Last spring we stayed home, but this one we want to get out and about, especially since it's blooming season! The colorful and bright crowns of trees and bushes whisper: “take a picture with me”. And we don't need any tulip festival in the Netherlands – we have our own places. We'll tell you where to go in Russia to see the blooming. 

Sochi

In Sochi, magnolia is already in full bloom. Usually, it opens its buds from mid-March or in April. But last year and this year, it bloomed with the arrival of calendar spring. It doesn't bloom for long, on average a couple of weeks, so if you want to catch it – you need to fly now. Or, set a goal for next year. You will definitely find it in the Sochi Arboretum and any national park. Keep your eyes peeled!

North Caucasus

Caucasian nature is always something special! Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea, Ingushetia, and other regions are simply drowning in flowers in spring. As you understand, you need to go to the mountains, because that's where you can find rare mountain plants in their natural environment. In March, there's a chance to catch wild crocuses, peach trees, cherry plums, and blackthorn. 

Visit the “Green Island” park in Cherkessk. Not only are there attractions, but by May, tulips, pansies, and daisies bloom there. Another option is Kislovodsk. There's also a large city park there, with not only many flowers but also a drinking spring. Not drinking Narzan in the Caucasus is an unforgivable crime. 

Astrakhan Region

The spring blooming period here is short – one and a half months from mid-March to the first May holidays. But during this time, you can find blooming apple trees, peaches, cherries, and quince. 

Volgograd Region

Spring here is also quite short, and therefore interesting. Blooming begins closer to the end of March, after the 20th. In mid-April, tulips awaken, and closer to May, wood anemone, geraniums, violets, and feather grass are visible. 

Notably, some natural parks in the region (“Ust-Medveditsky”, “Donskoy”, “Shcherbakovsky”, “Nizhnekhoppyorsky”) even conduct special excursions to introduce tourists to the flora of the region. 

Kalmykia

You don't have to go abroad for a tulip festival – Russia has one too. In Kalmykia, this event takes place annually and gathers many tourists from all over the country. It is held in the second half of April in the Priyutnensky district, i.e., in the steppes. 

But this is not just a field of flowers, but a real festival with folk dances, food, national costumes, and shows. If you don't want to miss this event, check the website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Kalmykia where information about the exact date and venue should appear. 

Altai

The region successfully survived the autumn season – the influx of tourists was decent. Spring is also good here, especially since you can catch the blooming of the Altai sakura – or maralnik. To see the mountains in purple patches, head to Altai closer to the end of April. This event is a real celebration, so sports shows and entertainment programs are organized for the occasion. 

But travel with caution in spring if you have a pollen allergy. It's no joke, and it's better to observe from the sidelines, without denying yourself the exploration of the region and other entertainment. Before traveling, consult a doctor and take anti-allergy medications you trust.