One of the first questions that interested tourists in the legendary city of dark nights is what to see? After all, many tourists do not want to spend their entire vacation in one place. They strive to go around all the interesting places in the vicinity. It's easy to do this by car. And the list of local natural or architectural monuments is great. In addition to the interesting objects of the resort itself, there are many interesting places where you can go from Sochi by car.
Olympic Park
Great place to walk. The facilities built for the 2014 Olympics should be visited and explored. Not only the Fisht stadium is impressive, but also the simpler arenas. And the pool that surrounds the bowl of the Olympic flame has now been turned into a musical fountain. Dancing strings are accompanied by classical or contemporary music. There are always a lot of tourists here in the evening.
Despite the scattering of buildings, it is possible to inspect them all in a few hours: the territory offers rental of bicycles, scooters and electric scooters. The prices are quite democratic. And there are no problems with a snack: there are quite a few cafes, small restaurants and tents in the park where you can eat. All tourists note the excellent quality and taste of the dishes offered. Some establishments delight with a children's menu.
Those who like to lie down by the water will appreciate the park's beaches. They have a standard set of services (rental of sun loungers, shade umbrellas, shower, toilet), but cleaner than city ones. A cozy embankment with a promenade and a bike path stretches along the coast.
You can get to the Olympic Park along the highway along the embankment of the Khosta village, then along Lenin Street in Adler. From it turn to Kaspiiskaya, and then to the right (following the sign) to the Olympic Park.
Krasnaya Polyana
Krasnaya Polyana is a small, dynamically developing village. This is an ideal place for those who are tired of the noisy Sochi. Mountain lovers come here to seek solitude. Spa treatments are popular in Krasnaya Polyana. They are presented for every taste and budget.
The procedures are carried out in wood-fired baths with ice fonts. Some establishments offer guests a whimsical mix of traditional bathing delights from different nations. Admirers of the steam room will have something to remember! But that's not all. Tourists who prefer to combine sea and mountain holidays are given a unique opportunity to take short walks.
Guests will see:
- local gem - Keivu waterfall
- dolmens
- reserved font
- observation decks (Krugozor Efremova and on the lake)
- hunting lodge of the last Russian emperor
And just 10 km from Krasnaya Polyana is the village of Esto-Sadok. It is in it that the popular resort of Rosa Khutor is located. At an altitude of more than 500 m above sea level, there is a separate town with its own infrastructure. There is even a casino.
In the village you can stay overnight. And it is not necessary to rent an expensive apartment: guests willingly stay in a tent camp. The administration of the complex offers everything you need for an overnight stay.
It's pretty easy to get to Krasnaya Polyana. It is recommended to move along the highway towards Adler. Here, following the sign, turn onto one of the roads leading to the village. The new one is preferable: it is wider, more spacious. But in the off-season and in winter, you should choose a car with winter tires: it is safer.
Rosa Khutor
The Rosa Khutor ski resort, which has already repeatedly received the status of the best in Russia, has become one of the symbols of Sochi over the years of its existence. Why do tourists come here? First of all, evaluate the facilities built on the eve of the Olympics.
And, of course, evaluate them from a practical point of view and have a great rest. The main winter entertainment in Rosa Khutor is, of course, skiing. Several tracks of varying complexity are equipped for guests, modern lifts and equipment rental offices operate.
The related infrastructure is well developed - there are cafes, restaurants, entertainment centers. In summer, life in Rosa Khutor is also in full swing. Guests can go for a walk - on foot or on horseback, as well as ride a cable car (fortunately there are no skiers at this time and it is practically free) and enjoy the beauty of the Caucasus. And, of course, "to know the higher mind" by doing yoga above the clouds.
Mount Akhun
An ideal place for nature lovers. It is for its beauty that tourists come here. On the southeastern slope, there is a grove where yew and boxwood grow. There are hop grabber, dogwood, and juniper. Such rich vegetation attracts animals.
Deer, chamois, wild boars roam in the forests. And especially courageous guests can explore the caves that dot the slopes of the mountain. True, some are closed to the public, others are available in summer, when local rivers become shallow.
If you go to the top of Akhun on foot, then in the Agursky gorge it is really possible to visit the picturesque Agursky waterfalls. It's a long way to go and you should wear comfortable shoes. Fans of the author's song will be happy to stop at Vysotsky's Glade. A small stage has been built here, where singers perform. If you're lucky, you can get to an amateur song concert. A monument to Vladimir Semenovich, who often came here, was erected.
And even when climbing the mountain, you can see the sculpture of Prometheus, installed in the Eagle Mountains. The end point of the ascent is the Observation Tower. It was built at the direction of Stalin, who visited Akhun.
Limestone was used for the construction. And it resembles a lookout medieval fortress. The tasting room is located on the ground floor. In it, tourists get acquainted with the products of the Krasnaya Polyana plant. And the second floor will delight you with an exposition of local fauna.
The building is not high: about 30 m, but it was built in a good location. The views from here are wonderful. And to see everything in detail, you can rent binoculars. There is a Ferris wheel next to the tower. Even the Olympic Park is visible from the top. For the convenience of visitors, a Byzantine-style restaurant was built on the orders of Stalin in 1937 near the Observation Tower.
But it did not please the guests for long: a year later it burned down. They did not begin to restore the building. Today, tourists willingly visit the ruined building, some even see ghosts. Romantically inclined guests climb the stone steps overgrown with moss, mentally plunging into the 30s of the twentieth century.
You can get to the trail to the top of Mount Akhun along the Sochi-Adler highway. You should choose the direction to the left bank of the Agura. This path will lead to Mount Maly Akhun. And from Maly Akhun along the mountain serpentine it is recommended to climb to the top of Mount Akhun.
Eagle rocks
This is a territory that is part of the Sochi National Park. Here you can see not only the amazing Agursky waterfalls, but also the Prometheus rock. This attraction appeared here relatively recently, but is already loved by all tourists.
Eagle Rocks are located in the Khostinsky district, not far from Matsesta. Among the high peaks covered with limestone, oak and pine trees grow. Agursky waterfalls are located not far from the rocks. The area is rich in caves, which are also in great demand among tourists.
The myth of Prometheus is associated with these mountains. The local version of the legend is very different from the ancient Greek one. Prometheus stole fire and gave it to the people against the will of Zeus. Then the thunderer decided to punish him and chained him to one of the peaks, which is now called the Prometheus rock. Every day, the eagle ate the titan's liver, which grew back every day.
The god Akhyn, the patron of cattle breeding, watched over the execution of the punishment.But one local girl, Agura, felt sorry for the martyr. She decided to bring him water when Akhyn does not see her. However, one day he noticed her. Then the girl turned into a river, which is located along the mountains.
Prometheus rock as an exhibit In 1994, the myth of Prometheus was immortalized with a sculpture located on the cliff where Prometheus was supposedly chained. Omsk sculptor Alexander Kapralov worked on the figure. This place is in great demand among tourists.
When is the best time to visit this place? If the plan includes visiting the complex in its entirety, including Agursky waterfalls, then the best time is spring, early summer and autumn. The fact is that in late summer the waterfalls dry up and cease to delight visitors.
Skypark
So far, this is the only high-altitude extreme amusement park in Russia. Visitors are invited to get a powerful dose of adrenaline and at the same time enjoy the views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Guests will experience:
- rope park rides
- sky bridge (longest suspension bridge)
- flight on the Zipline over the Akhshtyr gorge
- flight on a super-fast zip-line - megatroll
- jumping on elastic ropes from different heights
- Swinging On An Amazing Swing - Sissy Swing
- railway journey - viaferrata
- climbing the cliff
Additionally, tourists are invited to celebrate an unforgettable birthday and turn an ordinary wedding into an extreme event. And you can eat at the restaurant located right on the territory. But when purchasing a ticket for an attraction for a child, you will have to take into account height and age: for the Skypark administration, the safety of guests is the most important thing.
It is recommended to go to Skypark through the village of Moldova. Then you should go through the Amshensky yard and turn to Kamenka. The park is located between the village of Kazachiy Brod and Galitsyn.
Khmelevskie lakes
Not far from Sochi, on the slopes of the Aichshkho mountain range, there are beautiful Khmelevskie lakes - one of the main natural attractions in the vicinity of the resort. The complex includes several reservoirs: 4 large lakes and small ones.
All of them were formed as a result of tectonic shifts. Today Khmelevskie lakes occupy a rather large area. On their shores and nearby slopes, there was a place for a dense variety of vegetation.
The local forests are home to numerous animals. Here you can find squirrels, roe deer, wild boars and many others, even bears. For the attraction and convenience of tourists, the shores of the Khmelevskie lakes were ennobled. Recreation areas have been organized, and there are also several viewing platforms, the paths to which are equipped with handrails.
There are signs and funny wooden sculptures all over the place - the creations of local craftsmen. Fans of extreme entertainment will surely appreciate the opportunity to go jeeping.
Achipse fortress
There are quite a few ruins of medieval fortresses in the Sochi area. One of them, not very popular among tourists, but interesting for history lovers, is Achipse, located at the confluence of the river of the same name into the Mzymta.
Unfortunately, not so many of the fortress have survived to this day - mainly the walls. However, looking at them, one can easily imagine its scale and even flip through the pages of history - with the naked eye you can see that the laying was carried out at different times. In the northern part of the fortress, in addition to the wall itself, even a small tower is well preserved.
The southern one has suffered the most, and not only from time to time. But also from military operations (this is also visible to the naked eye). It is difficult to judge the purpose of the preserved premises - their condition is not very good.
Archaeologists suggest that one of them, which they managed to "clear" the best, served as a tomb. By the way, many archaeological finds that were "mined" on the territory of the fortress have become exhibits in various museums in our country.
Trout farm "Adler"
If you have come to the Black Sea coast not only to sunbathe, but also to fish, then you will not find a better place than the “Adler” trout farm for this. Its employees have been breeding fish for decades and even boast their own bred rainbow trout breeds. All the necessary equipment is available here for fishing.
In addition, competitions are regularly organized among guests, amateurs and professionals. For those who wish, excursions are organized, during which you can learn about the history of the enterprise, admire the cleanest reservoirs in which fish splash and watch a thematic film.
There is also a picnic area with gazebos and barbecues. You can fry a kebab even if you haven't caught anything (although this is hardly possible) - fresh fish is sold by the administrators.
Yew-boxwood grove
Even in the vicinity of the noisy, lively and modern Sochi, there are corners that civilization has not reached. For example, a relict yew-boxwood grove located in the Khosta region. Tourists who come here note that a walk through the territory resembles a trip in a time machine. Indeed, the trees growing right along the paths remember a lot - some of them are more than 2 thousand years old.
In addition, some breeds cannot be found anywhere else on the planet - they are unique. That is why the yew and boxwood grove is often compared to an open-air museum. While walking along the routes laid out for tourists, beautiful views open up of Sochi itself, its surroundings and, of course, the sea. In good weather, you can even see the Russian-Abkhaz border and neighboring Pitsunda from here.
Plesetskaya gap
It is impossible to count and enumerate all the beautiful corners of the Black Sea coast. But still, among this diversity there are those that stand out in particular. One of them is the Plesetskaya Shchel, the bed of a mountain stream flowing into the Doguab River. The relief of the gorge, where the stream flows, is very uneven, so a lot of waterfalls are formed along the channel.
All of them are located close to each other and are available for inspection. Of course, it is best to visit this place in spring, when the mountain rivers are especially full-flowing, however, the Plesetskaya Shchel is beautiful in summer. Local travel agencies offer quite a few routes in the area, from a few hour walks to several days of hikes. You can also visit the waterfalls yourself.
Dagomyskie Koryta
Dagomys Koryta, or as they are also called Lakes of Love - stone baths created by nature, located in one of the gorges, along the bottom of which the Dagomys River flows. A huge number of romantic legends are associated with their formation, but from a scientific point of view, everything is explained simply.
The water sharpened the stones for years until it finally created this wonderful piece of art. The complex includes several lakes-troughs, located in a cascade in relation to. To each other. Flowing from one to another, the streams of water form small waterfalls.
Against the background of the surrounding landscapes and mountain slopes covered with picturesque forest, they look just amazing. The lakes are also attractive because you can swim in them. For the convenience of guests, a small beach is equipped, which is always crowded - this is one of the favorite places of the Sochi residents.
The entrance to the beach is paid. Also on the shores of the lakes there is a recreation area where you can rent a barbecue and a gazebo.
Lake Ritsa
First of all, it is, of course, Abkhazia that attracts tourists (another country after all) with its legendary natural and architectural sights, the list of which is traditionally headed by Lake Ritsa. Located high in the mountains, it amazes even seasoned travelers with its beauty.
The water here is so readable and transparent that it can be seen to a depth of 10 meters. The history of the lake began in the distant past, and it gained tourist popularity during the Soviet Union.
On the banks of the Ritsa there was one of Stalin's dachas, which today has become a museum. Brezhnev and other representatives of the party elite also liked to relax here.
After the collapse of the USSR, the lake, like most of Abkhazia, experienced desolation and for some time its image disappeared from the bright tourist avenues. But ... even a war cannot spoil natural beauty. And now again Lake Ritsa and its surroundings sparkled with bright colors for the guests.
New Athos
Among the many resorts in Abkhazia, New Athos stands out. And it's not even about its pristine beaches and beautiful surrounding landscapes, but about the history of the ancient city, which begins in the 3rd century. In those early days, it was called Anakopia and was a major trade center.
In the 8th century, one of the Abkhaz rulers declared himself king, and New Athos, in turn, became the capital of the new state. The deeds of bygone days are reminded today by numerous sights that were miraculously not destroyed during numerous wars.
The main ones are the legendary New Athos Monastery, built in the 19th century with the personal participation of Alexander III, and the New Athos Cave.
The latter is called one of the wonders of the world. Tourists have a unique opportunity to take a walk through 9 halls created by nature and man. Their beauty amazes the imagination of even the most notorious skeptics - it is simply impossible to remain indifferent after seeing this place.
33 waterfalls
Tourists willingly visit the natural monument. The Dzhegosh stream forms a whole cascade of waterfalls. They are picturesque, have different heights and pools, so few people stop at 1-2: everyone wants to visit as many cascades as possible.
The territory of the Dzhegosh Stream Valley belongs to the Sochi National Park, so guests must comply with certain conditions. It is forbidden to leave the equipped trail and try to visit hard-to-reach places.
A convenient path with railings is laid along the cascades. And downstairs there is a dressing room. The brook is surrounded by a boxwood grove. The trunks and branches of trees are overgrown with moss, so the illusion of walking along the bottom of the sea is created. In the summer heat, it is pleasant to walk by the waterfalls: it is cool and quiet here.
Near the parking lot there are souvenir shops and a small cafe. Here you can buy mementos and snacks. There are comfortable benches in the shade.
33 waterfalls are located fifty kilometers from Sochi. You need to drive in the direction of Golovinka, then turn onto Bolshoi Kichmai. The road is asphalted, only the last 1.5 km are covered with gravel.
Vorontsovskaya cave
Consists of several halls and has a length of about 12 kilometers. The dive will last about 40 minutes, and you will have to descend to a depth of 60 meters. For an unprepared tourist, this is the optimal duration of the excursion. Vorontsov Caves appeared at the bottom of the ocean.
Then the water receded, and the underground galleries, cut by the sea in the limestone, remained. In total, there are 14 explored entrances to the caves, but tourists can follow a strictly defined route.
The interior is very beautiful: guests will see stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colored lamps. And the floor is covered with corallites: it seems that silver is scattered.
And the walls were chosen by bats and spiders. But they prefer dark, secluded corners. For ease of movement, walkways with handrails are laid. You can only enter the caves with a group accompanied by a guide. It is important to remember: the temperature underground is about +10 degrees, so you should bring warm clothes.
Interestingly, after visiting the caves, tourists feel relief from chronic respiratory diseases. Some guests make a second trip here for the purpose of health improvement. By car, it is recommended to move in the direction of the village of Vorontsovka through Khleborob, Illarionovka, Kalinovoye Lake. In Vorontsovka, you should leave your car in the parking lot and walk to the entrance to the gallery for about 7 minutes.
Zmeikovsky waterfalls
They are located on the Dikarka River. It is fed by springs and springs, so it does not dry out even in the hottest weather. The banks of the Savage are densely overgrown with forest: it is pleasant to walk here in the heat. And for the convenience of guests, decks have been laid, gazebos have been built, picnic areas have been cleared.
Zmeikovsky waterfalls can be explored in 2 ways:
- walk along the channel of the Savage and inspect all the cascades in sequence
- climb to the observation deck and admire the beauty from above
Some waterfalls form rather deep pools in which tourists swim. But the water is pretty cold. At the beginning of the cascades, guests are greeted by the Snake cafe. You can have a tasty snack here. And nearby is the Emerald - a spring with drinking water. Its water heals mental wounds: that's what the locals say.
To get to the Zmeikovskie waterfalls, you should leave the city in the direction of Matsesta. After passing the mud baths, turn left. Then move all the time along the main road. At the end of the village of Kraevsko-Armenian, turn towards the sign.
Akhtsu gorge
Akhtsu gorge is a natural monument. At the same time, this is a picturesque place, practically untouched by man. Tourists tend to visit it to enjoy the picturesque landscape and get a significant dose of adrenaline. The path goes along the very edge of the abyss, it expands, then converges.
In some places, overhanging the path are rocks polished by wind and rain. In some areas, it becomes so scary that tourists begin to ask God to help them pass the dangerous meters. And the most difficult part of the path is called Carry, Lord!
You will not be able to drive to this virgin place following the sign. It is recommended to follow the Adlerskoye highway, then keep the direction to Krasnaya Polyana. The narrowest part of the Akhtsu gorge is located at 34 km. Here you can leave your car and continue on foot.
Akhshtyrskaya cave
Located in the Sochi National Park. This is a very interesting cavity in the rock. Layers of rocks are clearly visible here, and the temperature and humidity are always the same. Therefore, you can visit the natural monument at any time of the year. The cave is well equipped. For the convenience of visitors, walkways have been laid, railings have been installed in difficult areas. The area is illuminated.
The depth of the cave is 120 meters, and the length is 150 meters. Tourists will explore 2 halls connected by a system of corridors. And in order for guests to orientate themselves in the rock, signs are installed. There are two observation platforms at the entrance. A majestic panorama of the Akhshtyr gorge opens from here. A brazier is located nearby. Tired tourists can have a barbecue. A small tent sells snacks and sweets.
It is easy to get to the Akhshtyrskaya cave. You should move in the direction of Krasnaya Polyana. After the village of Kazachiy Brod, you need to turn left. There will be a pointer soon. There is a parking lot here.
Psakho canyon
The canyon is located in the Sochi National Park, so certain rules must be followed. But the canyon is well equipped for visitors: toilets, rubbish bins are installed, walking paths are equipped. There are staircases with handrails on the steep slopes. A wonderful panorama of the canyon opens from the observation bridge.
The territory is divided into 2 parts: wet (the one where the Psakho river flows) and dry. The mountain slopes are overgrown with boxwood. It is very comfortable to be here in hot weather: the temperature is slightly above +20 degrees.
The wet part pleases with picturesque waterfalls.
Some guests claim that the cascades are not inferior to the Zmeikovsky ones. The canyon is a great place for a family or romantic walk. You can inspect the rift individually or as part of an excursion group.
Hungry tourists can have a bite to eat in a cozy cafe at the entrance; there are also souvenir shops here. For the trip to the canyon, it is recommended to use a four-wheel drive vehicle with a high suspension.
First it is recommended to move in the direction of Adler. Then turn towards the village of Galitsyno and keep the direction to Lesnoye. After the signpost, you will have to overcome a difficult section (bumps and steep climbs). The road ends with a parking lot.
Agurskoe gorge
The Agurskoye Gorge has always been popular with tourists: already in 1911, members of the Mountain Club cut a path to make the passage to the beautiful place more accessible. The nature is amazing here: there are not only endemic plants and animals, but also rare ones listed in the Red Book.
Guests are delighted to see this place for the first time. The wooded slopes of the gorge, the stormy Agura with a cascade of waterfalls and many-meter outliers - this landscape is unique. Not surprisingly, the stunning nature has inspired a beautiful story. It was to the Eagle Rocks that the gods ordered Prometheus to be chained as punishment for the fact that the hero gave people fire.
The hiking trail is not difficult: even a child can master it. It winds along a slope overgrown with yew and boxwood, and then leads to the Devil's font and the Devil's hole. To examine them, you will have to go down the stairs. And then the trail will pass along the very top of the famous waterfalls. During a short walk you can see the main beauty of the region.
If you are driving, then you should exit onto the E97 highway and keep to the direction of Mount Akhun. After stopping Zelenaya Roshcha, you need to go to the right. It is recommended to park at the Sputnik hotel. The entrance to the park is nearby.
Balneological resort Matsesta
Matsesta received its first visitors in 1902. Since then, the resort has been receiving patients throughout the year. The procedures are carried out using natural hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine and radon sources.
The complex was built in a historical place. The building is surrounded by a park where relict trees grow.
Even just a walk in it is pleasant. Additionally, guests are offered the services of professional cosmetologists. There are health trails on the territory. They are of varying complexity and length. A consultant doctor will select the optimal one.
There is a hall with billiards and bowling in the park, visitors are welcomed by a restaurant with European and Caucasian cuisines. Today Matsesta is a medical institution where visitors have a great free time. Motorists can get to Matsesta along the A148 highway (move towards Adler). It is important not to miss the sign to the hospital.
Solohaul park
A great place for those who want to experience something extraordinary and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature of the Caucasus Mountains.
Tourists are offered:
- Hot air balloon flights. Guests will see mountains and gorges from a height, and then receive a certificate of the perfect flight. You have the opportunity to choose: go on a free flight or a tethered lift.
The children will have the opportunity to have fun in the Rope Park. Routes are tailored for age and height. - Canopic tour. The cables are suspended with a slight slope, so the descent is quite comfortable.
- Rapid river rafting with an experienced instructor.
- Shoot at the shooting range.
- Go on a trip in an armored personnel carrier. This technique is capable of overcoming any off-road terrain!
- The longest zipline not only in the Caucasus, but also in Russia.
And lovers of quiet relaxation can simply swim and sunbathe, lie in a hammock in the shade. And in Solokhaul itself, guests will taste real Krasnodar tea grown on a local plantation founded by Koshman at the beginning of the 20th century. Travelers-motorists must leave Sochi in the direction of the village of Dagomys. Then move from Dagomys towards Solokhaul. A good road leads to the park itself.
We recommend the excursion: Solohaul: the history and traditions of tea growing - to master the subtleties of the tea art, create your own blends of the drink and discover new magical landscapes
Volkonskoe gorge
This gorge is a natural monument. It is located on the territory of the National Park, so you will have to pay for sightseeing. You will have to move along the gorge along a specially equipped trail. In difficult places, stairs are arranged, floorings are laid. Guests will see a unique dolmen. This structure is made from a single piece of rock. There are no such dolmens in the Caucasus anymore.
The romantic gorge Two Brothers also attracts attention. This is a through passage in the rock, a stream flows along the bottom of the passage. If the walk is accompanied by a guide, then a love story with a sad ending will certainly be told.
And at the confluence of the Godlik stream into the sea, tourists will inspect the ruins of an old fortress. The fort was discovered and cleared at the end of the 20th century. The nature around is so unique that botanists called the Volkonskoe Gorge a window to the Tertiary world.
Motorists should move towards Lazarevskoye along the E97 highway. It is important not to miss the sign to the Volkonsky dolmen (you should not enter Volkonka). You can park your car in the parking lot at the dolmen.
Village Monastery
There was once a monastery in the village. But now only the name of the settlement remains. Tourists come here to admire the amazing beauty of nature. The Psakho River flows along the bottom of a deep canyon, the slopes of which are overgrown with yew and boxwood. And at the very edge of the village, guests will see a gorge. Geologists say it is 70 million years old! It is recommended to move from the city towards Adler. Then follow the sign to the Monastyr village.
