Where is the Mediterranean Sea located on the outline map. The most visited Mediterranean country: which Mediterranean countries are loved by tourists. Spain: cities, hotels, prices, interesting places

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

Support our new project on Facebook

Click the button Like» below to access the most interesting materials from the world of tourism and travel:

Features of geographical location and climate

Mediterranean Sea it's not named in vain, from all sides it touches with continents.

Nowhere else in the world has this been found 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 he has is typical for the sea peculiarities:

continental slope rugged by canyons;

shelf narrow.

Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:

• Aegean;
• Alboran;
• Adriatic;

When planning a vacation on the Adriatic Sea, find out detailed information about its resorts from this article

• Balearic;
• Ionian;
• Ligurian;
• Tyrrhenian.

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 not a large number of 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 large 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.

Italy - beautiful place for relaxation not only in summer, but also in winter. Read about winter resorts of this country here

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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:

Syria;

Palestine;

Cyprus;

Have you decided to relax in Cyprus? Find out what others think about the island's hotels in this article

Lebanon;

Jordan.

Israel;

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.

Despite the widespread popularity of travel to Asian and American countries, tours along the Mediterranean coast have not lost their appeal for many years. The warm sea, mild climate and abundance of historically significant places invariably attract tourists from near and far abroad.

The Mediterranean Sea is a vast body of water that unites Asia, Europe and Africa. Due to its geographical location, the sea is called intercontinental or marginal. Through the Strait of Gibraltar, which is more than 13 km long, the sea flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The area of ​​the Mediterranean basin is about 3 million km 2. The length of the reservoir from west to east is about 3800 km, and from north to south – about 1700 km. Overall volume water resources seas - more than 3800 km 3.

The Mediterranean Sea has a long history. It is a “descendant” of the ancient Tethys reservoir, which was located between the two oldest continents. After the displacement of tectonic plates and continental drift, the basin was unable to maintain its former shape.

The first travelers to master movement by sea are the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt. Already in 3000 BC. The Mediterranean basin was used to transport trade goods, people and livestock. In addition to the Egyptians, the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans used sea communications.

After 1400s trade moved to new lands - India and the East. However, after the opening of the Suez Canal in the 19th century, the Mediterranean basin again became one of the leaders in the development of shipping, tourism and trade, and it continues to be considered as such to this day.

Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea

The waves of the Mediterranean Sea wash the coasts of Europe, northern Africa and small area South-West Asia. Among them:

Seas

The Mediterranean Sea is a vast watershed that includes basins of other bodies of water washing the coastlines of the African and Eurasian continents.

The seas of the Mediterranean region are:

Rivers

Many rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea.

The most voluminous of them:

Islands

Like any other, the Mediterranean Sea is great amount islands of different sizes and locations. Some of them are separate states. Archipelagos, which include several islands, are classified as countries that are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Most populous islands:

Depth of the Mediterranean Sea

Although the Mediterranean Sea is not included in the list of the deepest bodies of water in the world, in some parts of the basin there are areas with depressions more than 4000 m long. The Hellenic Trench is considered the deepest - 5121 m.
It is used for the extraction of minerals - natural gas and oil. The average depth of the watershed is approximately 1500 m.

Geological structure and bottom topography

The bottom relief of the Mediterranean Sea was formed under the influence of the Earth's climate. The depths of the basin are divided into 2 lobes - eastern and western. The first is an uneven surface dotted with many depressions and ridges. The bottom topography of the western sea region is smooth and relatively flat.

At the bottom of the reservoir there are tectonic depressions, hills of active and extinct volcanoes. Also depths of the sea conceal an innumerable number of remains of sunken ships.

Among the largest bays of the Mediterranean are:

1. Genoese.
2. Gabes.
3. Sidra.
4. Lyonsky.
5. Taranto.
6. Walensky.

Hydrological regime

The water regime of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by strong evaporation, which is not replenished by the amount of precipitation entering the basin.

The reason for this is geographical location body of water, which is influenced by the countries surrounding it with climatic conditions, suggesting the predominance high temperatures air. The shortage of resources is eliminated by waters coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

Salinity of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is considered quite warm. Temperature sea ​​water regulate salinity and density parameters, increasing during evaporation. The movement of water flows is provoked by winds. In straits, water flows faster - up to 2-4 km/h, while the flow speed in free areas is about 1 km/h.

The transparency of the water of the Mediterranean Sea is 55-60 m. The color of the reservoir in deep water areas is dark blue, and the coastal waters have a blue-blue tint.

Vegetable world

The Mediterranean flora is rich and varied. It is based on colonies of brown, green and red algae, the total number of species of which is close to 800. In the layers of the sea accessible to sunlight, phytoplankton lives, the population of which is poorly developed.

About 700 km of the seabed is occupied by oceanic posidonia. This plant is considered one of the largest in length among the known varieties of algae. Posidonia is also unique in its ancient history, since its age exceeds 100 thousand years.

Animal world

The fauna of the Mediterranean basin is considered meager in number in comparison with the number of representatives of the animal world of other seas. This is due to the small diversity of plankton, which is food for marine inhabitants.

In addition to the well-known species of fish and mammals, in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea there are about 900 species of mollusks and invertebrate animals.

The reservoir is inhabited by:

Fishes of the Mediterranean Sea

Spring and summer are considered the spawning season for fish. At this time, they stay dispersed, without gathering in large schools. However, already in winter you can find large concentrations of underwater inhabitants of various varieties.

Mediterranean waters are home to about 750 species of fish. The reservoir is home to dolphins, tuna and several species of flying fish. Approximately 290 species of waterfowl live in the Israeli part of the sea.

Among them:

• mullet;
• laurel;
• sea ​​bream;
• garfish;
• zuban;
• Silago;
• palamid;
• marmir;
• Spitz;
• grouper;
• aras;
• Saragus;
• bluefish

Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea

The waters of the Mediterranean basin are inhabited by many species of fish, animals and plants that can harm humans and pose a danger to their health:

Tourism in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea opens holiday season from the end of April, and it lasts until the beginning of October. The most favorable period is considered to be from May to July. In August, jellyfish season begins, so swimming in the sea becomes unsafe. The water of the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year ranges between +12°-+29°C in the coldest and hottest months, respectively.

The Mediterranean Sea offers both a relaxing holiday on coastal beaches and rich active and excursion programs.

The following types of recreation are available to travelers:

• diving;
• surfing;
• yachting;
• snorkeling;
• boat trips on the sea;
• visiting aquariums, water parks, entertainment centers.

Major European resorts

Almost all European resort capitals on the Mediterranean coast combine the opportunity beach holiday and a wide program of entertainment. Each tourist spot has its own characteristics and local charm.

However, the largest holiday regions are:

In Greece, tourists will discover a world that combines regularity and the spirit of antiquity. There are priceless historical monuments, left over from the times Ancient Greece. Athens, Thessaloniki and Thebes will show the beauty and majesty of the buildings of this era to the fullest.

The tourism infrastructure in the country is very developed, so each resort provides service at the highest level. In addition to relaxing on the beach and excursion tours, travelers are offered diving activities, visits to wineries and cheese dairies.

Cities worth visiting in Greece:

The state of Cyprus is an island that is replete with a variety of recreation areas. Here travelers will find sandy beaches with a crystal clear coastline, where you can forget about the bustle of big cities. Large resorts Cyprus are Limassol, Paphos and Ai-Napa.

Italy is a country with a wide choice resort holiday. The north of the state is known for its attractions and a huge excursion program. A warm welcome awaits tourists in the south local residents, the opportunity to relax on the beach and enjoy the world famous national cuisine. An unforgettable vacation will be given and Italian islands Sicily, Capri and Sardinia.

In Italy, cities worth visiting include:

Many travelers consider Spain exotic country, since it differs from most European countries.

Most Spanish resorts are located on islands and small archipelagos in the Mediterranean Sea:

• Ibiza;
• Tenerife;
• Majorca;
• Minorca.

However, there are plenty of places to stay on the mainland. Barcelona will surprise you with its Catalan flavor and open up the world of Gaudi's architecture, and Valencia will show tourists the birthplace of Don Quixote. Travelers will like the Costa Brava, Costa del Sol and the resort of San Sebastian.

France is called a country for luxury holidays. World-famous stars vacation at luxury resorts, but even a budget tourist can relax here without much financial loss. Hotels are graded by class, just like individual resort areas.

Famous cities The Côte d'Azur of the Mediterranean Sea is considered to be:

Despite the higher cost of a European holiday, the price is worth it thanks to the high quality of service, excellent cuisine and a varied leisure program.

During your vacation, it is worth remembering that in many Mediterranean resort countries, during lunch, all establishments close for a siesta. This happens from approximately 13:00 to 17:00.

Attractive Asian coastline

Travel business most common in countries on the Asian shores of the Mediterranean such as Türkiye, Israel and Egypt. Travelers come here almost all year round, thanks to the pleasant climate of the region.

Israel is famous for its resorts. In Tel Aviv, tourists will plunge into the contrasting atmosphere of the capital, will be able to see the colorful oriental streets and go on excursions to important historical places. All Tel Aviv beach areas are well equipped, and the sand on the sea coast has a golden hue. Tourists consider this the highlight of the Israeli coast.

Holidays in Israel will be provided by the following resort cities:

• Haifa;
• Sironite;
• Herzliya;
• Dado;
• Bat Yam.

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. Here tourists can get acquainted with greatest monuments architecture that has survived from pre-Christian times.

The Great Pyramids of Giza and a visit to the Sphinx are included in the mandatory excursion program. Exploring the Nile Valley is exciting, where vacationers can enjoy the view of magnificent gardens and ancient rock caves. In Alexandria and Mersa Matruh, in addition to historical attractions, travelers are offered a beach holiday.

Türkiye is considered the most visited resort country in the Mediterranean. Almost every coastal city has resort status. The service, the level of hotels and the quality of recreation amaze even the most severe critics. The Turkish coast is predominantly sandy; pebble beaches are less common.

As excursion program tourists are offered:

• visiting mosques, museums, palaces;
• trips to Troy, Ephesus, Istanbul;
• tours to underground cities Cappadocia.

The best Turkish resorts:

1. Side.
2. Alanya.
3. Kemer.
4. Belek.
5. Antalya.

Popular African cities

The waters of the southern Mediterranean Sea wash the North African states. Most Popular tourist destinations Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco are considered. Every year, countries improve their resorts and improve services, which represents competition for the European Mediterranean.

Despite the fact that the beaches of Algeria are somewhat inferior coastline other Mediterranean capitals in Africa, the city does not lose its popularity among tourists.

Fans of excursions will appreciate visits to the ruins of Byzantine, Phoenician and Roman buildings. For travelers who prefer leisure, Sahara tours by jeep or camel are suitable. Holidays by the sea can be spent at Cape Sidi Fredge and the Turquoise Coast.

Tangier is considered one of the main resort destinations in Morocco. The city is attractive because it is simultaneously washed by the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

In Tangier, you can not only relax by the water, but also see the famous oriental bazaars, colonial architecture and picturesque gardens with half-century-old trees. In Al Hoceima and Saidia, tourists will enjoy the uniqueness of Moroccan culture and will be able to spend a relaxed holiday.

The most popular resort in Tunisia is Hammamet. It is known for its landscaped beaches and numerous thalassotherapy salons. Tourists are invited to visit architectural monuments, ancient ruins and well-kept gardens, replete with a variety of flora. Others popular resorts Monastir, Carthage and Djerba are considered.

Mediterranean Cruises

Many tourists choose a cruise vacation in the Mediterranean due to the fact that in a short period of time they can visit several countries and travel at any time of the year. The duration of the tours is 3-13 days.

Depending on the class of travel, the range of services and type of room may differ:

1. Standard– low prices, a huge selection of services and entertainment, cabins without windows.
2. Premium– luxurious interiors, high level of service, gourmet cuisine, rooms with portholes.
3. Lux– the liners are designed for a small number of passengers, the staff fulfills any customer requirements, cabins with a balcony.

A range of leisure activities can be included in the ticket price or purchased separately. On board, vacationers spend time in the room, attend the proposed cultural events or manage their time as they wish.

The ship moves at sea in the evening or at night, so tourists are offered a large selection of entertainment:

• cafes, bars, restaurants;
• sports grounds and swimming pools;
• dance lessons;
• spas;
• cinemas;
• master classes for every taste;
• children's playgrounds and animators;
• libraries, Internet centers and gambling rooms;
• discos, stand-up shows, theatrical performances.

Before you go on a trip, you must arrive at the landing site. The tourist also has the opportunity to join the tour during the trip from any port where the ship stops.

Cruise ships usually depart from European ports:

• Civitavecchia;
• Trieste;
• Savona.

Every day the liner stops at a new port. Daylight hours are reserved for sightseeing on land. While the ship is docked, vacationers go on excursions or explore the city on their own.

Travel by sea is carried out on ships:

• Royal Princess;
• Pacific Princess;
• Queen Vicroria;
• Costa.

A special feature of Mediterranean cruises is the abundance of shore excursions. The sea is surrounded by many countries in ancient and rich history, which allows you to expand your horizons and visit the most significant places in a short time. Mediterranean tours cover western and East Coast.

To the program of stops cruise ships includes ports of the following cities:

1. Italy:

2. Spain:

• Barcelona;
• Alicante;
• Malaga;
• Cadiz;
• Ibiza;
• Palma de Mallorca.

3. France:

• Ajaccio;
• Marseilles;
• Toulon.

4. Greece:

• Santorini;
• Corfu;
• Katakolon;
• Piraeus.

5. Croatia:

• Split;
• Dubrovnik.

6. Malta - Valletta.

7. Montenegro – Kotor.

8. Portugal - Lisbon.

9. Cyprus – Limassol.

10. Morocco – Casablanca.

11. Monaco - Monte Carlo.

Countries washed by the Mediterranean Sea allow you to learn about their culture and history, in addition to providing a comfortable holiday in the sun. The variety of Mediterranean resorts will help you choose a vacation spot for every taste and income.

Article format: Mila Friedan

Video about the Mediterranean Sea

TOP 10 most dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea:

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 water surface area of ​​the intercontinental reservoir is 2.5 million square meters. km. The average depth is 1540 m. The maximum 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 southern 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). The maximum width is 1665 km between Trieste (a city in Italy) and Greater Sirte (a bay on the coast of Libya).

The Mediterranean basin includes seas such as Marmara, Black and Azov. Communication with them is carried out through the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits. Through the Suez Canal, a huge body of water is connected to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The intercontinental body of water itself has its own internal 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 wash countries where peoples with completely different cultures and mentalities live.

On the European coast there are states such 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 states such 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 body of water has its own seas. Their names and boundaries were formed historically many centuries ago. Let's look at them from west to east.

Alboran Sea located in front of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its length is 400 km and its width is 200 km. The depth varies from 1000 to 1500 meters.

Balearic Sea washes the eastern part of the 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. It washes France, Italy and Monaco. The average depth is 1200 meters.

Tyrrhenian Sea splashing around west coast Italy. Limited to the islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. This is a deep tectonic basin with a depth of 3 thousand meters.

Adriatic Sea lies between the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas. It washes Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, and 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 of the Adriatic Sea between the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas. It washes the shores of Crete, Peloponnese, and Sicily. The average depth corresponds to 2 km.

Aegean Sea located between Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula, limited to the south by the island of Crete. Connects through the Dardanelles with the 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 the northern African coast. This is the warmest and sunniest part of the Mediterranean. Here the depth reaches 4300 meters. This body of water is conventionally divided into the Levantine and Cilician seas.

Mediterranean Sea on the map

Rivers

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

Islands

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

Climate

The climate is strictly specific, Mediterranean. It is characterized by hot and dry summers and mild winters. In winter, the sea experiences frequent storms and rain. Local winds, bora and mistral, dominate. Summer is characterized by clear weather, minimal clouds 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 8-10 degrees Celsius. In summer, average temperatures in the north are 22-24 degrees Celsius, and in the south, respectively, 26-30 degrees Celsius. The minimum precipitation occurs in August, and the maximum occurs in December.

View of the Mediterranean Sea from space

Sea level rise

According to experts, by 2100 the level of Mediterranean waters may rise by 30-60 cm. As a result, the most of islands of Malta. 200 square meters will be flooded. km in the Nile Delta, which will force 500 thousand Egyptians to leave their ancestral lands. The salt level in groundwater will increase, which will reduce the amount drinking water along the entire Mediterranean coast. In the 22nd century, sea water levels may rise by another 30-100 cm. This will cause significant economic, political and natural changes in the Mediterranean.

Ecology

IN last years There was extremely high pollution of sea water. According to the UN, 650 million tons of wastewater, 129 tons of mineral oils, 6 tons of mercury, 3.8 tons of lead, and 36 thousand tons of phosphates were discharged into the Mediterranean Sea annually. Many marine species are on the verge of destruction. This primarily concerns white-bellied seals and sea turtles. There is a huge amount of garbage at the bottom. Most of the seabed is dotted with it.

Environmental problems have hit the fishery. Fish such as bluefin tuna, hake, swordfish, red mullet, and sea bream are on the verge of destruction. The size of commercial catches is decreasing from year to year. Tuna has been fished in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, but currently stocks are 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 enormous economic importance of tourism for this region.

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

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.

Features of geographical location and climate

Mediterranean Sea it's not named in vain, from all sides it touches with continents.

Nowhere else in the world has this been found 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, , Africa.

Total area - 2,500 square kilometers. The maximum depth is 5,121 meters.

It is connected by channels and straits with, Red And Seas of Marmara.

Concerning bottom relief, then everything he has is typical for the sea peculiarities:

1. continental slope rugged by canyons;
2. shelf narrow.

Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:

• Aegean;
• Alboran;
• Adriatic;
• Balearic;
• Ionian;
• Ligurian;
• Tyrrhenian.

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

• . There are resorts here that are very popular with 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 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.

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.

• . 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.

Islands

Kara is clickable, click on it to enlarge.

There is also a bunch of large and small Mediterranean 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! useful salts and No dangerous poisonous plants And animals.

Can be inspected attractions completely different countries of the 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.

The Mediterranean Sea is a unique basin that separates three continents. The Mediterranean countries include countries of the European Union, Asia and Africa. Tourists always associate the Mediterranean with a mild climate, warm water, delicious food and have a good rest. The area of ​​this world's largest sea is more than 3 million square meters. km, and it includes the Black Sea, the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Sea of ​​Azov. Let's consider which countries wash the waters of the Mediterranean and where it is better to relax according to your interests.

It washes 21 states. All these countries are located on the gentle coasts of the big sea in the world, and the coastal zone of these countries is distinguished by well-maintained beaches and warm, gentle waters. Let's look at where the Mediterranean Sea is located on the world map with the countries around it. On the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea there are resorts in the following countries:

1. Morocco - Tangier and Saidia.
2. Spain - , Almeria, Barcelona, ​​Cartagena, Ibiza, .
3. Algeria - Bejaia, Oran, Annaba.
4. France – Cote d'Azur, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Corsica.
5. Tunisia – Kelibia, Monastir, Bizerte.
6. Italy – Alghero, Sardinia, Syracuse.
7. Libya - Tripoli, Kufra, Misrata, Ubari, Tobruk.
8. Monaco - The entire state is one whole resort.
9. Egypt - Alexandria, Dellis, El Alamen, Baltim.
10. Malta - Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, Bugiba.
11. Israel - Nahariya, Haifa, Ashdod, Acre, Herzliya.
12. Slovenia – Portorož, Isoloa.
13. Lebanon – Juni, Tyre.
14. Croatia – Dalmatia, Istria.
15. Syria - Latakia, Badrouseigh, Al-Samra.
16. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Neum.
17. Türkiye - Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Belek.
18. Montenegro – Budva, Milocer, Petrovac.
19. Cyprus – Larnaca, Limassol, Protaras, Tuscany.
20. Albania – Vlora, Himara, Saranda.
21. Greece - Crete, Kythira, Methoni, Rhodes.

Also, countries on the Mediterranean Sea such as the Palestinian State and Northern region Cyprus, as well as Dhakelia, Gibraltar and Akrotiri. Undoubtedly, the most popular among tourists from this list of countries are Greece, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy and France. This is where beach lovers from all over the world flock, because there are equipped best beaches and resort areas.

The depth of the Mediterranean Sea is quite varied and depends on the region. Conventionally, the Mediterranean can be divided into three main basins - western, central and eastern. What depth is in each of the basins can be seen on the depth map, because the bottom topography of such a huge reservoir differs in structure in each region. The maximum depth is observed in southern Greece in the deep-sea trench and is 5120 m. However, the average depth of the Mediterranean Sea does not exceed 1540 m.

The length and width of the Mediterranean Sea is not indicated accurately; the fact is that the basin is constantly changing its boundaries and it is almost impossible to calculate exact values. The length of the Mediterranean Sea from the northernmost to the southernmost section is approximately 3200 km, and from the western to the easternmost point 1200 km. The total area is 2,500 sq. km. The water temperature in the winter months is 12C°, and in high summer season 25C°.

An interesting fact: scientists believe that the Mediterranean basin is nothing more than the remains of the ancient prehistoric Tethys oceanic basin, which covered the main part of the planet with water. In addition to the Mediterranean, these remnants also include the Black Sea, the Aral and the Caspian. Today, the Mediterranean is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a strait called the Strait of Gibraltar, this is known to everyone, but not many know that this strait passes between two rocks that were on Earth in the times of ancient heroes and were then called the Pillars of Hercules.

To understand what washes the Mediterranean Sea, you should look at geographical images of the planet. On satellite images and paper maps you can see that four largest peninsulas crash into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea: the Apennine, Balkan, Iberian peninsulas and Asia Minor. Also in the Mediterranean waters there is an accumulation of largest islands, which are also loved by tourists, in first place are Sicily, Ibiza, Crete, Malta and Rhodes.