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 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 most interesting article.
Mediterranean: history and geography of the region
Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? What famous cities are 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 once 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, as well as two overseas territories of Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri and Dhekelia) also have access to the Mediterranean Sea.
Which cities are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Thousands of settlements are located on the shores of its water area. Among the largest and most famous cities in the Mediterranean are the following: 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 one. It passes between two high rocks, named in ancient times. An interesting fact: in the Mediterranean Sea, hydrographers distinguish a number of smaller seas. For example, on the maps of this part of the planet you can find the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Cypriot and others.
What is the Mediterranean Sea? Several large Apennine, Pyrenean, deeply protrude into its water area. In the waters of the Mediterranean there are also a large number of islands, different in area. And almost every one of them is very attractive for tourists. It is worth mentioning some of the most famous islands in the Mediterranean: Crete, Malta, Sicily, Rhodes, Ibiza and Mallorca.
Synthesis of cultures and peoples
"The sea in the middle of the Earth" - so they called it in antiquity. This geographical toponym, having slightly transformed, has survived to this day. Indeed, it was here that various peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations met over the centuries. As a result, a unique ethno-cultural 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 also be observed within the state of Carthage. Even later, the synthesis of European and Eastern traditions formed here a powerful state - Byzantium.
Thus, cultural syncretism is more than characteristic of 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 annually visited by tens of thousands of tourists from different parts of our planet. The attractiveness of this region is enhanced by the fact that it is located entirely within the mild subtropical climate.
Of course, the best way to experience the Mediterranean is on a cruise. It allows you to visit several countries and dozens of interesting cities at once. During such a cruise, the tourist can see firsthand how the monuments are combined with the creations of our time.
In the Mediterranean, tourists most often visit Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Croatia.
Holidays in Turkey
Each of the Mediterranean countries can boast of its first-class resorts. And the most famous resort country in this region is, of course, Turkey!
This state today is very successful in the development of its tourism infrastructure. Resting 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 acquaintance with 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 is the largest metropolis of Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Mersin.
Spain and Italy
Spain is located in the western part of the region. Tourists appreciate this Mediterranean country for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature, sunny first-class resorts and ancient architectural monuments. No cruise, as a rule, bypasses Mallorca and Ibiza. But true connoisseurs of architecture should definitely visit the city of Barcelona.
Another European Mediterranean state is Italy. The country 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. Here is also the world-renowned center of haute couture - the city of Milan.
Balkan Mediterranean countries
Five have access to the Mediterranean Sea at once. And all of them have a huge tourist potential.
Croatia is the most attractive of the Balkan countries for tourists. 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 Ada Bojana beach, 3.8 kilometers long, boasts the cleanest sand in the entire Adriatic.
Gradually gaining popularity among tourists and Albania. 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 bypass the African states of 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.
Increasingly, cruise ships sail to the ports of Morocco. This state, located right at the junction of East and West, Islamic and European cultures, a priori arouses interest among tourists.
Tunisia is another state of the Mediterranean, on the territory of which a large number of historical and architectural monuments, museums with ancient artifacts have been preserved. And after a rich cultural program, the 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 washes. There are 21 in total. The Mediterranean is a unique and very attractive region for tourists. First of all, they seek 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 is the most popular resort region in Europe. The choice of beaches is great - from dramatic Greek beaches to hot beaches on the African continent, from the picturesque Turkish coasts to the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Every year, various authoritative publications create lists of the best beaches, but these beaches are timeless and out of ratings, as they have always been and remain the best in the Mediterranean.
The snow-white beach, chosen by the rare Caretta Caretta turtles, is one of the southernmost beaches in Italy. It is much closer to Africa than to Europe and boasts a stunning landscape: the rocks protect it from the winds, and the purest sea water shimmers with many shades. The beach is one of the most popular in the area, so there are a lot of people here until late in the evening and quite noisy.
Ses Illetas beach (Formentera island,)
South of the capital of Mallorca, where the amazingly clear sea merges with the horizon, and the sandy strip stretches for several kilometers, this wonderful beach is located. It is rightfully considered the best on the island, and, perhaps, on all the Balearic Islands. Only wealthy people who live in luxury hotels nearby have a rest on Ses Illetas.
The most famous beach of Crete became famous due to the fact that the sand on it is not white, but light pink. It is located in the southwest of the island, where a huge massacre took place in 1824 - the Turks killed about 700 local residents, which, according to legend, the beach will always remind of this with its color. In fact, the remains of corals and starfish give the pink color to the sand.
The famous beach of Turkey is one of the most popular places for excursions. It is located at the confluence of the Dalyan River and is so named because of the large turtles that come here to spawn. The beach has a particularly picturesque view when viewed from a height.
The most famous beach in Cyprus is located in Protaras and takes its name from the centuries-old fig tree growing here. The beach is closed from the wind by rocks in which there are underwater caves.
Palomabagia is the best beach in Corsica. The same island where the future Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was born. The beach is amazing - azure waters, pure white sand and picturesque surroundings. How can one hatch plans to take over the continent, having been born in such a beautiful place? Sit on the shore and catch your fish ...
In the northwest of the most knightly island of all European islands lies the Golden Bay beach. This is indeed a bay protected from the wind. However, sometimes there are storms here, during which the place becomes especially dramatic.
Mersa Matruh ()
The Egyptian city on the Mediterranean coast has been known since the time of the Ptolemaic dynasty, and even then it was a prestigious resort. Not far from the city there is a bay in which, according to legend, Cleopatra herself loved to relax. Mersa Matruh has a stunning azure sea and a great beach. Today, mostly Egyptians rest here.
Mdik is a small resort town on the Mediterranean coast. It is located at zero altitude above sea level. The local beach is a flat sandy strip and calm waters. Mostly Moroccans rest here, and in city hotels there are quite budget prices for them.
Monastir is located on the site of an ancient Roman settlement and is a modern resort for budget travelers. The beaches here are not as beautiful as in Mahdia. However, for undemanding tourists, Monastir is a great place to relax in comfort, basking in the sun and swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea located at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. 22 UN member states are located on its shores, of which Spain, France, Italy and Greece have the longest coasts in the Mediterranean Sea 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 the waters of which the island of Cyprus is located, and the smallest is the Ligurian Sea, with an area of 15 thousand km², however, on the shores of the Ligurian Sea there are such large port cities as Genoa and Nice.
There are many ways to get to the Mediterranean Sea from Russia: by land, by air and by water. When traveling by car or bus, you will have the opportunity to visit Belarus, Poland, then 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 journey depends only on the route and time for walking around the cities of Europe. When flying by aircraft of leading airlines, it all depends on the country on the coast on the coast of which 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 direct flights to Naples, Rome or Tunisia 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 sailing, a trip to the Mediterranean Sea is a great 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, stroll around Istanbul, then to the Sea of Marmara and from there through the Dardanelles to get into the waters of the Aegean Sea and you can sail to any port of the Mediterranean Sea.
Fishing is developed in the Mediterranean Sea, and this is a real paradise for tourists. In addition, a new opportunity has recently appeared for wealthy citizens to provide themselves with an excellent vacation on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to internal economic problems, Greece began selling off its islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas. Hollywood star Brad Pitt and his wife Angelina Jolie have already bought one. However, Greece knows the value 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 you just don’t need an island, you can rent a house in Malta for only $350 a month.
Mediterranean resorts
Storm on the coast of Crete
The resort town of Budva in Montenegro on the Mediterranean coast
Shark on the Cretan beach
Monaco beach, Monte Carlo
Fish on the Mediterranean beach of Monaco loves a bun
Malta - the pearl of the Mediterranean!
Mediterranean Sea surrounded on all sides by land. One glance at the map is enough to agree with such a judgment. This was also known ancient Greek scientists.
- Countries and islands
- Countries
- Islands
- Eastern Mediterranean
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Features of geographical location and climate
mediterranean sea named for a reason, from all sides it touches with continents.
Nowhere else in the world has one been found large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean only by a tiny, for such a scale, jumper - Strait of Gibraltar.
Sea in your 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 Seas of Marmara.
Concerning bottom topography, then he has all typical for the sea peculiarities:
Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:
- Aegean;
- Alboran;
- Adriatic;
- Balearic;
- Ionian;
- 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. 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 the middle of summer. By July the reservoir warms up +27 degrees.
Countries and islands
to the mediterranean includes vast territories of countries and islands. We give examples of some of them below.
Countries
- Türkiye. There are resorts that are very fond of Russian tourists. Most of the attendants are talking in Russian, which simplifies the rest in a foreign country for our tourists. There are many excellent 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 Rome, Sicily And Milan.
- Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona And Majorca- these are exactly the settlements that travelers come to 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, rapidly gaining momentum yachting. To do this, the state allocates multi-million investment.
- Montenegro. Especially worth a look at the beach Ada Bojana. 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. Here intersect 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. ancient museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments architectures that are memorable markets- at local resorts which are not found 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 is located in the center of the world. Roman natives called him by 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 city". The island is mentioned in the famous "Odyssey" Homer. pink flamingos, ancient synagogue, fireballs, local delicious rice- this is simply not to be missed if you find yourself on Djerba.
- Sardinia. Located next to Dagger 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 that because of the catastrophic floods, which occurred 5.3 million years ago, just filling has occurred Mediterranean Sea. For two years such a large water basin was formed!
Eastern Mediterranean
Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the coasts of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this opinion is wrong. If we 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 the island's hotels in this article.
Pros and cons of holidays in the Mediterranean
On the Mediterranean ideal holiday in september. At this time already the heat subsides while the water stays warm. An additional plus is that the reservoir contains a large amount useful salts And No dangerous poisonous plants And animals.
Can be viewed attractions completely different countries of the world and get to know their culture. After all, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of a good half continents of the world.
In the resorts of the Mediterranean is very developed resort medical infrastructure. Therefore, people suffering diseases of various origins can easily find a place for recreation and recreation.
There are no cons. Unless, of course, the scorching summer sun is not considered a disadvantage.
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Map of Turkey with resorts and hotels in Russian
Holidays in Turkey are one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. Hospitable resorts of the Mediterranean, Black, Marmara and Aegean seas, a lot of entertainment for every taste and relatively low prices, unlike other countries, provide the highest interest in Turkey.
For Russian tourists, Turkey is also attractive because you do not need to purchase a visa to visit this country, and the flight is not as far and long as to other countries, and most hotels have Russian-speaking staff, which makes it easier and more comfortable to stay on their territory.
The most popular resorts in Turkey are located on the Mediterranean coast. You can look at a map of Turkey with resorts and hotels in Russian in order to choose a resort suitable for your holiday. The map is fully interactive, it can be zoomed in to see in detail the place and the panorama of the resort or the desired hotel.
What are the most popular resorts in Turkey?
Of course, the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea!
Bright Antalya is the youngest resort in the country, where the infrastructure is developing every year and attracts more and more attention: bars, restaurants, shops, water parks, well-groomed squares and night discos will not let anyone get bored. And historical and natural sights will leave the best impressions. And all this against the backdrop of a clear warm sea, a bright cloudless sky and a hot sandy beach.
Turkey's southernmost resort is cozy Alanya, which is located between the mountains and the sea, and has beautiful sandy beaches with sprawling palm trees on the coast, as well as quiet bays with crystal clear water. Here you can relax in comfortable hotels, boarding houses or rent apartments for any desired period. Basically, Alanya attracts nightlife lovers due to the large number of night bars, clubs, but lovers of a relaxing holiday will also find a place in this little piece of paradise!
Belek is the most expensive resort in the country, whose beach is recognized as one of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast! And here you will not find architectural monuments or historical cities. This resort is famous for its nature and protected areas, as well as the best golf courses, luxurious five-star hotels and luxurious spas.
