The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, located at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. There are 22 UN member states on its shores, of which the longest coasts in the Mediterranean Sea are Spain, France, Italy and Greece in Europe, Turkey in Asia, Egypt, Libya and Algeria in Africa. In the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, up to eleven separate seas are distinguished, the largest of which is the Levantine Sea with an area of 320 thousand km², in whose waters the island of Cyprus is located, and the smallest is the Ligurian Sea, with an area of 15 thousand km², but on the shores of the Ligurian Sea there are so big port cities like Genoa and Nice.
You can get to the Mediterranean Sea from Russia in different ways: by land, by air and by water. When traveling by car or bus, you will have the opportunity to visit Belarus, Poland, further to Germany, from there to France, along the way you can visit the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. The duration of such a trip depends only on the route and time spent walking around European cities. When flying with leading airlines, it all depends on the country on whose coast you want to enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean Sea: a flight from Moscow to Monaco, Barcelona, or Athens will take about 4 hours, but to Naples, Rome or Tunisia there are direct flights from Moscow no, you will have to fly with at least one transfer and the flight will take from seven hours to a day. And for those who prefer yacht trips, a trip to the Mediterranean Sea is an excellent opportunity to spend a couple of months sailing. Having sailed from the Crimea, from Novorossiysk or Sochi to the Black Sea, all that remains is to get to the Bosphorus Strait, walk around Istanbul, then to the Sea of Marmara and from there, through the Dardanelles Strait, enter the waters of the Aegean Sea and you can sail to any port of the Mediterranean Sea.
Fisheries are developed in the Mediterranean Sea, and this real paradise for tourists. Moreover, it recently appeared new opportunity for wealthy citizens to provide themselves great holiday on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Because of internal economic problems Greece has begun selling off its islands in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Hollywood star Brad Pitt and his wife Angelina Jolie have already bought one for themselves. However, Greece knows the price of its islands: the “cheapest” of them costs more than three million dollars. But, if for some reason you don’t have three million bucks, or just don’t need an island, you can rent a house in Malta for just $350 a month.
Mediterranean resorts
Storm on the coast of Crete
The resort town of Budva in Montenegro on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea
Shark on Cretan beach
Monaco Beach, Monte Carlo
A fish on the Mediterranean beach of Monaco loves a bun
Malta is the pearl of the Mediterranean!
Mediterranean Sea surrounded on all sides by earth. One glance at the map is enough to agree with this judgment. This was also known ancient Greek scientist.
- Countries and islands
- Countries
- Islands
- Eastern Mediterranean
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Features of geographical location and climate
Mediterranean Sea it's not named in vain, from all sides it touches with continents.
This has not yet been found anywhere in the world. large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean by only a tiny, for this scale, bridge - Strait of Gibraltar.
The sea in its own way geographical location is between: Asia, Europe, Africa.
Total area - 2,500 square kilometers. Maximum depth amounts to 5,121 meters.
It is connected by channels and straits with Black, Red And Seas of Marmara.
Concerning bottom relief, then everything is typical for the sea peculiarities:
Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:
- Aegean;
- Alboran;
- Adriatic;
- Balearic;
- Ionian;
- Ligurian;
- Tyrrhenian.
If you are planning a vacation on the Adriatic Sea, find out detailed information about its resorts from this article
in winter the weather is very changeable, regularly there are storms, and pass heavy rainfall. The temperature drops significantly due to the influence northern winds.
In summer observed here dry fog and a small amount precipitation.
Tourists come en masse to these places closer to mid-summer. By July the reservoir warms up to +27 degrees.
Countries and islands
To the Mediterranean include vast territories of countries and islands. We give examples of some of them below.
Countries
- Türkiye. There are resorts here that are very popular Russian tourists. Most of the service staff are talking in Russian, which simplifies holidays in a foreign country for our tourists. There are a lot of excellent ones here beaches, inexpensive hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens. The reservoir washes the following major Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya And Izmir.
- Italy. It is located in the western Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza And spaghetti and also enjoy warm sun. Resort towns are considered Rome, Sicily And Milan.
- Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona And Majorca- these are exactly the ones settlements, where travelers come who want to have fun and have a good time. Especially it concerns youth, loving noisy parties.
- Croatia. A country attractive for tourists, first of all, quickly gaining momentum yachting. For this purpose the state allocates multi-million dollar investment.
- Montenegro. The beach is especially worth a look Ada Boyana. Here the purest sand, which can only be found throughout Adriatic. In addition, tourism is actively developing here among nudists.
- Albania. Chic kitchen, beautiful 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 see cultural attractions. Particularly popular Casablanca.
- Tunisia. Ancients museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments architecture, memorable markets– at local resorts you can’t find any miracles.
Italy is a great place to relax not only in summer, but also in winter. Read about the winter resorts of this country here
In ancient times it was believed that the Mediterranean Sea was located in the center of the world. The Roman aborigines called it Inland Sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.
Islands
Also in the Mediterranean a bunch of big and small islands, interesting for travelers. Among them stand out:
- Djerba. Located in the north Africa. Translated from ancient Arabic as "wheat town". The island is mentioned in the famous "Odyssey" Homer. Pink flamingos , ancient synagogue, fireballs, local delicious rice– something like this simply cannot be missed if you find yourself in Djerba.
- Sardinia. Located next to Dirk And Sicily. Archaeologists constantly find various tombs And ziggurats. These are the main attractions of the island.
- Vulcano. Tourists come here to see the numerous volcanic craters.
Scientists have found out that due to the catastrophic floods, which occurred 5.3 million years ago, is precisely filling occurred Mediterranean Sea. In two years such a large water basin was formed!
Eastern Mediterranean
Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the shores of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this the opinion is wrong. If we approach this issue from a geographical point of view and look at the map, it turns out that the Eastern Mediterranean includes:
Have you decided to relax in Cyprus? Find out what others think about the island's hotels in this article
Pros and cons of holidays on the Mediterranean Sea
On the Mediterranean Sea ideal to relax in September. At this time already the heat subsides, and the water remains warm. An additional advantage is that the reservoir contains a large amount healthy salts And No dangerous poisonous plants And animals.
Can be inspected attractions absolutely different countries world and get to know them culture. After all, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of a good half continents of the world.
In Mediterranean resorts there is a very developed resort and medical infrastructure. Therefore, people suffering diseases of various origins, can easily find a place for relaxation and recovery.
There are no cons. Unless, of course, you consider the scorching summer sun a disadvantage.
Today the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of 22 countries. Considering that the Mediterranean Sea states are located in the subtropical climatic zone, excellent conditions are created for the creation of resort bases. Today, the Mediterranean coast is a favorite destination for most tourists from all over the world.
Mediterranean cruises are an opportunity to see with your own eyes past eras, visiting monuments of antiquity, masterpieces of the Middle Ages and outstanding creations of our time. Every day of such a trip brings new impressions, new states of the Mediterranean: the sandy beaches of Tunisia and Malta, ancient Pompeii and the formidable Vesuvius, the leaning tower of 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 sun and wine, spaghetti and olive oil, haute couture and masterpieces of world architecture. And after a busy trip through its famous cities, you can relax on sunny beaches islands of Sardinia or stroll through the gardens and olive groves of picturesque Sicily.
Beautiful Spain is another Mediterranean country - a picturesque area with upscale resorts, rich in 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 cultural monument or historical museum, a winemaking center or a luxury resort. Paris, Nice, Cannes, Bordeaux, Marseille, Avignon – attractions are found here at every step. The country's landscapes are no less picturesque: the snow-white peaks of the Alps, beautiful beaches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, medieval castles, vast vineyards and charming old distilleries.
Malta is another amazing country included in many Mediterranean cruises. This is a contrasting island, the north-eastern coast of which is densely populated, and almost lifeless South coast ends with steep cliffs towards 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 flair to Western Mediterranean cruises. It is located at the junction of European and Islamic cultures and lies on the border of the greenest mountains in Africa and the largest desert in the world.
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 the traditional beach holiday and modern hotels, Tunisia is home to ancient oriental architecture, unusual cuisine and numerous colorful markets.
Almost all countries washed by the Mediterranean Sea have their own famous resorts. Most of all, Russians love the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. The resorts of Montenegro and Croatia especially stand out.
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 with the best sand in the entire Adriatic. Ada Boyana Island has a triangular shape. On two sides the shores of the island are washed by the Boyana River, and on the third by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. On the island you can find excellent hotels, good entertainment - everything your heart desires. The resort town of Becici is another pride of Montenegro. The local resort is famous for its stunning Mediterranean nature, and the 2-kilometer golden pebble beach is famous 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, the states of the eastern Mediterranean have greatly succeeded in developing tourism infrastructure. The beaches of Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece annually attract tens of millions of tourists. But, for example, tourists are in no hurry to go to Lebanon or Syria.
If you want to relax like a king, then the city of Limassol (in Cyprus) is already waiting for you.
If you want to diversify your vacation, then in addition to the already well-known resorts in Greece, Turkey or Italy, you can go to Algeria or Libya. Now countries are actively developing their resort beaches. They certainly 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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Created for lovers of an unconditionally comfortable holiday cruise ships and special routes and on-board entertainment programs have been developed. Having bought such a cruise, you will not need anything! Your ship will carry you along the waves like a floating luxury hotel.
Everyone at school read ancient Greek legends. And even if he didn’t read avidly, he clearly heard the names of gods and heroes. A trip to Rhodes can completely immerse you in the atmosphere of past millennia and give you a chance for a miracle. Maybe you'll get lucky! Take a risk!
If you are going to New Year's tour along the Mediterranean Sea, be sure to include Greece in your itinerary. Holidays in this country will give you a feeling of ongoing wonder, which is so important for both adults and children to feel at this time of year.
Another Mediterranean country that is definitely worth visiting 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 of interest not only to believers.
The Mediterranean Sea is an inland sea of the Atlantic Ocean located between Eurasia and Africa. This water area has an average depth of 1.5 km and washes the shores of many countries, including Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, etc. Narrow expanses of water - the Strait of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, the Bosphorus, the Suez Canal - connect the Mediterranean basin with The Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Red Sea, respectively.
The Mediterranean region is considered the cradle of ancient civilizations; powerful ancient states competed for dominance over its coast. The warm, dry and favorable Mediterranean climate and bright blue sea attract people from all over the world. Even the name of the Mediterranean Sea is rich in its history.
Interesting Facts: The Mediterranean Sea includes the Tyrrhenian Sea adjacent to the western Italian coast; the Adriatic Sea, stretching along the eastern coast of Italy; Ionian Sea, located between Sicily and Crete; The Aegean Sea, separating Greece and Turkey, etc.
Ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean
Mediterranean Sea on the world map The historical region in the Mediterranean basin was inhabited by many ancient peoples - Phoenicians, Egyptians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and Middle Eastern cultures (Arab, Persian, etc.). The sea in the center of the region was a transport route, a route for traders and travelers, which contributed to the development of trade and the establishment of cultural ties between the peoples of the Mediterranean.
Interesting Facts: The largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea are about. Sicily, o. Sardinia, belonging to the territory of Italy; O. Cyprus, the French island of Corsica and the Greek island of Crete.
The most famous Mediterranean civilizations are the Greek city-states and the Phoenicians. The ancient Greeks called the sea by the names of individual parts of the reservoir (“Cretan Sea”, “Sea of Io” (Ionian), etc.), since they did not have a common name for the entire water basin. Among the Carthaginians the name “Syrian Sea” was common; in Egypt the body of water was called “Great Green Water”.
"Our Sea" (Mare Nostrum)
Territory of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century Greece, Carthage, Egypt and Rome vied for control of the Mediterranean coast. The Romans, who conquered the Mediterranean region before the 2nd century, called the sea Mare Nostrum, which translated means “Our Sea.” The term Mare Nostrum was originally used by the Romans to refer to the Tyrrhenian Sea after their conquest of Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia during the Punic Wars with Carthage. By the first half of the 1st century BC. e. Roman rule extended from the Iberian Peninsula to Egypt, and the term "Our Sea" came to be used to refer to the entire Mediterranean Sea. Other Roman names for the Mediterranean Sea are also known, including “Inland Sea” (Mare Internum), since the coastal lands belonged to the Roman Empire at its height.
"Mediterranean Sea" (Mare Mediterraneum)
strait of Gibraltar In the 7th century, the name “Mediterranean Sea” (Mare Mediterraneum) spread. The term Mediterraneum comes from the Latin mediterraneus (Latin medius - middle, terra - earth), which translated means “in the middle of the earth”, “surrounded by the earth”. This name is justified in relation to the location of the sea, since it is surrounded by land, the coastline breaks are narrow: the width of the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the sea in the western part with the Atlantic Ocean, is only 14 km; Dardanelles Strait – 1.3 km. The ancient Romans also discovered that the Mediterranean Sea is located at the center of the Earth.
The hydronym “Mediterranean Sea” was first used in the 3rd century by the Roman antiquarian writer Gaius Julius Solinus in the geographical work “On the Worthy of Memory.”
Other names
In the Old Testament, the Mediterranean Sea is called the “Western Sea” due to its proximity to the western coast of the Holy Land. In biblical texts the name “Sea of the Philistines” is also found, which arose on behalf of the people who inhabited the Mediterranean coast near Israel. However, the name “Great Sea” or simply “Sea” prevails.
In Hebrew, Mediterranean means “Middle Sea”; in Arabic and Turkish - “White Sea”, since in eastern countries the color white denoted the west. The term may also have arisen in opposition to the "Black Sea".
Interesting fact: The Mediterranean Sea is one of the saltiest and warmest seas in the World Ocean. Winter water temperature is on average 10 °C, in summer – 22 °C. The average salinity of the Mediterranean Sea (38‰) exceeds the average salt concentration in the Atlantic Ocean (35‰).
Thus, the ancient peoples who inhabited the Mediterranean region gave different names to the sea around which they were located: “Western Sea”, “Great Sea”, “Inland Sea”, etc. The Romans, having conquered the entire Mediterranean region, called the body of water “Our Sea” (Mare Nostrum). In the 7th century, the hydronym Mare Mediterraneum (“Mediterranean Sea”), which comes from the Latin word mediterraneus and is translated as “sea among the earth,” “sea surrounded by earth,” spread.
This is due to the fact that the sea is located among the lands that made up civilization Ancient world, it is surrounded on all sides by land, with the exception of narrow straits. In addition, the ancient Romans considered the Mediterranean Sea to be the center of the Earth. The meaning of the Mediterranean Sea, like its name, remains to this day - it is a transport and trade route that connects three parts of the world - Europe, Asia and Africa.
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The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the 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 the Black, Azov and Marmara seas. 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 salt 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 the temperature regime is more stable and the temperature stays between 11-15°C.
The Mediterranean Sea is home to many large and small big islands and almost each 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.
