Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
The famous Black Sea resort of Sochi is considered the most visited tourist destination in the south of Russia. The majestic Caucasus mountains and warm sea attract many visitors from all over the world. And in the vicinity of the city there is an incredible number of unique attractions, some of which can be safely called one of the most beautiful in the Krasnodar Territory.
Unforgettable Sochi: top 10 most beautiful places
| Nomination | a place | Sight | rating |
| top 10 most beautiful places | 1 | Sochi National Park | 5.0 |
| 2 | '33 waterfalls' | 4.9 | |
| 3 | Park “Riviera' | 4.8 | |
| 4 | Sochi arboretum | 4.7 | |
| 5 | Observation tower (Akhun) | 4.6 | |
| 6 | Sochi railway station | 4.5 | |
| 7 | Yew-boxwood grove | 4.4 | |
| 8 | Olympic park | 4.3 | |
| 9 | Mamedovo gorge | 4.2 | |
| 10 | Agur waterfalls | 4.1 |
Sochi National Park
Attraction rating (Sochi): 5.0
The National Park of hospitable Sochi is a huge protected area of 190 thousand hectares, covered with dense lush greenery, and has become a cozy home for 70 species of mammals, 100 species of all kinds of birds. Even endangered species of animals from the Red Book live in the open spaces of the park. Among them are the Caucasian roe deer and lynx. If you're lucky, here you can see bears, deer, martens, badgers, hares, etc. About 1/5 of all representatives of the park's fauna are endemic (found only on its territory).
More than 90% of the Sochi Park territory is covered with dense vegetation: the local forests are striking in their beauty. But here you can not only enjoy magnificent views, but also arrange a bright, memorable quest, spending the whole day in search of caves, gorges, hidden in the green of waterfalls and noisy rivers, of which there are a great many.
Sochi National Park is a place of an amazing neighborhood of subtropical plants and snow-capped mountain peaks. It will take several days to travel around the protected area to its fullest, and even a week will not be enough for a thorough acquaintance with its beauty.
'33 waterfalls'
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.9
An amazingly beautiful place hidden in the Shahe river valley. Many small waterfalls, combined with several river rapids, are arranged strictly and beautifully in the form of a cascade. Especially for the convenience of tourists, a wooden staircase was built along the unusual natural formation. Going down its steps, you can personally enjoy the pacifying picture of water flows.
The atmosphere is completed by box trees, ferns and mosses, also located on the way down. All tourists who have visited this beautiful natural landmark are delighted with the incredible view of the raging streams of water falling from a height. The natural place is part of the Sochi National Park.
Park “Riviera'
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.8
The huge entertainment center is the focus of attractions, incredible beauty of sculptures and bright illumination. In addition, on the territory of the 'Riviera' there is also an oceanarium and an arboretum. Astronomy lovers will enjoy visiting the local planetarium. The park was founded in the 19th century by the son of a hereditary citizen of Moscow and the head of one of the largest merchant houses in Russia – Vasily Khludov. The hallmark of the beautiful park is a luxurious sculptural composition in the form of a huge real clock, made in the form of a pearl hidden in an open sea shell.
Sochi arboretum
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.7
A unique and incredibly beautiful place that locals consider worthy of the attention of any of the guests of the city. Located on an area of 49 hectares, the arboretum surprises with a variety of flora. Created by Sergei Khudyakov, it is an impressive green area, laid out around the estate, and decorated with many unique sculptures and fountains.
The arboretum contains a huge number of seedlings, which were collected not only from all over Russia, but also far beyond its borders: here you can see rare plants like Mexican agave, Algerian cork oak, exotic bananas or eucalyptus from Australia itself. Connoisseurs of unique bird species will appreciate the rare specimens of birds. In the Sochi arboretum, there are also enclosures with ostriches and peacocks, and lovers of the panoramic picture can enjoy a magnificent view from the cable car stretched right above the park.
Observation tower (Akhun)
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.6
This unique place is one of the most beautiful not only in Sochi, but also in Russia. The observation tower built on the top of Mount Akhun is made in the canonical medieval style. Tourists are attracted by this attraction due to the opportunity to enjoy the incredible beauty of the scenery. The city lying at your feet, combined with the Caucasian mountain range, sea surface and lush valley covered with lush greenery, create a stunning picture – perfect for taking panoramic photos.
The unique structure, located at a 30-meter height, was built back in 1936 on the personal order of Joseph Stalin in the shortest possible time – in less than 100 days. A small museum room was opened directly in the tower, in which stuffed animals – inhabitants of the nearby territories are exhibited. For the comfort of visitors to the attraction, a souvenir shop and food establishments were opened near the tower. In one of the cafes you can enjoy delicious tea from a samovar.
Sochi railway station
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.5
Located in the city center, not far from the beach area and famous hotels, the transport hub is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the country. Modern architecture, combined with some early 20th century pomp, creates an amazing sense of luxury and gives the building a majestic look.
Although the building currently presented was built in the mid-20th century, the station has existed since 1918. A rooftop balcony with spiers and a tower decorated with a huge clock with an unusual dial made in the form of a zodiacal circle give originality to the railway station.
Yew-boxwood grove
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.4
A unique natural place and one of the most beautiful Sochi sights – a yew-boxwood grove is located in a protected area – this is part of the Caucasian Biosphere. Unique, ancient plants, which are several million years old, grow here. Among these are berry yew and Colchis boxwood. Many of the trees in the grove also boast incredible longevity: some of them are 2000 years old.
The yew and boxwood grove is considered a source of pride for Sochi residents, because it is included in the list of the natural heritage of our planet. You can see the natural beauty with your own eyes by following one of the excursion paths, continued in the form of two rings especially for visitors of the attraction. Both routes end with access to observation decks offering stunning views of the White Rocks. Fans of archaeological antiquities will appreciate the ruins of a fortress located in the grove dating back to the 11-12th century.
Olympic park
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.3
Anyone who has ever been to Sochi simply cannot but know about the Olympic Park, because it is an object of architectural pride for the townspeople and an incredibly atmospheric place. The most significant building on its territory is the colossal Fisht stadium, which can accommodate up to 40 thousand spectators. The Formula 1 race track (Sochi Autodrom) undoubtedly deserves attention, where world-class car races take place annually.
There is also a must-see Olympic Village, which includes many training centers. On the territory of the sports park, every tourist will find entertainment to their liking and will be able to relax comfortably in one of several high-class hotels. Fans of cycling and just a pleasant cycling trip can ride a rented bike throughout the Olympic Park. Those who want to get acquainted with all the entertainment facilities of the park in more detail are invited to enjoy an exciting excursion.
Mamedovo gorge
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.2
The famous recreational facility of Greater Sochi is considered one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Krasnodar Territory. The gorge got its name thanks to the existing ancient legend. It is believed that in ancient times, prosperous Adygean villages lived on the Black Sea coast. And one day, when the men of the aul left for a neighboring village, and the Turks appeared nearby, one elder named Mamed took the invaders away from the aul. When they realized this, they threw him into the gorge and walled him up alive. Since then, they began to call this place Mamedov.
The gorge located along the Kuapse River stretches for 7 kilometers. When passing this place, there are 3 waterfalls (Love, Happiness, Health and Youth). In the river valley there are many natural baths, rocks and an incredibly beautiful light forest, which creates a stunning picture. This is a great place to relax from the sweltering heat, enjoy the fresh cool air and a variety of grottoes, rapids and dizzying goat trails.
Agur waterfalls
Attraction rating (Sochi): 4.1
An amazing attraction located in the territory of the local National Park. Nature took care of the harmony of the surrounding area and created a whole composition of three groups of waterfalls of different heights (the largest of them rises 30 meters above the ground). The path to Agursky waterfalls, cut right in the rock in 1911. In addition to the huge streams of water falling down, guests of this natural attraction will help you walk along the path directly to the Agursky canyon and the 'Devil's font' – a small lake, as well as 'Devil's hole' – a local cave.
All tourists note that the Agursky waterfalls are very picturesque: water that is clear as glass flows down from the rocks, and around there is an incredible amount of bright greenery. It is always very noisy here from powerful water flows, and the air is incredibly fresh and cool: even on a hot day it is very comfortable here.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
