Originating at Bolshaya Shura Mountain in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, it flows southwest and enters the Black Sea at Sochi, itself named for the river and site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. It is the third longest river in Sochi after the Mzymta and the Shakhe. Administratively, the valley of the river belongs to Khostinsky City District of the city of Sochi, except for the lowest part, which belongs to Tsentralny City District. The upper course of the Sochi lies in the Caucasus Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site, whereas the middle course, down to Plastunka, belongs to Sochi National Park.