along the Black Sea coast was a place where people were sent to spend their summer holiday during the times when government had the power to decide about people’s holiday spending in Russia. Today, the governmental decision-making on leisure is history, but Sochi is going on stronger than ever.
Developing services. During the last years, Sochi has risen into the conscience of outside world as well. This beach resort located by the Black Sea coast of Russia on foot of the massive Caucasus Mountains is in the middle of a process of developing its services into the needs of the becoming Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, and also for the needs of more general future holiday use.
Close to mountains.[/b] How is it then that a beach resort and Winter Olympics match together? In this case fine, because Sochi is located on the foot of the Caucasian mountains. If you want to try car rental in Sochi and make a day trip into the mountains, Krasnaja Poljana ski resort located approximately 50 km from Sochi is an excellent choice. This mountain resort will also be the stage where most of the Olympic Races will be carried out. The UNESCO World Heritage -listed Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is located just north of Sochi, offering chances for more outdoor sport activities.
Sochi, Russian beach resort and winter Olympics city
What is it then that makes Sochi so special in the eyes of the Russian people who should know better than us? It might be the warm breeze of Sochi’s subtropical climate, or its excellent beaches for swimming. Then again, it could be the many enjoyable health resorts and spas in Sochi, or the lovely seafront promenades blossoming with cypresses, magnolias, and palm trees. Besides beaches, this Russian Riviera also boasts beautiful parks and Soviet-style architecture, and hosts a popular film festival during the summer.Developing services. During the last years, Sochi has risen into the conscience of outside world as well. This beach resort located by the Black Sea coast of Russia on foot of the massive Caucasus Mountains is in the middle of a process of developing its services into the needs of the becoming Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, and also for the needs of more general future holiday use.
Close to mountains.[/b] How is it then that a beach resort and Winter Olympics match together? In this case fine, because Sochi is located on the foot of the Caucasian mountains. If you want to try car rental in Sochi and make a day trip into the mountains, Krasnaja Poljana ski resort located approximately 50 km from Sochi is an excellent choice. This mountain resort will also be the stage where most of the Olympic Races will be carried out. The UNESCO World Heritage -listed Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is located just north of Sochi, offering chances for more outdoor sport activities.
Practical information for your trip to Sochi
The climate in Sochi is subtropical with mild winters and hot summers.
Photo: henribergius, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Unlike in Mediterranean Europe, weather in Sochi is often humid receiving some rainfall throughout the year. The most popular holiday season in Sochi is in July and August, when temperatures rise above 30 degrees of Celsius. If you want to enjoy the sun outside the peak tourism season, a good time to visit Sochi would be during May, June or September.
How to get there. Sochi is a popular holiday resort for Russians, receiving some 2 million holidaymakers a year. Flights to Sochi are available from Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as from several European and Middle Eastern cities. You can also travel to Sochi by bus or train from elsewhere in Russia, or by boat from Turkey. Restaurants in Sochi serve you tasty Russian food, and hotels in Sochi accommodate you at a reasonable price.
Safety. Although Sochi is located close to the unsafe Caucasian regions of Russia, this beach resort city is quite safe to visit, with no major crime problems. However, terrorist attacks might cause a threat in the area. Some Russian language skills are needed for independent travel in Sochi.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Abkhazia
