See Why Sochi Is One of Russia's Best Vacation Spots | National Geographic

[Music] There have been a lot of problems coming out of Sochi. There's con anxiety among, it's still a ghost town. Stories such as these have dominated American media, but to me, the portrait seemed incomplete, and I wondered if there was another perspective.

I'm Sergey Gorda for National Geographic, and this is my search for the real Sochi. Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, Sochi is the only place in Russia where you can experience five climate zones, ranging from subtropical to mountain permafrost, in a one-hour drive. This makes it Russia's top vacation spot.

But what is it really like to visit here? Let's check with the locals. Living in Russia's only major beach resort town has allowed Sochi's residents to lease rooms to tourists for generations. The unique trend in Sochi: remodeling and renting your garage.

"This is amazing! Who did this? Did you hire a professional?"

So if I wanted to come here, how much would I have to pay per night? How has Sochi changed after the Olympics? So the garage rentals are alive and well. But what if I had more money to spend? Russians come to Rosa Khutor, which is an alpine ski resort.

For the million-dollar views, a room here might cost $500 a night—nearly a month's salary for many Russians. What kind of people usually stay here?

[Music] The tourist industry seems to be doing just fine. But what if you already live here?

Lea Deiva moved to Sochi from Moscow in 2014. She says, "If you're looking for new opportunities in life, Sochi might be the place for you."

"Sochi is the most attractive place in Russia because of the whole economical scene that is here. I've never thought that I would have a jazz club. Now I feel that, well, you should follow your dream, and Sochi is the best place—that's for sure."

So whether you come here for the mountains or the sea, a taste of vibrant culture, or a look into hidden history, Sochi is yours for the taking. Life here is one big improvisation.

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