Sochi, Seaside resort in Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
Sochi is a Black Sea city in Russia that stretches for more than 140 kilometers along the coast, bordered by subtropical forests and the Caucasus Mountains. The area encompasses several connected districts with their own centers, while beaches, promenades and parks extend along the entire coastline.
The Russian military established a fort here in 1838 on the banks of the Sochi River, taking control over this coastal area formerly inhabited by the Circassians. The settlement grew during the 20th century into an important center for recreation and winter sports in the Soviet Union.
Locals gather at small teahouses along Kurortny Prospekt and on the beach, where families often sit together late into the evening. The promenade becomes a social hub on weekends, where generations meet while strolling and the southern way of life becomes tangible.
The city is best reached by train or air via the international airport in the Adler district, from which local transport runs along the coast. Those wishing to explore should plan for longer travel times between individual districts, as the built-up area extends over a long distance.
The climate allows visitors in winter to swim in the sea and ski in the nearby mountains on the same day. The local Botanical Garden preserves rare subtropical plants that otherwise do not occur at this latitude in Russia.
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