The Russian resort city of Sochi, looking out over the Black Sea in Russia’s southwest and close to the country’s border with Georgia, is a place like no other. A favourite holiday destination for tourists from all over Russia and other countries which were part of the former Soviet Union, its uniqueness lies in the fact that it’s both a beach and ski resort, all in the same place.
This is why the city was able to host the 2014 Winter Olympics but also boasts beaches beloved of thousands of people for several months of the year. The Winter Olympics certainly helped to make Sochi a household name around the world, showing off its beauty and versatility in droves, and global interest in the city has been on the up ever since. As such, there’s never been a better time to visit the Black Sea resort; it’s received an investment of around 500 billion rubles (around $7 billion) for regeneration as a result of the event.
To help you pen your itinerary perfectly, we’ve gathered insider tips and advice to bring you these; our 5 IDEAL things to do in Sochi, Russia.
RELAX ON THE BEACH
Despite its reputation for being a fiercely cold country, in weather and disposition, we all know what happens if we assume, right? And you know what word you can make from stereotype? ‘Eyesore’. Sohci’s beaches certainly aren’t that.
Ignore that clumsy segway; Russians just love heading to the beach, and Sochi’s gorgeous seafront (an 100 mile stretch of coastline, no less) is well equipped to deal with the influx of visitors each summer. The water of the Black Sea is pleasantly warm during the summer months, making it great for a long, languid swim or just a quick dip of your toes.
That said, it’s important to be aware that most of the beaches on the strip are private, and under the jurisdiction of the hotels which back onto them. You can buy a daily pass at resorts, though, and enjoy the beach just as guests of the hotel would.
One of the most popular pastimes of Russian beachgoers is to snack and have a beer. To cater to this ever pressing need, there are plenty of traditional food vendors up and down the beach serving up Russian favourites like corn on the cob, baklava, and trubochka, which is a sweet, tube shaped pastry. All delicious with an ice cold drink, we think!
SINGING FOUNTAINS
The Winter Olympics saw a large part of Sochi being redeveloped to create the Sochi Olympic Park. While the athletes may have left, there are many parts of the Olympic Park still in operation today and some of the ultra-modern spectacle remains.
Unsurprisingly, then, the Park is a great place to head for entertainment. One of the parts of Sochi Olympic Park still going strong is the Singing Fountains, which dance to music with a mix of different colours and a whole load of high camp.
Though they’re not quite on the same scale as the fountains outside the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, for instance, they’re certainly very beautiful; the show lasts about an hour and is regularly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
CASINO SOCHI
There’s a fair bit of glitz and glamour going on in Sochi and speaking of the City of Sin, Casino Sochi is a Las Vegas style casino on the Russian Black Sea coast which lays claim to being one of the country’s premier gaming destinations.
It hosts a round of the European Poker Tour every year, and this is one of the biggest tournaments of its kind in the world, watched by poker fans globally.
If poker isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other things going on at Casino Sochi. Its casino has a range of other classic table, card, and slot games, while its bars and restaurants serve up some of the best food and drinks in the city. There’s also a regular schedule of other entertainment options to make your visit a enjoyable experience even if gambling’s not your thing.
IMERETINSKAYA EMBANKMENT
Russians love walking along embankments with their friends; it’s basically a national pastime! As such, you’ll see this happening in cities all across the country, from St Petersburg to Vladivostok and beyond. Sochi certainly delivers the opportunity for visitors to do like the Russians, with a long and very pleasant embankment alongside the Black Sea.
Like the boardwalk in Atlantic City, there are plenty of places to get a bite to eat or something to drink along the strip, as well as options for bike hire. You can walk almost all the way to the Olympic Park, with just a short stroll on dry land required, partly to cross the Mzymta River. The views of the Olympic Stadium and the mountains behind, as well as regular firework displays, make for an eminently agreeable backdrop to your stroll.
SOCHI PARK
If an agreeable stroll doesn’t exactly get your pulse racing, and you want something a little more adrenaline inducing, then the Sochi Park theme park may be for you. While it doesn’t quite compare to some of the larger theme parks found elsewhere in Europe and North America, there are several white knuckle rides that most definitely fall into the “extreme” category.
Sochi Park is split into different areas, each telling the story of a different Russian fairytale, with characters from these stories frequently walking around the park. It has all of the classic theme park rides like merry-go-rounds, teacups, and swings as well as inverted roller coasters. For thrill seekers, the main attraction is Quantum Leap, the fastest, highest ride in Russia, with several loops and plenty of severe drops. Prepare for your hair to be well and truly raised!
Sochi may not seem like an obvious choice but it’s a unique destination that’s a little different to many other resorts around the world. Additionally, if your flight to Russia brings you into Moscow, then you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a whistle-stop tour of the capital as well.