Sochi, Russia

Lying in the south west of European Russia, Sochi is one of the Black Sea’s most popular resorts thanks to its attractive beaches, mineral springs, shady streets and parks that stretch for one hundred miles along the Caucasian coastline. By the turn of the 20th century many luxurious spa retreats had been created and Russian nobility flocked to build their summer residences here.

Another draw is Sochi’s subtropical climate, which allows citrus fruit, tea and tobacco to flourish nearby. The resort is backed by the picturesque Caucasus Mountains, whose lush forests are laced with sparkling streams that wind their way down to the golden beaches of the Black Sea coast.