Where to go from Sochi by car โ 25 most interesting places, route, map
One of the first questions that interests vacationers 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 tend to go around all the interesting places in the vicinity. This is easy to do in a car. And the list of local monuments of nature or architecture is long. 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 for a walk. The facilities built for the 2014 Olympics should be visited and viewed. Not only the Fisht stadium is impressive, but also simpler arenas. And the pool surrounding the Olympic cauldron has now been turned into a musical fountain. Dancing strings are accompanied by classical or contemporary music. In the evening there are always a lot of tourists here.
Despite the spread of buildings, it is possible to see them all in a few hours: bicycles, scooters and electric scooters can be rented on site. Prices are quite democratic. And there are no problems with a snack: there are enough cafes, small restaurants and tents where you can eat on the territory of the park. All tourists note the excellent quality and taste of the dishes offered. Some establishments offer a children's menu.
Those who like to lie down near the water will appreciate the park's beaches. They have a standard set of services (rental of sun loungers, shady umbrellas, showers, toilets), but they are 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 that runs along the embankment of the village of Khosta, then along Lenin Street in Adler. From it, turn to Kaspiyskaya, 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 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 bizarre mix of traditional bath delights from different nations. Fans of the steam room will have something to remember! But that's not all. Tourists who prefer to combine sea and mountain holidays have a unique opportunity to take short walks.
Guests will see:
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.
You can stay overnight in the village. And it is not necessary to rent expensive apartments: guests willingly stay in a tent camp. Everything you need for an overnight stay is offered by the administration of the complex.
Getting to Krasnaya Polyana is quite easy. 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 repeatedly managed to get the status of the best in Russia, has managed to become one of the symbols of Sochi over the years of its existence. Why do tourists come here? First of all, to 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 slopes of varying difficulty are equipped for guests, modern lifts and equipment rentals are available.
The accompanying infrastructure is well developed โ there are cafes, restaurants, entertainment centers. In summer, Rosa Khutor is also full of life. Guests can go for a walk โ on foot or on horseback, as well as ride the 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, โknow the higher mindโ by doing yoga above the clouds.
Mount Akhun
An ideal place for nature lovers. It is for its beauties that tourists come here. On the southeastern slope there is a grove where yew and boxwood grow. There are hop hornbeam, dogwood, juniper. Such rich vegetation attracts animals.
Deer, chamois, wild boars roam in the forests. And especially brave guests can explore the caves, which dotted the slopes of the mountain. True, some are closed to the public, others are available in the summer, when the local rivers become shallow.
If you go to the top of Akhun on foot, then in the Agur Gorge you can really visit the picturesque Agur waterfalls. It is quite a long walk, you should wear comfortable shoes. Fans of the author's song will stop at the Vysotsky Glade with pleasure. A small stage has been built here, on which performances of singers take place. If you're lucky, you can get to the concert of an amateur song. A monument was erected to Vladimir Semenovich, who often came here.
And 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. It reminds me of 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 with the exposition of the local fauna.
The building is not high: about 30 m, but it was built in a good place. 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, in 1937, a Byzantine-style restaurant was built next to the Observation Tower by order of the same Stalin.
But he did not please the guests for long: a year later he burned down. The building was not restored. Today, tourists willingly visit the ruined building, some even see ghosts. Romantic 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 the mountain Small Akhun. And from Small Akhun, it is recommended to climb the mountain serpentine 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 Agur waterfalls, but also the rock of Prometheus. This attraction appeared here relatively recently, but has already fallen in love with all tourists.
Eagle rocks are located in the Khostinsky district, not far from Matsesta. Among the high peaks covered with limestone, oaks and pines grow. Agurskie 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. Prometheus stole fire and gave it to 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 rock of Prometheus. Every day the eagle ate the liver of the titan, which grew again every day.
The execution of the punishment was monitored by the god Ahyn, the patron of cattle breeding. 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 by a sculpture located at the cliff where Prometheus was allegedly 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 the Agur 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-mountain park of extreme entertainment 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:
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 administration of Skypark, the safety of guests is the most important thing.
It is recommended to go to Skypark through the village of Moldova. Then you should pass the Hamshensky yard and turn to Kamenka. The park is located between the village of Kazachiy ford and Galitsyn.
Khmelevsky lakes
Not far from Sochi, on the slopes of the Aichshkho mountain range, there are beautiful Khmelev lakes โ one of the main natural attractions of the resort surroundings. The complex includes several reservoirs: 4 large lakes and small ones.
All of them were formed as a result of tectonic shifts. Today, the Khmielewskie lakes occupy a fairly large area. On their banks and nearby slopes there was a place for a dense variety of vegetation.
Local forests have become home to numerous animals. Here you can meet squirrels, roe deer, wild boars and many others, even bears. To attract and make tourists more comfortable, the shores of the Khmielewskie lakes have been improved. Recreation areas are organized, and there are also several observation platforms, the paths to which are equipped with railings.
Everywhere there are signs and funny wooden sculptures โ the creations of local craftsmen. Fans of extreme entertainment will certainly appreciate the opportunity to go jeeping.
Achipse Fortress
There are quite a lot of ruins of medieval fortresses in the Sochi region. One of them, not very popular among tourists, but interesting for history buffs, is Achipse, located at the confluence of the river of the same name with the Mzymta.
Unfortunately, not so much of the fortress has been preserved today โ mostly walls. However, looking at them, one can easily imagine its scale and even flip through the pages of history โ it can be seen with the naked eye that the masonry 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 south 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 surviving premises โ their condition is not very good.
Archaeologists suggest that one of them, which managed to โclearโ the best, served as a tomb. By the way, many archaeological finds that were โminedโ on the territory of the fortress became exhibits of various museums in our country.
Trout farm โAdlerโ
If you came to the Black Sea coast not only to sunbathe, but also to go fishing, then you won't find a better place than the Adler trout farm. Its employees have been breeding fish for more than a dozen years and even boast their own bred rainbow trout breeds. For fishing there is all the necessary equipment.
In addition, competitions are regularly organized among guests, amateurs and professionals. Tours are organized for those who wish, 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 barbecue even if you havenโt caught anything (although this is hardly possible) โ fresh fish is sold by administrators.
Yew-boxwood grove
Even in the vicinity of bustling, lively and modern Sochi, there are corners that civilization has not reached. For example, a relic yew-boxwood grove located in the Khostinsky district. Tourists who came 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 โ some of them are over 2,000 years old.
In addition, some breeds cannot be found anywhere else on the planet โ they are unique. That is why the yew-boxwood grove is often compared to an open-air museum. During a walk along the routes laid out for tourists, beautiful views of Sochi itself, its environs and, of course, the expanses of the sea open up. In good weather, you can even see the Russian-Abkhazian border and neighboring Pitsunda from here.
Plesetskaya gap
It is impossible to count and list all the beautiful corners of the Black Sea coast. But still, among this variety, there are those that stand out in particular. One of them is the Plesetskaya Gap, the bed of a mountain stream that flows into the Doguab River. The relief of the gorge, where the stream flows, is very uneven, so a lot of waterfalls form along the channel.
All of them are located close to each other and are accessible for inspection. Of course, it is best to visit this place in the spring, when the mountain rivers are especially full-flowing, however, in the summer, the Plesetskaya Gap is beautiful. Local travel agencies offer quite a few itineraries in the area, ranging from a few hour walks to several days' hikes. You can also visit the waterfalls on your own.
Dagomysskiye Koryta
The Dagomys Koryta, or as they are also called the Lakes of Love, are 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.
Water sharpened the stones for years until it finally created this wonderful work of art. The complex includes several lakes-troughs arranged in a cascade in relation. To each other. Flowing from one to another, streams of water form small waterfalls.
Against the backdrop of the surrounding landscapes and mountain slopes covered with picturesque forests, they look simply amazing. The lakes are also attractive because you can swim in them. For the convenience of guests, a small beach has been equipped, which is always crowded โ this is one of the favorite places of the Sochi residents themselves.
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 Rica
First of all, of course, this is Abkhazia, which attracts tourists (another country after all) with its legendary natural and architectural sights, the list of which is traditionally topped 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 Ritz, one of Stalin's dachas was located, 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 prospectuses. But โฆ even war cannot spoil natural beauty. And now, once again, Lake Ritsa and its surroundings sparkled for the guests with bright colors.
New Athos
Among the numerous resorts of Abkhazia, New Athos stands apart. And the point is not even in its cleanest beaches and beautiful surrounding landscapes, but in the history of the ancient city, which begins in the 3rd century. In those distant times, it was called Anakopia and was a major trading center.
In the VIII century, one of the Abkhaz rulers declared himself king, and New Athos, in turn, became the capital of the new state. Today, numerous sights remind us of the affairs of bygone days, which miraculously were 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 even 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 strikes the imagination of even the most notorious skeptics โ it is simply impossible to remain indifferent when you see this place.
33 waterfalls
Tourists willingly visit the natural monument. 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 valley of the Dzhegosh stream 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. Downstairs there is a dressing room. The stream is surrounded by a grove of boxwood. 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 take a walk near the waterfalls: it is cool and quiet here.
Near the parking lot there are souvenir shops and a small cafe. Here you can buy souvenirs and have a snack. There are comfortable benches in the shade.
33 waterfalls are located fifty kilometers from Sochi. You need to go 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
It 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 tour. The Vorontsov caves arose at the bottom of the ocean.
Then the water receded, and the underground galleries carved by the sea in limestone remained. In total, there are 14 explored entrances to the caves, but tourists can go strictly along a certain route.
It is very beautiful inside: 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 enter the caves only with a group accompanied by a guide. It is important to remember: the temperature underground is about +10 degrees, so warm clothes should be taken.
Interestingly, after visiting the caves, tourists experience relief from chronic respiratory diseases. Some guests make a second trip here, already for the purpose of recovery. By car, it is recommended to move in the direction of the village of Vorontsovka through Khleborob, Illarionovka, Kalinovoye Ozero. In Vorontsovka, you should leave your car in the parking lot and walk to the entrance to the gallery for about 7 minutes.
Zmeykovskiye 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 Dikarka are thickly overgrown with forest: in the heat it is pleasant to take a walk here. And for the convenience of guests, floorings were laid, gazebos were built, and picnic areas were cleared.
Zmeykovskiye waterfalls can be explored in 2 ways:
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 Zmeyka cafe. Here you can have a delicious meal. And nearby is the Emerald โ a spring with drinking water. Its water heals spiritual wounds: this is what the locals say.
To get to the Zmeykovsky waterfalls, you should leave the city in the direction of Matsesta. After passing the mud bath, turn left. Then move all the time along the main road. At the end of the village of Kraevsko-Armenskoye, turn according to the sign.
Ahtsu Gorge
Akhtsu Gorge is a natural monument. At the same time, this is a picturesque place, almost 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 either widens or converges.
In some places, rocks polished by wind and rain hang over the path. In some areas, it becomes so scary that tourists begin to ask God to help them pass dangerous meters. And the most difficult piece of the trail is called Carry, Lord!
It will not be possible to drive to this virgin place according to the sign. It is recommended to follow the Adler highway, then keep the direction to Krasnaya Polyana. The narrowest part of the Ahtsu gorge is located at the 34th kilometer. Here you can leave the car, then go on foot.
Akhshtyrskaya cave
Located on the territory of the Sochi National Park. This is a very interesting cavity in the rock. The 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, footbridges have been laid, railings have been installed in difficult areas. The area is lit.
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 navigate in the rock, signs are installed. There are two viewing platforms at the entrance. A majestic panorama of the Akhshtyr gorge opens from here. And next to it is a grill. Tired tourists can fry a barbecue. A small tent sells snacks and sweets.
Getting to the Akhshtyrskaya cave is easy. You should move in the direction of Krasnaya Polyana. Behind the village of Kazachiy Brod, you need to turn left. There will be an index soon. There is parking for a car here.
Canyon Psakho
The canyon is located on the territory of the Sochi National Park, so certain rules must be observed. But for visitors, the canyon is well equipped: toilets, rubbish bins, and walking paths are equipped. Stairs with railings are arranged on steep slopes. The observation bridge offers a wonderful panorama of the canyon.
The territory is divided into 2 parts: wet (the one where the river Psakho flows) and dry. The slopes of the mountains 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 Zmeikovsky. The canyon is a great place for a family or romantic walk. You can view the fault individually or as part of an excursion group.
Hungry tourists can have a bite to eat in a cozy cafe at the entrance, where souvenir shops are also located. For a trip to the canyon, it is recommended to use a four-wheel drive vehicle with high suspension.
First, it is recommended to move in the direction of Adler. Then turn towards the village of Galitsyno and keep in the direction of Lesnoye. After the pointer, you will have to overcome a difficult section (potholes and steep climbs). The road ends in a parking lot.
Agur Gorge
The Agur 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 here is amazing: there are not only endemic plants and animals, but also rare ones listed in the Red Book.
Guests are delighted when they first see this place. Forested slopes of the gorge, stormy Agura with a cascade of waterfalls and multi-meter remnants โ such a landscape is unique. Not surprisingly, the stunning nature 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 fire to people.
The hiking trail is not difficult: even a child can master it. It winds its way down a slope overgrown with yew and boxwood, and then leads to the Devil's Font and the Devil's Hole. You have to go down the stairs to see them. And after the trail will pass along the very top of the famous waterfalls. In a short walk you can see the main beauties of the region.
If you move by car, then you should go to the E97 highway and follow the direction to Mount Akhun. After the Green Grove stop, you need to go to the right. Parking is recommended at the Sputnik Hotel. The entrance to the park is nearby.
Balneological resort Matsesta
Matsesta welcomed its first visitors in 1902. Since then, the spa has welcomed 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 walking around is nice. In addition, the services of professional cosmetologists are offered to guests. Health trails are laid on the territory. They vary in complexity and length. The doctor-consultant will select the optimal one.
The park has a hall with billiards and bowling. Visitors are welcomed by a restaurant with European and Caucasian cuisines. Today Matsesta is a medical institution where visitors have a great time. Motorists can get to Matsesta along the A148 highway (move towards Adler). It is important not to miss the pointer 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:
And lovers of a quiet holiday can simply swim and sunbathe, lie down 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.
We recommend the excursion: Solokhaul: the history and traditions of tea growing โ to master the intricacies of 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. The guests will see a unique dolmen. This building is made from a single piece of rock. There are no more such dolmens in the Caucasus.
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 definitely be told.
And at the confluence of the Godlik stream into the sea, tourists will see 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 Volkonsky Gorge a window to the tertiary world.
Motorists should move towards Lazarevsky along the E97 highway. It is important not to miss the sign to the Volkonsky dolmen (you should not enter Volkonka). The car can be left in the parking lot at the dolmen.
Monastery village
There used to be a monastery in the village. But now only the name of the settlement remains from it. 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 on the very edge of the village, guests will see a gorge. Geologists claim that its age is 70 million years! From the city it is recommended to move towards Adler. Then follow the sign to the village Monastery.