Sochi is Russia’s most popular seaside resort, a 145-kilometer stretch of subtropical Black Sea coast where you can have the beach and an Olympic mountain just 40 minutes apart by car. It’s a different Russia: palm trees instead of golden domes, cypresses instead of fir trees, tea grown at 400 meters of altitude, and a cuisine that looks more toward the Caucasus than to Moscow.
If you’re coming from Europe, the best part is that you don’t have to go through Moscow: there are direct flights from Istanbul (1h55), Belgrade, Yerevan, and Dubai into Adler airport (AER), and Sochi is an authorized e-visa entry point. In this guide I’ll walk you through what to see, what to do, when to visit, how to get there, and all the practical details for planning your Sochi trip in 2026.
Why Sochi will surprise you
When you think of Russia, Sochi isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. The mental image is golden domes, snow, and Red Square. Sochi breaks that cliché: here you’ll find palm trees, eucalyptus, magnolias, and bamboo, the sea has a Mediterranean blue, and Russians have been coming for generations to swim, ski, and unplug.
Three facts that explain what Sochi really is:
- It’s the only Russian city with a subtropical climate. It sits at the same latitude as Nice, Florence, or Toronto, but the Black Sea and the wall of the Caucasus mountains give it a warm microclimate year-round. The coast hovers around 8-12 °C (46-54 °F) in winter and 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) in summer.
- You can have beach and skiing on the same trip. From central Sochi you can reach the Krasnaya Polyana ski runs in under an hour. In February you can have breakfast on a sunny terrace and lunch at a mountain restaurant at 2,300 meters after a morning of skiing.
- It’s the legacy of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Olympic infrastructure is intact and visitable: Olympic Park, Fisht Stadium, the Bolshoy Ice Dome, the Formula 1 circuit, and an impressive resort complex up in Krasnaya Polyana.
For many European travelers who already know Moscow and St. Petersburg, Sochi is the natural next step: a less imperial Russia, more relaxed, closer to the Caucasus. And for first-time visitors with limited time, it’s an interesting alternative if what you’re after isn’t tsarist architecture but nature, sea, and mountains.
How to get to Sochi from Europe
This is probably the most confusing part for European travelers, so let’s go in order. Since 2022 there have been no direct flights between the European Union and Russia, but getting to Sochi is still perfectly doable through several hubs: Istanbul, Belgrade, Yerevan, or Dubai.
Flying via Istanbul (the most practical option)
Istanbul is the most convenient hub: there are around 45 flights per week to Sochi, with a flight time of 1 hour 55 minutes. The airlines on the route are Aeroflot, Azimuth, Red Wings, Ural Airlines, and IrAero (all Russian carriers; the connection from Europe to Istanbul is normally on Turkish Airlines or Pegasus).
The typical pattern from Spain, Italy, France, or Germany is: a flight to Istanbul (IST or SAW) on Turkish Airlines or Pegasus, and from there a hop to Sochi (AER). If you book ahead, total roundtrip prices run €350-500 in low season and €600-900 in summer.
Other routes: Belgrade, Yerevan, Dubai
- Belgrade (BEG): direct flights with Air Serbia. A great option if you’re already heading to the Balkans or want to combine Sochi with a city break in Belgrade.
- Yerevan (EVN): route covered by Aeroflot, Armenian Airlines, FlyOne Armenia, Red Wings, and Ural Airlines. Useful if you want to add Armenia to the trip.
- Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH): Flydubai, Etihad, and Emirates connect both Emirates with Sochi. A good option if you’re coming from outside Europe or want to stop over in the Gulf.
If you want to see all the options for getting to Russia (not just Sochi) and compare prices, I recommend reading the article on how to buy flights to Russia with a foreign card and the general guide on flights to travel to Russia.
Visa: yes, Sochi is on the e-visa list
Sochi airport (AER) is one of the authorized checkpoints for entering Russia with the e-visa, according to the official list published by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (available here). The Sochi seaport (International Passenger and Cruise Center) is also on the list, although in practice no international cruises have called at the city since 2022.
This means three things, depending on your nationality:
- If you’re a citizen of the EU, the UK, or any other country eligible for the e-visa: you can apply for the e-visa online (you get it in 4 days, with no invitation, no bookings, no paperwork) and enter directly through Sochi. Maximum stay: 30 days. I walk you through the whole process in the complete guide to the Russian e-visa.
- If you want to stay longer than 30 days or your nationality isn’t eligible for the e-visa: you’ll need a regular visa in your passport. It’s a bit more work (invitation letter, appointment at the visa center, etc.), but it gives you more flexibility. I cover the step-by-step in where to apply for a Russian visa abroad.
- If you’re from Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, or Cuba: you don’t need a visa at all. You enter with just your passport and travel insurance, and that’s it.
In every case you’ll need valid travel medical insurance for Russia. It’s mandatory for the e-visa and strongly recommended in the other cases. Western insurance often doesn’t work well in Russia (because of sanctions, reimbursements can’t reach Russian clinics), so it’s worth getting a specific one. I cover the options in the best travel insurance for Russia.
By train from Moscow or St. Petersburg
If you’re already in Russia and prefer not to fly, the train is an experience in itself. There are daily services from both capitals:
- From Moscow: 22 to 43 hours depending on the train. The fastest is the “Imperator” (Императрица). A bunk in a “kupé” compartment starts around 5,500 ₽ in low season.
- From St. Petersburg: the most recommended train is the “Severnaya Palmira” (Северная Пальмира) #35, taking about 37 hours. Kupé from 4,050 ₽; platzkart (open carriage) around 5,300 ₽.
You can’t buy train tickets with a foreign card directly on the official RZD website; I cover the methods that do work in the guide on how to buy train tickets in Russia despite the sanctions.
From Adler airport to central Sochi
Sochi airport is actually in Adler, about 30 km southeast of central Sochi and just 2 km from the Olympic Park. You have three options to reach your hotel:
- Aeroexpress (express train): the most reliable option, no traffic. It takes you to central Sochi in about 50 minutes. It costs around 380 ₽ and the station is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway.
- Bus: line 124C runs to central Sochi in about an hour and a quarter, hugging the entire coast. It costs around 188 ₽. There are also direct buses to Krasnaya Polyana (“Sochi Avtotrans”).
- Taxi or Yandex Go: this is the Russian taxi app, equivalent to Uber. It works perfectly, but you need to install and register before traveling (in fact, in Russia it doesn’t work well without a VPN if you install it from Europe). A ride to the center runs 800-1,200 ₽; to the Olympic Park, much less.
Here are the apps you’ll want to have ready before you fly: essential apps for traveling in Russia (Yandex Go, Yandex Maps, 2GIS, etc.).
When to visit Sochi: the best time depending on what you’re after
Sochi doesn’t really have a “high season” as such, but rather two distinct ones: beach season (June-September) and ski season (December-March). And then there’s the secret the locals know.
Summer (June-September): beach and crowds
This is classic Russian beach season. July and August are the hottest months, with averages of 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) and sea temperatures of 24-26 °C (75-79 °F). It’s also when most people come: beaches can be packed, prices climb, and booking accommodation in advance is mandatory. If you’re traveling as a couple or with kids and want guaranteed good weather, July or early August are safe bets, even if crowded.
Winter (December-March): skiing in Krasnaya Polyana
On the coast it’s chilly, not cold: 8-12 °C (46-54 °F). There’s no snow. On the Krasnaya Polyana slopes, however, the ski season runs from December to April, with the best snow between January and March. The snow line sits around 1,100 meters and the peaks reach 2,300 m. Sochi’s quirk is that you can ski in the morning and, if you feel like it, head down to sunbathe on the coast in the afternoon.
Spring and fall: the “barhatny sezon,” the locals’ secret
In Russian they call it “barhatny sezon” (бархатный сезон), literally “velvet season.” It’s September and the first half of October: the sea is still warm (22-24 °C / 72-75 °F), the air is milder (22-26 °C / 72-79 °F), the crowds have left, and prices come down. For me it’s the best time to visit Sochi.
May and June are also excellent: pleasant temperatures, vegetation in full bloom (in April and May the magnolias and wisteria flower), moderate prices, and the sea starting to warm up. If you want to hike Sochi National Park without the heat, these are the best months.
For a broader look at Russia’s seasons and what to pack for each, check the guide on when is the best time to travel to Russia.
What to see in Sochi: the 12 must-dos
Sochi stretches along 145 kilometers of coastline. What people call “Sochi” actually covers several districts: Adler (where the airport and the Olympic Park are), central Sochi (the historic heart), Khosta, Matsesta, Dagomys, and Lazarevskoye. Here are the visits I wouldn’t miss.
1. Olympic Park (Адлер)
www.arne-mueseler.com
The epicenter of the 2014 Winter Olympics, in Adler. Here you’ll find Fisht Stadium (host of the opening and closing ceremonies, today home of FC Sochi), the Bolshoy Ice Dome (ice hockey), the Iceberg Skating Palace (figure skating), and at the center the Medals Plaza with the Olympic torch and the Singing Fountains. There are nightly fountain shows set to music. Walking the entire park takes 3-4 hours; rent a bike or an electric scooter, the distances between pavilions are big.
Right next to it is Sochi Park, a Russian-folklore-themed amusement park (Disney-style with a Slavic twist), and the Sochi Autodrom, which between 2014 and 2021 hosted the F1 Russian Grand Prix. It’s worth dedicating at least a full day to this area.
2. Krasnaya Polyana and Roza Khutor
45 minutes by car from Adler you’ll find the Olympic mountain area. Three main resorts: Roza Khutor, Krasnaya Polyana (formerly Gorki Gorod), and Gazprom Polyana. In winter they’re ski resorts; in summer, gondolas take you up to the peaks for hiking, adventure parks, and views over the Caucasus. Roza Khutor is the most touristy and developed (its village along the Mzymta river is absurdly pretty).
In summer the typical plan is: gondola up, hike the high lookouts, lunch at a mountain restaurant, gondola down at the end of the day. Entry to Sochi National Park costs about 200 ₽. If you’re skiing, day passes run 4,500-5,500 ₽ (cheaper than most European resorts).
3. Dendrarium Park
The most famous subtropical garden in Russia, in central Sochi. 46 hectares (114 acres), 1,800 plant species from five continents: Californian sequoias, Australian eucalyptus, bamboo, magnolias, Canary Island palms. It’s split into upper and lower gardens, connected by a cable car that drops you at the top with sea views (I recommend going up on the cable car and walking back down).
Admission: 500 ₽ adults, 250 ₽ children. Allow at least 3 hours to take it in properly. It’s the place where you really get that you’re in subtropical Russia.
4. Sea Terminal (Морвокзал)
The most photographed building in Sochi: a 1955 Stalinist-architecture gem with a 71-meter white tower topped by a spire. It’s on every Sochi postcard. From the harbor you can book coastal boat trips (from 800 ₽). In summer there are boats running to the beaches by the Olympic Park, about 30 km away, returning at the end of the day.
5. Akhshtyr Canyon and Agura Gorge
The Agura Gorge (Агурское ущелье) is the easiest, prettiest trail in Sochi National Park for a morning hike. Five tiered waterfalls, turquoise water between rock walls, century-old pines. Total walk: about 4-5 hours roundtrip, moderate difficulty. Entry costs 200 ₽.
The Akhshtyr Canyon is more spectacular but harder to reach (better with a car or tour). And if you have an extra day, the Zmeykovskie Waterfalls are the most family-friendly.
6. Mount Akhun and the Akhun Tower
A stone tower from 1936, in neo-Romanesque style, perched at 663 meters above sea level. From the top you can see the entire Sochi coast, the Caucasus mountains, and on clear days even Abkhazia. The road up is narrow and winding; most people take a taxi (Yandex Go runs around 1,000 ₽ from the center) or join a tour. Tower entry: about 200 ₽.
7. Riviera Park
Sochi’s historic park, in the city center, open since 1898. Subtropical, with century-old plants, fairground rides, an oceanarium, café terraces, and outdoor concerts in summer. It’s where local families head on a Sunday. Free entry; the rides are paid separately.
8. Matsesta Tea Plantation
The northernmost tea plantation in the world, at 400 meters of altitude above Matsesta. 170 hectares (420 acres) dating back to the 1940s. They run guided tours with tastings: they show you the entire process, from picking to packaging, and you sample several varieties of Russian tea. Tour with tasting: from 700 ₽. Book ahead on their official website.
9. Eagle Rocks (Орлиные скалы)
A natural lookout above the Agura Gorge. An easy 1.5-2 hour walk that ends at a hanging walkway with spectacular views. At the top there’s a statue of Prometheus, who according to local legend was chained to this rock by the Greek gods.
10. Sochi Discovery World Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in Russia, in Adler. 30 themed tanks, more than 200 species, a 44-meter glass tunnel where sharks swim above your head. Great plan with kids or for a rainy day. Admission: 700-900 ₽.
11. Yew and Boxwood Grove (Тисо-самшитовая роща)
A nature reserve in Khosta, 30 minutes north of the center. A subtropical relict forest with yews and boxwoods up to 2,000 years old, unique in Europe. There’s a short trail (1.6 km) and a long one (5 km), both signposted, with waterfalls and rock formations. Entry: 300 ₽. One of the quietest, prettiest plans in the area.
12. Skypark AJ Hackett (suspension bridges)
For adrenaline seekers: the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge (440 meters, 207 meters above the Mzymta river canyon), bungee jumping, ziplines, and climbing walls. It’s on the way to Krasnaya Polyana, about 25 minutes from Adler. Bridge entry: from 1,000 ₽. Extreme activities are paid separately (bungee from 18,000 ₽).
For more ideas (including less touristy spots), I recommend the official Sochi tourism portal (visit-sochi.com), where they keep attractions, events, and official routes up to date.
What to do in Sochi (beyond just sightseeing)
Skiing in Krasnaya Polyana
The three resorts (Roza Khutor, Krasnaya Polyana, and Gazprom Polyana) together offer more than 150 km of pistes, drops of up to 1,535 meters, and a four-month season. Snow quality is good, the facilities are new (everything was built or renovated for the Olympics), the lift lines are short compared to the Alps, and prices are about half what you’d pay in Europe. If you ski, it’s worth getting travel insurance with cover for adventure sports: standard insurance won’t cover ski injuries.
Hiking in Sochi National Park
The National Park covers more than 200,000 hectares (494,000 acres) with 150 designated points of interest: waterfalls, canyons, lookouts, caves. The most popular routes for a morning hike are the Agura Gorge, the Zmeykovskie Waterfalls, the White Rocks, and the Bohmul Cave. If you have several days, there are multi-stage routes through the Western Caucasus, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches: what they’re like and which ones to choose
Sochi’s beaches are pebble, not sand, except for some areas in Imeretinsky (next to the Olympic Park) where sand has been brought in artificially. Bring water shoes or beach sandals. The most recommended beaches:
- Imeretinsky (Adler, next to the Olympic Park): the largest, with a boardwalk, restaurants, and sand in some areas.
- Mayak (central Sochi): the central beach, with views over the harbor and the Sea Terminal.
- Riviera Beach: next to Riviera Park, popular with families.
- Khosta: quieter, ideal if you want to escape the crowds.
SUP, kayak, and boat trips along the coast
Stand-up paddleboarding is hugely popular in summer, especially at sunrise when the water is calm. There are rentals at almost every beach (from 1,000 ₽/hour). Boat trips depart from the Morvokzal and Imeretinsky; the typical ones are 1-2 hour coastal cruises (800-1,500 ₽), with occasional dolphin sightings.
Russian banya (southern style)
The banya in Sochi has its own character: many have been designed as modern spas inside hotel resorts, but there are also traditional banyas in wooden cabins next to mountain rivers, where you can alternate the heat with a dip in the cold river water. Booking ahead is the norm.
What to eat in Sochi: the cuisine of the Caucasus
Don’t expect blinis and borscht here (you’ll find them, but they’re not the highlight). Sochi’s food looks south: to Georgia, Abkhazia, Armenia, and Krasnodar itself. What you can’t miss:
- Adjarian khachapuri: the boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, butter, and a raw egg in the center. Originally Georgian, but in Sochi it’s the unofficial national dish. Try it at any Georgian restaurant (and there are dozens).
- Khinkali: Georgian dumplings with broth inside. They’re eaten without a fork: you grab the little stem on top, take a bite from the side, drink the juice, and then eat the rest.
- Shashlik: the Russian version of kebab. Marinated meat grilled on skewers over coals. In Sochi they do it well, with pork, beef, or lamb.
- Black Sea fish: “barabulka” (red mullet) and “kefal” (gray mullet) are the most typical, fresh and pan-fried whole.
- Adler persimmon: in November and December the markets fill with this bright orange fruit. It’s one of the most typical things in the region.
- Krasnodar wines: the region is Russia’s main wine area. The Abrau-Dyurso wineries (3 hours from Sochi by car) are visitable and well known for Russian sparkling wine.
A few highly recommended restaurants that show up on every local list: Baran-Rapan (Caucasian fusion), Trikoni (classic Georgian tavern), Mamino (Caucasian home cooking), Fettuccine (quality Italian by the sea). Prices are very reasonable: 1,500-2,500 ₽ per person with wine (about €15-25).
If you’re interested in Russian cuisine more broadly, I recommend the guide on what people eat in Russia.
Where to stay in Sochi
Sochi has more than 1,600 places to stay, from working Soviet-era sanatoria to 5-star hotels, luxury glampings, and tourist apartments. Picking a neighborhood depends on the kind of trip you’re planning:
- Adler: ideal for families with kids and for travelers coming mainly for the beach or the Olympic Park. Close to the airport, quieter atmosphere, big hotels with pools.
- Central Sochi: the best option if it’s your first visit. You’re close to the Morvokzal, the Dendrarium, Riviera Park, restaurants, and nightlife. Good public transport access.
- Krasnaya Polyana / Roza Khutor: in winter this is where to be for skiing; in summer, a beautiful alternative for hiking and mountain air. High-quality hotels.
- Khosta or Dagomys: for a quieter stay, away from the crowds but still 20-30 minutes from the center.
A very Russian experience is staying in a sanatorium (a hybrid between hotel and health center, a Soviet legacy): they offer thermal treatments with the Matsesta sulfur waters, meals included, and they’re very affordable. Some have been refurbished with style. And if you’re after something different, the area has some spectacular glampings set in nature.
Important note for booking: Booking.com hasn’t worked from Europe for Russian hotels since 2022. The platforms that do work are ZenHotels and Ostrovok.ru. I cover all the options and which platform to choose depending on your case in my guide on how to book accommodation in Russia: Booking alternatives.
How to pay in Sochi: rubles, MIR card, and T-Bank
This is probably the most confusing part for European travelers on any trip to Russia. Quick summary:
- Your Western Visa or Mastercard does NOT work in Russia: not at ATMs, not at card readers, not at hotels. Period.
- Solutions: bring rubles in cash from home (the simplest option), bring euros or dollars and exchange them in Sochi (there are reliable exchange offices), or open an account at a Russian bank — such as T-Bank — and get a MIR card. This third option is the most convenient for longer stays, but requires advance planning.
I cover all the details in these guides: how to pay in Russia and where to exchange euros or dollars for rubles.
How many days to spend in Sochi
- 3 days: just enough to see the essentials. Day 1: central Sochi (Dendrarium, Morvokzal, seafront promenade). Day 2: Olympic Park and Imeretinsky beach. Day 3: Krasnaya Polyana.
- 5-7 days: the ideal length to take it slowly. Lets you add a day of hiking (Agura or Akhshtyr), a full beach day, a relaxed day, and an extra day in the mountains.
- 10-14 days: if you want to combine beach + skiing + side trips. Allows for a day in Abkhazia (crossing the southern border, possible in some cases), a visit to the Krasnodar canyon, or a trip out to Adler/Pitsunda.
If you combine Sochi with Moscow or St. Petersburg — the most common option — a sensible split is: 3-4 days in Moscow, 3-4 days in St. Petersburg, and 3-4 days in Sochi. For more ideas on how to split your days, see the guide on how many days to spend in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
What to bring back from Sochi: souvenirs and local products
- Matsesta tea: the northernmost in the world. You’ll find it at the official shop and at markets.
- Dried persimmon (хурма): sweet, dense, typical of the region. Sold loose in fall and winter.
- Krasnaya Polyana cosmetics: the local brand “Krasnopolyanskaya kosmetika,” with natural products made from mountain herbs, lavender, and honey.
- Abrau-Dyurso wines: the most famous Russian “champagne” (technically sparkling wine).
- Adygea honey: from the neighboring mountains, very aromatic.
- Bamboo products (baskets, mats, utensils) from the Dendrarium itself.
Practical info for travelers
Language
Less English is spoken in Sochi than in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Tourist restaurant menus are usually translated, but for everyday situations (taxi, markets, small shops) you’ll have to manage with basic Cyrillic and a translator.
Internet and SIM cards
International eSIMs work well in Sochi and are the easiest option: you activate them before leaving and have data the moment you land. If you’re staying more than 10 days or want a Russian phone number, getting a Russian physical SIM (Beeline, MTS, MegaFon) is a good idea, although passport registration is now required. I cover this in the best eSIMs for traveling to Russia.
It can also be useful to have a VPN to access Western websites blocked from Russia (Instagram, Facebook, several other platforms): VPN guide for Russia.
Safety in Sochi
Statistically, Sochi is one of the safest cities in Russia for tourists. It’s a tourist city, heavily patrolled, and Russians have been coming here on holiday for generations. The usual precautions (don’t leave things visible in your car, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas) are the same as in any European city.
Apps you’ll need
- Yandex Go: taxis and delivery. Essential.
- Yandex Maps or 2GIS: maps and navigation. Way better than Google Maps in Russia.
- Yandex Translate: download it offline.
- Tutu.ru: train and bus timetables.
- VK Messenger / Telegram: the most-used messaging apps.
Full list: what apps to use in Russia (when Google, Uber, or Booking don’t work).
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel to Sochi in 2026?
Yes. Sochi is a well-established tourist city, far from any conflict zone. Russians keep coming here on holiday in large numbers. The tourism infrastructure is intact and the public safety is good. The usual precautions for any tourist city apply.
Do I need a visa for Sochi as an EU or US citizen?
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens (Spanish, Italian, French, German, etc.) can apply for the Russian e-visa online. US citizens are not eligible for the e-visa and need a regular Russian visa. The good news is that Sochi airport (AER) is authorized as an e-visa entry point, so EU travelers don’t have to go through Moscow first. The e-visa allows stays of up to 30 days.
Do Latin American citizens need a visa for Sochi?
No. Citizens of Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Cuba do not need a visa to enter Russia. They can fly directly to Sochi and enter with just their passport and travel insurance.
When is the best time to visit Sochi?
For the beach: July and August (hot and crowded) or, even better, September and the first half of October (the barhatny sezon: warm sea, no crowds, lower prices). For skiing: January to March, with the best snow. For hiking and nature without the heat: May, June, and October.
Is Sochi expensive or cheap?
Generally cheaper than any equivalent European destination. A meal at a quality restaurant runs 1,500-2,500 ₽ per person with wine (about €15-25). Hotels range from 3,000 ₽ a night at simple places to 15,000-25,000 ₽ at 5-star hotels. Public transport is very affordable (40-50 ₽ for the bus). Skiing is clearly cheaper than in the Alps.
How many days do I need for Sochi?
Minimum 3 days for the essentials (city center, Olympic Park, Krasnaya Polyana). Ideally 5 to 7 days to enjoy without rushing, including hiking and beach time. If you want to combine beach, skiing, and a side trip to Abkhazia, plan for 10-14 days.
Are there direct flights from Europe to Sochi?
No. Since 2022 there have been no direct flights between the European Union and Russia. The most practical option is a flight to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines or Pegasus, and from Istanbul to Sochi (45 flights per week, 1h55 flight). You can also go via Belgrade, Yerevan, or Dubai.
Can I combine Sochi with Moscow or St. Petersburg in the same trip?
Yes, no problem. The e-visa and the regular visa let you move freely throughout Russia. The classic route is: international flight to Moscow or St. Petersburg, sightseeing in one or both capitals, and a domestic flight to Sochi (2-3 hours). Aeroflot, S7, and Pobeda operate this route several times a day.
Does my Visa or Mastercard work in Sochi?
No. Cards issued in Western countries (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) don’t work at any ATM, store, or hotel in Russia, including Sochi. You have to bring rubles in cash, exchange euros or dollars on arrival, or open an account at a Russian bank to use the MIR network.
Official resources and useful links
- visit-sochi.com: official tourism portal of the Sochi city council (in Russian, with an English section). Up-to-date info on events, attractions, and official routes.
- electronic-visa.kdmid.ru: the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official list of checkpoints where you can enter with the e-visa.
- aer.aero: official website of Sochi International Airport (AER).
- rosaski.com: official website of Roza Khutor, the main ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana.
