Sochi is often called the unofficial "Summer Capital" of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. This is the country's biggest and busiest summer sea resort, attracting more than four million visitors annually with its amazing mountainous coastline, endless pebbly beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife. From May to September Sochi's population at least doubles with tourists, including celebrities and the political elite of the country.
Sochi has always been associated in Russia's national mentality with the south, palms and a hot climate, that's why it was quite a bit of a surprise for many that the city won the 2014 Winter Olympic bid in 2007. The answers are an absence of harsh frost and the very promising Alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana in the city area. The XXII Winter Olympics took place 7-23 Feb 2014 and were followed two weeks later by the Winter Paralympic Games, 7-18 Mar 2014. The Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in Sochi and the nearby ski resort "Roza Khutor" in Krasnaya Polyana. In 2014 Sochi was hosting the first Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix in Olympic park area. Formula 1 in Russia continues nowadays in Sochi Autodrom.
Sochi is attracting the events of all kinds and unites the people from all over the world. It used to be the stage for the largest global choral festival and competition - the 9th World Choir Games, 6-16 July 2016. Sochi was hosting the international youth event – the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students, 14-22 Oct 2017. Sochi was one of 21st FIFA World Cup 2018 cities in Russia. The city of Sochi has become known worldwide and continues to attract many different national and international mega-events.
The humid subtropical climate, high mountains, exotic vegetation, endless beaches, mineral baths, national parks, historic architecture, exciting attraction sites, art festivals and lively multicultural environment make Sochi a prominent resort destination. Sochi has a lot to offer for anyone who loves nature, sports, history, sunny beach leisure and active adventures. There is too much to do and too many things to see in Sochi so you will never be bored.