Sochi is a popular resort city, which has become even more popular with tourists after the 2014 Winter Olympics. The legacy of the Olympics still attracts the attention of city guests - these are modern ski resorts and the Olympic Park with the famous singing fountains. Every year, thousands of fans come to Sochi to watch auto races on the Sochi Autodrom track or competitions held in Krasnaya Polyana complexes.
Sochi is surrounded by greenery. There are many parks equipped - Primorsky, Yuzhnye Kultury, Riviera. But the most important and impressive green area is the arboretum with a collection of plants from all over the world and the Sochi National Park. A few kilometers from the city there are many natural interesting places - Mount Akhun, Agursky waterfalls, a yew-boxwood grove.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photo with names and descriptions of the most popular sights of the city.
Ski resorts in Krasnaya Polyana
The mountain cluster unites several sports facilities - a complex for skiers and biathletes "Laura", a ski jump area "Russian hills", a sledging area "Sanki". And also three ski resorts - GTZ Gazprom, the resort of the same name with the name of the village - Krasnaya Polyana and Rosa Khutor. Several cable cars have been built, including the Mountain Carousel. You can climb to Rosa Peak - the highest observation deck, at an altitude of 2320 meters.
Olympic park
Built in preparation for the 2014 Olympics. In the Imeretinskaya lowland there are sports facilities - arenas, ice palaces, stadiums. After the Olympics, shows, concerts, tournaments and competitions, and festive events began to be held in the park. Many guests of the city tend to look at the modern sports complex, which is convenient given the excellent infrastructure - hotels, cafes, proximity to the coast and entertainment centers.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Krasnodar Territory.
Sochi National Park
Most of the park, with an area of 190,000 hectares, is covered by forests. Tourists can visit a zone with an area of 13,000 hectares. The uniqueness of the park is the combination of natural zones on its territory. There are subtropical plants, snow-capped mountain peaks, mountain rivers and landscapes with relict plants. Tourists can see hundreds of waterfalls up to 72 meters high, ancient dolmens, mineral springs, and an arboretum.
Sochi arboretum
The oasis of landscape art occupies an area of 50 hectares. Here are collected plants from all over the world. Many tourists strive to see the unique collection and appreciate the splendor of landscape design. 24 types of palms, 80 types of oaks, 76 types of conifers, cypresses and rare plants of the subtropics have been planted. There is an aquarium, an exotarium, a rose garden, a pond with pelicans, storks and herons. A cable car is laid through the park.
Central Embankment of Sochi
A favorite place for walking for guests and residents of the city. Cafes, entertainment, nightclubs, souvenir shops, attractions - it is always crowded and lively here. The embankment is tiled, planted with palm trees and luxurious shrubs. Sightseeing - the Winter Theater, the rotunda, and sculptures of its heroes were installed at the filming location of the episode of the film The Diamond Hand. The Lighthouse water park is located on the beach area.
Observation tower on Mount Akhun
Mount Akhun rises above the green area at a height of 663 meters. The observation tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of Akhun, the surrounding Eagle Rocks, Sochi and the Black Sea. The building itself was built in the Romanesque style in 1936 by order of Stalin. The tower has a tea and restaurant, souvenir shops. There is a road along the mountain, but the last climb of 30 meters must be overcome on foot.
Imeretinskaya embankment
It is located in southern Adler and has a length of 7 km. Built in 2014. On one side there are hotels, on the other - the beach. The promenade has areas for pedestrians and cyclists. The embankment offers wonderful views of the snow-capped mountains of the Caucasus in winter and the beautiful sea in summer. The famous fountain at the Olympic stadiums is perfectly visible from it. Lots of local eateries and entertainment outlets.
Sochi-Park amusement park
A popular amusement park designed in the style of Russian folk tales. The hotel complex in the park resembles a magical palace. The area of the park is more than 20 hectares; there are dozens of unusual attractions made by European companies on its territory. The most popular rides are the extreme Zmey Gorynych slide, the Quantum Leap roller coaster, the Firebird free-fall tower 65 meters high.
Marine terminal and port
The building of the sea terminal is one of the most recognizable in Sochi. The monumental building with a high spire was erected in 1955. The 74-meter-high tower is decorated with sculptures and a colonnade. The interior design is made using majolica, stucco molding, mosaics. The expansion of the port in preparation for the Olympics improved the station's infrastructure. Guests of cruise ships can visit fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants in the port.
Balneological resort "Matsesta"
A year-round resort, the main therapeutic factor in which is the use of medicinal hydrogen sulphide water. Over the years of the resort's existence, more than 200 million procedures have been carried out - baths with mineral water, mud therapy, body wraps. Climatotherapy and physiotherapy are used. The buildings of "Matsesta" are superbly decorated in the Stalinist Empire style. Excursions are conducted on the territory of the resort.
Natural attractions of Sochi
The city of Sochi and its environs is a place of attraction for nature lovers. Many beautiful places are concentrated in the Sochi National Park, these are waterfalls, mountain rivers, canyons, picturesque panoramas.
Mount Akhun
One of the most popular natural attractions in Sochi. There is an iconic object on it - an observation tower, surrounded by souvenir shops, kiosks with herbal infusions and balms. One of the mysterious objects is the ghost restaurant, which is associated with many mystical legends. At the top of the mountain there is a Ferris wheel, from which you can see the beauty of the Imereti Valley, 70 km in diameter.
Yew-boxwood grove
A unique natural site in the biosphere reserve im. Shaposhnikov. On an area of 30 hectares, there are relict forests that covered the territory several million years ago. The oldest trees are about 2000 years old. Among the dozens of tree species, the berry yew and the Colchis evergreen boxwood are especially distinguished. The landscape of the grove is complemented by rock breaks, mushroom flowers from tropical zones, mountain rivers.
Polikarya waterfall
The waterfall, 70 meters high, is unique in the presence of snow and glaciers at its rapids even in the summer months. It has several stages. You can get to it either by air - by cable car, or on foot. The hiking path is long, but tourists often choose it because of its natural beauty and fascination. At the same time, the route to the waterfall is safe and does not require special physical training; there is a small cafe along the way.
Sochi is a treasure trove of waterfalls, we recommend: the most beautiful waterfalls in Sochi.
Eagle rocks
Visiting the cliffs is popular with lovers of outdoor activities amidst the picturesque nature. The rocks are 371 meters high. They are sometimes called White because of their yellow sandstone and light-colored limestone cover. There are many hiking trails among the rocks. Some of them lead not only through the Eagle Rocks, but also include visits to karst caves and Agursky waterfalls. Climbing the rocks takes about an hour.
Navalishchenskoe gorge
It is part of the Akhunsky ridge. Located by the river Khost. The total length of the gorge is 1.5 km, the depth is about 400 meters. When visiting the gorge, tourists are interested in swimming in the Khost River among the rocky landscapes, as well as inspecting relict plants. Near the gorge there is a restaurant and a complex of Russian baths. A walk in the gorge can be combined with a tour of the Khosta fortress, 5 km from it.
Vorontsov Caves
Karst cavity, one of the longest in the Krasnodar Territory. It includes Boar Proval, Labyrinth and Dolgaya caves. They are all connected by tunnels. The total length of the tunnels of the Vorontsov Caves is 11,720 meters. 14 entrances to the caves are located at an altitude of 700 meters. In the grottoes and halls there are stalactites and stalagmites several meters long. The halls are equipped with lighting and stairs, there is a guide.
Agursky waterfalls
There is a hiking trail leading to three groups of waterfalls, part of which is cut into the rock. In the two-stage lower waterfall, water falls from a height of 18 and 12 meters. A long staircase leads to the middle waterfalls, the ascent is about 500 meters. The most popular is the upper waterfall. Jets of a powerful water stream fall from a height of 20 meters. You can swim both in the waterfalls and in the Devil's font of the Agur canyon.
33 waterfalls
Located in the gorge of the Dzhegosh stream. The waterfalls look especially impressive during the high water period - in spring and early summer. You can visit them both with an organized excursion group, and on your own. The waterfalls are equipped with a wooden deck with handrails, and there is a changing room. Many tours include not only a walk to the waterfalls, but also a visit to the Volkonsky dolmen, auls of the Circassians, a show of highlanders.
Svir gorge
The rocky gorge is located near the village of Lazarevskoye. Formed by a small but powerful mountain river Svirka. On its way along the gorge, it forms many waterfalls and creeks. The water temperature in the thickets does not exceed 15 degrees, but there are people who want to swim in them. Hiking through the gorge can seem daunting - there are steep descents and ascents. Moreover, the trail is equipped with bridges and stairs.
Shows and entertainment in Sochi
Rest in Sochi is always an active pastime and exciting shows.
Singing fountains in the Olympic Park
The Firebird from Russian folklore became the prototype of the fountains during the creation of the project. This is one of the most impressive and significant sites in the Olympic Park. The fountain is made on the basis of the bowl of the Olympic flame. The diameter of the fountain bowl is 100 meters. 264 cannons fire jets of water to a height of 30 to 70 meters. The daily hour-long show of fountains to the music of Russian classics gathers hundreds of tourists.
Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi
The only high-rise adventure park of this format in the country. Its main feature is a 439-meter long pedestrian bridge, laid over the Akhshtyr gorge. From the height of the bridge of 207 meters, a wonderful view of the Black Sea coast and the Caucasus Mountains opens. The park is equipped with several areas for bungee jumping, trolls that develop a speed of up to 120 km / h at an altitude of 200 meters, swings with a swing of up to 500 meters.
Concert Hall "Festival"
It is located in the center of the city's cultural life, surrounded by boarding houses and hotels. It is built on the slope of the Turkish ravine among the picturesque tropical nature in the open air. The hall resembles ancient buildings. The amphitheater seats 2,500 spectators, each seat offers a beautiful view of the stage, as well as the Black Sea. Popular Russian and foreign performers perform here.
"Sochi Circuit"
The modern race track, which is one of the venues for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The track has a length of 5848 meters, has 650 meters of curves and a section with a negative slope. Several stands are equipped for spectators, from which different sections of the track are visible. The races are additionally broadcast on large video screens. There is a go-kart center with karts with powerful engines.
Sochi State Circus
Guests are offered impressive performances performed by professional artists. The modern circus building is located near the Sochi arboretum. The hall can accommodate 2000 spectators. At the entrance to the circus, there is a large fountain with a clown sculpture in the center. There is an observation deck on the roof of the circus. The groups of the Zapashny, Bagdasarov and Filatovs performed on the arena of the Sochi circus.
Sochi Oceanarium
The 6,000 m² oceanarium is home to about 4,000 fish of 200 different species. For the inhabitants, 30 aquariums of various sizes have been built, set in themed zones for marine and freshwater fish. There are information boards near the aquariums with a story about each type of fish. There is an open pond with carps; visitors can feed these fish on their own. Sharks live in the aquarium - carpet and reef, seahorses.
"Casino Sochi"
Luxurious entertainment venue. Guests are offered quality service, comfort and a great atmosphere. The capacity of the casino is 2000 people, there are restaurants, a banquet hall, a cabaret theater, a bar and boutiques. The gambling establishment has been operating since 2014. Its employees are professionals in the gambling business who previously worked in similar establishments in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas. The poker club hosts international competitions.
Parks and squares are beautiful places for walking
There are many places in Sochi where it is pleasant to walk and relax - these are colorful well-groomed parks, embankments and pedestrian streets of the city.
Riviera embankment and beach
The Riviera beach is one of the best in Sochi. It has the best coating - the pebbles are small and hardly felt. The beach area is 300 meters long and 50 meters wide. There is a dolphinarium, attractions, a beach volleyball area, water sports - scooters, banana and cheesecake rides. There are many cafes and restaurants on the promenade near the beach, discos are held. It is especially beautiful here at night.
Park "Riviera"
One of the most popular amusement parks in Sochi. Its territory of 14 hectares is located on the very coast of the Black Sea. It contains a large amount of greenery - palm trees, sakura, magnolias, bamboo. The rose garden contains about 3000 plants. Performances at the Equestrian and Green Theaters are very popular. There is an oceanarium, a dolphinarium, a penguinarium, a robot museum and a GeniUm museum, as well as more than 70 attractions for adults and children.
Navaginskaya street
The main pedestrian street of the city. On it are planted cypress and palm alleys, beautiful flower beds are laid out, interesting sculptures are installed - the "Make a Wish" ear, a snail bench, figures of Olympic symbols and fairy-tale characters. There are hundreds of boutiques, restaurants, summer cafes on Navaginskaya Street. Street musicians often perform in the evening. A special spectacle is the show of a light and music fountain.
Park "Southern Cultures"
The Dendrological Park was founded in 1910 on the banks of the Mzymta River as a private landscape park. Numerous paths and paths diverge from the central road through the park. The park is multi-level, there are many graceful staircases, elegant bridges, observation platforms. There is a lake in the park. The park is open all year round, even in winter you can admire the beauty of pines, cypresses, cedars.
Seaside park
A beautiful park where exotic plants are planted - Chinese palm, cryptomeria, oleander, araucaria. It is located at the very first church in Sochi named after I. Michael the Archangel, around which cypresses are planted. There is also the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The park has a beautiful meadow with a sculpture by Vladimir Vysotsky, a memorable composition "Cannon and an anchor", Pushkin's library, built at the end of the 19th century, art objects.
Pedestrian route "Historical Boulevard of Sochi"
The route runs along the embankment. It starts from the place where the city was founded - at the Hellenic descent, and ends at the Winter Palace.The objects of inspection are 35 monuments of history and culture - the Cathedral of Michael the Archangel, the building of the Sea Station, the Temple of the Iverskaya Icon of the Mother of God, the Indo-European Telegraph, the Pushkin Library. Many attractions of the route are located in the Seaside Park.
Cultural landmarks of Sochi
The resort is not devoid of cultural and educational places. Below is a list of the most interesting museums in the city that are visited first.
House-Museum "Stalin's Dacha"
A museum complex located in one of Stalin's country residences. Here he rested with his family and received high-ranking guests. The house is located between Matsesta and Agursky gorge on top of a hill. It is painted with a special green paint so that it cannot be viewed from the air. Almost all interior interiors - the study, the dining room, have been preserved in their original form.
Sochi Art Museum named after Dmitry Zhilinsky
The building of the museum itself is a federal architectural monument. Its exhibition hall houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as photo and art exhibitions, vernissages and creative meetings. In total, about 6,000 art objects are kept in the museum's funds. Russian painting of the XIX-XX centuries is represented by the canvases of Aivazovsky, Shishkin, Polenov. Graphics - the works of Serov, Kustodiev, Deinek.
N. A. Ostrovsky Literary Memorial Museum
Located next to the Art Museum. Ostrovsky lived in this area. The museum consists of two parts. The memorial part contains the general and main exposition. And at the literary exhibition they tell about the history of Sochi and the work of famous writers who have ever lived in the city - Mayakovsky, Pasternak, Odoevsky. The building of the museum with a beautiful neoclassical facade is an architectural monument.
Museum of the history of the resort town of Sochi
It was founded in 1920 and during this time has collected a large collection of historical exhibits. On an area of 654 m², about 100,000 objects of the region's heritage are exhibited - historical, cultural, natural. Among the archaeological finds from the 1st to the 8th century there are tools of labor, gold jewelry, and kitchen utensils. Cold weapons and firearms are displayed in the hall in the form of a ship's cabin. There are halls of the history of the development of the resort, nature, the Black Sea.
Garden-Museum "Tree of Friendship"
Founded in 1914 as a fruit station. In 1934, the scientist Zorin decided to develop a special kind of frost-resistant citrus. The wild lemon was grafted with Japanese tangerine, Spanish orange and Italian lemon, and about 40 other varieties of citrus fruits. The shrub was named the "Tree of Friendship", and since then about 600 vaccinations have been made in it by representatives from more than 150 countries. There are now more than 60 such trees in the garden.
Architectural landmarks of Sochi
The resort is represented not only by hotels and sanatoriums, there are noticeable and significant historical architectural objects on the streets.
Train Station
The modern station building was opened in 1952 on the site of the 1923 building and is a federal architectural monument. The three-story train station with high arches and columns has three courtyards. Its decoration is a 55-meter clock tower with a diameter of 5 meters. The interior decoration uses local materials - sandstone and granite. A similar building was built in Simferopol.
Winter theater
One of the main attractions of the city, located by the Black Sea. About 500,000 viewers visit it annually. The construction of the building began in 1934 and was completed in three years. The facade of the theater is decorated with 88 columns. Above the main entrance there are statues of women symbolizing art trends - architecture, painting, sculpture. The hall in white, purple and gold tones is designed for 964 people.
Library named after A.S. Pushkin
One of the oldest libraries in the city and one of the very first libraries in the Caucasus, built in 1912. The library building was built with funds donated by residents of the city. The building was designed by the architect Butkin. Representatives of the intelligentsia and entrepreneurs donated collections of magazines and books to the library fund. The building, which resembles a palace in its appearance, is an architectural monument.
Cathedral of Michael the Archangel
The first Orthodox church in the Black Sea region. It was erected in honor of the end of the Caucasian War at the end of the 19th century on the site of the destroyed temple of the Byzantine Empire. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Soviet era. The original features of its architectural appearance were returned only in the 90s of the XX century. The building style is eclectic - a mixture of different directions. The walls inside the cathedral are decorated with paintings with images of saints.
Archangel Michael Monument
Archangel Michael is considered the patron saint of Sochi. That is why the main cathedral of the city is dedicated to this saint, as well as a monumental column with his sculpture has been installed. The sculpture is 7 meters high and stands on a 20-meter reinforced concrete column. The height of the granite pedestal, where the column with the sculpture is installed, is 5 meters. The authors of the project are the architect Sergey Sukhorukov and the sculptor Vladimir Zelenko.
There are many interesting monuments in the city, read: historical and modern monuments of Sochi.
What else to see and where to go?
There are a lot of interesting places in Sochi, there will always be directions and locations that can surprise and delight.
Tea houses in Uch-Dera
A cozy place where visitors are introduced to the culture of Russia and the traditions of tea drinking. Guests are treated to tea from the plantations of the Krasnodar Territory. In addition to tea houses, there is a guest house and a museum on site. Tea tasting is held in the exhibition hall, and in the souvenir hall you can buy your favorite variety. The rooms are decorated with natural materials, they display old samovars, tea ware, trays.
Abandoned sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze
Located on the slope of Mount Bykhta. It is a monument of federal and regional culture in the neoclassical style. A large complex of 15 large-scale buildings is built among palm trees and greenery. The central building is decorated with six columns and a fountain with sculptures of bacchantes. The sanatorium does not work, since 2010 it has been under reconstruction. You can go through the security post into the territory, but there is no way to get into the buildings.
"Pedigree trout farm" Adler "
Founded in 1964 for the cultivation of gourmet fish - trout. It is one of the largest producers of rainbow and amber trout not only in Russia, but also in Europe. On the territory of the plant there are 111 ponds where fish grows. Tourists often visit the fish farm. This is a great opportunity to see how trout is grown. Guests can also enjoy excellent trout and carp fishing. Tackle is rented.
