Traditional perception of Russia as a cold country is generally true. However, as any generalization it is true only to a degree. Regardless of how cold it was in their own countries, I’ve heard people from the west say something like “I guess the weather in ______ (fill in any American or European city) must be a bit warmer than where you’re from in Russia, huh?” My only reply to such statement goes like this - Do not judge about all Russia by Moscow!

Located 1,500 km south of Moscow on the eastern shores of the Black Sea (population 400,000), Sochi enjoys every condition imaginable for rest and recreation. Facing the warm Black Sea and being backed by the high range of the Caucasus Mountains, the city is in the northernmost strip of subtropics in the world. Generous Sun, long beaches, palm trees, clean air, mineral springs and other factors make Sochi by far the most popular summer destination for Russian holidaymakers.

The city of Sochi is on the same parallel with such European cities as Nice and Vienna but exceeds those locations by its unique natural conditions and climatic characteristics. When describing Sochi, it is nearly impossible not to run out of superlatives at some point. Stretching across 145 km (90 miles) of sunny coastline, Sochi is the second longest conurbation in the world after Los Angeles. Another great feature of Sochi is that you can swim in the sea in the summer and ski in the mountains in the winter, and, remarkably, at certain times of year, do both!

Enjoying support on all levels of power and having won the bid to host 2014 Winter Olympics, the city is sure to put its name on the international tourism map as both Europe's new Riviera and Switzerland in the nearest future.

There is more to the city than just claiming the leadership in the resort industry of Russia. We invite you to learn more.