Sochi has long been Russia’s largest and most popular resort, but it has now also emerged as one of the country’s top sporting destinations. Having already hosted the 22nd Olympic Winter Games and 11th Paralympic Winter Games. 2014 saw the city host its first Formula One Grand Prix. Unofficially nicknamed ‘the summer capital of Russia’, the city of Sochi usually enjoys 200 days of sunshine a year and is characterised by a unique blend of beautiful scenery, the warm azure waters of the Black Sea and high mountains of the Caucasus, all of which will provide a distinct and spectacular setting for the Grand Prix. The 5.853-kilometre circuit is located within Sochi’s dazzling Olympic Park and winds its way around many of the architecturally eye-catching venues that were built for the Games.
Sochi’s primary gateway is Sochi International Airport, which is situated just 7 kilometres from the circuit. As befitting a major sporting destination, the city is well served by public transport. To get from the airport to downtown Sochi or the Olympic park, you can take a shuttle bus or travel on the newly-constructed Sochi Aeroexpress railway. Hire cars and taxis are also readily available, though Sochi’s numerous parks, beaches and architecture also make it a pleasurable city to walk around. Sochi’s unique subtropical climate and October race date mean that, in theory, it’s possible for visitors in town for the Grand Prix to be able to both swim in the sea and go skiing in the mountains. Typically the water is warm enough to take a dip between April and October, whilst the skiing season runs between November and May.
It’s worth noting that foreign citizens are required to have a visa to enter the Russian Federation, although a visa is not needed for the tourists from the countries with which the Russian Federation has established a visa-free entry agreement. Attractions in and around the city include, the dramatic Winter Theatre, ‘the singing fountains’, the stunning 30-acre Dendrary Botanical Gardens, or simply enjoy sampling Russian cuisine in a local restaurant, discovering sea creatures at the Discovery World Aquarium, take an excursion to view local waterfalls or wander along the Black Sea coast.