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Famed as the ‘Russian Riviera’, Sochi offers admirable sunsets and a fine setting for a stroll along the shimmering beaches. The outskirts of the town give you a plethora of waterfalls where you can witness their beauty along with sublime views. The city has recently gained popularity as it was the host city for the Winter Olympics in 2014. Apart from mesmerizing views, there are several things to do in Sochi which you might not want to miss out.

If you are visiting Russia anytime soon then you might not want to miss out on these activities that you can indulge in Sochi. We have jotted down a list of top 10 things to do in Sochi. 

1. Krasnaya Polyana – Go For A Ski

Although popular as a beach resort, Sochi is also gaining prominence for winter sports activities like skiing. The ideal skiing season ranges from December to April which differs every year. After the 2014 Winter Olympics, Krasnaya Polyana started witnessing double the influx of tourists. This led to the upgradation of new resorts in the area with international standards like Rosa Khutor. Take a slide through the snow and enjoy the panoramic views of the grandeur West Caucasus mountains!

Location: Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia

2. Krasnaya Polyana – Let’s Hike 

If you are planning a trip to Russia in the summer season, then a hike in Krasnaya Polyana is definitely an activity that you should be looking for. The hiking trails are located at an altitude ranging from 960 meters to 2200 meters above sea level. This trail lets you explore the hidden gems beyond the hills like blooming rhododendron. You can either hike to this place or opt for a cable ride which gives a spellbinding view of Sochi from the top. This is one of the best things to do in Sochi in the summer.

Location: Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia

3. Black Sea – Take A Dip 

Beached in Sochi are its biggest drawcards, without a doubt. There is plenty of space to choose from in the 150 km coastline running along with the city. But for a better experience, you might want to opt for a seaside resort as the resorts here have privatized the beaches to provide a luxury experience to its guests. Private beaches are not crammed with people and thus provides an unforgettable experience to tourists. So, if you want to beat the heat then take a plunge into the black sea in Sochi.

Location: Sochi, Russia

4. Vorontsovskaya Caves

If you are fed up with all the skiing and swimming in the sea, then don’t worry because there are other options that you can opt for. Sochi has an abundance of spots for nature enthusiasts. Another highlight of Sochi is its caves. Running along for 12 km, you can explore the majestic Vorontsovskaya Caves. However, tourists can go to up to 500 meters only but don’t get disheartened because even this much of area will leave you spellbound.

Location: Krasnodarskiy Kray, Sochi, Russia, 354391

5. New Adler – Take A Ride 

Do you want to explore places on your own? Then, let me tell you that you can hire a bike and explore New Adler. It is the most important hub of transport in Sochi as the Sochi International Airport is situated here. With the Winter Olympics in 2014, the place has become more popular among tourists. So, hire a bike and get ready to take a tour around this place as this is one of the top things to do in Adler, Sochi.

Location: Adler District, Sochi, Russia

6. Mount Akhun

Tucked between the Khosta and Matsesta rivers, Mount Akhun with a height of about 663 meters is considered as the highest littoral point of Sochi. You can visit the top of the Romanesque-like tower built in 1936, The Observation Tower, on this mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of the city including seacoast and snow-clad mountains. After exploring the area, you can mellow out in the cafe in the tower and enjoy the view from the top of the mountain.

Location: Krasnodar Krai, Sochi, Russia, 354039

7. Waterfalls – Chase Them 

While in Sochi, do not forget to explore waterfalls in the Lazarevskoye District. You’ll be amazed to know how many waterfalls this district comprises! There are as many as 33 waterfalls including Agura, Orekhovsky, Chudo Krasotka and others that you can explore if visited at the right time. The highest waterfall is around 40 feet tall. These cascades are bewitching and worth capturing and should in your list of things to do in Sochi.

Location: Lazarevskoye District, Sochi, Russia

 

8. Show Your Moves

Do not overlook one of the best things to do in Sochi at night, that is, activities at night. If your trip is incomplete without a party, then Sochi is not behind from any other city and has numerous offers for you. Seaside resorts have umpteen pubs and bars like Sky Club, Cabaret Mayak and Cocos Bar where you must witness the nightlife of Sochi when traveling to Russia.

9. Food – Treat Your Taste Buds

Are you tired of all the walking and traveling, and want to satiate your taste buds? Sochi has an abundance of fresh farm produce. You can head to Adler for trying out some chic and luxurious restaurants which serve a variety of food to its customers. The local cuisine here is different from classical Russian cuisine. You can try out khachapuri, shashlik, and other dishes. If you are a fan of seafood then Sochi has plenty of seafood from the Black Sea to offer you like oysters, mussels, and trout.

10. Shopping Spree

After exploring the ‘resort city’, do not forget to indulge in shopping at one of the opulent malls, Moremall, in Sochi. It is one of its kind in the area as there were not many high-end malls there. All the mall lovers can now enjoy their leisure time at Moremall. But if you want to explore the local market, you can head to Navaginskaya Street. This pedestrian street has a lot to offer you, from street stalls to boutique shops.

With more than 1000 islands scattering along its Adriatic coast and ancient cities draped in charm, Croatia is the rising star of European tourism. Its allure sees visitors flocking here in the summer months to soak up the sun, seafood, and sublime ambiance, coupled with Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. If you’re planning a visit to this idyllic stretch of Eastern Europe, here are 11 travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

1. Experience More Than Just Dubrovnik While Dubrovnik is the jewel in Croatia’s crown, the country has so much more to offer than this historic walled city. Experience the pulsing energy of the capital, Zagreb and the medieval fortress of Zadar, then wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Be sure to visit the evocative Roman amphitheater of Pula and the Venetian-inspired streets of Rovinj, together with admiring the Byzantine mosaics of Poreč’s Euphrasian Basilica.
2. Feast on Istrian Seafood Jutting into the Adriatic Sea, the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its gastronomy, drawing on premium olive oils, fine wine, and locally-sourced seafood. Select from upmarket restaurants or local tavernas where you can grab an alfresco seat and watch the world go by as you feast on some of Croatia’s most loved dishes. Look for scampi alla buzara and sole fish, dished up with decadent white truffles. The fresh oysters from Lim Fjord are particular delicacies, while salted cod known as bacalar, crab claws and Istrian octopus should also not be missed.
3. Go Island Hopping Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is dotted with captivating islands that are ringed by idyllic beaches and home to historic old towns brimming with charm. Explore the atmospheric streets of Korcula, lined with Renaissance and Gothic architecture, or ride the ferry to upmarket Hvar to admire the luxury yachts. Venture a little further to the authentic island of Vis, which is responsible for making some of Croatia’s best wines, and relax on the pebbly beach of Zlatni Rat that has become the poster child of Brač Island.
4. Try Pag Cheese Salty and sharp in flavor, the cheese created on Pag Island is famed throughout Croatia. Sea winds deposit salt on the grazing ground of the island’s sheep, who transmit the flavor to their milk. It’s left unpasteurized for a strong flavor to develop during the fermentation process, then rubbed with sea salt, coated in olive oil and left to mature for up to a year. The result is an aromatic, crumbly cheese known locally as paški sir. It can be found throughout Croatia but for the best quality (and to experience a tour and tasting of one of the dairies), head to the island itself.

4. Discover Croatia’s Wild Corners Croatia’s ancient cities and idyllic islands tend to take center stage on most itineraries but don’t miss the opportunity to explore the country’s spectacular natural attractions. The turquoise blue lakes and gushing waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park are a highlight, while the karst river canyon of Paklenica National Park in northern Dalmatia offers superb hiking. Follow the walking trails through Krka National Park to discover its seven waterfalls and ancient Roman catacombs or tackle

the climbing routes on the picturesque Makarska Riviera.

5. Day Trip to Mostar If time allows, plan a day trip from either Split or Dubrovnik to explore the beautiful city of Mostar in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s renowned for its Stari Most (Old Bridge) that spans the Neretva River and for being one of the most heavily bombed cities during the country’s war. Today its winding alleyways are packed with handicraft shops and local restaurants that inhabit the centuries-old Ottoman buildings. After photographing its charming bridge (and adrenalin-seeking bridge divers), don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the magnificent views of Mostar from the minaret of Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque.
6. Sample Sladoled (Croatian Ice Cream) Winning awards on the European stage, Croatian ice cream gives Italian gelato a run for its money! Sladoled (as it’s known locally) makes for a delicious accompaniment while wandering the sun-drenched streets of Croatia’s historic towns. Home-made ice cream is sold in pastry and sweet shops everywhere, with a diverse range of flavors to select from.

So… thoughts of this year’s summer holiday are looming. Every member of the family knows exactly what they’re after. The kids want adventure… Dad wants somewhere he can get an ice cold pint and Mum? Well her requests are simple… a room with a view… azure blue seas and powder white sands… exquisite cuisine washed down with a decent bottle of red and a vibrant cultural history, all wrapped up in the welcoming arms of the locals. Hmmmm… too much to ask from one-holiday destination perhaps. Or maybe not! If you’ve wanted to try something a little different to your tried and tested, then now’s the time to experience the vast and varied delights that Northern Cyprus has to offer.

From water skiing and scuba diving in Kyrenia to windsurfing and jet skiing in Famagusta, you’ll be able to keep your energetic teenagers occupied for hours without the use of a smartphone or tablet! Dad’s thirst can be quenched in an incredible array of bars, ranging from the ‘Night Jar Bar’ with its traditional ‘pub’ feel and pool table, to the rather more unusual ‘Essanto Bar’ watering hole, complete with its very own indoor river!

Beach hotels to appeal to Mum’s most particular tastes are plentiful. Four and five-star luxury resorts providing private beaches, top of the range spas and beachfront restaurants can be found in numerous locations along the coastline. Several even boast their own Turkish baths and the opportunity to eat alfresco under the stars. From the Acapulco Beach Club Hotel in Kyrenia to the Salamis Bay in Famagusta, every whim is catered for. Should you decide to take a break from your message, whilst admiring the crystal clear waters, then Byzantine castles, gothic mosques, and fresco-adorned churches should suffice in quenching your cultural thirst.

When it comes to dining out, North Cyprus couldn’t provide a more varied, mouth-watering selection of eateries. If you feel like treating your taste buds to what Cyprus does best, then look no further than restaurants in Kyrenia to sample fish dishes so fresh, chances are the main ingredients were caught that very morning! Their huge prawns are regularly described as ‘to die for’!! However, if the lamb is more to your liking, then their succulent chops marinated in yogurt and spices will never fail to impress.

The year-round warmth guarantees the perfect climate for growing a huge variety of fruit and vegetables, guaranteeing that whatever you choose from any menu will be bursting with sun-ripened freshness. Of course, the intense summer heat also provides the perfect backdrop for the production of wine, and over the years North Cyprus has honed its skills to produce a rather quaffable bottle of the good stuff. The boutique winery ‘Chateau St Hilarion’ has gone from strength to strength and its corks are popped in all the finest hotels and restaurants up and down the coast. So then… what are you and the family waiting for..?! Book a North Cyprus holiday today!

Japan is known around the world for its cherry blossom festivals. Known as hanami in Japanese, cherry blossom festivals are an important custom and are held all over Japan during the spring. That said, do not expect to see the flowers wherever you go, the trees bloom at different times throughout Japan. If you’re planning a trip to the country in the spring, here’s what you need to know about the hanami tradition.

The Meaning of Hanami

Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume) in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan. The most popular kind of Japanese cherry tree, sakura, can be found all over the country. These trees are also called somei-yoshino trees or yedoensis in botanical circles.

Hanami literally means “viewing flowers,” but it generally indicates cherry blossom viewing. It’s said that the origin of hanami dates back more than 1,000 years to when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems inspired by them.

How Cherry Blossoms Are Celebrated in Japan

Unlike the aristocrats of yesteryear, today people in Japan make fun a key component of cherry blossom viewing. They drink and eat, making the tradition of blossom-viewing more like a picnic under the trees. People bring home-cooked meals, make barbecued foods, or buy take-out food to mark the occasion. As thousands of people flock to parks, securing the nicer places for picnics and parties in public spaces actually becomes competitive. Many people will go stake out a spot early in the morning or even a day in advance.

Since sake is flowing throughout the day by the time evening approaches, the festivities often turn more into good-natured revelry. This might be a good time to learn how to say “cheers” in Japanese and some drinking etiquette. Elderly Japanese sometimes opt to visit Japanese plum parks to view plum blossoms instead, as these areas are often less busy and rowdy.

The Symbolic Significance of Cherry Blossoms

Because cherry blossoms are beautiful and fleeting—the blooms often last no more than two weeks—they have become symbolic of the impermanence of beauty. Cherry blossoms are often featured in works or art and even tattoos to depict the Japanese concept of mono no aware, the wistful realization that “nothing lasts forever.”

When Festivals Take Place

When do cherry blossoms flower in Japan? Cherry blossoms normally begin blooming in January in Okinawa, and cherry blossoms reach their peak in late March to April in the Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom in May. However, it’s really difficult to predict cherry blossom dates in advance, so planning a trip in advance is tough. In Japan, the JWA (Japan Weather Association), the Weather Map Co., Ltd, and the Weathernews Inc. announce cherry blossom forecasts every spring.

The cherry blossoms usually appear in Tokyo and Kyoto sometime between March and April, depending upon the climate earlier in the year. Golden Week—the busiest time for travel in Japan—often coincides in some places with the blooming cherry blossoms. Golden week falls at the end of April and the first week in May with four consecutive Japanese public holidays.

Cherry blossom festivals take place in different regions of the country. Most of them are held from March to May, though other regions organize festivals during January, February, and June, depending on their location. Festival dates are usually determined with reference to cherry blossom forecasts and vary from year to year. The uncertainty makes it more difficult to schedule your trip around a specific festival. But if there’s one celebration you’re particularly eager to attend, you can research the dates of when the festival took place over the past five to 10 years.

Take the average of those dates and plan your trip accordingly. 

The Main Attraction

Gorgeous flowers are the main attraction at the cherry blossom festivals, but there are a variety of traditional Japanese performances presented during these festivals. You might want to consider joining a tea ceremony held under the cherry trees; it can be quite the memorable experience.

It’s also fun to patronize festival vendors who sell various foods and souvenirs, such as regional crafts and specialty food from the region.

 

La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Buñol (history) near to Valencia in Spain. Thousands upon thousands of people make their way from all corners of the world to fight in this ‘World’s Biggest Food Fight’ where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.

There is limited accommodation for people who come to La Tomatina, so many people take the easier option of staying in nearby Valencia just 38km to Bunol by bus or train. In preparation for the dirty mess that will ensue, shopkeepers use huge plastic covers on their storefronts in order to protect them from the carnage.

What Happens at La Tomatina

At around 11am many trucks haul the bounty of tomatoes into the centre of the town, Plaza del Pueblo. The tomatoes come from Extremadura, where they are less expensive. Technically the festival does not begin until one brave soul has climbed to the top of a two-story high, greased-up wooden pole and reached the coveted ham at the top. In practice this process takes a long time and the festival starts despite no one reaching the meaty prize. The signal for the beginning of the fight is firing of water cannons, and the chaos begins. Once it begins, the battle is generally every man for himself.

After an one hour the fighting ends. At this point, no more tomatoes can be thrown. The cleaning process involves the use of fire trucks to spray down the streets, with water provided from a Roman aqueduct. The authorities seem more concerned with cleaning the town than cleaning the visitors, so some people find water at the Bunol River to wash themselves, although some kind residents will hose passers-by down. Once the tomato pulp is flushed, the ground is clean due to the acidity of the tomato

The Rules of La Tomatina

• Do not bring bottles or hard objects as they can cause accidents and hurt other participants
• Do not rip other people’s T-shirts
• You must squash the tomatoes before throwing them as this reduces the impact
• Ensure you keep a safe distance from the lorries
• As soon as you hear the second shot, you must stop throwing tomatoes

Useful Advice

• Wear closed shoes that you do not mind throwing away afterwards. If you wear flip-flops, you may get hurt, or you could lose them easily during the battle
• Wear old clothes, or clothes that you are not planning to wear again. They will most likely end up damaged from being ripped or incredibly dirty
• You may find goggles useful. However, it is safer if you just ensure that you always have something clean to wipe your eyes with. The best thing is if you tuck your T-Shirt into your shorts to keep the bottom part of your T-shirt clean and dry
• If you are planning to take pictures, bring a waterproof camera!
• If you are not from Bunol, and you want to stay overnight, don’t forget to look for and secure accommodation in advance
• Do not miss the Palojabon – a greased pole with a Spanish ham at the top. Whoever can climb the pole and get the ham can keep it!
• Stay safe and enjoy the festivities as much possible

How did La Tomatina Start

The tomato fight has been a strong tradition in Bunol since 1944 or 1945. No one is completely certain how this event originated. Possible theories on how the Tomatina began include a local food fight among friends, a juvenile class war, a volley of tomatoes from bystanders at a carnival parade, a practical joke on a bad musician, and the anarchic aftermath of an accidental lorry spillage.

One popular theory is that disgruntled townspeople attacked city councilmen with tomatoes during a town celebration. Whatever happened to begin the tradition, it was enjoyed so much that it was repeated the next year, and the year after that, and so on. The holiday was banned during the Spanish State period under Francisco Franco for having no religious significance, but returned in the 1970s after his demise.

The festival is in honor of the town’s patron saints, Luis Bertran and the Mare de Deu dels Desemparats (Mother of God of the Defenseless), a title of the Virgin Mary.