Sochi. Host Cities

Sochi, often referred to as the Russian Riviera and the Black Sea Pearl, is one of the country’s largest resorts. After a major renovation and construction overhaul that prepared the city for the Winter Olympics in 2014 Sochi emerged as a newly modernized city with extensive infrastructure and dozens of new hotels. The city is an exciting mix of many different cultures and traditions.

Sochi is surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains and enjoys mild subtropical climate. Thanks to its unique location, the city attracts thousands of tourists all year round. In summer, there are plenty of sand and pebble beaches to enjoy along the Black Sea coast, as well as fresh-water lakes and waterfalls in the hills nearby that are all a part of the Sochi National Park. In wintertime, Sochi’s Krasnaya Polyana ski resort opens for ski and snowboard fans.

Sochi Arboretum 

Sochi Arboretum is a botanical garden that boasts a unique collection of subtropical flora counting over 1630 species of trees and plants. It is located on a side of a mountain, so one can take a cable-railway to get to the upper levels of the park and enjoy a panoramic view on the city.

Mount Akhun

Mount Akhun is the highest peak of the Sochi National Park. Its summit is marked by a 100-foot-tall Neo-Romanesque limestone tower that offers a scenic view of the city, the nearby mountain ridges and the Back Sea coastline stretching as far as to Abkhazia.

Agura Waterfalls

A series of waterfalls are formed by the Agura River cutting through the hills towards the Black Sea. The waterfalls are located about four kilometers upstream from the river mouth in Sochi’s Khostinsky City District. They are included in all popular hiking and walking trails.

Olympic Park

While Sochi’s Fisht stadium is the main attraction for true football fans coming to the resort, the Olympic park has much more to offer. Take a walk along the embankment, admiring the Olympic venues and, of course, the dancing fountain, which is lit at night, offering a spectacular show to both locals and visitors

Historical Landmarks

In addition to breathtaking views, Sochi offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities. Popular excursions include trips to the local marina, Winter Theater, ruins of the 8th-century Godlik Fortress, St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Vladimir Cathedral, Stalin’s summer residence, and sea cruises.

• Sochi is one of the few cities in Russia where palm trees grow in the streets.
• Sochi is located in the Krasnodar Region which is the world’s northernmost tea growing area.
• Russia’s world number ones in tennis Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Maria Sharapova both started their training in Sochi, and so did Igor Ledyakhov, once a player for Spanish football clubs Real Sporting de Gijón and SD Eibar.
• Sochi is the home city of the 2010 Nobel Prize winner in physics Andre Geim.
• Sochi is the venue of the Russian Grand Prix, which is part of the Formula One World Championship.