Mediterranean Sea: description, history, interesting facts. Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Favorite Mediterranean countries among tourists

In the Mediterranean Sea, the following seas are distinguished as its constituent parts: Adriatic, Alboran, Balearic, Ionian, Cyprus, Cretan, Levantine, Libyan, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Aegean. In the pool mediterranean sea also includes the Marmara, Black and Azov Seas.

Name

5 million years ago, as a result of a colossal earthquake, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean broke through the Strait of Gibraltar and flooded the Mediterranean.

Physiographical sketch

The Mediterranean Sea is located between Europe, Africa and Asia.

The area is 2500 thousand km².

The volume of water is 3839 thousand km³.

The average depth is 1541 m, the maximum is 5121 m (Central Basin).

The shores of the Mediterranean Sea near the mountainous coasts are predominantly abrasive, leveled; near the low coasts they are lagoon-estuary and deltaic; For east coast The Adriatic Sea is characterized by shores of the Dalmatian type.

The most significant gulfs are: Valencia, Lyon, Genoa, Taranto, Sidra (Great Sirte), Gabes (Little Sirte).

The large rivers Ebro, Rhone, Tiber, Po, Nile and others flow into the Mediterranean Sea; their total annual flow is about 430 km³.

coastal countries

The Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of 21 UN member states:

Europe(west to east): Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey (Eastern Thrace);
Asia(from north to south): Turkey (Asia Minor), Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt (Sinai Peninsula);
Africa(from east to west): Egypt (African part), Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Spain (Ceuta, Melilla and others);
as well as three territories of a different status: the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Gibraltar and the Gaza Strip.

inland seas

St. George's Bay or Beirut Bay in Beirut, Lebanon
Cape Ras Ibn Nani in Latakia, Syria
Cape Ras al-Bassit in Northern Syria
Bay of Minet el Beida ("White Harbour") near ancient Ugarit, Syria
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea and separates Spain from Morocco
The Bay of Gibraltar at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula
Gulf of Corinth between the Peloponnese and Central Greece
Gulf of Pagasetia, a bay in Volos, south of the Thermaic Gulf, formed by the peninsula of Mount Pelion
Saronic Gulf, a bay in Athens, between the Corinth Canal and the Myrtoian Sea
Thermaikos Gulf, a bay in Thessaloniki located in the northern Greek region of Macedonia
Kvarner Bay, Croatia
Gulf of Lion in southern France
Gulf of Valencia in eastern Spain
Strait of Messina between Sicily and Calabria (Italy)
Gulf of Genoa in northwestern Italy
Gulf of Venice in northeastern Italy
Gulf of Trieste between Northeast Italy and Slovenia
Gulf of Taranto in southern Italy
Gulf of Salerno in southwest Italy
Gulf of Gaetana in southwest Italy
Gulf of Squillace in southern Italy
Strait of Otranto between Italy and Albania
Haifa Bay in northern Israel
Gulf of Sidra between Tripolitania (western Libya) and Cyrenaica (eastern Libya)
Strait of Tunis between Sicily and Tunisia
Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica
Iskenderun Bay between Iskenderun and Adana (Türkiye)
Gulf of Antalya between western and eastern shores Antalya (Türkiye)
Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro and southwestern Croatia
Strait of Malta between Sicily and Malta
Strait of Gozo between the island of Malta and Gozo

Geological structure and bottom topography

Geomorphologically, the Mediterranean Sea can be divided into 3 basins: Western - Algerian-Provencal basin with maximum depth over 2800 m, combining the depressions of the Alboran, Balearic and Ligurian seas, as well as the depression of the Tyrrhenian Sea - over 3600 m; Central - over 5100 m (Central basin and depressions of the Adriatic and Ionian seas) and Eastern - Levantine, about 4380 m (depressions of the Levantine, Aegean and Marmara seas).

The bottom of some basins is covered with Neogene-anthropogenic strata (in the Balearic and Ligurian Seas up to 5-7 km thick) of sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Among the Messinian (Upper Miocene) deposits of the Algerian-Provence Basin, a significant role belongs to the salt-bearing evaporite strata (over 1.5-2 km thick), forming structures characteristic of salt tectonics. Along the sides and in the center of the Tyrrhenian Basin there are several large faults with extinct and active volcanoes; some of them form large underwater mountains (Aeolian Islands, Marsiglia volcano, Vavilova, etc.). Volcanoes along the outskirts of the basin (in the Tuscan archipelago, on the Pontine Islands, Vesuvius, and the Aeolian Islands) erupt acidic and alkaline lavas, volcanoes in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea - deeper, basic lavas (basalts).

Part of the Central and Eastern (Levantine) basins are filled with sedimentary strata, including thick products of river outflows, especially the Nile. At the bottom of these basins, according to geophysical research, the Hellenic deep-sea trench and the Central Mediterranean Shaft are identified - a large arch up to 500-800 m high. Along the foot of the continental slope of Cyrenaica, the Libyan Trench can be traced, very clearly expressed in relief and weakly filled with sediments. The basins of the Mediterranean Sea are very different in the time of their formation. A significant part of the Eastern (Levantine) basin was formed in the Mesozoic, the Algerian-Provencal basin - from the end of the Oligocene - the beginning of the Miocene, some basins of the Mediterranean Sea - in the beginning - mid-Miocene, Pliocene. At the end of the Miocene (Messinian Age), shallow basins already existed over most of the Mediterranean Sea. The depth of the Algerian-Provencal basin during the deposition of salts in the Messinian Age was about 1-1.5 km. The salts accumulated as a result of strong evaporation and brine concentration due to the influx of sea water into a closed body of water through a strait that existed south of Gibraltar.

The modern depths of the Tyrrhenian Trench were formed as a result of bottom subsidence during the Pliocene and Anthropocene periods (over the last 5 million years); As a result of the same relatively rapid subsidence, several other basins arose. The formation of the basins of the Mediterranean Sea is associated either with the stretching (pulling apart) of the continental crust, or with the processes of compaction of the earth's crust and its subsidence. In some areas of the basins, processes of geosynclinal development continue. The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many parts is promising for searching for oil and gas deposits, especially in the area of distribution of salt domes. In shelf zones, oil and gas deposits are confined to Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits.

The geological history of the sea includes periods of almost complete drying out.

Hydrological regime

The hydrological regime of the Mediterranean Sea is formed under the influence of high evaporation and general climatic conditions. The predominance of fresh water flow over incoming water leads to a decrease in the level, which causes a constant influx of less saline surface water from the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. In the deep layers of the straits, there is an outflow of highly saline waters caused by the difference in water density at the level of the straits' thresholds. The main water exchange occurs through the Strait of Gibraltar (the upper reaches bring 42.32 thousand km³ of Atlantic water per year, and the lower reaches 40.8 thousand km³ of Mediterranean water); 350 and 180 km³ of water per year flow in and out, respectively, through the Dardanelles.

Water circulation in the Mediterranean Sea is mainly of a wind nature; it is represented by the main, almost zonal Canary Current, transporting waters of predominantly Atlantic origin along Africa, from Strait of Gibraltar to the coast of Lebanon, by a system of cyclonic gyres in isolated seas and basins to the left of this current. The water column to a depth of 750-1000 m is covered by unidirectional water transport in depth, with the exception of the Levantine intermediate countercurrent, which transports Levantine waters from the island of Malta to the Strait of Gibraltar along Africa.

The speed of steady currents in the open part of the sea is 0.5-1.0 km/h, in some straits - 2-4 km/h. The average surface water temperature in February decreases from north to south from 8-12 to 17 °C in the eastern and central parts and from 11 to 15 °C in the west. In August average temperature water varies from 19 to 25 °C, to extreme east it rises to 27-30 °C. Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values increase from west to east from 36 to 39.5 ‰. The density of water on the surface varies from 1.023-1.027 g/cm³ in summer to 1.027-1.029 g/cm³ in winter. During the winter cooling period, intense convective mixing develops in areas of high density, which leads to the formation of highly saline and warm intermediate waters in the Eastern Basin and deep waters in the north of the Western Basin, in the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. In terms of bottom temperature and salinity, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the warmest and salty seas World Ocean (12.6-13.4 °C and 38.4-38.7 ‰, respectively). The relative transparency of the water reaches 50-60 m, the color is intense blue.

The tides are mostly semi-diurnal, their magnitude is less than 1 m, but at some points, in combination with wind surges, level fluctuations can reach 4 m (Gulf of Genoa, off the northern coast of the island of Corsica, etc.). Strong tidal currents are observed in the narrow straits ( Strait of Messina). The maximum excitement is observed in winter (wave height reaches 6-8 m).

Climate

The climate of the Mediterranean Sea is determined by its position in the subtropical zone and is distinguished by great specificity, which distinguishes it as an independent Mediterranean type of climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. In winter, a trough of low atmospheric pressure is established over the sea, which determines unstable weather with frequent storms and heavy rainfall; cold north winds lower the air temperature. Are developing local winds: mistral in the region of the Gulf of Lion and bora in the east Adriatic Sea. In summer most The Mediterranean Sea is covered by the crest of the Azores anticyclone, which determines the predominance of clear weather with little clouds and little precipitation. The summer months experience dry fog and dusty haze, blown out of Africa by the southerly sirocco wind. In the Eastern basin, stable northerly winds - etesias - develop.

The average air temperature in January varies from 14-16 °C southern shores up to 7-10 °C in the north, in August - from 22-24 °C in the north to 25-30 °C in southern regions seas. Evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea reaches 1250 mm per year (3130 km³). Relative humidity varies from 50-65% in summer to 65-80% in winter. Cloudiness in summer 0-3 points, in winter about 6 points. The average annual precipitation is 400 mm (about 1000 km³), it varies from 1100-1300 mm in the northwest to 50-100 mm in the southeast, the minimum is in July-August, the maximum is in December.

Flora and fauna

Vegetation and animal world The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails a relatively small number of larger animals, including fish, feeding on them. The amount of phytoplankton in surface horizons is only 8-10 mg/m³; at a depth of 1000-2000 m it is 10-20 times less. Algae are very diverse (peridine and diatoms predominate).

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by great species diversity, but the number of representatives of individual species is small. There are crayfish, one species of seal (the white-bellied seal), and sea turtles. There are 550 species of fish (mackerel, herring, anchovy, mullet, coryphenaceae, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including rays, anchovy species, gobies, blennies, wrasse and pipefish. Of the edible shellfish, the most important are the oyster, the Mediterranean-Black Sea mussel,

The Mediterranean Sea connects with Atlantic Ocean in the west through the Strait of Gibraltar. This enclosed sea is surrounded on all sides by land. The ancient Greeks called the Mediterranean Sea the sea in the middle of the Earth. At that time, this name was fully justified, because all the ancient European and North African civilizations appeared in the basin of this sea. And it was the Mediterranean Sea that served as the main route for contacts between them.

Interesting fact: they say that the Mediterranean Sea is the remnants of its former greatness. Previously, in its place was the ancient Tethys Ocean. It extended far to the east and was much wider. Today, from Tethys, in addition to the Mediterranean Sea, only the drying up Aral and Caspian Sea, as well as Black, Azov and Sea of Marmara. The last three seas are included in the Mediterranean basin.

In addition, within the Mediterranean Sea, the Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Cretan, Libyan, Cyprus and Levantine seas are distinguished as separate seas.

Detailed physical map of the Mediterranean seas in Russian. To enlarge, just click on the picture.

The currents of the Mediterranean Sea are not entirely normal. Under the influence of high temperatures, a lot of water evaporates and, therefore, the flow of fresh water prevails over its inflow. This naturally leads to a decrease in the water level and it has to be drawn from the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. Interestingly, at depth in more saline layers the reverse process occurs and salty water flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to the above factors, the currents of the Mediterranean Sea are mainly caused by wind processes. Their speed in open parts of the sea is 0.5-1.0 km/h; in the straits it can increase to 2-4 km/h. (for comparison, the Gulf Stream moves north at a speed of 6–10 km/h).

The magnitude of the tides is usually less than one meter, but there are places where, together with wind surges, it can reach up to four meters (for example, the northern coast of the island of Corsica or the Strait of Genoa). In narrow straits (the Strait of Messina), the tides can cause strong currents. In winter, waves reach their maximum and wave heights can reach 6-8 m.

The water of the Mediterranean Sea has an intense blue color and a relative transparency of 50-60 m. It is one of the most saline and warm seas in the world. In summer, the water temperature varies from 19 to 25 degrees, while in the east it can reach 27-3°C. In winter, the average water temperature decreases from north to south and varies between 8-17°C in the east and central part of the sea. At the same time, in the west temperature regime more stable and the temperature is kept within 11-15°C.

In the Mediterranean Sea there are many large and not very big islands and almost every one of them is an attraction for many tourists. Let's name just a few of them:

The islands of Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain, Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes in Greece, Corsica in France, as well as Cyprus and Malta.

One of the largest seas. The adjective “Mediterranean” is widely used to describe peoples, countries, climates, vegetation; For many, the concept of “Mediterranean” is associated with a particular way of life or with an entire period in human history.

Separates Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also closely connected 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 its widest point) - approx. 1600 km. On the northern coast are Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. From the east there is a row facing the sea Asian countries– Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Finally, on the southern coast are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The area of the Mediterranean Sea is 2.5 million square meters. km, and since it is connected with other bodies of water only by narrow straits, it can be considered an inland sea.

In the west, through the Strait of Gibraltar, which is 14 km wide and up to 400 m deep, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait, narrowing in places to 1.3 km, connects it with the Sea of Marmara and, through the Bosporus Strait, with the Black Sea. In the southeast, an artificial structure - the Suez Canal - connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. These three narrow water passages have always had very great importance for trade, navigation and strategic purposes. IN different time they were controlled - or sought to be controlled - by the British, French, Turks and Russians. The Romans of the Roman Empire called the Mediterranean Sea mare nostrum ("our sea").

Coastline mediterranean sea strongly indented, and numerous protrusions of land divide it into many semi-isolated water areas that have their own names. These seas include: Ligurian, located south of the Riviera and north of Corsica; Tyrrhenian Sea, enclosed between peninsular Italy, Sicily and Sardinia; the Adriatic Sea, washing the shores of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania; Ionian Sea between Greece and southern Italy; Cretan Sea between the island of Crete and peninsular Greece; Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. There is also a row large bays, for example Alicante - off the east coast of Spain; Lyonsky - at south coast France; Taranto - between the two southern protrusions 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 coasts of Tunisia.

Modern is a relic of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which was much wider and extended far to the east. Relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara seas, confined to its deepest depressions. It is likely that Tethys was once completely surrounded by land, and there was an isthmus between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the area of the Strait of Gibraltar. Same land bridge connected southeastern Europe with Asia Minor. It is possible that the Bosporus, Dardanelles and Gibraltar straits were formed on the site of flooded river valleys, and many island chains, especially in the Aegean Sea, were connected to the mainland.

In the Mediterranean Sea there are western and eastern depressions. 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), stretching for almost 150 km from Sicily to Cape Bon in Tunisia. Within both depressions, even smaller ones are isolated, usually bearing the names of the corresponding seas, for example, the Aegean, Adriatic, etc. The water in the western depression is slightly colder and fresher 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 stormiest areas mediterranean sea is the Gulf of Lyon. The salinity of the sea varies widely, as less salty water comes from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Tides are low here, 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 into and out of the Mediterranean Sea. Evaporation is higher than in the Atlantic Ocean or the Black Sea, so surface currents arise in the straits, carrying more fresh water to the Mediterranean Sea. At depths 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 are overlain by deltaic sediments, occupying large area. Depths mediterranean sea very different: the highest elevation – 5121 m – was recorded in Hellen deep sea trench off the southern tip of Greece. The average depth of the western basin is 1430 m, and its shallowest part - the Adriatic Sea - has average depth only 242 m.

Above the general bottom surface mediterranean sea In some places, significant areas of dissected relief rise, the tops of which form islands. Many (though not all) of them have volcanic origin. Among the islands, we note, for example, Alboran, located east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and the group of Balearic Islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera) east of the Iberian Peninsula; mountainous Corsica and Sardinia - west of the Apennine Peninsula, as well as a number small islands in the same area - Elba, Pontine, Ischia and Capri; and to the north of Sicily - Stromboli and Lipari. Within the Eastern Mediterranean Basin is the island of Malta (south of Sicily), and further to the east are Crete and Cyprus. There are numerous small islands in the Ionian, Cretan and Aegean seas; Among them, the Ionian stands out - to the west of mainland Greece, Cyclades - east of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Rhodes - off the southwestern coast of Turkey.

Large rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea: Ebro (in Spain); Rhône (in France); Arno, Tiber and Volturno (in Italy). The rivers Po and Tagliamento (in Italy) and Isonzo (on the border of Italy and Slovenia) flow into the Adriatic Sea. To the pool Aegean Sea belong to the rivers Vardar (in Greece and Macedonia), Struma, or Strymon, and Mesta, or Nestos (in Bulgaria and Greece). The largest river in the Mediterranean basin, the Nile is the only large river, flowing into this sea from the south.

The Mediterranean Sea is famous for its calm and beauty, but like other seas, it can be rough during certain seasons, and then big waves hitting the coast. The Mediterranean has long attracted people due to its favorable climate. The term "Mediterranean" is used to describe a climate with long, hot, clear, and dry summers and short, cool, wet winters. To many coastal areas mediterranean sea, especially the southern and eastern ones, are characterized by semiarid and arid climate features. In particular, semiaridity with an abundance of clear sunny days considered typical of Mediterranean climate. However, in winter there are many cold days when damp, cold winds bring rain, drizzle and sometimes snow.

The Mediterranean is also famous for the attractiveness of its landscapes. The French and Italian Riviera, neighborhood of Naples, adriatic coast Croatia with numerous islands, the shores of Greece and Lebanon, where steep mountain slopes approach the sea itself. Through the main islands eastern Mediterranean important trade routes 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.

Flora and fauna mediterranean sea is characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails. the small number of larger animals that feed on them, including fish. The amount 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 mediterranean sea characterized by great species diversity, but the number of representatives of the department. species are small. There are kaki, one type of seal (the white-bellied seal); sea turtle. There are 550 species of fish (sharks, mackerel, herring, anchovies, mullet, coryphenidae, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including stingrays, anchovy species, gobies, and mora. blennies, wrasse and needlefish. Of the edible shellfish, the most important are the oyster, the Mediterranean-Black Sea mussel, and the sea date. Of the invertebrates, octopuses, squids, sepia, crabs, lobsters are common; numerous species of jellyfish and siphonophores; In some areas, especially in the Aegean Sea, sponges and red coral are found.

Mediterranean coastal countries:

Spain
France
Monaco
Italy
Malta
Montenegro
Croatia
Slovenia
Bosnia
Albania
Greece
Bulgaria
Romania
Ukraine
Russia
Georgia
Türkiye
Syria
Lebanon
Israel
Egypt
Libya
Tunisia
Algeria
Morocco

Largest islands of the Mediterranean Sea:

Balearic
Corsica
Sardinia
Sicily

Perhaps the most surprising and unusual sea on the planet is Mediterranean. It separates three different but at the same time serves as a meeting place for the most diverse cultures, nations and religions. Which countries are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and which of them do tourists like to come to most of all? You will learn about this from our interesting article.

Mediterranean: history and geography of the region

Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Which famous cities located on its banks? Before answering these questions, it is necessary to study in detail the geography and history of the region.

Mediterranea is the name of the Mediterranean in English. This historical region occupies the entire basin of the sea of the same name - the cradle of European and Arab navigation. The most ancient civilizations and powers arose on its shores - Phenicia, Ancient Hellas, the Roman Empire. The latter at one time controlled the entire region. Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea today?

The total area of the region, according to various scientists, ranges from 4 to 5 million square kilometers. On its territory, the states of two continents and three parts of the world are located at once.

Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Largest cities

Geographically, culturally and mentally, the Mediterranean is divided into three zones (parts): European, Asian and African.

So, which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea with its waters? These include 21 independent states. These are Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Malta (an 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 Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri and Dhekelia).

What cities are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? On the shores of its waters there are thousands settlements. Among the largest and most famous cities Mediterranean can be identified as follows: Barcelona, Marseille, Cannes, Genoa, Napoli, Dubrovnik, Athens, Istanbul, Antalya, Alexandria, Tripoli.

Structure of the Mediterranean: islands, archipelagos, seas

Scientists say that the Mediterranean Sea is nothing more than a relic of an ancient reservoir of a planetary scale - 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 high cliffs named in ancient times An interesting fact: in the Mediterranean Sea, hydrographs identify a whole series of more shallow seas. For example, on the maps of this part of the planet you can find the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Cyprus and others.

What washes the Mediterranean Sea? Several large Apennine and Pyrenean islands protrude deeply into its waters. In the waters of the Mediterranean there are also a large number of islands, varying in size. And almost each of them is very attractive to tourists. It is worth mentioning a few of the most famous islands Mediterranean: Crete, Malta, Sicily, Rhodes, Ibiza and Mallorca.

Synthesis of cultures and peoples

“The sea in the middle of the Earth” - that’s what it was called in ancient times. This geographical toponym, having been slightly transformed, has survived to this day. Indeed, this is where various peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations have met for centuries. As a result, a unique ethnocultural situation has formed in the Mediterranean.

Already in the third millennium BC, the so-called Aegean civilization, which consisted of several cultures and was complicated by Sumerian influences. Mixed ethnic groups could also be observed within the state of Carthage. Even later, the synthesis of European and Eastern traditions formed a powerful power here - Byzantium.

Thus, cultural syncretism is more than typical for the Mediterranean region. It is this fact that makes it extremely popular among tourists from all over the world.

Tourism in the Mediterranean

The countries of the Mediterranean Sea are visited annually by 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 entirely located within a mild subtropical climate.

Of course, the most 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 see with his own eyes how monuments combine with modern creations.

In the Mediterranean, tourists most often visit Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Croatia.

Holidays in Turkey

Each Mediterranean country boasts its own first-class resorts. And the most famous resort country in this region it is, of course, Türkiye!

This state today has been very successful in developing its tourism infrastructure. Relaxing here is both interesting and very comfortable. Moreover, Türkiye is ready to offer holidays for every taste and wallet size.

excellent hotels, wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine and getting to know the 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.

Which cities in Turkey are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? This largest metropolis Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Mersin.

Spain and Italy

In the western part of the region is the state of Spain. This mediterranean country tourists value it for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature, sunny first-class resorts and ancient architectural monuments. As a rule, no cruise bypasses Mallorca and Ibiza. But true connoisseurs of architecture should definitely visit the city of Barcelona.

Another European Mediterranean state is Italy. The land of sun, pizza and spaghetti attracts a huge number of foreign tourists. Lovers of unity with virgin nature go to Sicily, but connoisseurs of cultural and historical monuments go to Rome. The internationally recognized center of high fashion - the city of Milan - is also located here.

Balkan countries of the Mediterranean

Five have access to the Mediterranean Sea at once. And all of them have a huge tourist potential.

The most attractive of Balkan countries for tourists is Croatia. Even 20 years ago, she fought for her independence, and today she receives thousands of tourists every year. Vacationers are amazed 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, the 3.8 kilometer long Ada Boyana beach boasts the most clean sand throughout the Adriatic.

Albania is gradually gaining popularity among tourists. This country wins due to its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary coloring. Only in Albania you can taste the chic local cuisine in an abandoned concrete bunker of the last century!

African Mediterranean countries

Of course, tourists do not ignore African states this region. Egypt has long gained fame as a resort and tourist country. But even countries such as Libya and Algeria are actively equipping their resorts and cities for potential vacationers.

They are swimming more and more often cruise ships and ports in Morocco. This state, being located right at the junction of East and West, Islamic and European cultures, a priori arouses interest among tourists.

Tunisia is another Mediterranean state, on whose territory a large number of historical and architectural monuments, museums with ancient artifacts. And after a rich cultural program, a tourist here will also be able to fully relax on one of beautiful beaches. Another feature of Tunisia is its colorful and colorful markets.

Finally...

Now you know how many countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea. There are 21 of them in total. 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. After all, these countries have a lot of attractions, and the infrastructure is in perfect order.

Part Mediterranean countries includes European, Asian and African states. Tourists are attracted to them by their picturesque nature, clean sea waters, a large number of architectural and historical monuments.

On the coast you can find pebble and sand beaches. On a wide and long coastline The Mediterranean Sea contains many places for budget holiday and resorts that amaze with their luxury.

Mediterranean Sea on a world map with countries around it

Bizerta;
Kelibia;
Monastir;
Sfax.

IN Lately Tunisia makes up serious competition Turkey and Egypt. The gap in the level of service with European and Asian resorts is constantly shrinking. Tourists go to Tunisia not only for beach holiday, but also for treatment. In most hotels in Tunisia you can find centers traditional medicine. They are no less popular than the Mediterranean coast.

Directions by interest

The most quiet beaches The Mediterranean Sea must be sought on its northeast coast- in and Croatia. In these places beach tourism is under development, so the rest is available for a large number of tourists.

Sandy and pebble beaches are surrounded picturesque mountains, covered with dense vegetation.

The beautiful beaches of Malta are worth a visit not only for those who love a comfortable stay on the ennobled beaches, but also for those who want to get practice in English . He is one of official languages island state.
Behind noise and fun, as well as for comfortable stay By affordable price It's worth going to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
Exotic holiday can be found on the coast North Africa. Best resorts in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea are found in Tunisia and Morocco. In these regions you will feel not only exotic, but also comfortable.
Resting people talking Russian language, will surround you on the beaches of Israel. The excellent service provided by local hotels will not overshadow the cost of a holiday in the Promised Land. Competition Mediterranean beaches here they make up the Red and Marmara seas.