Samara - Russia

Sophie Ibbotson:

The Russians are trying hard to promote Samara as a tourist destination. To date they’re having limited success: domestic tourists are taking a mild interest but the foreigners are nowhere to be seen. This is a real pity because, of all the Russian resorts I’ve seen, Samara is probably the nicest.

Samara is built on the banks of the Volga River. In fact, as the river passes the city it is so wide it feels more like a lake. If you close your eyes and imagine Lake Geneva without the mountains, you’re getting somewhere close. A few small cruise ships bob up and down on the water, brave souls strip down to their underpants to take a dip, and all along the promenade Samara’s bright young things are rollerblading, sunning themselves and drinking ice cold beer. It’s an ideal place to relax.

Walking along the promenade I thoroughly enjoyed people spotting. Wherever you go in Russia there are huge numbers of gravity-defying stilettos, more often than not attached to girls whose legs wouldn’t disgrace flamingos. My favourite outfit by far was the striped 5” stilettos worn over see-through knee high socks. This combo was carefully paired with denim hot pants and not a great deal else. I didn’t know quite where to look, but the men lounging on benches had no such compunction and seemed thoroughly pleased with themselves.

For the more culturally inclined, Samara has a striking Russian Orthodox church on top of a hill. The church has the best view for miles: not only can you see across the city and across the Volga, but also across the neighbouring countryside. The slopes of the hill became impromptu stands for an extensive firework display and also gave spectators a prime view of the VE day concert, dance displays and glorified re-enactments. Never before has the Great Patriotic War (AKA WWII) looked so glamorous.