Active Holidays in Sochi: Mountains, Gorges and Coast

Canyoning near Sochi
The Agura Waterfalls Canyon is practically within the city limits, about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Its most scenic section is a three-tiered waterfall with a total drop of about 70 meters, reached by a 1.5-kilometer hiking trail. The route can be combined perfectly with a hike up Mount Akhun (600 m) or through the Matsesta Valley via the Eagle Rocks (400 m). The white-water trip is an unforgettable experience, ending with a refreshing swim in the waterfall pool.

Jeep Tours near Sochi
Drive to the village of Golovinka (40 km from Sochi, about an hour’s drive). From there, travel through the valley formed by the Shakhe River to the village of Bolshoy Kichmay (7 km, about 15 minutes). This is where the real Jeep tour begins, taking you partly along gravel tracks and partly through riverbeds. Along the way, you can visit the “open-air museum,” which showcases the history and culture of the Black Sea region’s inhabitants, the Adyghe and Shapsugs. The “33 Waterfalls” are about 4 km north of Kichmay, in the Dzhegosz area. This enchanting gorge features several waterfalls that cascade down a total of 12 meters. The gorge is surrounded by oak, hornbeam, maple and alder forests, as well as exotic plants. In its middle grows an endemic plant species—the Colchis boxwood. The walk to the waterfalls takes about 30 to 50 minutes. You can also sample traditional Caucasian dishes.

Caving expeditions to Glubokiy Yar Cave—reaching the cave begins with an underground climb: you must scale 20 meters beside the underground waterfall that forms the natural limit of how far the cave can be explored. As a cave climber, you will make your way past rock formations to the underground lake that blocks the passage farther into the cave. It takes 30–40 minutes to walk from the vehicle to the cave entrance, and the caving expedition is expected to take 3–5 hours.

Trekking near Sochi
Drive to Mount Akhun (30 to 40 minutes from Sochi). Visit the historic tower, formerly a Circassian watchtower. From here, enjoy a magnificent view of the resort city of Sochi, the surrounding mountain ranges and the Greater Caucasus. Continue on foot along forest paths to the Agura River. Then head to Eagle Rocks, where, according to legend, Prometheus was chained to the rocks (3 km, 1.5–2 hours). Take a break for refreshments and relaxation. The return route follows the Agura River valley, passing rare pine species, cascading waterfalls plunging 30 meters, rare plants and grottoes (1.5–2 hours). Return to the hotel.

Group Holidays in Sochi

1. Summer Games: All participants start on equal terms. The course tests new skills and fighting spirit. Let the games begin!

Day 1: Airport, transfer to the hotel, introductions

Day 2: Depart for training. This day is devoted to learning competition techniques. Rafting. Jeeping. Orienteering. Shooting—pistol, air rifle, bow and slingshot. Mountain biking. Stilts. River crossing/rope traverse; lunch—Uzbek plov cooked over an open fire, lamb shurpa and tea. Bar evening, dinner, karaoke and dancing.

Day 3: Games begin: draw, course, referees, team leaders and fans.

After the competitions, enjoy a traditional Caucasian picnic with pickled vegetables, fruit, flatbread, shashlik, spit-roasted suckling pig and wine. Sauna. Get together at the hotel for the awards ceremony.