Rosa Khutor and skiing
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Rosa Khutor resort | Russia's best-known ski resort and host of the 2014 Olympics, with slopes for every level and a mountain village on the river. | Season expected from late December 2026 to April 2027; about an hour from Sochi airport |
| Cable cars to the peaks | Cable cars that take you up to peaks over 2,000 metres with views of the Caucasus, even if you don't ski. | Rosa Khutor, summer and winter |
| The Skypark suspension bridge | A 439-metre pedestrian suspension bridge over the Akhshtyr gorge, one of the longest in Russia. | On the road between Adler and Krasnaya Polyana |
The city and the sea
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Olympic Park | The site of the 2014 Winter Olympics with its ice arenas, and an evening fountain show with lights and music. | Adler, near the airport |
| Sochi Park | A theme park styled on Russian fairy tales, with rides for adults and children. | Inside the Olympic Park, Adler |
| The Arboretum (Dendrarium) | A historic botanical garden from 1892 with over 1,000 species of trees, and a cable car to its upper part. | Central Sochi |
| Sochi promenade and the Sea Port | A palm-lined walk on the Black Sea with cafés, and the Sea Port building with its clock tower and boat trips. | Central Sochi |
Nature around Sochi
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Agura waterfalls | Waterfalls in a green gorge, the highest dropping about 30 metres, reached by a forest trail. | About 10 km from central Sochi; finest in spring and autumn |
| Mount Akhun and its tower | A stone tower from 1936 on the summit, with views over the city, the sea and the mountains. | East of Sochi |
Tips before you go
- Saudis have been able to enter Russia without a visa since 11 May 2026, registering in the Gosuslugi RuID app 72 hours before arrival.
- International bank cards don't work in Russia, so bring enough cash.
- Late December to March is for skiing; June to September for the sea and mountain walks.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Sochi?
Rosa Khutor resort in Krasnaya Polyana, the Olympic Park and Sochi Park, the Skypark bridge, the Arboretum, the Agura waterfalls and the Black Sea promenade.
When is the ski season in Sochi?
The 2026–2027 season at Rosa Khutor is expected to start in late December and run until April; the resort announces the final dates.
Are there direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Sochi?
Yes, direct flights on Azimuth from Riyadh and Tabuk depending on the season, and one-stop flights via Dubai, Istanbul or Moscow.
Do Saudis need a visa for Sochi?
No, visa-free for up to 90 days in a calendar year since 11 May 2026, with registration in the Gosuslugi RuID app before arrival.
Planning your trip to Russia? Read Travel to Russia from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.