Sochi is recognized as the largest resort and tourist center of Russia. For many decades, the sea and mountains of Sochi have been attracting visitors from all over the country and around the world.
Sochi: geography
The location of the city is unique: it occupies the coastline between the Black Sea and the Caucasus from the Main Caucasian Range in the north to the border with the Republic of Abkhazia in the south.
Thus, Sochi, which is over 145 km long, is the longest city in Russia and the second longest city in the world after Mexico City. Occupying such a vast territory from north to south, it has a diverse climate and relief. The height of the mountains in Sochi is different. If in the northern part of the city, near the Psezuapse river, the average height of the mountains is 1500 m, then to the south the mountains become higher (up to 3200 m) and farther from the coast. This feature of the relief affects the air circulation in the city and the climate as a whole. There is not that winter that envelops the whole country for many months. Here it is soft, moist and relatively warm. Summer is moderately hot, the beach season lasts about six months.
Sochi: historical background
From time immemorial, the Black Sea coastal line has attracted different peoples. People settled here according to archaeological excavations back in the Paleolithic era. Numerous dolmens - mysterious monuments of the Bronze Age (about 3 thousand years BC) - are located where the mountains are in Sochi. A few centuries before the new era, the territory of the present city fell under the influence of Greece, which founded the colony of Dioscuria. At the beginning of a new era Byzantium dominated here. The famous temple of the 6th century, discovered in the southern part of Sochi. In Khost and Loo there are temples of 10-11 centuries. Further in the history of the territory of the present city, the influence of the Ottoman Empire begins. At the beginning of the 19th century, the northern part of Sochi was transferred to the Russian Empire, with which the Russian development of this territory began. After the discovery of the Caucasian Riviera about what mountains in Sochi and what kind of sea there was, the whole Russian aristocracy became aware. During the years of the USSR, Sochi actively developed as one of the main Soviet sea resorts. In recent years, the city has significantly changed, it has a developed infrastructure, it offers a high service that can compete in leading European resorts.
Mountains of Sochi
Sochi has amazing natural resources. The mountains of Sochi are the Caucasus ranges that amaze the imagination with their greatness.
In this wonderful corner of Russia you can meet the highest peaks, and dense forests, and noisy rivers, and calm streams, and beautiful meadows. The question, which mountains in Sochi, requires a detailed answer. The most famous peaks after the 2014 Olympics were the ridges of the Krasnaya Polyana region. Tabunnaya - a mountain of not the highest height (about 2300 meters) - a picturesque place to relax with your family. Perhaps one of the most stunning views opens from the top of Achishkho to the sea, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, and the mountains. Photos of these beauties are fascinating. Majestic Agepsta, like a border guard, stands guard over two states - Russia and Abkhazia. This is the highest point (over 3200 m) in the Sochi mountains. Aibga and Psekhako are huge mountain ranges where the main ski resorts of Sochi are located. "Claw", as they call Mount Bzerpi for its resemblance to a cat's claw, is an excellent option for outdoor activities for several days.
The beauty of the mountains of Sochi: waterfalls and caves
Climbing the mountains of Sochi will appeal to experienced climbers, amateur climbers and tourists who just want to relax from the hustle and bustle. The mountains of Sochi have many unique natural creations: waterfalls, mountain rivers and lakes, gorges, meadows. In Sochi resorts, excursions are organized daily, for example, to Agursky or Orekhovsky falls. Boxwood water cascades in the thickets of a unique evergreen boxwood are unusual.
Mysterious and fascinating are hiking through the caves, which are rich in the mountains of Sochi. The waters of the noisy and fast-flowing Mzymta formed millennia ago the Akhshtyr cave, where traces of a primitive man were discovered. Vorontsov caves located in the upper reaches of the Kudepsta River. They represent the largest cave labyrinth on the planet, where traces of ancient people are also found. Mount Akhun, located in the interfluve of Khosta and Matsesta in the resort, is not only a popular viewing platform with a magnificent panoramic view of the whole city and the Black Sea. About 30 caves were discovered on the Akhun ridge. A karst cave lurks in its southern massif. There is also a reserved grove with yew and boxwood.
The beauty of the mountains of Sochi: lakes and gorges
In the Sochi mountains there are beautiful mountain lakes.
On the slopes of Dzitaku there are several special lakes. They have an avalanche formation. One of them is Two-faced, it surprisingly connects the Black Sea through the Mzymta River and the Sea of Azov through the Urushten River, which flows into the Kuban. Near Mount Loyub, in the southern part of the massif, is the lake Kardyvach. This is the most visited reservoir in the resort. After Lake Abrau, Kardyvach is the second largest in the entire Krasnodar Territory. This lake feeds the longest Black Sea river - Mzymta. Amazing is the lake, which lies deep in the mountains opposite the Engelman glade. The water in it is clean: everywhere the patterned bottom is visible. A few kilometers from the highest mountain of the entire Krasnodar Territory - Tsakhvoa - there is a small picturesque lake with the lovely name of Klumbochka.
Sea Sochi
Sochi cannot be imagined without majestic mountain peaks, nor can a city be seen without the enchanting Black Sea. There are more than 130 pebble beaches. In the beach season, the coastal line of the city is especially crowded. It organizes all kinds of entertainment for locals and tourists: scooters, parachutes, diving, boat trips and much more. Sochi embankment stretched along the coastline . It is a walking zone in several tiers, where you can enjoy the beauties of greenery and flowers, visit restaurants and cafes, look at souvenir shops, have fun on attractions.
The sea, mountains, rivers, healing springs make Sochi a truly exceptional resort. Perhaps, there are few such places in the world where the special climate, unique culture and thousand-year history are harmoniously combined.