Sochi

The top things to do in Sochi are the Olympic Park, skiing at Krasnaya Polyana in winter, the Black Sea beaches in summer, the Sochi Arboretum and Riviera Park. Don't miss the cable car up Mount Akhun for panoramic views, or the Sochi Autodrom, home to the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The best time to visit Sochi is May to October for beach holidays, with July and August offering the warmest Black Sea weather. December to March is prime ski season at Krasnaya Polyana, with Olympic standard slopes and reliable snow. Spring and autumn are quieter, with mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing.

The fastest way from Sochi International Airport to the city centre is the Lastochka express train, taking about 35 minutes for around 200 roubles, with regular departures throughout the day. Alternatively, book a taxi through the Yango app for a 25 minute door to door ride with upfront English language pricing.

The best ski resorts in Sochi are Roza Khutor, Gazprom Mountain and Krasnaya Polyana, all built for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Roza Khutor is the largest, with 105 km of slopes, modern lifts and reliable snow from December to April. The three resorts cluster in the Krasnaya Polyana valley, about an hour from central Sochi.

The best beaches in Sochi line the central Sochi waterfront, Adler and Imeretinsky along the city's 145 km of Black Sea coastline. Beaches are mostly pebble with some sand sections, offering clear water, restaurants and water sports. Beach season runs from May to October, with July and August the warmest months for swimming.