Which African countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The most visited Mediterranean country: which Mediterranean countries do tourists like

The Mediterranean Sea is considered intercontinental. It washes Europe, Africa, Asia and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar (length 65 km, minimum width 14 km). The area of ​​the water surface of the intercontinental reservoir is 2.5 million square meters. km. Average depth equal to 1540 m. Max Depth reaches 5267 m in the Ionian Sea, near the city of Pylos in southern Greece. The volume of water is 3.84 million cubic meters. km.

The length of the sea from west to east is 3800 km. The most south point The reservoir is located in Africa in the Gulf of Sirte. The northernmost in the Adriatic Sea. The western one is in Gibraltar, and the eastern one is in Iskanderun Bay (southern Turkey).

Taking into account its shape, the intercontinental reservoir is divided into 2 basins. Western from Gibraltar to Sicily, and eastern from Sicily to the coast of Syria. The minimum width of sea waters is 130 km and runs between Cape Granitola (Sicily) and Cape Bona (Tunisia). Maximum Width is equal to 1665 km between Trieste (a city in Italy) and Greater Sirte (a bay on the coast of Libya).

To the pool mediterranean sea include such seas as Marmara, Black and Azov. Communication with them is carried out through the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus. Through the Suez Canal, a huge body of water is connected to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The intercontinental reservoir itself has its own inland sea - the Adriatic. It is located between the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas. The Adriatic Sea is connected to the main waters by the Strait of Otranto, 47 km wide.

Mediterranean coast

Geography

Countries

The waters of a huge reservoir are washed by countries in which peoples with completely different cultures and mentalities live.

On the European coast there are such states as Spain (population 47.3 million people), France (66 million people), Italy (61.5 million people), Monaco (36 thousand people), Malta (453 thousand people ), Slovenia (2 million people), Croatia (4.4 million people), Bosnia and Herzegovina (3.8 million people), Montenegro (626 thousand people), Albania (2.8 million people), Greece (10.8 million people), Turkish Eastern Thrace (7.8 million people).

The following states are located on the African coast: Egypt (82.3 million people), Libya (5.6 million people), Tunisia (10.8 million people), Algeria (38 million people), Morocco (32.6 million people), Spanish Ceuta and Melilla (144 thousand people).

On the Asian coast there are such states as Turkey in Asia Minor (68.9 million people), Syria (22.5 million people), Cyprus (1.2 million people), Lebanon (4.2 million people), Israel (8 million people), Sinai peninsula Egypt (520 thousand people).

Seas

The huge reservoir has its own seas. Their names and borders were formed historically many centuries ago. Let's look at them from west to east.

Sea Alboran located in front of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is 400 km long and 200 km wide. Depth varies from 1000 to 1500 meters.

Balearic Sea washes the eastern part Iberian Peninsula. It is separated from the main body of water by the Balearic Islands. Its average depth is 770 meters.

Ligurian Sea located between the islands of Corsica and Elba. Washes France, Italy and Monaco. The average depth is 1200 meters.

Tyrrhenian Sea splashing at west coast Italy. Limited to islands such as Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. It's deep tectonic basin with a depth of 3 thousand meters.

Adriatic Sea lies between the Balkan and peninsula. Washes Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy. In the northern part, the depth of the reservoir is only a few tens of meters, but in the south it reaches 1200 meters.

ionian sea located south Adriatic Sea between the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas. It washes the shores of Crete, Peloponnese, Sicily. The average depth corresponds to 2 km.

Aegean Sea located between Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula, from the south it is bounded by the island of Crete. Connected via the Dardanelles with Sea of ​​Marmara. The depth ranges from 200 to 1000 meters.

Cretan Sea located between Crete and the Cyclades archipelago. The depth of these waters varies from 200 to 500 meters.

Libyan Sea located between Crete and North Africa. The depth of these waters reaches 2 thousand meters.

Cyprus Sea located between Asia Minor and northern African coast. This is the warmest and sunniest part of the Mediterranean. Here the depth reaches 4300 meters. This reservoir is conditionally divided into the Levantine and Cilician seas.

Mediterranean Sea on the map

Rivers

The Mediterranean Sea flows into major rivers like the Nile (the second longest river in the world), the largest Po river in Italy with a length of 652 km, Italian river Tiber with a length of 405 km, the most big river Spain Ebro (910 km) and Rhone (812 km), flowing through Switzerland and France.

Islands

There are many islands. These are Cyprus, Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesvos, Lemnos, Corfu, Chios, Samos, Kefalonia, Andros, Naxos. All of them are located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. In the central part there are such islands as Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, Cres, Korcula, Brac, Pag, Hvar. In the western part are Balearic Islands. It's 4 major islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera. Near them are small islands.

Climate

The climate is strictly specific, Mediterranean. It is characterized by hot and dry summers and mild winters. In winter, there are frequent storms and rains at sea. Dominate local winds bora and mistral. Summer is characterized by clear weather, minimal cloudiness and light precipitation. There are fogs. Sometimes there is a dusty haze, which is carried out of Africa by the sirocco wind.

The average winter temperature in the southern part of the reservoir is 14-16 degrees Celsius. In the northern part of the reservoir, it is equal to 8-10 degrees Celsius. In summer, the average temperature in the north is 22-24 degrees Celsius, and in the south, respectively, 26-30 degrees Celsius. The minimum precipitation occurs in August, and the maximum is observed in December.

View of the Mediterranean Sea from space

sea ​​level rise

Experts predict that by 2100 the level of the Mediterranean waters may rise by 30-60 cm. As a result, most of the island of Malta will disappear. 200 sq. km in the Nile Delta, which will force 500 thousand Egyptians to leave their ancestral lands. Salt levels in groundwater will increase, which will reduce the amount drinking water throughout the Mediterranean coast. In the 22nd century, the level sea ​​water may rise another 30-100 cm. This will cause significant economic, political and natural changes in the Mediterranean.

Ecology

IN last years extremely high pollution of sea water was observed. According to the UN, 650 million tons of sewage, 129 tons of mineral oils, 6 tons of mercury, 3.8 tons of lead, 36 thousand tons of phosphates were annually discharged into the Mediterranean Sea. Many sea ​​views are on the verge of destruction. This primarily concerns white-bellied seals and sea ​​turtles. At the bottom there is a huge amount of garbage. They cover most of the seabed.

Environmental problems have hit fisheries. Fish such as bluefin tuna, hake, swordfish, red mullet, sea bream are on the verge of extinction. From year to year, the size of commercial catches decreases. Tuna has been fished in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, but stocks are currently extremely low. Over the past 20 years, they have decreased by 80%.

Tourism

The unique climate, beautiful coastline, rich history and culture attract millions of tourists to the Mediterranean every year. Their number is one third of all tourists in the world. Hence the great economic importance of tourism for the region.

But large financial flows cannot justify the degradation of the marine and coastal environment. Huge crowds of tourists pollute the Mediterranean coast. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that visitors from all over the world are concentrated in areas where there is the highest level natural resources. All this causes irreparable damage to flora and fauna. Their destruction and destruction will reduce the flow of tourists. Those will begin to look for new places on the planet, where again it will be possible to destroy the unique gifts of nature with impunity.

Countries and resorts of the Mediterranean Sea: maps, photos and videos. Holidays in the Mediterranean, hotels, beaches, water temperature off the coast of resorts.

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Cradle of civilizations, bone of contention and ancient trade routes- all this is the "sea in the middle of the earth", whose waves wash the shores of 22 states, most of which have managed to derive direct tourist benefits from this remarkable neighborhood. It is on the numerous coasts of the Mediterranean Sea that the most famous world resorts are located, which are stormed every year by millions of vacationers from all over the world. The countries of two continents - Africa and Eurasia, as well as numerous islands and archipelagos provide all the conditions for a full-fledged beach holiday: though not always warm, but enough clear waters, sandy or pebbly coastline with a remarkably wide coastline, lush, fruit-bearing nature and a wealth of historical ruins in the vicinity. What is especially pleasant - rest in the Mediterranean bushes can be classified as a budget one: a little more expensive than domestic "souths" and at the same time a whole range of entertainment and so far, alas, a service level that is mostly unattainable at home.

Mediterranean countries

Let's not cheat by saying that the Mediterranean is one of those successful tourism destinations in all respects that can offer almost everything to a demanding tourist, immediately and at a glance. reasonable prices. What is there on the hospitable shores of the "Middle Sea": and vegetable rest in slippers and a bathing suit, and interesting excursions to the sights of almost any period known to historical science, and authentic items of souvenir interest, and rich opportunities for study foreign languages“with immersion”, and terribly tasty, and most importantly healthy Mediterranean cuisine, on whose dishes more than one generation of centenarians has been brought up.

Another characteristic feature of the Mediterranean, a balm for the heart of an attentive tourist, is the exceptional diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures.

Everyone will find something to their liking: praying at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem or burning through what they have acquired by “overwork” at golden parties in Monaco, inhaling the smell of eternity in the Giza Valley or listening to the chirping of cicadas on emerald Corfu, following the footsteps of the Grand Duchesses on the streets of Istanbul or looking at drowning in the red midday haze Fez.

Of the other pleasant bonuses of the direction - a short flight (you can fly to most resorts in no more than 4 hours), combined visa regime(we are talking about Schengen), which allows you to easily wave to your neighbors along the coastline for an evening, in some cases - and there are no visa formalities at all - as in Tunisia or Turkey. Among other things, the Mediterranean - the most financially accessible of the resort foreign seas - you can find a vacation here, starting from 200 EUR “from the nose”. Finally, the climate here is closest to the "universal" - bathing season from May to October, the absence of exhausting heat in summer and mild, moderately sunny winters. Of the minuses, perhaps the extraordinary popularity of the Mediterranean beaches, which, in terms of the number of bodies per square meter of area, easily outdo the Klondike of the times of the "gold rush". However, for fans solitary recreation The Mediterranean Sea has in store several secret corners, such as small Greek islands where nothing prevents us from consigning to oblivion everyday life.

Paradise is everywhere on the Mediterranean Sea. The sun shines 360 days a year, the gardens are fragrant, and the sea beckons with turquoise waters...
But still, the world fame of Cannes, Nice, Monaco and St. Tropez played a cruel joke on him. These days, these are certainly good resorts on the Mediterranean, but by no means the best. There's just too much of everything for them to still be unique. The palm today belongs to the former fishing villages, which have become a mecca for those who know a lot about relaxation. We chose 9 the best resorts Mediterranean and 1 on the Adriatic, where you should spend your holidays at least once in your life.
For the best effect from luxury vacation on the Mediterranean coast, at least rent a car, or rather charter a yacht and go on a trip.

Portofino, Italy

Portofino, one of the most beautiful places in the world, golden child Italian Riviera, spoiled by the attention of all celebrities, from Brigitte Bardot in the 60s to Berlusconi in our time. This city has long and for a long time become one of the best coastal cities on the planet, thanks to its exceptional location and incredible beauty. Gulf of Portofino looks so amazing that it has been recreated in amusement parks Disney in Tokyo, Universal in Orlando And Hibiscus Coast in New Zealand. As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery, but none of the copies come close in charm, style and magnificence to the real Portofino.

How to get there:nearest airport to Portofino is located 37 kilometers, in Genoa, where can rent a car and drive along scenic roads. How to get from Genoa to Portofino by train: first to the station Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino(From the railway station Piazza Principe in Genoa to the destination 40 minutes. Fare € 3.40), then drive 5 km by taxi or bus directly to Portofino. There is no railway station in the town itself.
You can also get from Genoa on boats company's green line Golfo Paradiso departing from the Old Port (Porto Antico and Nervi). IN summer time ships depart at 9.00 (in June - on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on holidays, in July and August - all days of the week except Monday) and 14.00. From September 1 to September 16, boats depart only at 14.00 (all days of the week except Monday), and from 17 to 30 September ships run only on weekends. From October navigation stops until April 1 (weekends only until June 1st). The cost of the trip is from € 10 one way.
But, seriously, it is most appropriate to arrive in respectable Portofino on your own yacht.

Positano, Italy

The lack of sandy beaches on the Amalfi Coast that others have resort towns, fully bathed by picturesque views coastal rocks. The city has many luxurious hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy a cocktail (or four) on the terraces with amazing views of the coast.

How to get there:nearest airport to Positano is in Naples, 60 kilometers from paradise. Most best way get to Positano rental car. If you do not drive a car, then there are two ways: by sea and by land, but both with transfers in Sorrento.
By sea: From Naples 5 times a day (from 9.00 to 17.15) heading off Ferry Alilauro in Sorrento. Travel time 45 minutes, ticket price € 13.30. By land: by train to Sorrento from Naples can be reached within an hour. Flights depart every 30 minutes. The first train leaves at 6.09, the last at 21.39. The cost of the trip is € 4.10. You can also get from Naples airport via Sorrento to Positano by bus SITA.

Where to live: The luxury of the hotel is perfectly combined with the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is built into a rocky ledge that rises above the sea, and the elevator from the hall lowers guests directly to a private beach, where it is likely to meet a modern-day Porfirio Rubirosa courting another millionaire.

Taormina, Italy

located on east coast The Sicily city of Taormina is often referred to as a model of the southern Italian seaside town. Home to a multitude of poets and artists, and just as many rakes and dudes, Taormina is a slice of the creative life that the region has been known for over the past 60 years.

How to get there: by train or bus. Travel time is no more than an hour. The cost of the trip is €3.95, one way.

Port Grimaud, France

Conceived in the 1960s as "Provencal Venice" architect Francois Sperry, Port Grimaud took canals and islands from the Italian prototype, but designed them in a much more exotic form. Located half way between Saint Tropez and Frejus, Port Grimaud has become a favorite among some of the wealthiest yacht owners. In fact, many of the city's 4,000 residents own small boats, usually parked right under their windows, so that the owner can use the yacht whenever he wants.

How to get there: on your own yacht - the easiest and convenient way. Method two: by car from Marseille or Nice. In the first case, you will have to drive about 150 kilometers, in the second - 100. The road will take about two hours.
On public transport from Marseille airport (platform number 4, company LER) in Port Grimaud from June 29 to September 1 can be reached by shuttle (4 days a week: 2 flights on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 1 flight on Sunday. Fare € 24.20). For the rest of the year, you will have to travel from Marseille first by train to Saint-Raphael (trains depart every hour from 5.29 to 20.01, travel time 1 hour 40 minutes. The cost of the trip is from 25 euros), then transfer to Saint Tropez and from there 7 kilometers by taxi or bus to Port Grimaud. Therefore, either

Abruzzo, Italy

Although Abruzzo region located on the shores of the Adriatic, not the Mediterranean, its cities and villages are imbued with the spirit of the Mediterranean, plus 21 ski resort V local mountains makes this place equally attractive both in winter and in summer, which is really rare. Traveling around Abruzzo, be sure to visit its capital, L'Aquila, and dine at the classic Ernesto restaurant (Piazza Palazzo, 22). The institution deserves to be recommended to friends; the brick walls of the building are reminiscent of the heyday of Rome in the 1950s and the Bonvians rushing east from the capital to Abruzzo.

Today, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of 22 countries. Considering that the states of the Mediterranean Sea are located in the subtropical climate zone, excellent conditions for the creation of resort bases are being created. Today mediterranean coast is a favorite place for most tourists from all over the world.

Mediterranean cruises are an opportunity to see past eras with your own eyes, visiting the monuments of antiquity, the masterpieces of the Middle Ages and the outstanding creations of our time. Every day of such a journey brings new impressions, new states of the Mediterranean Sea: the sandy beaches of Tunisia and Malta, ancient Pompeii and formidable Vesuvius, the leaning tower in Pisa, the wide boulevards of Nice and Barcelona, ​​the canals of Venice and the museums of Florence.

Cruises most often pass through European mediterranean countries. Tourists visit Italy - the country of the sun and wine, spaghetti and olive oil, high fashion and masterpieces of world architecture. And after a busy journey through her famous cities you can rest on sunny beaches islands of Sardinia or stroll through the gardens and olive groves of picturesque Sicily.

Beauty Spain - another one mediterranean country- a picturesque area with upscale resorts, rich nature and ancient cities. And of course, sea ​​cruises in the Mediterranean are not complete without visiting Mallorca and Ibiza.

In France, every city is a monument of culture or historical Museum, winemaking center or luxury resort. Paris, Nice, Cannes, Bordeaux, Marseille, Avignon - sights here are found at every step. The landscapes of the country are no less picturesque: the snow-white peaks of the Alps, beautiful beaches Atlantic and Mediterranean, medieval castles, vast vineyards and charming old distilleries.
Malta is another amazing country included in many Mediterranean cruises. It's a contrasting island northeast coast which is densely populated, but almost lifeless South coast breaks off with sheer cliffs to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Here is Valletta - a medieval walled city, one of the few remaining in Europe.

Morocco is a Mediterranean country that brings an oriental touch to cruises in the western Mediterranean. It is located at the crossroads of European and Islamic cultures and lies on the border of the greenest mountains of Africa and largest desert peace.

The African countries of the Mediterranean region are no less colorful. For example, Tunisia is one of the world's oldest resorts with many historical monuments, sandy beaches and dynamically developing tourism infrastructure. In addition to traditional beach holidays and modern hotels, Tunisia is an ancient oriental architecture, unusual cuisine and numerous colorful markets.

Almost all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea have their own famous resorts. Most of all, Russians love countries Balkan Peninsula. The resorts of Montenegro and Croatia stand out especially.

Montenegro is a Mediterranean country famous for its resorts. Ada Boyana - south beach country, with a total length of 3.8 kilometers. The beach is covered the best sand throughout the Adriatic. The island of Ada Bojana has a triangular shape. From two sides, the coast of the island is washed by the Bojana River, and from the third - by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. On the island you can find excellent hotels, good fun - everything your heart desires. resort town Becici is another pride of Montenegro. The local resort is famous for its delightful Mediterranean nature, and the 2-kilometer golden pebble beach known all over the world.

Another Mediterranean country - Croatia, also has something to boast about. In particular, these are the beaches of Brela. Here the water is so clear that you can see the bottom even at a depth of 50 meters. By far the most popular resort in Croatia, which in 2004 became the sixth in the world and the first in Europe.

Today states Eastern Mediterranean made great strides in development tourism infrastructure. The beaches of Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece annually attract tens of millions of tourists. But, for example, to Lebanon or Syria, tourists are not in a hurry to go.
If you want to have a royal rest, then the city of Limassol (Cyprus) is already waiting for you.

If you want to diversify your vacation, then in addition to already famous resorts in Greece, Turkey or Italy, you can go to Algeria or Libya. Now countries are actively equipping their resort beaches. Certainly they have potential.

Countries of the Mediterranean basin, traditions and cultures of different peoples, architecture of different eras, endless sea ​​spaces, picturesque islands and the hot sun - all these are sea cruises in the Mediterranean, allowing you to see such different and such distant countries in a short time.



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Definitely for lovers comfortable rest created cruise ships and developed special routes and entertainment programs on board. Having bought such a cruise, you will not need anything! Your ship will carry you through the waves like a floating luxury hotel.


Everyone in school read ancient Greek legends. And if I didn’t read avidly, then I clearly heard the names of gods and heroes. A trip to Rhodes can completely immerse you in the atmosphere of past millennia, give you a chance for a miracle. Perhaps you will be lucky! Take a chance!


If you are going to New Year's tour on the Mediterranean Sea, be sure to include Greece in your itinerary. Holidays in this country will give you a feeling of an ongoing miracle, which is so important to feel at this time of the year for both adults and children.


Another country in the Mediterranean that you should definitely visit on a cruise is Israel. The Promised Land will amaze a traveler of any religion with its inner grandeur, and visiting religious shrines will be interesting not only for believers.

From the school geography curriculum, we know that the Mediterranean Sea is the largest sea in terms of area. Crossing from south to north, the Mediterranean Sea has a length of 1600 kilometers, and from east to west - 3700 kilometers. Climatic conditions the beauty of nature on the beaches of the Mediterranean creates ideal conditions for unforgettable holiday. The sea is located in a very favorable place on the Earth, which was the reason for such a dense settlement of its shores. The beaches of the Mediterranean belong to such countries as Israel and Lebanon, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania and Yugoslavia, Libya and Egypt, Morocco and Algeria, Tunisia.

The Mediterranean Sea, through other seas and straits, is connected to Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the sea connects the Strait of Gibraltar with the ocean, and in its northeastern part the Mediterranean Sea is in contact with the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Black Sea through the Bosphorus.


The Mediterranean Sea has two large depressions - eastern and western. The eastern depression is somewhat smaller than the western one, has a higher salinity and a higher temperature - 16 - 27 C o, western depression a little deeper, the salinity of the water in it is reduced, and the temperature is also reduced and is - 12 - 24 C o. Among the huge number of Mediterranean islands, most of them have volcanic origin. The most famous are Crete and Cyprus, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, Malta and Corsica.

The Mediterranean Sea in terms of total salinity of water ranks third after the Dead and Red Seas. A tangible difference will be felt if you visit, for example, the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.


enjoy increased popularity among tourists, especially a frequently visited country is Turkey. The beaches of Turkey attract vacationers all year round, and travel agencies constantly sells last-minute tours to this country.

Turkey has long been a symbol inexpensive vacation for a Russian tourist and what especially attracts a person from Russia is the famous all-inclusive recreation system. Definitely anyone will love it a large number of sun, warm and gentle waters of the Mediterranean, clean beaches with palm trees, as well as a huge variety of exotic fruits and oriental sweets.


Greece is also very popular among travelers. This country beckons with romance ancient world, whose monuments are so numerous in Greece. The aromas of the Mediterranean Sea are closely intertwined with the dust of centuries in this place, and the beaches of Greece are an example of cleanliness and organization. coastal recreation, as well as the beaches of Israel.

Greece is one of the most interesting countries in the plans of excursions, visiting which you can learn a lot interesting facts from the history. The nature of this country is diverse. From each peak of the coastal mountain, a completely new picture opens up. And why is there an island called Santorini, where, due to a volcanic eruption that took place many thousands of years ago, there were beaches covered with red and black sand.


Another country that cannot be ignored when describing the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea is hot Spain. While in Spain, you can appreciate the crystal clear Atlantic waters, soak up the magnificent beaches, admire the become mountain ranges and feel the closeness of Africa. Most of young people prefer trips to Ibiza, the center of electronic music, to everything else. Spain's beaches are different big amount rocks, combined with desert places. Quiet bays and in some places pines growing almost near the water's edge.


If your holiday in the Mediterranean takes place on the island of Cyprus, then in order to get all the pleasure from your holiday, it is worth visiting seaside resort, the pearl of the beaches of Cyprus - Ayia Napa. This name, translated from Greek, means "Sacred Forest". Ayia Napa, which in a couple of decades has turned from a small fishing village into the most popular resort The Mediterranean Sea is undoubtedly worthy of trust and respect.