SOCHI – THE SUMMER CAPITAL OF RUSSIA

“Sun city”, “Magnolia region”, Pearl by the sea” – what other manifold epithets and images Sochi has been addressed to. It is the only city in Russia where all climatic and natural conditions for entire relaxation and recreation are concentrated. Sochi resort extends as a narrow line for 150 km along the Black Sea coast. The longest city of our country – the Big Sochi – includes 4 administrative districts: Lazarevsky, Central, Khostinsky, Adlersky. All of them have their own relief and climatic features which greatly impact their development and lifestyle nowadays.

Sochi is the resort of federal importance. Millions of Russian people strive for coming here in search of diverse relaxation and recreation as Sochi is the only place where getting off the train or leaving the plane you can find yourself teleported from a freezing snowy Siberian town into fragrant spring garden town. Sochi is well protected from cold northern winds by mountain ridges. The Black Sea shares the warmth stored for summer months. The swimming season at the resort is unique in its length – it opens in May and closes in October, so it lasts for 6 month. Sea water temperature reaches its top of 26 to 29 C in August. The most comfortable time for relaxation and sanatorium recreation is the autumn “velvet” season which has fully deserved its name for warm mild weather.  Sochi has mild winter with no frost and rare snow.

All year round the sea city surprises its visitors with green parks and public gardens which take about 80% the total territory of Sochi resort. It is a unique accumulation of over 3000 plant species. The only Russian city located in subtropics Sochi is the warmest spot on the state map. Subtropical climate, never freezing sea, natural diversity of the Main Caucasus Range landscape turned Sochi into ideal place for tourism, year-round relaxation and recreation. The past and present progress of Sochi resort is inseparably linked with its medicinal facilities.    

Over hundred year Sochi health-centres and sanatoria have been storing unique experience in treatment for various diseases and disorders. Healing hydrogen-sulphidous water by Mazesta made the resort worldwide famous. Sochi is the largest health resort area in Russia which includes 200 health centres of any kind – sanatoria, holiday hotels with recreation facilities, recreation centres and holiday homes. They build up half of the total health resort complex in Krasnodar region. Sochi sanatoria specialize in treatment for cardiovascular, gynaecological, dermatological, immune allergic diseases, disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, the locomotor apparatus, the endocrine and respiration systems, gastrointestinal tract.

Holiday in Sochi means clean wide beaches stretching over 118 km along the coast of the warmest sea in Russia. In Lazarevsky district the beaches are pebbly up to 400 meters wide. In Central district they are most comfortable and have up-to-date water attractions. Khostinsky district is notable for its fine-pebbly and sandy beaches. Those who like water sports will enjoy well equipped public and sanatoria’s beaches. Those who prefer solitude can find it on the “wild” beaches to both sides of  the Vidny cape. The beaches in Adlersky district are diverse. In Kurortny town they have every facility for rest and entertainment. Imeretinskaya bay attracts those who are keen on wide fine-sandy beaches.

Being on holiday in Sochi you can find variety of entertainments to serve any taste. Water parks, cinemas, amusement parks, concert halls and theatres are the best places for family entertainment in Sochi. Extreme routes, excursions, intensive city nightlife will satisfy young travellers and make their holiday unforgettable. It is only Sochi which gives you opportunity to enjoy the warm sea, get suntanned and finally go on a hike into the mountains where you can also go skiing and snowboarding on Krasnaya Polyana slopes or just peacefully walk along the shadowy paths of Dendrary park do a sightseeing tour about the city.
Cultural life in Sochi resort is diverse and full of events. Here you can take active part in beverage sampling at the festival “Beer Sea”, be the first to see new masterpieces of modern cinema at the festival “Kinotavr”, and if you are lucky enough make a photo with your favourite actor on the red carpet of the Winter Theatre. Festivals, art contests, tours by Russian and foreign artists take place in Sochi in non-stop way. The whole city with all its squares and parks turns into a large concert area in summer. Sochi invites its guests to the concert hall “Festivalny”, Summer Theatre with its distinguishing architecture, open-air cinemas. Holiday in Sochi is careless, interesting and informative in any season. 
        
The city of Sochi has entered into competition with holiday resorts of the highest world standards. Mount climatic resort Krasnaya Polyana has become acknowledged skiing centre with all facilities for winter sports and holiday.  Krasnaya Polyana is rapidly changing its face: new cable car tracks are being built, new skiing routes are being laid out, hotels and restaurants are being renovated. At present Sochi is not famous worldwide for its health and recreation complex. 2014 Sochi hosts Winter Olympics. The city is now gaining new look before our very eyes. The streets are being resurfaced, new highways are being laid out, new high standard hotels are being built and the old ones are redecorated. It makes the present and the future of Sochi resort. Lay aside your everyday routine Sochi is really worth coming! Dream city, legend city, festival city is looking forward to see you!