Best things to do in Sochi

Agura Waterfalls

Also known as Agursky, the Agura Waterfalls are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sochi. Located just outside the city, these majestic waterfalls cascade from a height of 98 feet (30m) and are a popular stop off along hiking trails that wind through the forest along the Agura Ravine in the Sochi National Park. At the Eagle's Rocks, hikers can enjoy the view of the crystal clear waterfalls crashing down to the oval pool below and admire the panoramic views over the city and Black Sea. Swimming is allowed and a very popular activity in the warmer months. It is possible to organise tours to the waterfalls, but also easy to seek them out independently.

Matsesta Spa

Matsesta is a micro-district in Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, primarily renowned as a health resort. Matsesta, meaning 'fiery water', has become the city's most renowned health spa district, harnessing the powers of the hot sulphur springs that have become synonymous with Sochi. The water from the hot springs naturally contains more than 27 types of minerals and is used to treat people with respiratory and cardiac problems, though it is also perfect for simple relaxation. Featuring a number of different spa facilities which all have bathing rooms, massage tables and inhalation cubicles, Matsesta Spa is a major tourist attraction and a big draw card for travellers to the region.

Dagomys

Located just outside of Sochi, the small village of Dagomys is a popular holiday resort on the Black Sea. The former haunt of Russian nobility in the 19th century, the holiday residence of Tsar Nicholas II still exists as a hotel. The scenic village boasts lovely pebble beaches set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains and nearby mineral springs of Matsesta. Dagomys is also a paradise for outdoor activities, including hiking and bird-watching in the Dendrarium Botanical Gardens. Summers in Dagomys are noticeably cooler than in other coastal areas too, thanks to mountain air currents. While Dagomys is not as lively as nearby Sochi, the resort's quiet and relaxing atmosphere makes for a great weekend getaway.

Website www.dagomys.ru/

Dombai

One of the more popular ski resorts in the Caucasus, Dombai is a scenic mountain valley located at the confluence of three rivers, 37 miles (60km) from the Black Sea coast. Famous for its pure air, Dombai is frequented mostly by Russian holidaymakers, lending it a unique and lively atmosphere and preserving the town's authentic character. The facilities at Dombai are old and fairly worn, but there is a tourist complex comprising hotels and a recreation centre. Lifts and ski trackers operate on a pay-as-you-go riding system, serving varied routes catering for all levels of skiers. The gentle slopes near the top of the mountain are better suited to beginners, as the incline becomes very steep toward the bottom.

Gelendzhik

The laidback seaside resort of Gelendzhik has been around for several millennia, founded as a Greek outpost around 64 BC. The town is set along a curving bay with calm pebble beaches ideal for swimming and watersports, and land-based activities like horseback riding, quad biking and hiking. But Gelendzhik is best known for its spa and waterparks, and there is also a cable car line specially built for tourists to take in the views from atop the mountain. A new airport opened in 2010, making it easy to get to Gelendzhik from Moscow and St Petersburg.

Krasnaya Polyana

Skiers and snowboarders in Krasnaya Polyana can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the West Caucasus. Located just 25 miles (40km) from Sochi and the Black Sea coast, the resort boasts well-groomed pistes and good après-ski nightlife. It owes much of its popularity to excellent heliskiing opportunities, as well as good runs for beginners. The resort underwent massive renovations ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, with facilities including the Russian National Sliding Centre, Psekhako Ridge and Roza Khutor Alpine Resort, as well as Alpika Service Mountain Resort and Russian National Ski-jumping Centre.

Sochi

Things to do in Sochi

Agura Waterfalls

Matsesta Spa

Dagomys

Dombai

Gelendzhik

Krasnaya Polyana

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Agura Waterfalls

Matsesta Spa

Dagomys

Dombai

Gelendzhik

Krasnaya Polyana