Perhaps the most amazing and unusual sea on the planet is the Mediterranean. It separates three different but at the same time serves as a meeting place for a wide variety of cultures, nations and religions. Which countries wash the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and which of them do tourists most like to come to? You will learn about this from our most interesting article.
Mediterranean: history and geography of the region
What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? What famous cities are located on its shores? Before answering these questions, you need to study in detail the geography and history of the region.
Mediterranea - this is the name of the Mediterranean in English. This historic region occupies the entire basin of the same sea - the cradle of European and Arab shipping. The most ancient civilizations and powers arose on its shores - Phenicia, Ancient Hellas, Roman Empire. The latter at one time controlled the entire region. What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea today?
The total area of \u200b\u200bthe region, according to various scholars, ranges from 4 to 5 million square kilometers. The states of two continents and three parts of the world are located on its territory.
What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Largest cities
Geographically, culturally and mentally, the Mediterranean is divided into three zones (parts): European, Asian and African.
So, what countries is the Mediterranean Sea washing with its waters? These include 21 independent states. These are Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Malta (the island republic, located directly in the water area), Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
The unrecognized countries of Palestine and Northern Cyprus also have access to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as two overseas territories of Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri and Dhekelia).
What cities is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? On the shores of its waters are thousands of settlements. Among the largest and most famous cities in the Mediterranean are the following: Barcelona, \u200b\u200bMarseille, Cannes, Genoa, Napoli, Dubrovnik, Athens, Istanbul, Antalya, Alexandria, Tripoli.
Mediterranean structure: islands, archipelagos, seas
Scientists claim that the Mediterranean Sea is nothing but a relic of an ancient reservoir of planetary proportions - the Tethys Ocean. The Black, Caspian and Aral Seas are also its remnants.
The modern Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow one. It passes between two high cliffs, called in ancient times. A curious fact: in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, hydrographs distinguish a whole series of smaller seas. For example, on the maps of this part of the planet you can find the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Cyprus and others.
What bathes the Mediterranean Sea? Several large Apennine, Iberian, deeply penetrate into its water area. In the waters of the Mediterranean there are also a large number of islands of various sizes. And almost every one of them is very attractive for tourists. It is worth mentioning some of the most famous islands of the Mediterranean: Crete, Malta, Sicily, Rhodes, Ibiza and Mallorca.
Synthesis of cultures and peoples
"The sea in the middle of the Earth" - that is how it was called in ancient times. This geographical toponym, having slightly transformed, has survived to the present day. Indeed, it was here that, over the centuries, various peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations met. As a result, a unique ethnocultural situation has formed in the Mediterranean.
Already in the third millennium BC, the so-called Aegean civilization arose here, which consisted of several cultures and was complicated by Sumerian influences. Mixed ethnic groups could be observed within the state of Carthage. Even later, a synthesis of European and Eastern traditions formed a powerful power here - Byzantium.
Thus, cultural syncretism is more than characteristic of the Mediterranean region. It is this fact that makes it overly popular among tourists from all over the world.
Tourism in the Mediterranean
The countries of the Mediterranean Sea annually visit tens of thousands of tourists from different parts of our planet. The attractiveness of this region is further enhanced by the fact that it is completely located within the mild subtropical climate.
Of course, the best way to experience the Mediterranean is a cruise vacation. It allows you to visit several countries and dozens of interesting cities. During such a cruise, a tourist can personally see how the monuments are combined with the creations of modernity.
In the Mediterranean, tourists most often visit Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Croatia.
Holidays in Turkey
Each of the Mediterranean countries boasts its first-class resorts. And the most famous resort country in this region is, of course, Turkey!
This state today has been very successful in developing its tourism infrastructure. Resting here is both interesting and very comfortable. Moreover, Turkey is ready to offer relaxation for every taste and size of the wallet.
Excellent hotels, wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine and acquaintance with vibrant local culture - this is what awaits every tourist who decides to visit Turkey. In addition, in a very short time you can see many interesting sights here.
What cities of Turkey is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? It is the largest metropolis in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Mersin.
Spain and Italy
In the western part of the region is the state of Spain. Tourists appreciate this Mediterranean country for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature, sunny first-class resorts and ancient monuments of architecture. Not a single cruise, as a rule, bypasses Mallorca and Ibiza. But real architecture lovers should definitely visit the city of Barcelona.
Another European Mediterranean state is Italy. The country of the sun, pizza and spaghetti attracts a huge number of foreign tourists. Lovers of unity with pristine nature go to Sicily, but lovers of cultural and historical monuments - to Rome. Here is also located the world-famous center of haute couture - the city of Milan.
Balkan countries of the Mediterranean
Five have access to the Mediterranean Sea at once. And they all have tremendous tourist potential.
The most attractive of the Balkan countries for tourists is Croatia. Even 20 years ago, she fought for her independence, and today already receives thousands of tourists every year. Vacationers are struck by the unique purity of sea water in Croatia and the huge number of coastal islands.
Montenegro is also famous for its excellent resorts. In particular, 3.8 kilometers long Ada Bojana Beach boasts the cleanest sand in the entire Adriatic.
Albania is also gaining popularity among tourists. This country benefits from its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary colorfulness. Only in Albania, you can enjoy chic local cuisine in an abandoned concrete bunker of the last century!
African countries of the Mediterranean
Of course, tourists and African states of this region do not bypass. Egypt has long gained the fame of a resort and tourist country. But even countries such as Libya and Algeria are actively equipping their resorts and cities for potential recreants.
Cruise ships are sailing more and more to the ports of Morocco. This state, right at the junction of east and west, Islamic and European cultures, a priori is of interest to tourists.
Tunisia is another Mediterranean state on whose territory a large number of historical and architectural monuments, museums with ancient artifacts have been preserved. And after a rich cultural program, a tourist here will also be able to fully relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Another feature of Tunisia is its colorful and colorful markets.
Finally...
Now you know how many countries the Mediterranean Sea is washing. There are 21 of them. The Mediterranean is a unique and very attractive region for tourists. First of all, they strive to get to Turkey, Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Croatia. Indeed, in these countries there are a lot of attractions, and the infrastructure is in perfect order.
The Mediterranean Sea is a unique pool that divides three continents. Mediterranean states include countries in the European Union, Asia and Africa. For tourists, the Mediterranean is always associated with a mild climate, warm water, delicious food and good relaxation. The area of \u200b\u200bthis world's largest sea is more than 3 million square meters. km, and it includes the Black Sea, Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara and the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov. Consider which countries wash the waters of the Mediterranean and where it is better to relax according to interests.
It is washed by 21 states. All these countries are located on the gentle coasts of the largest sea in the world, and the coastal zone of these countries is characterized by well-maintained beaches and warm gentle waters. Consider where the Mediterranean Sea is located on the world map with countries around it. The resorts of the following countries are located on the Mediterranean coastline:
- Morocco - Tangier and Saidia.
- Spain -, Almeria, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bCartagena, Ibiza,.
- Algeria - Bejaya, Oran, Annaba.
- France - Cote d'Azur, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Corsica.
- Tunisia - Kelibia, Monastir, Bizerte.
- Italy - Alghero, Sardinia, Syracuse.
- Libya - Tripoli, Kufra, Misrata, Ubari, Tobruk.
- Monaco - The entire state is one whole resort.
- Egypt - Alexandria, Dellis, El Alamen, Baltim.
- Malta - Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, Bugiba.
- Israel - Nahariya, Haifa, Ashdod, Acre, Herzliya.
- Slovenia - Portoroz, Isoloa.
- Lebanon - June, Tyr.
- Croatia - Dalmatia, Istria.
- Syria - Latakia, Badrouseikh, Al-Samra.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina - Neum.
- Turkey - Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Belek.
- Montenegro - Budva, Milocer, Petrovac.
- Cyprus - Larnaca, Limassol, Protaras, Tuscany.
- Albania - Vlora, Himara, Saranda.
- Greece - Crete, Kythira, Methoni, Rhodes.
Also, countries on the Mediterranean Sea have access to sunny beaches such as the Palestinian State and the Northern Region of Cyprus, as well as Dakelia, Gibraltar and Akrotiri. Undoubtedly, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy and France are recognized as the most favorite among tourists from this list of states. It is here that beach lovers from all over the world aspire, because the best beaches and resort areas are equipped here.
The depth of the Mediterranean Sea is quite diverse and depends on the region. Conventionally, the Mediterranean can be divided into three main basins - the western, central and eastern. What depth in each of the pools is visible on the depth map, because the bottom topography of such a huge reservoir is different in structure in each region. The maximum depth is observed in southern Greece in a deep trench and is 5120 m. However, the average depth of the Mediterranean Sea does not exceed 1540 m.
The length and width of the Mediterranean Sea is not indicated exactly, the fact is that the basin is constantly changing its boundaries and it is almost impossible to calculate the exact values. The length of the Mediterranean Sea from the northernmost to the southernmost section is approximately 3200 km, and from the western to the easternmost point 1200 km. The total area is 2,500 sq. Km. The water temperature in the winter months is 12 ° C, and in the high summer season 25 ° C.
An interesting fact, scientists believe that the Mediterranean basin is nothing more than the remains of the ancient prehistoric oceanic basin of Tethys, which covered the main part of the planet with water. In addition to the Mediterranean, these remains also include the Black Sea, the Aral and the Caspian. Today, the Mediterranean is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a strait called Gibraltar, it is known to everyone, but not many people know that this strait passes between the two rocks that were on Earth back in the days of ancient heroes and were then called the Hercules Pillars.
To understand what is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, you should look at the geographical images of the planet. On satellite imagery and paper maps, you can see that the four largest peninsulas crashed into the waters of the Mediterranean, these are the Apennine, Balkan, Iberian Peninsulas and Asia Minor. Also in the Mediterranean, there is an accumulation of the largest islands, which are also loved by tourists, in the first place are Sicily, Ibiza, Crete, Malta and Rhodes.
Mediterranean Sea surrounded by earth on all sides. Just looking at the map is enough to agree with such a judgment. This was still known ancient Greek scholars.
- Countries and Islands
- Countries
- The islands
- Eastern Mediterranean
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Features of geographical location and climate
The mediterranean sea named for good reason, from all sides it touches with the continents.
Nowhere else in the world has this been found large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean only by a tiny, for such a scale, jumper - The Strait of Gibraltar.
Sea in its own way geographic location located between: Asia, Europe, Africa.
Total area - 2,500 square kilometers. The maximum depth is 5 121 meters.
It is connected by canals and straits with Black, Red and Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara.
Concerning bottom relief, then he has everything typical of the sea features:
Part The Mediterranean Sea includes and inland seas:
- Aegean;
- Alboran;
- Adriatic;
- Balearic;
- Ionic;
- Ligurian;
- Tyrrhenian.
If you are going to relax on the Adriatic Sea, find out detailed information about its resorts from this article.
In winter the weather is very changeable, regularly storms happen, and pass heavy rainfall. Temperature drops significantly due to influence northerly winds.
In summer observed here dry fog and a small amount precipitation.
Tourists massively come in these places closer to mid-summer. By July the reservoir warms up to +27 degrees.
Countries and Islands
To the Mediterranean vast territories of countries and islands belong. Here are some examples of them below.
Countries
- Turkey. Here are the resorts that are very fond of Russian tourists. Most staff speak in Russian, which simplifies holidays in a foreign country for our tourists. There are many excellent the beachesinexpensive of hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens. The reservoir is washed by the following major Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir.
- Italy. It is located in the west of the Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza and spaghettias well as enjoy warm sun. Resort cities are considered Rome, Sicily and Milan.
- Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona and Majorca - These are exactly the settlements where travelers come who want to have fun and have a good time. Especially it concerns youthloving noisy parties.
- Croatia. Country attractive for tourists, first of all, rapidly gaining momentum yachting. For this, the state allocates multi-million investment.
- Montenegro. Especially worth a look at the beach Ada Boyana. Here clear sandthat can only be found throughout Adriatic. In addition, tourism is actively developing among nudists.
- Albania. Chic kitchenbeautiful landscapes - This is how local resorts are characterized.
- Morocco. Intersect here european and islamic traditions and cultures. This fact attracts tourists. According to statistics, people also come here to look at cultural attractions. Especially popular Casablanca.
- Tunisia. Ancient museumsmysterious artifacts, monuments memorable architectures markets - at local resorts which only does not occur miracles.
Italy is a great place to relax not only in summer but also in winter. Read about this country's winter resorts here.
In ancient times, it was believed that the Mediterranean Sea is located in the center of the world. Roman natives called him Inland Sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.
The islands
In the Mediterranean also a bunch of big and small the islandsinteresting for travelers. Among them stand out:
- Jerba. Located in the north Of Africa. From the ancient Arabic language is translated as "Wheat city". The island is mentioned in the famous Odyssey Homer. Pink flamingos, ancient synagogue, fireballslocal delicious rice- You just can’t miss this if you find yourself on Djerba.
- Sardinia. Located next to Dagger and Sicily. Archaeologists constantly find here various tombs and ziggurats. These are the main attractions of the island.
- Volcano. Tourists come here to see the many volcanic craters.
Scientists have foundthat because of the catastrophic floodsthat happened 5.3 million years ago, just filling has occurred The Mediterranean Sea. In two years formed such a large water pool!
Eastern Mediterranean
Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the shores of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this opinion is wrong. If you approach this issue in terms of geography and look at the map, it turns out that the Eastern Mediterranean includes:
Decided to relax in Cyprus? Find out what others think of island hotels from this article.
Pros and cons of relaxing on the Mediterranean
In the Mediterranean ideal to relax in September. At this time already heat subsideswhile the water remains warm. An additional plus is that the reservoir contains a large amount healthy salts and no dangerous poisonous plants and animals.
Can inspect attractions completely different countries of the world and get to know their the culture. After all, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of a good half continents of the world.
The resorts of the Mediterranean are very developed health resort infrastructure. Therefore people suffering diseases of various genesis, can effortlessly find a place for rest and recreation.
Cons are absent. Unless, of course, not to consider a scorching summer sun as a disadvantage.
One of the largest seas in size. The adjective "Mediterranean" is widely used in describing peoples, countries, climate, vegetation; for many, the concept of "Mediterranean" is associated with a special way of life or with a whole period in the history of mankind.
It divides Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also closely linked Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. The length of this sea from west to east is approx. 3700 km, and from north to south (at the widest point) - approx. 1600 km. On the northern coast are Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. A number of Asian countries come to the sea from the east - Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Finally, on the south coast are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The area of \u200b\u200bthe Mediterranean Sea is 2.5 million square meters. km, and since only narrow straits connect it with other bodies of water, it can be considered an inland sea.
In the west, through the Strait of Gibraltar, 14 km wide and up to 400 m deep, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait, tapering in places to 1.3 km, connects it with the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara and through the Bosphorus Strait - with the Black Sea. In the southeast, an artificial structure - the Suez Canal - connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red. These three narrow waterways have always been of great importance for trade, navigation and strategic purposes. At different times they were controlled - or sought to control - by the British, French, Turks and Russians. The Romans of the Roman Empire called the Mediterranean Sea mare nostrum ("our sea").
Coastline The Mediterranean Sea heavily indented, and numerous protrusions of land divide it into many semi-insulated water areas with their own names. These seas include: Ligurian, located south of the Riviera and north of Corsica; The Tyrrhenian Sea, enclosed between peninsular Italy, Sicily and Sardinia; The Adriatic Sea, washing the coast of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania; The Ionian Sea between Greece and southern Italy; Cretan Sea between the island of Crete and peninsular Greece; Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. A number of large bays are also distinguished, for example, Alicante - off the eastern coast of Spain; Lyonsky - off the southern coast of France; Taranto - between two southern ledges of the Apennine Peninsula; Antalya and Iskenderun - off the southern coast of Turkey; Sidra - in the central part of the coast of Libya; Gabes and Tunisian - respectively, off the southeastern and northeastern shores of Tunisia.
Modern is a relic of the ancient ocean of Tethys, which was much wider and extended far to the east. The relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara seas, confined to its deepest depressions. Tethys was probably once completely surrounded by land, and an isthmus existed between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the Strait of Gibraltar. The same land bridge connected southeastern Europe with Asia Minor. It is possible that the Bosporus, Dardanelles and Gibraltar straits formed on the site of flooded river valleys, and many island chains, especially in the Aegean Sea, connected to the mainland.
In the Mediterranean Sea, western and eastern basins are distinguished. The border between them is drawn through the Calabrian ledge of the Apennine Peninsula, Sicily and the underwater Adventure Bank (up to 400 m deep), stretched almost 150 km from Sicily to Cape Bon in Tunisia. Within both depressions, even smaller ones, usually bearing the names of the corresponding seas, are distinguished, for example, the Aegean, Adriatic and others. The water in the western depression is a little colder and drier than in the eastern: in the west, the average temperature of the surface layer is approx. 12 ° C in February and 24 ° C in August, and in the east - 17 ° C and 27 ° C, respectively. One of the coldest and most stormy areas The Mediterranean Sea is the Gulf of Lyon. Sea salinity varies widely, as less saline water comes from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar.
The tides here are low, but quite significant in very narrow straits and bays, especially during the full moon. However, quite strong currents are observed in the straits, directed both to and from the Mediterranean Sea. Evaporation is higher than in the Atlantic Ocean or in the Black Sea, therefore, surface currents appear in the straits that carry more fresh water into the Mediterranean Sea. At a depth below these surface currents, countercurrents occur, but they do not compensate for the influx of water at the surface.
Bottom The Mediterranean Sea in many places is composed of yellow carbonate silt, below which lies blue silt. Near the mouths of large rivers, blue silts overlap with deltaic deposits, which occupy a large area. Depths The Mediterranean Sea very different: the highest elevation - 5121 m - was recorded in the Gallen deepwater trench at the southern tip of Greece. The average depth of the western basin is 1430 m, and its shallowest part - the Adriatic Sea - has an average depth of only 242 m.
Above the common bottom surface The Mediterranean Sea significant areas of dissected relief rise in places, the peaks of which form islands. Many (although not all) of them are of volcanic origin. Among the islands we note, for example, Alboran, located east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and a group of Balearic Islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera) east of the Iberian Peninsula; mountainous Corsica and Sardinia - to the west of the Apennine Peninsula, as well as a number of small islands in the same area - Elba, Pontian, Ischia and Capri; and north of Sicily - Stromboli and Lipari. Within the East Mediterranean Basin is located the island of Malta (south of Sicily), and further east - Crete and Cyprus. In the Ionian, Cretan and Aegean seas, small islands are numerous; among them are the Ionian - west of mainland Greece, the Cyclades - east of the Peloponnese and Rhodes Peninsula - off the southwestern coast of Turkey.
Large rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea: Ebro (in Spain); Rhone (in France); Arno, Tiber and Volturno (in Italy). The Po and Taglimento rivers (in Italy) and Isonzo (on the border of Italy and Slovenia) flow into the Adriatic Sea. The Vardar River (in Greece and Macedonia), Struma, or Strimon, and Mesta, or Nestos (in Bulgaria and Greece) belong to the Aegean Sea basin. The largest river in the Mediterranean Nile basin is the only large river flowing into this sea from the south.
The Mediterranean Sea is famous for its tranquility and beauty, but, like other seas, in certain seasons it can be stormy, and then big waves crash on the coast. Since ancient times, the Mediterranean attracts people with a favorable climate. The term “Mediterranean” itself is used to refer to a climate with long hot, clear and dry summers and short cool and humid winters. Many coastal areas The Mediterranean Sea, especially southern and eastern, semi-arid and arid climate features are inherent. In particular, semiaridity with an abundance of clear sunny days is considered typical of the Mediterranean climate. However, in winter there are many cold days when a humid cold wind brings rain, drizzle and sometimes snow.
The Mediterranean is also famous for the attractiveness of its landscapes. Especially picturesque are the French and Italian Riviera, the vicinity of Naples, the Adriatic coast of Croatia with numerous islands, the coast of Greece and Lebanon, where the steep slopes of the mountains approach the sea itself. Important trade routes passed through the main islands of the eastern Mediterranean and culture spread - from the Middle East, Egypt and Crete to Greece, Rome, Spain and France; another route ran along the southern coast of the sea — from Egypt to Morocco.
Vegetation and wildlife The Mediterranean Sea characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails related. the small number of larger animals that eat them, including fish. The number of phytoplankton in the surface horizons is only 8-10 mg / m ?, at a depth of 1000-2000 m it is 10-20 times less. Algae are very diverse (peridinea and diatoms predominate).
Fauna The Mediterranean Sea characterized by great species diversity, however, the number of representatives of Dep. species is small. There are kaki, one species of seals (white-bellied seal); sea \u200b\u200bturtle. 550 species of fish (sharks, mackerel, herring, anchovy, mullet, corifen, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including stingrays, species of hamsa, gobies, pestilence. dogs, a sponge and needle fish. Of the edible mollusks, oysters, Mediterranean-Black Sea mussels, and sea dates are of greatest importance. Of invertebrates, octopuses, squids, sepia, crabs, and spiny lobsters are common; numerous species of jellyfish, siphonophore; in some areas, especially in the Aegean Sea, sponges and red coral live.
Coastal countries of the Mediterranean Sea:
- Spain
- France
- Monaco
- Italy
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Bosnia
- Albania
- Greece
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Georgia
- Turkey
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Israel
- Egypt
- Libya
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Morocco
Largest islands of the Mediterranean:
- Balearic
- Corsica
- Sardinia
- Sicily