Sochi is the "Russian Riviera." The black sand and pebble beaches stretch over 20 miles along the Black Sea coast. It is the longest city not only in Russia but also on the whole continent. It's located on the same latitude as Toronto,and the Gobi Dessert, just north of the border with Georgia.

Here are the northernmost subtropics in the world. The warm waters of the sea (they reach 79 degrees in the summer)are warm in the winter, while the breezes off the mountains cool the city in the summer. Similar to Northern California, you can swim in the sea from April through October, and ski on our slopes from October into May. The semi-tropical weather (Average winter low of 43 degrees) allows for a lushness found nowhere else in Russia. Palm, banana, and citrus trees, and an ever-blooming parade of flowers grace the shores. Nature dances with delight in the land. Sochi is almost all mountains, forest, and beach. More than 80% of the territory is part of a national park or the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve. Historical and architectural monuments, unique flora and fauna, magnificent panoramas, mysterious canyons and caves, noisy waterfalls are all found in the parks. Here are also found many of the last-of-their kind animals and flora. Also, Sochi is the only specially designated tourism zone in Russia! .