Summer vacation in Sochi

One of the most beautiful cities in the Russian south is gradually becoming a world famous resort. This was greatly facilitated by the 2014 Winter Olympics, thanks to which the infrastructure of Sochi has significantly developed, the city has changed, rejuvenated, and guests from other countries got to know the "pearl" of the Russian tourism industry better. Today the resort has many European-level hotels. Rest in Sochi in the summer is an excellent alternative to long-distance trips abroad.

Weather

Greater Sochi stretches along the Black Sea coast for almost 150 km, so it is impossible to talk about a single climatic zone here. In general, the city lies in the northern subtropical zone. But in Adler, although it is the southernmost point, it is the coolest, since the influence of air currents coming from the mountains is felt.

Summer in the resorts pleases with sunny weather and warm waves. In June, the Black Sea warms up to 23 ° С, in August - up to 28 ° С. At the beginning of summer, cyclones are not uncommon; temperature drops can be quite significant. We must take this into account when packing things for the trip.

In July and August it is very hot - up to 30-35 ° C in the shade. Due to the humid climate here, not all holidaymakers can tolerate this weather well. Families with children should be especially careful to prevent babies from getting heatstroke and sunburn.

Beach season

The subtropical climate of the resort allows you to enjoy the sea for a long time. The beach season starts at the end of May and lasts until October.

In May, the water is still cool, about 20 ° C, but this is not bad for those who have time to miss the sea bathing. In June, it warms up and becomes more and more comfortable, and at the end of July and in August it reaches 25 ° - 28 ° C, gradually giving off heat in the autumn months.

As a rule, you can swim all September, and often most of October. The period loved by many is the velvet season. The heat is gone, and the water is still warm enough for swimming, sometimes the same temperature as the air. But nobody canceled the vagaries of the weather, options are possible.

Greater Sochi Resorts

Sochi is called the longest city in Europe. Its length along the coastline reaches 110 km, and even more along the highway - about 145 km. This is not just a city, but a large resort area consisting of Lazarevsky, Central (the city itself), Khostinsky and the southernmost Adler districts.

Resorts in each area have their own characteristics, for every taste and budget. We travel from north to south.

Lazarevskoye is a large resort microdistrict, which was not touched by the excitement and new buildings of the 2014 Olympics. There is no bustle of a big city here, but there is everything you need for recreation and entertainment. Small pebble beaches with a gentle entrance are perfectly equipped, there is a pier for sea excursions, all possible beach activities. In the Park of Culture and Leisure, there is an amusement town, a dolphinarium and a mini-water park. Young people have fun in nightclubs and discos, there are two large water parks, restaurants, concert and exhibition halls.

The village of Golovinka is located at the mouth of the rather large and clean river Shakhe, on the hills. If there is no desire to climb the mountain, it is worth choosing accommodation closer to the coast. The village has a sufficient number of mini-hotels and guest houses that can be booked in advance. The nature of this place is unique: the famous tulip tree blossoming twice a season grows, planted in the 19th century; the upper reaches of the Shakhe form a cascade of beautiful waterfalls. The beaches are long and well equipped, sometimes with an inconvenient approach due to the railway.

Yakornaya Shchel is a quiet and ecologically clean village, a great place for families with children. Dolphins often come here. It was here that an old anchor was raised from the bottom of the sea, which became part of the monument erected in the central part of the city in honor of the victory over the Turks. Inexpensive accommodation is not hard to find in private hotels and guest houses. There are many recreation centers and boarding houses. There are wild beaches. The microclimate of the village is special, the proximity of the mountains protects from the heat of the day and allows you to enjoy clean air.

In the quiet village of Vardane, mature couples like to relax, but young people will also find entertainment to their liking. This is a place with a rich history, the ruins of ancient buildings have been preserved, around mountain gorges with waterfalls, tea plantations. Interesting excursions to local attractions are organized. There is a spacious equipped pebble beach, cafes, shops and restaurants. Housing prices will delight budget travelers.

The village of Loo attracts with a 6-kilometer strip of beaches, mostly comfortable. The popular year-round AquaLoo water park is popular with both children and adults. You can relax in boarding houses, mini-hotels, guest houses and sanatoriums - the choice is great, and the prices do not bite.

In Dagomys during the Soviet era, the first resort complex was built to attract foreigners, and this is no coincidence. The clean long beaches with small pebbles, the proximity of the mountains with the opportunity to travel, the unique landscape and the favorable location in relation to the central region played a role. Now the resort is no less popular, historical hotels have been modernized and new ones have been built.

The central region, or the city itself, is located between the Mamaysky pass and the Vereshchaginka river. The heart of Greater Sochi beats here, the most fashionable hotels and historical sights, the Riviera Park with attractions and the Summer Theater, Plane Alley and singing fountains, the Arboretum and the Marine Station. The city is very beautiful, modern and well-maintained, a real resort capital with gorgeous beaches and a variety of entertainment.

Matsesta is a balneological resort, people come here not for the pleasure of the beach. Although the beach is also there, it is small, and it is not very convenient to get to it. Hotels and mini-hotels were built on the hills high above the sea. There is a sanatorium "Matsesta" and a well-known hydropathic establishment, which is more than a century old. Vacationers take baths from mineral hydrogen sulphide water and are treated with mud.

The picturesque Khosta is spread over the hills in the river valley that gave the name to the village. Yew and boxwood grove, a unique natural reserve, gives the air of the resort a unique aroma and healing properties. Horseback riding, the proximity of Mount Akhun and Vorontsov Caves are additional advantages of rest in Khost.

Krasnaya Polyana is appreciated by lovers of alpine skiing and winter sports, but in summer it attracts with luxurious hotels, the possibility of mountain walks, the beauty of the scenery and clean air.

Kudepsta is a village located on the banks of the Kudepsta River. In the recent past, there were only private houses, but now everything has changed. In Kudepst there is a sanatorium, hotels and boarding houses. Drinking mineral springs on the territory of the village are rich in iodine and bromine, there is healing mud, which is used in the treatment of various diseases. This place is suitable for a quiet and budget holiday by the sea, but you will not find night discos there.

Adler is located at the mouth of the Mzymta River. He is liked by fans of outdoor activities, beach entertainment and excursion tourism. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which is convenient if you can get to your holiday destination by air. Has a well-developed urban infrastructure and transport network.

If you don't plan to sit still and like self-guided tours, this will be an added benefit. The resort has many new hotels, from inexpensive small hotels to luxurious five-star hotel complexes. There are boarding houses, sanatoriums and guest houses. Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the beaches.

Imereti resort is the most southern, young and dynamically developing one.In the recent past, a place of recreation for wildlife lovers, the Imeretinskaya Valley has turned into a fashionable and well-equipped resort with modern hotel complexes, entertainment and a gorgeous beach. Olympic facilities were erected here, which became the attractions of the resort.

How to get there

Fast and convenient - by plane. The flight from Moscow will take approximately 2.5 hours. Using the convenient Aviales service, we find out that in October the most favorable conditions are offered by carriers Pobeda and Utair (departure from Vnukovo).

Prices start at 3,000 rubles (round trip) and vary depending on the days of departure and arrival. You can pick up adjacent dates with the most favorable conditions. It is worth paying attention to whether luggage and hand luggage are included in the ticket price. S7 airlines' offers start at RUB 7,920 (June), RUB 9,520 (July) in both directions.

Longer and less comfortable - by train. Perhaps this option will suit someone. For example, with a persistent dislike of flights and a planned trip to Lazarevskoye. The plane will arrive in Adler, and the train will deliver to the point as close as possible to the target.

From Moscow, the most convenient trains run from the Kazansky railway station - a two-storey branded 104 V and a branded 102M "Premium". The trip will take about 23 hours. The cost of tickets for 104 V starts from 1 993 rubles (compartment).

At 102M, the cost of a ticket in a compartment is from 1,894 rubles, and a reserved seat, oddly enough, from 2,520 rubles. Please note that in high season, ticket prices may be higher, and their sale begins 90 days before the train departure.

You can also get there by car, this will provide mobility on vacation. The route will pass along the M4 highway, 1627 km and 20 hours of driving, not counting stops. There are toll roads. The journey should be well thought out by plotting the route and pre-booking a hotel for the night.

Vacation with children

To benefit from sea bathing, it is better to plan a vacation with children in July-August. At the same time, you need to remember about high air temperatures during these months and take precautions to avoid overheating and sunburn. The resort has many cozy hotels and private hotels where you can comfortably relax with children. There is also enough entertainment - amusement parks, aquariums, dolphinariums, an arboretum, theme parks.

Treatment

Due to the unique nature, sea and sun, as well as the presence of mineral water springs, the resorts successfully treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, heart, blood vessels, skin ailments, diseases of the digestive tract, gynecological, ENT diseases and much more. Hydrotherapy centers use sulphide mineral water Matsesta and iodine-bromine water Kudepsta, therapeutic mud. Vacationers take sea, radon, whirlpool, pearl baths.

What to see

While in the city, take a walk around it and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Walk along Platanovaya Alley and go down to the Marine Station. Do not forget to visit the Arboretum, the central part of which resembles a palace park.

Founded in 1889, today it is in excellent condition and pleases with exotic plants, a Japanese garden and peacocks. The cable car will help to make the walk comfortable, because the park is located on a hill and occupies a large area.

In the vicinity of the city, visit the Agursky waterfalls, striking in their natural beauty. Sky Park will appeal to fans to tickle their nerves. Admire the age-old relict trees in the Yew-boxwood grove and walk along the ecological trail.

In Adler, visit the largest oceanarium in Russia, consisting of 29 rooms with marine life. It is especially interesting to walk through the transparent tunnel under water.

Noteworthy is the Olympic Park with the Olympic arenas, singing fountains with light and music evening performances, and a beautiful embankment. Nearby is Sochi Park, which resembles Disneyland or the Spanish Port Aventura, with attractions, a dolphinarium and themed shows.

Beaches

Let's talk a little about only the most popular ones. There are more than 130 of them, all mostly pebble.

The seaside beach is the most visited. It is small pebble with sand, located near the central promenade with shops, cafes and nightclubs. All necessary beach attributes are available - showers and changing cabins, toilets.

Rent of sun loungers and sun loungers is paid. The gentle entrance to the sea allows you to comfortably rest with children. Plenty of entertainment - boating, slides, parachutes, pedal boats and inflatable bananas.

The Riviera beach is located next to the amusement park and attracts vacationers with a wide beach strip of small pebbles with wooden decks and a renovated, very beautiful promenade with an amphitheater, from where you can watch the sunset. There are water attractions, sports grounds, exotic vegetation is preserved. Admission is free, equipment rental is paid.

Albatross is a beach in the New Sochi area, which is appreciated by locals due to its less congestion. It is located next to the presidential residence and therefore claims to be environmentally friendly. There are no parking spaces and the descent is not very convenient.

The sea is clean and almost always calm thanks to the protective piers. The range of services in comparison with the central beaches is somewhat less, but everything you need is there.

The southernmost new Imereti beach, 4 km long, stretches from the Imereti port to the very Abkhaz border. The cleanest sea, wide beach strip, open sea and not limited by piers. Very beautiful landscapes and amazing sunsets.

On a rented bike or scooter, you can ride along the entire promenade along the bike path with a soft surface. There are many shops, cozy cafes and restaurants of the European level. There is a paid area for discerning customers with bulk white sand.

Excursions

If you are tired of beach activities, diversify your vacation with interesting trips. You can choose a group or individual tour, visit Krasnaya Polyana, Olympic Park, Eagle Rocks and Agur Falls, Mount Akhun, Vorontsov Caves and many other interesting places. You can go to Abkhazia by visiting Pitsunda and Lake Ritsa.

Where to stay

The resort offers various options for families with children and for independent tourists. You can book an apartment, hotel room or stay with treatment in a sanatorium. The further the property is from the beach, the lower the prices. You can also choose to have power-on or power-off accommodations.

We offer you to get acquainted with the most popular complexes of the city.

Swissоtel Resort Sochi Kamelia 5 *

The road to the beach will take guests 2-3 minutes. It should be noted that this beach is private, which means it will never be crowded. Outsiders are not allowed here. The extensive park surrounding the complex makes the air especially clean. Long walks, a large outdoor pool, sauna, massage therapist - all this contributes to relaxation.

In the restaurant guests are offered dishes of both European and national Russian cuisines. Meals on the system "buffet" and à la carte. For adherents of an active lifestyle - a fitness center, tennis court, children's playground.

Sea Galaxy Congress & Spa Hotel 4 *

Located just 100 meters from the sea. Convenient location - close to the city center, and at the same time - there is a cozy picturesque corner. This allows you to relax comfortably, but use all the possibilities of a big city.

Tourists will appreciate the proximity of the beach, the Black Sea coast is only 100 meters away. Breakfast is buffet style. You can also have lunch or dinner in the restaurant of the complex, enjoying delicious meals (à la carte service).

The sweet tooth will certainly be impressed by the selection of sweets, as it has its own pastry shop. The bars offer refreshing drinks.

Sanatorium "Golden Ear" 4 *

The wellness center is a short walk from the beach. Vacationers will especially like the neighborhood with the famous Sochi arboretum. At the guests' service there is a fitness center and a sauna, billiard tables. Active guests can play football, volleyball or basketball. There is also a special playground.

The staff also made sure that the guests did not get bored in the evenings. Concerts, entertainment events, screenings of feature films delight tourists throughout the year. Meals are served according to the "buffet" system.

Sanatorium "Metallurg" 3 *

The appearance of the sanatorium will remind you of the good old days. True, in the Soviet years, rest here was available only to a select few. The distance to the Black Sea from Metallurg is just a few hundred meters. In addition to relaxing in comfortable rooms, guests are offered numerous wellness treatments. Including relaxing ones - in the spa-salon. A fitness center is available.

The restaurant's menu includes dishes of Russian national and European cuisines. The bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is an arboretum not far from the sanatorium.

Sanatorium "Akter" 3 *

The rooms offer views of the Black Sea. It is in this complex that one of the best spa centers in the city operates, as well as a spacious indoor pool with sea water, which can be used even in the cold season. At the guests' service there is a sauna, a modern gym with exercise equipment, a playground, a massage room.

Various medical treatments, including beauty treatments, are available upon request. In summer, meals are served as a buffet, in winter you can order meals from the à la carte menu.

"Starfish" 2 *

The complex is located in a modern area and is distinguished by its unusual design. Although there are many new buildings nearby, the area is literally buried in greenery. By the way, it is carefully guarded so that no one would disturb the rest of the vacationers.

A large outdoor pool will be for someone an alternative, and for someone an addition to sea bathing. Here, lying on the sun loungers, you can sunbathe.

The eponymous bar and cafe-dining room will provide guests with first-class food.

Food

Those planning to spend a vacation in one of the city's hotels may face a dilemma - what type of food to choose "all inclusive" or breakfast? In Turkey or the United Arab Emirates, this type of service involves a "top-class" service. Yes, and language problems in a foreign country may arise - isn't it easier to pay for everything right away and not think about anything else? And maybe it's better to save money at a domestic resort?

But only an all-inclusive vacation gives the guests of the resort the opportunity to completely relax. Room, food, treatment (if it is a sanatorium), use of all the infrastructure facilities - from a sports ground to a spa-salon - tourists who have paid for "all inclusive" have nothing more to worry about.

In recent years, the best hotels and sanatoriums in Sochi have been able to compete with the hotels of those countries where many Russians are accustomed to rest. After the Olympics, there were even more such centers, and the level of service increased. In addition, those tourists who purchase vouchers in advance will not be affected by the seasonal increase in prices.

If you independently select places for food and entertainment, you can feel on yourself - in the "high season" everything becomes much more expensive. So an all-inclusive vacation will not only allow you to spend your vacation with maximum comfort, but, ultimately, save money.

The cost of travel

Let's try to count. In accordance with the information available today, the cost of a summer flight starts from 7,920 rubles, we will focus on it. Prices for hotels of even one category vary greatly depending on the location.

A room for two in an inexpensive three-star hotel near the center for seven nights can be found for an average of 25,000 rubles. In this case, accommodation in a double room of an inexpensive hotel with a flight will cost from 20,000 rubles per person.

Choosing to travel by rail, you can save on the cost of train tickets, transfers and keep within the amount of 15,000 per person.

If you don't do calculations and allow yourself to relax on vacation, you should pay attention to tours that include flights, accommodation, meals and insurance. Sometimes it is more profitable because tour operators use their additional discounts. Prices for tours for two for seven nights, including flight and three meals a day - from 15,000 rubles.

Testimonials

Holidays at the resort in the summer months are popular with tourists who especially appreciate the beach holiday and the opportunity to fully enjoy the sea. They note that it is convenient to get there both by plane and by train. They are attracted by well-groomed beaches, a large selection of housing, developed infrastructure, the beauty of the city, an abundance of entertainment for children and adults, the opportunity to go on interesting excursions and great opportunities for outdoor activities.

Among the disadvantages are the heat and high humidity in the summer, a large number of tourists, a railway along a large part of the coast, a lack of sandy beaches, relatively high prices for housing, food and excursions in the center.