The Mediterranean Sea is where the country and the city are located. Mediterranean. French Riviera, France

In the Mediterranean Sea there are seas: Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Cretan, Aegean. The Mediterranean Sea basin includes the Sea of ​​Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Sea of ​​Azov.

The modern Mediterranean Sea 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. The 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.

The Mediterranean Sea juts out into the land between Europe, Africa and Asia.

The seas of the Mediterranean basin wash the shores of 21 states:

Europe (from west to east): Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus; Asia (from north to south): Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel; Africa (from east to west): Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco. In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait connects it with the Sea of ​​Marmara and then the Bosporus Strait with the Black Sea, and in the southeast with the Suez Canal with the Red Sea.

Area 2500 thousand km².

The volume of water is 3839 thousand km³.

The average depth is 1541 m, the maximum is 5121 m.

The shores of the Mediterranean Sea near the mountainous coasts are predominantly abrasive, leveled, while on the low coasts they are lagoon-estuary and deltaic; The eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is characterized by Dalmatian-type shores. The most significant bays are: Valencia, Lyon, Genoa, Taranto, Sidra (B. Sirte), Gabes (M. Sirte).

Largest islands: Balearic, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus.

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

The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea is divided into several basins with relatively steep continental slopes, 2000-4000 m deep; along the coast, the basin is bordered by a narrow strip of shelf, expanding only between the coast of Tunisia and Sicily, as well as within the Adriatic Sea.

Geomorphologically, the Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three 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 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-Provencal 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 associated with them; some of them form large underwater mountains (Aeolian Islands, Vavilova Volcano, 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 center, parts 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 (Messianic 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 depression 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 the department In 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 ​​salt domes. In shelf zones, oil and gas deposits are confined to Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits.

The hydrological regime of the Mediterranean Sea is formed under the influence of high evaporation and general climatic conditions. conditions. The predominance of fresh water flow over incoming water leads to a decrease in the level, which is the reason for the constant influx of surface water. salty waters from Atlantic. OK. 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 thresholds of the straits. Basic water exchange occurs through the Strait of Gibraltar. (the upper reaches bring 42.32 thousand km³ per year of Atlantic water, and the lower reaches 40.80 thousand km³ of Mediterranean water); 350 and 180 km³ of water per year flow in and out, respectively, through the Dardanelles.

The circulation of water in the S. m. has hl. arr. wind nature; it is represented by the main, almost zonal Canary Current, transporting water predominantly. Atlantic origin along Africa, from the Strait of Gibraltar. to the shores of Lebanon, with a cyclonic system. gyres in isolated seas and basins to the left of this current. The water column reaches depths. 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. 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 east. and center. parts and from 11 to 15 °C on 3. In August average temperature water varies from 19 to 25°C. - at extreme east it rises to 27-30 °C. Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values ​​increase from 3. to V. 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 period of winter cooling, intense convective mixing develops in regions with increased density, which leads to the formation of highly saline and warm intermediate waters in the East. 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 saltiest seas in the world. (12.6-13.4 °C and 38.4-38.7, respectively). Relates. Water transparency is up to 50-60 m, color is intense blue.

The tides are mostly semidiurnal, their magnitude is less than 1 m, but in some areas. At points, in combination with wind surges, level fluctuations can reach 4 m (Gentoa Bay, off the northern coast of Corsica, etc.). Strong tidal currents are observed in narrow straits (Messinsky Strait). Max. waves are observed in winter (wave height reaches 6-8 m).

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, wet 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. Local winds are developing: the mistral in the area of ​​the Gulf of Lyon and the bora in the east of the 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. During the summer months there are dry fogs and dusty haze, blown out of Africa by the southerly sirocco wind. In the Eastern Basin, stable northerly winds - etesia - develop.

The average air temperature in January varies from 14-16°C off the southern coast to 7-10°C in the north, in August - from 22-24°C in the north to 25-30°C in the southern regions of the sea. Evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea reaches 1250 mm per year (3130 km3). Relative air humidity varies from 50-65% in summer to 65-80% in winter. Cloudiness in summer is 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 in July - August, the maximum in December.

Characteristic are mirages, which are often observed in the Strait of Messina. (so-called Fata Morgana).

The flora and fauna of the 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 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 (peridinea and diatoms predominate).

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by great species diversity, but the number of representatives of the department. there are few species. There are crayfish, one species of seal (the white-bellied seal); sea ​​turtle. There are 550 species of fish (mackerel, herring, anchovies, mullet, coryphenaceae, 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.

The coast of the Northern Sea has long been densely populated and is distinguished by a high level of economic development (especially the countries located along its northern coast).

Agriculture of Mediterranean countries: stands out for the production of citrus fruits (about 1/3 of the world harvest), cotton, and oilseeds. Slovakia occupies a special position in the system of international trade and economic relations. Located at the junction of three parts of the world (Europe, Asia, and Africa), the sea route is an important transport route through which sea connections between Europe and Asia, North Africa, as well as Australia and Oceania pass. Important trade routes pass along the Northern Sea, connecting Russia and Ukraine with Western countries, and large cabotage lines between the Black Sea and a number of other ports of Russia and Ukraine.

The transport importance of the sea area for Western Europe is continuously increasing due to the increasing dependence of these countries on the import of raw materials. The role of natural gas is especially great in oil transportation. The Siberian Sea is an important “oil” route between Western Europe and the Middle East. The share of southern ports (the main ones are Marseille, Trieste, Genoa) in the supply of Western Europe with oil is constantly growing (about 40% in 1972). The ports of the Siberian Sea are connected by pipelines both with the countries of Western Europe, including Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland, and with the oil fields of the Middle East and North Africa. The transportation of various types of raw materials, metal ores and bauxites, and agricultural products is also large. products through the Suez Canal, through which Western Europe links with Asia and Australia. The largest ports are Marseille with outports in France, Genoa, Augusta, Trieste in Italy, Sidra, Marsa Brega in Libya.

Numerous industrial enterprises have been created on the coast of the North Sea and on the islands. The chemical and metallurgical industries developed using raw materials delivered by sea. From 1960 to 1975, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, the mouth of the Rhone in France, and others became major hubs of the chemical industry. Oil and gas production began on the sea shelf (the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, the coast of Greece, etc.).

Fishing in the North Sea is of secondary importance in comparison with other basins of the Atlantic Ocean. Industrialization of the coast, urban growth, and development of recreational areas lead to intense pollution of the coastal strip. Widely known resorts Cote d'Azur(Riviera) in France and Italy, resorts of the Levantine coast and the Balearic Islands in Spain, etc.

2.1. Tourist resources of foreign Europe

2.1.2. Mediterranean European resort hotbed

Countries located on the Mediterranean coast are especially popular among tourists. This region has a Mediterranean type of climate, developed tourist infrastructure, historical monuments of Antiquity and the Middle Ages, a large number of attractions.

Barcelona is a famous tourist center. Here are a complex of buildings and the Cathedral of the Holy Family by the famous architect A. Gaudi, the football stadium Nou Camp", the monument to Christopher Columbus, the tallest in the world, and other attractions. The next part of the coast to the south is the Costa del Garraf, centered on resort town Sitges.

Further to the south lies the Costa Daurada - the “golden coast”, so named because of the beautiful sea ​​beaches from fine soft sand. The pride of the Costa Daurada is the second largest theme park Europe - Port Aventura. On the territory of the Valencian Community there is a part of the coast called Costa Azahar, with its center in the city of Castellon. This is 120 kilometers of coastline washed by the Mediterranean Sea.

To the south of the Costa Azahar there is a sea coast centered on the city of Valencia. Valencia, a city known throughout the world for its trade fairs, has become one of the most popular venues for international conferences. The old town of Valencia, one of the largest in Europe, has many cultural and architectural monuments. The Old Commodity Exchange of Lonja has been declared a heritage of humanity by UNESCO. On the outskirts of the city there are beaches and seaside villages. Valencia is rich in national museums, such as the fine arts, Museum of Ceramics, etc.

To the south of Valencia is the famous Costa Blanca - the “white coast” - the coast of the Valencian community with the famous resorts of Gandia, Javea, Beni Dorm, Alicante. Benidorm, in particular, is famous for the fact that in its surroundings there is a theme park called Tierra Mitica, where the ancient legendary civilizations of the Mediterranean are presented in miniature. The territory of the Valencian Community is not only the Mediterranean coast, but also inland rural areas that are of great interest to travelers. There is also a lot here nature reserves. In the extreme south of Andalusia there is a famous resort area - the Costa del Sol - the “coast of the sun”. This part of the coast is famous resort centers for aristocrats and big businessmen. The capital of the province of Andalusia is the city of Seville. The city's prosperity began after the discovery of America. Spanish caravels brought gold and other valuables from the New World here, which was responsible for the development of the port city. Seville is considered a city of sailors, bullfighters and flamenco performers. The Seville Fair is held here every year.

The island part of Spain is very popular among tourists. The Canary Islands, located opposite the African coast, 1000 km from the Iberian Peninsula, thanks to their volcanic origin, exceptionally even climate throughout the year and wonderful beaches, offer the opportunity to enjoy all the delights of the sea throughout the year. Puerto de la Cruz and beaches in the southern part of Tenerife; the beaches of Las Playas del Inglés and Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria; Puerto del Carmen on the island of Lanzarote and Corralejo on Fuerteventura are some of the biggest tourist destinations.

Located in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Islands have a number of features unique to them. There is an interesting and varied coastline, a rich world of birds and stunningly beautiful landscapes. Ibiza, the third largest island of the Balearic archipelago, is recognized throughout the world as one of the best resorts for young people. Young people from all over Europe come here in search of entertainment - Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago. Thanks to its favorable Mediterranean climate, Mallorca is one of the islands visited by tourists all year round.

Spain is also a center for educational tourism. The golden age of Spanish education occurred during the Renaissance, when Spanish influence spread throughout the world. Since then, the greatness of the once powerful kingdom has faded, but even now you can get a good education in this country. Spanish universities have ancient traditions. The very first of them was founded in Salamat in 1218. Spanish universities are traditionally considered strong in teaching history and geography. Spanish schools of fine arts need no introduction either.

The constitutional monarchy is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula GIBRALTAR. Length coastline This tiny state is 12 km long, and the total territory of the country is occupied mainly by rocks - only 6.5 square meters. km. While under British jurisdiction, the territory of Gibraltar continues to be a subject of dispute between Spain and Great Britain. The country's economy is directly dependent on British military assistance, income from tourism, ship maintenance, banking and financial activities. The country got its name from the distorted Arabic name Je-bel-al-Tariq (“Tariq Mountain”), which was given to this place in the 6th century. AD, when the Moors, led by Tariq ibn Seyd, captured Gibraltar and named it after their leader. Tourists enjoying picturesque view The Rock of Gibraltar, where an ancient fortification structure is located - a fortress of the 18th century. Tourists are interested in the majestic Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, the construction of which began in the 15th century.

In recent years, Gibraltar has become one of the recognized centers of sailing. A modern yachting center has been created here. Tourists are attracted here by the opportunity for successful shopping, since prices here for goods are much lower than in most European countries. On the central street of Gibraltar, Main Street, there are many pubs, souvenir shops, cafes and entertainment venues. The foot of the Rock of Gibraltar is not rich in beach recreation areas. But in recent years, efforts have been made to create artificial beaches.

PORTUGAL located in Southwestern Europe, on the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is distinguished by an abundance of landscapes: mountains and valleys in the northern and central parts give way to plains in the southern latitudes. There are mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main objectives of the economic policy pursued by the Portuguese government in recent years has been to achieve the level of prosperity of EU countries. Currently, about 80% of Portugal's foreign trade is with EU member states. It is believed that the country's accession to the euro zone contributed to the strengthening of the country's international authority, which had a beneficial effect on the economy. Portugal exports industrial and agricultural products. One of the areas of specialization is the production of high-quality and relatively cheap shoes. Local winemaking is famous.

Tourism is also actively developing in the country. Tourist resources of Portugal include the country's capital Lisbon, the coast in the vicinity of Lisbon, the southern province of Portugal Al Garve, the city of Porto, and the island of Madeira. Lisbon, the westernmost capital of Europe, is spread out like Rome and Moscow on seven hills. This is an ancient city, striking in the number of architectural monuments. Lisbon offers its guests a fairly large selection of comfortable hotels designed for people with different financial capabilities. The popular resorts of Estors and Cascais are located 15 km west of Lisbon. This is traditionally a favorite vacation spot for European nobility and the residence of royal families. Luxurious villas, eucalyptus groves, the best beaches of the central part of the country, magnificent hotels, gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses, one of the most famous casinos in Europe and the famous Formula 1 circuit - all this attracts millions of tourists.

Ltarve is the southernmost province of Portugal, washed by the waters of the Atlantic, with a coastline of about 200 km. Beaches of golden sand, crystal clear seas, ponds of the Ria Formosa nature reserve with graceful flamingos, exciting options for lovers active rest and sports activities - all this attracts tourists here. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, gave its name not only to port wine, but to the entire country. The city is the center of the petrochemical, textile and fish canning industries, and its harbor is the country's second largest port. Since the city attracts not only tourists, but also businessmen, the level of development of the hotel business here is quite high.

The island of Madeira, together with the island of Porto Saito and the uninhabited island reserves, form an archipelago that has been one of the famous European tourist destinations for three centuries. Madeira is located 500 km from the coast of Africa and 1000 km from the Portuguese mainland. The central city of the archipelago is Funshaa. The island was discovered by the Portuguese Prince Henry. The prince planted here plantations of grape varieties that had previously grown only in Crete and Cyprus. The result was a wine of amazing quality - Madeira, which attracted merchants from all over the world to the island to purchase it. Christopher Columbus, who married the daughter of the local governor, lived on the island for some time. Important tourist destinations in Portugal are Azores, located in Atlantic Ocean.

The pride of Portugal's hotel industry is its pousadas, which reflect the architectural, decorative and gastronomic characteristics of the areas of Portugal in which they are located, avoiding the stereotypical copying of international hotels. Located in a variety of buildings: medieval inns, castles, estates, they are equipped with modern equipment and offer their guests a cozy atmosphere.

FRANCE- the largest European country in terms of territory (after Russia) (with an area of ​​about 550 thousand sq. km) with a population of about 60 million people. The capital of France is Paris, located on the Seine River. As we have already said, France ranks second in the world (after the United States) among the most popular tourist destinations. In this case, it is appropriate to recall the words of Henri de Bornier: “Every person has two homelands - his own and France”.

The geographical position of France is characterized by two main features: its position in the center of Europe among developed countries, as well as access to the seas, which allows the use of cheap sea transport for communication with overseas and European countries. France, having significant reserves of certain types of mineral raw materials (uranium), is rich primarily in natural and climatic resources, which contributes to the development of agriculture and tourism. The country's topography is also diverse - there are three natural and climatic zones: the north with a moderately humid maritime climate; the central massif, occupying a middle position and characterized by a sharp temperature difference; south with a Mediterranean climate.

Taking its modern name from the Celtic Frankish tribe, France has a rich history. The reign of Charlemagne, who contributed to the spread of Christianity in Western Europe, the royal power of Louis and the seizure of colonies, the world's first bourgeois republic and the aggressive policy of Napoleon Bonaparte, the constructive domestic and foreign policy of Charles de Gaulle, who managed to keep its former colonies in the sphere of influence of France , - this is not a complete list of important historical milestones of the French state. The French Republic is administratively divided into 22 regions and 96 Departments; economically, it is an industrial country where agriculture and non-productive sectors are more important than in many other European countries. World famous wines - cognac, Cahors, champagne come from France. Paris remains a global fashion center with a strong perfume and cosmetics industry.

The historically established radial settlement system of France has determined the fact that all roads in France lead to Paris, the hypertrophied development of which is one of the country's regional problems. Over the past millennium, Paris has developed as a cultural and political center, which even changed the course of world history. It has been known as the capital of France since 987. Paris was founded on the Ile de la Cité and has a distinct radial-ring layout corresponding to the stages of historical development: radial highways are connected by concentric rings of wide green boulevards. In Paris there is a university - the Sorbonne, founded in 1215, where you can study without age restrictions throughout your life.

The most beautiful panorama of Paris can be seen from Eiffel Tower, which was built according to the design of Gustave Eiffel on the Champ de Mars, near the Seine, in 1887-1889, on the day of the Paris World Exhibition and the centenary of the French bourgeois revolution.

The streets of Paris have interesting names: the streets of Achilles, Babylon, Heaven, Hell, God, Satan. Dozens of streets and squares are named after great people: Hugo, Balzac, etc., and also bear geographical names: Europe Square, square Latin America, streets of Italy, Argentina, Moscow Best decoration Paris, its blue necklace is the Seine. On its banks stands Notre Dame, the Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris - greatest monument Gothic art. Its construction began in the 12th century. The cathedral is 130 meters long and 48 wide. Notre Dame is considered the geographical center of France; at its entrance there is a mark from which all distances in France are measured.

A pearl rises not far from Notre Dame gothic architecture- Chapel Sainte-Chapelle - two churches, lower and upper.

They were consecrated in 1248. The bright, joyful coloring of the stained glass windows makes this architectural relic look like a precious box.

Arc de Triomphe, built 1806-1836. in the Empire style, decorates the Place de l'Etoile.

The Champs Elysees is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the 8,500 streets of Paris; it is pleasant to walk along it at any time of the day or year.

The Champs Elysees is the site of traditional military parades. Near the Champs Elysees, half a kilometer from the Arc de Triomphe, is the Elysee Palace - the residence of the President of France. On the banks of the Seine are the Palais Royal with beautiful courtyards, Tuileries Park, and the Comédie Française theater.

The Louvre can be called the greatest museum in the world, an outstanding work of architecture of the French Renaissance. The Louvre contains masterpieces of world painting and sculpture by famous masters, such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, Raphael Santi, Titian, etc. Unique works of the Ancient East, Ancient Greece and Rome, discovered as a result of archaeological excavations, are displayed here. as well as monuments of the Middle Ages.

The works of impressionist artists: Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Matisse, Picasso and others are exhibited at the Orsay Museum. The Guimet Museum is dedicated to the art of the ancient East and ancient egypt. There are countless museums in Paris, including the museums of Rodin, Hugo, Balzac and others. Tourists get acquainted with the life of a free, life-loving city, visiting the Les Invalides, where Napoleon is buried, the Grand Opera, the Conservatory, the Luxembourg Palace, etc. Grand Boulevards (Capucins, Italians, Montmatre, Poissonnière, Bonne-Nouvelle, Saint-Denis, Saint-Martin, Madeleine, Temple, Fille du Kelver, Beaumarchais) represent a single and diverse street 35 m wide and about 4.5 km long. This is an area of ​​theaters, cabarets, shops, restaurants, editorial offices of the most important newspapers and magazines.

The Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) in the southeast of France on the border with Italy is known for prestigious resorts: Cannes, Grasse, Nice, Villefranche, Beaulieu, Mengon, Antibes. The French Riviera is a place where festivals and carnivals are held. The Cote d'Azur has everything necessary for organizing a good holiday: a developed network of highways, roads and railways connects it with all the largest cities in France and Europe; Nice International Airport serves up to 7 million passengers per year; the hotel industry consists mainly of luxury hotels; There are 19 ski resorts. The Côte d'Azur has a well-developed and long-traditioned accommodation industry. A typical example is the prestigious Hotel Negresco in Nice. The hotel was founded by Henry Negresco. He was born in 1868. in the family of an innkeeper in Bucharest. At the age of 15, Henry goes to work in Europe. Dreaming of building a hotel worthy of his clients, Henry decides to travel around the world, visiting the most famous hotels with the goal of creating your own “palace” on the Cote d'Azur, where visitors will be offered exquisite luxury and comfort. The hotel was built according to the design of the famous architect E. Nierman and opened in 1913. In the first year of its existence, the hotel brought in a fabulous profit - 800,000 old francs. The modern owners of the hotel, continuing the work begun by Negresco, complement the hotel with exquisite pieces of art. The hotel has 140 rooms costing from 200 to 1500 euros per night.

Aquitaine and the Southern Pyrenees (south-west France) with the center of viticulture in the city of Bordeaux are famous for the combination pine forests and fine sand beaches that end in the south with the prestigious aristocratic resort of Biarritz.

In the territory of Brittany and Normandy (western France), dizzying cliffs, sandy beaches, pink and lilac cliffs amaze the imagination, and in numerous picturesque ports (Brest, Le Havre) there are countless fishing boats. Normandy is the birthplace of impressionism, great writers and poets - Claude Monet, Guy de Maupassant, etc. This is a land with many fortresses, castles, and abbeys. There are many monuments of Romanesque and Gothic architectural heritage here. The Abbey of San Michel, founded in the 7th century, located on the island, as well as the cathedral in the city of Rouen, picturesque Honfleur - the city of artists and poets, are famous all over the world. medieval city Saint-Malo is the “haven of royal pirates”, the birthplace of Francois Chateaubriand.

The main attraction of Brittany is the powerful ebb and flow of the tides.

They are called the “breathing rhythms” of Atlantic Europe. Every six hours the seascape, and with it the coastal landscape, changes beyond recognition. The region, located in northern France, is the gateway to Belgium and the UK. The ports of Boulogne and Calais, as well as the Eurostar terminal, link the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region with the UK.

Burgundy and Champagne-Ardennes is a region that has historically established itself as a center for French wines. The lands of the Loire and Poutou-Charentes are known for their mild climate, magnificent landscapes of river valleys and rounded hills along the Loire and traditional cuisine (pate, seafood, frog's legs). Poutou-Charentes is considered the birthplace of cognac. There are a large number of monuments from the Romanesque era here. The Loire River has always been an important waterway.

It was a natural outlet to the Atlantic Ocean - to Nantes.

At the same time, the Loire was the road to Paris, along which silks, spices, precious stones, and pearls arrived.

Lorraine in northwestern France borders Germany along the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains. The centers of this old industrial region are Metz and Nancy, which now have primarily a tourist attraction. Their architectural monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The lands of Provence, Corsica and Languedoc in south-eastern France are full of evidence of a rich cultural past: Roman arenas and baths, triumphal arches, aqueducts. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the Languedoc-Roussillon region stretches from the border with Spain to the Rhone delta. Wild beaches alternate with wild lagoons, a paradise for pink flamingos. The island of Corsica, where Napoleon was born, is known for its separatist sentiments and is incredibly picturesque. The center of this area is the largest port of France, Marseille. Tourist cities This area also includes Perpegnan and Montpellier. The region of Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne, Limousin in the center of France is a center of winter sports, especially alpine skiing (Albertville, Grenoble), historical and educational excursions are also held here. The city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region is often called the capital of Europe, as the Parliament of the European Union meets here. Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin wrote about the beauty of the nature of Alsace in “Notes of a Russian Traveler”: “The luxurious nature of Alsace, in gardens and fields, pours out all its fertility to the visitor, and in foaming joy supplies the mortal with the nectar of inspiration.”

France is a recognized center of winemaking and gastronomy. Almost all departments of the country have specifics in the preparation of wines and various delicacies. Therefore, gastronomic tours are popular, one of which is called “Wine Routes of France.”

These tours are often combined with agricultural tourism, which is gaining increasing popularity in Europe. Through the picturesque places and vineyards of Alsace lies one of the attractions of the region - the famous wine road 170 km long. Tourists are delighted with the many towns along this road, especially the flower-filled city of Colmar.

From the once large colonial empire France was left with “shards” in the form of overseas departments. Located in the southern regions, due to their favorable climate, they are the object of international tourist demand. These are Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Reunion, Tahiti, New Caledonia.

In international tourism, France is considered an important ski destination; it is a leader in the number of ski resorts - there are more than 400 of them, as well as in the total length and equipment of the slopes (6 thousand km of equipped slopes and over 4 thousand funiculars and lifts). It is in the French Alps that the highest skiing in Europe is possible - up to 3900m.

Here in Chamonix, there is the longest ski slope in the world - 22 km long. Chamonix is ​​considered the oldest (1893) and most famous ski resort in the French Alps. Other ski resorts in France are also popular - Megève, Morzine, Meribel, etc. Courchevel is called “the station chosen by the stars.” Here are the most expensive and sophisticated hotels in France.

France is a country with a rich history. Each historical era has left its mark on French architecture and art. The entire territory of France is full of architectural monuments associated with ancient Roman culture, Romanesque art, Gothic, the Classical era, and the Romantic period. In this regard, old publications are of interest, in particular, the guidebook “France”, prepared by Louis Gurtik, inspector of fine arts of Paris. The book contains illustrations of architectural monuments from different eras scattered throughout France.

Within the borders of the Cote d'Azur is the picturesque Principality of MONACO. The basis of the economy of the principality is trade and financial activities (about 800 international companies and 50 banks are headquartered in Monaco, due to the favorable tax regime) and tourism. The capital of the principality, Monte Carlo, is famous for its gambling houses. However, here you can visit a number of attractions: Princely Palace, Palace Square, Oceanographic Museum, casino, Japanese Garden, Monaco Cathedral, Museum of the History of the Princes of Monaco, Maritime Museum.

On the border of France and Spain is the Principality of ANDORRA, recreationally known for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping area and water parks. Andorra - independent state, its area is 468 sq. km, population 65 thousand people.

It is located three and a half hours' drive (225 km) from Barcelona airport and 180 km from Toulouse airport. The largest ski resorts in Andorra are Soldeu-El Tarter, Pas De La Casa Grau Rouge, Pal Arinsal, Ordino Arcalis. Soldeu El Tarter is considered the most popular resort for both beginners and advanced skiers, while Pas de la Casa Grau Rouge is the ideal destination for advanced skiers. Pal-Arinsal is suitable for beginners and students. Ordino Arcalis is the most remote resort from the capital of the Principality of Andorra la Vella. One of the main features of Andorra is the combination quality rest and affordable prices. The relatively low cost of tour packages sets it apart from Austria, France and Switzerland. The capital of the country, Andorra la Vella, is surrounded by high mountains picturesque basin. The city was founded in the 9th century, so there are many medieval buildings here.

ITALY has an area of ​​about 300 thousand square meters. km and a predominantly single-ethnic population of about 60 million people. The capital of Italy, Rome, is located on the Tiber River. Italy's geographical position in the south of Europe contributes to its close ties with both European countries and the Mediterranean countries - North Africa and the Middle East.

The modern Italian Republic, consisting of 20 regions, became independent in 1861. The historical greatness of the country is personified by its existence before 476 BC. huge Roman Empire. The historical monuments of Italy constitute one of the main values ​​of world culture, therefore the inexhaustible interest of millions of tourists attracts them to this country at any time of the year.

Reserves of mercury ore and the famous white marble are the country's most important mineral resources. The Mediterranean type of climate is the most important natural climatic resource. Economically, Italy is characterized by the production of medium-complex products (household appliances, cars) and the consumer sector (fashionable clothing, shoes, films). Agriculture, especially viticulture, plays an important role in the country's economy. Italy occupies a leading position in the world in wine production. In Italy, one can distinguish an economically developed North, the basis of which is the “industrial triangle” of Milan - Turin - Genoa, as well as an agriculturally backward south, the largest center of which is Naples.

A powerful surge in the cultural and ideological development of many European countries, which occurred mainly in the 14th-15th centuries, and in Italy began in the 13th century, is usually called the Renaissance. That is why Italy is so rich in the heritage of great artists, sculptors, poets, architects, and philosophers. Among them are the names of Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Santi, Michelangelo Buonarroti and many others.

Regional tourism in Italy is developing according to the specifics of natural data and the presence of historical and cultural monuments. The geographical location of the Piedmont region determined its name - “at the foot of the mountains.” This northwestern region borders France and is known for its mountain resorts.

The center and capital of the region is the city of Turin, a large industrial center of Northern Italy. Mechanical engineering, textile and electrical industries are developed here and Fiat factories are located. From a tourism point of view, the greatest interest in Piedmont is represented by mountain resorts (ski tourism, hiking in the mountains, cycling, horse riding) and the sights of Turin. These include architectural ensembles in the Baroque style, the Egyptian Museum, the Savoy Gallery, etc.

The Valle d'Aosta region is geographically part of Piedmont, but enjoys autonomy. It borders France and Switzerland. The region is rich in minerals: iron, copper ores, and marble. Numerous powerful hydroelectric power stations located here supply electricity to the whole of Italy. The region It is famous not only for its cheeses, but also for its magnificent ski resorts. The highest mountain resorts in Italy are located here (up to 3.5 thousand m), and thanks to this. ski season continues until the beginning of May.

Nature lovers are attracted national park Gran Paradiso and surroundings of Mont Blanc - highest peak Alps

The capital of the Liguria region is the city of Genoa. The region has developed agriculture (olive oil production, citrus cultivation), metallurgical and engineering industries (shipbuilding). Tourism in Liguria is mainly associated with seaside holidays. Prestigious European resorts Portofino, Rapallo, Sanremo, where the annual song festival takes place. Genoa is a city with a rich historical past. During the Middle Ages, Genoa was one of the prosperous maritime republics. Monuments from different eras have been preserved here:

Palazzo Ducale, Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Old city, the house where the famous navigator Christopher Columbus was born, the house-museum of Niccolo Paganini.

The center of the Lombardy region is the city of Milan - the largest industrial, financial, and transport center of Southern Europe. It is known that in 568, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the hordes of Attila, the leader of the Gothic tribes, captured the city. Locals They called the barbarians Lombards (“long-bearded ones”). It is believed that it was from the Lombards that these lands received the name Lombardy.

Milan's famous opera house La Scala is known all over the world. Milan is a center for training in the art of opera singing. Milan has become a symbol of Italian fashion. One of the titles of modern Milan is the capital of industrial design. Furniture made in Milan is famous all over the world. One of the most famous attractions of the city is the Duomo Cathedral, built in the Gothic style. The cathedral is built of white marble with many spiers and statues.

Milan is a famous shopping center. The city's central department store is located on the main square and is called "Gallery Vittorino Emanuele". Football is very popular in the city.

One of the largest football stadiums in Italy, San Siro, is located here.

To the north of Milan, in the spurs of the Alps, the most beautiful lakes stretch from east to west - Garda, Iseo, Como, Lugano, etc. The most important areas of tourism in Lombardy include: excursion (visiting the sights of Milan and medieval cities); relaxation on the many picturesque lakes of Lombardy; riding on alpine skiing; visiting theme parks; gastronomic tours; business tourism associated with participation in numerous exhibitions held in Milan.

The region of Trentino-Alto Adige has a significant number of German-speaking inhabitants. This mountainous region borders with Austria. The largest centers of the region are Trento and Bolzano. Hydropower and agriculture are developed here. The most famous resorts in the region are Pinzolo, Marano, Brunico. Ski tourism is mainly developed.

The center of the Veneto region is . For several centuries it was the center of the Venetian Republic. During the Middle Ages, she was constantly at odds with the then powerful Genoa. In its heyday, the possessions of the Venetian Republic reached the Po River (now it divides the regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) and the city of Bergamo, located next to Milan. The Republic of Venice lost its independence in 1797 when Napoleon captured it and handed it over to Austria. In the second half of the 16th century. The Republic of Venice becomes a kind of oasis and center of the Renaissance. The artists of the Venetian school Giorgione, Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, and the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini worked here.

The peculiarity of the geographical location of Venice is determined by the fact that the city is located on numerous islands of the Venetian Lagoon, surrounded by canals that are connected by bridges. Water buses have been running around Venice since the late 19th century. You can travel along the Venetian canals by water trams and gondolas. The length of the gondola is several meters, and the weight reaches 600 kg. Gondolas are made by local craftsmen. This is rare manual labor. The cost of one gondola is several tens of thousands of euros. The main transport artery of Venice is the Grand Canal, which divides the city into two parts. Everyone is familiar with the Venetian striped poles sticking out of the canals. It is known that they practically do not rot in water, as they are made from special species of larch and oak.

Venice is famous all over the world for its glassblowers. The skill of glassblowers is unique and is passed on from generation to generation. At the end of the 13th century. The Doges (city rulers) issued a decree to evict all glassblowers from Venice. This was due to frequent fires. The crews were sent to five separate islands called Murano, next to Venice.

In the very center of the city is Piazza San Marco. Here tourists explore the magnificent landmark of Venice:.

The clock tower with the Moors, the Cathedral of San Marco - decorated with 78 mosaics by Byzantine masters, the Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Italian architecture, known throughout the world as “lace in stone”, “frozen music”. Many of Venice's attractions have symbolic names.

For example, convicts passed sighing along the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the courthouse with the neighboring prison, who, perhaps, could see the sky and sea for the last time.

Tourism in the Veneto region is multidisciplinary: visiting Venice, seaside holidays, outdoor recreation in the mountains, mountaineering, skiing, visiting theme parks, thermal treatment.

The region of Friuli - Venice - Giulia is the most eastern region Italy. It is located between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. Agriculture is developed in the region, there are machine-building, metallurgical and light industry enterprises. The center of the region is the city of Trieste, which has centuries-old history, as evidenced by numerous architectural monuments. One of them is the monument to the four continents, located on central square. “Why four and not five?” you ask, and you will get the answer: when this monument was created, Australia had not yet been discovered. Currently Trieste is a large sea ​​port and a transport hub not only for Italy, but also for the Northern Adriatic.

The center of the Emilia-Romagna region is the city of Bologna, where the oldest university in Europe is located. Agriculture, the food industry (production of high-quality cheeses and sausages), and mechanical engineering (Ferrari and Mazaretti factories) are developed in the region. Largest cities areas: Parma, Modena, Piacenza, Rimini (Adriatic seaside resort). Tourism here is associated with visiting seaside resorts and city tours.

The center of the Tuscany region is the city. The attractions of Florence include cathedrals, palaces, squares, fountains, famous streets and bridges of the city: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's bell tower of the 14th century, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Piazza della Signoria, etc. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, the birthplace of great artists , writers, scientists, sculptors: Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci.

The central figure of 16th-century art, the last master of the Renaissance, was Michelangelo Buonarroti. Having created brilliant works of painting, sculpture and architecture, he glorified the strength and power of the human personality, liberated from feudal shackles. Leonardo da Vinci was simultaneously an artist, art theorist, sculptor, architect, mathematician, physicist, mechanic, astrologer, anatomist, etc. In terms of the degree of talent and versatility, he has hardly any equal among the representatives of the Renaissance. His masterpieces have reached us - the fresco “The Last Supper” and the portrait “Mona Lisa” (“La Gioconda”). He sought to enrich his canvases with means of psychological characterization, revealing the rich inner world of a person through the transfer of facial expressions and gestures and a finely thought-out system of light and shadow modeling. In Florence there is a famous art gallery - the Uffizi, which displays the largest collection of Italian paintings and sculptures of the Renaissance.

Tuscany is of interest to travelers who love art, excellent cuisine and wine. Pisa is home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The major centers of Tuscany include Livorno, Pisa, Siena. Tuscany has prestigious seaside resorts. The most popular is resort area Versilia, located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas.

The most famous resorts are Viareggio, Marina di Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaiori, Carrara. Not far from the coast of Tuscany is the island of Elba - a prestigious holiday destination. The island of Capraia, located between the Tuscan coast and the island of Corsica, is one of the pearls of the Tuscan archipelago, declared a national park. The island is an untouched corner of nature, full of charm: crystal clear water and a coastline rich in wonderful grottoes and small bays. This is an ideal place to relax and practice numerous sea sports: scuba diving, sailing.

The region of Umbria is landlocked. The center of the region is the city of Perugia, famous for its university. For the magnificent and in many ways wildlife Umbria received the title of “green heart of Italy”.

Agritourism is common here. Tourist accommodations are often ancient castles, located in picturesque places. Pilgrimage and event tourism are developed. The famous painter Raphael was born in Umbria, who became the head of a large school of painting in Rome. Raphael proposed the most advanced solutions in the field of monumental painting. In Raphael's work, the high ideas of the Renaissance are combined with a clear harmonic structure of forms. The pinnacle of Raphael's work is the painting "The Sistine Madonna", kept in the Dresden Art Gallery in Germany.

The center of the Marche region is the city of Ancona. This agricultural area is located in a picturesque area rich in historical monuments and folk arts. Since the Middle Ages, the region has been producing paper, which is in strong demand in Italy. The composer Rossini was born here. There are cozy, uncrowded resorts on the sea coast.

In the region of Lazio is the capital of Italy - the city of Rome. Rome is a mecca for tourists not only in Italy, but throughout the world.

No wonder there is an expression: “all roads lead to Rome.”

The territory of the Papal State of the Vatican, located in Rome, contains St. Peter's Basilica and numerous museums. St. Peter's Basilica houses many masterpieces: the Pietà, one of Michelangelo's first works; the canopy installed over the papal throne by Bernini; bronze statue of St. Peter, etc. In total, there are over a dozen museums and galleries in the Vatican: the Pinakothek art gallery, a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Etruscan Museum, the Sistine Chapel, etc. Millions of pilgrims visit the Vatican.

The sights of Rome include: Capitoline Square, the Colosseum, built in the 1st-2nd centuries. AD - this is the largest amphitheater of the ancient world, accommodating about 50 thousand spectators who watched the persecution and fights of gladiators; Spanish Steps, Pantheon (temple in the name of all gods - 1st-2nd centuries AD), Castel Sant'Angelo, Trevi Fountain, ancient palaces and arches.

Seaside holidays attract tourists here. The most famous and beautiful resorts are located south of Rome on the Riviera di Ulisse.

Between Rome and Naples there is one of the most beautiful resort coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea - the Riviera di Ulisse, or the Odysseus coast, known in antiquity. The Odyssey coast has almost 100 km of beaches, amazing landscapes, clear seas, rich flora and fauna, small elegant towns, interesting story and traditions, the proximity of Rome, Naples and Pompeii, as well as the islands. In 1998 the coast was awarded blue flag EU for cleanliness of the sea and beaches.

The center of the region of Molise and Abruzzi, the city of Campobasso has been famous since ancient times for its steel products: knives and scissors. There are villages in the region whose inhabitants speak Greek and Albanian.

Tourism in Molise is poorly developed compared to other regions of Italy.

The center of the Campania region is the city of Naples, located on the shores of a beautiful bay at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Not far from Naples in Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae, covered with ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79. AD, archaeological excavations were carried out for many years. Nowadays, fine examples of Roman painting and mosaics can be seen in the discovered private homes and public buildings. Being one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, 81 Naples is also industrial center. Campania has many types of tourism; excursion and educational (visit, except Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, Ischia); holiday at sea; pilgrimage; ecological (visit to the Vesuvius volcano and the area of ​​mud geysers); gastronomic tours.

The region of Basilicata is located in a mountainous area. The center of the region is the city of Potenza. In a number of cities in the region you can find the famous “sassi” - ancient dwellings carved into the rocks and connected by stairs and passages. Tourism in this area of ​​southern Italy is less developed compared to other areas.

The nature here is very picturesque, but there are not enough accommodation facilities, in rural areas with small settlements There are few entertainment centers and shops.

The region of Calabria is located on the “toe” of the Italian “satzog” and occupies the southernmost part of the peninsula between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. Climatic factors contribute to the cultivation of citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and almonds. The climate is also favorable for the development of tourism. UNESCO has recognized Calabria as one of the cleanest places in Europe. The region preserves traces of ancient Greek culture, which originally penetrated the Apennine Peninsula from here. A famous resort is Reggio Calabria. Catanzoro, the capital of Calabria, is located in the narrowest part of Italy. From Calabria there are excursions to the island of Capri - an island of rare beauty, a favorite destination for international tourism. The small square and the adjacent neighborhoods are the center of the tourist and social life of the local town. Anacapri is a unique place at the foot of Monte Salaro with cable car, located at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. The writer Maxim Gorky lived and created his works in Capri for several years. Not far from Capri is the island of Ischia - the island of “Eternal Youth and Beauty”, famous for its thermal resorts. At any age, the thermal waters and mud available on the island are recommended for the treatment of rheumatic diseases and recovery from injuries of the musculoskeletal system, chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and some gynecological diseases.

The center of the Puglia region is the port city of Bari. This area sits on the heel of the Italian boot and is one of the most developed areas of southern Italy. There are enterprises of the metallurgical and petrochemical industries here. The main crops are grapes and olives. The largest centers are Taranto, Foggia, Lecce, Brindisi. Tourism in Puglia is more varied and intense than in neighboring Basilicata and Calabria.

Excursion and educational, ecological, pilgrimage tourism and seaside recreation have become widespread here. A challenge for tourism development in Puglia is its relative remoteness.

However, the presence of airports in Bari and Brindisi makes it easy to reach the very south of the country.

The island of Sicily is the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The shores of the island are washed by three seas: in the north - the Tyrrhenian, in the east - the Ionian, in the west and south - the Mediterranean. The island is separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina. Sicily is connected to the continent by a network of railway, sea and air routes. The largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, is also located on this island. The capital of Sicily is the city of Palermo. The attractions of Palermo include the Church and Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the Church of San Lorenzo (XVII century).

The cities of Syracuse, Catania, Caltanisseta, and Trapani are located on the island. Sicily is a national producer of citrus fruits and supplier of seafood. From here, freshly caught fish and oysters are flown to Milan. Tourist opportunities in Sicily are extremely diverse: seaside holidays, sightseeing tours, event tourism, boat trips, in particular to Malta, gastronomic and wine tours.

Sicily is an island visited mainly by wealthy people.

Prices for goods here are higher than in provincial cities Italy.

The beaches of the island do not have a sandy bottom everywhere; there is also a rocky bottom with sea urchins. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from sea ​​urchins, it is recommended to purchase rubber slippers.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The center of Sardinia - the city of Cagliari - was founded by the Phoenicians, then became a colony of Carthage, and then Rome. Sardinia has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the "nuraghi" - massive stone towers. Sheep and goats are raised on the island, from whose milk excellent cheeses are made. Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for the region. The resorts of the south of the island - Santa Margherita di Pula and the north - the Emerald Coast - are currently the most famous, fashionable and prestigious and, as a result, expensive.

Major businessmen, movie stars, famous athletes, famous politicians relax here. The most popular excursions are visiting the nuraghes and a trip to the island of Corsica.

Italy is not just fabulous beautiful country, but also the cradle of world civilization. Once upon a time, all of educated Europe spoke Latin, and without such names as Petrarch, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, it is impossible to imagine the cultural history of mankind. And although now this country is not among the world leaders in the field of education, there are a lot of 83 reasons to study in Italy, especially to study such disciplines as art history, painting, and design. Now in Italy there are about 50 public universities and nine private ones that have a state license. Rome is home to five universities, the largest of which is La Sapienza.

Not far from Florence is the dwarf republic of SAN MARINO (25 thousand inhabitants). The cult of the saint is widespread and deeply revered here, to whom legend attributes the founding of the republic. The legend tells how a master stonemason left his home island of Arbe in Dolmatia and came to Mount Titan to found a community of Christians persecuted for their faith by the then reigning emperor Diocletian When the power in the Roman Empire weakened, and the temporary power of the Pope was not yet established, the citizens living on Mount Titan decided to create free cities Like others Italian cities linked their fate with the names of the saints, so the small community on Mount Titan, in memory of the legendary stonemason, gave itself the name “Earth San Marino", later "Free City of San Marino" and then "Republic of San Marino". In the 1960s, due to an increase in the flow of tourists, the accelerated development of the tourism industry, handicraft production and trade began here. The main tourist attractions of the republic are Mount Titan, historical Center San Marino, parks, camping and local towns. A typical handicraft product is ceramics. San Marino stamps and coins are in great demand. They can be purchased in the capital at the state institution of philately and numismatics. The republic has developed production of wines and liqueurs.

Every year more than 3 million tourists from all over the world come here to see medieval monuments, explore the ruins of the castles of Guaita and Chesta, and admire the sea distances from observation platforms.

NORTHERN ADRIATICA COUNTRIES( , ). Change political map Europe led to the formation of new states in the Balkans, including Slovenia and Croatia, which quickly became centers of international tourism demand.

SLOVENIA- “a green corner of Europe”, a predominantly single-national state located in the foothills of the Alps and with access to the Adriatic Sea (coastline length - 46 km). These geographical features favorably position the country in relation to international tourism demand, the basis of which is holidays on the sea coast - the resorts of Portorož, Piran, Izola, as well as ski resorts Kranjska Gora, Bovec, etc.

Kranjska Gora - prestigious mountain resort in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Triglav National Park is located nearby. Triglav is the highest alpine peak in Slovenia (2864 m), which is the symbol of the country and is depicted on its national flag.

Bovec - not only ski center, but also a place for rafting on the Sosha River. Extreme water sports competitions are held here. The advantage of a holiday on the Slovenian sea coast is that, in terms of natural and climatic conditions, it is comparable to the French and Italian Riviera, however, prices for tourist services, primarily for accommodation facilities, are much lower here. In Slovenia there is no such “chic” as on the Cote d'Azur of France, but the quality of the services provided is quite consistent with the European level. The most famous seaside resort of the Slovenian Riviera is the city of Portorož, or “port of roses”. Along the Portorož embankment there are hotel and health-improving complexes “More”, “Bernardin”, “Metropol”. Other tourist attractions in Slovenia include the architectural monuments of the country's capital Ljubljana, alpine lakes (Lake Bled with a beautiful chapel in its center and Lake Bohinj).

One of the popular holiday destinations in Slovenia is Lake Bled.

Tourism in the vicinity of the lake began to develop in 1854. thanks to the enterprising Swiss Arnold Rikli. He appreciated the recreational attractiveness of these places and stimulated the development of local tourism resources. By 190 0 Several hotels were built in the vicinity of the lake, accommodating a total of 1000 guests. In 187 0 to the resort area of ​​Lake Bled was carried out Railway. At 190 2g. Princess Elisabeth spent her Honeymoon. A year later, Bled and its surroundings received a gold medal in Vienna as the best place holidays in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One of the prestigious accommodation facilities in the vicinity of Lake Bled is Villa Bled, a place where Yugoslav leader Joseph Broz Tito loved to relax. The Slovenians want to turn the surrounding area of ​​Lake Bled into an advanced recreational area, where many types of tourism will be developed, in particular, agricultural tourism, which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Mayor administrative district Bled D. Antonich spoke about plans for the development of the Bled resort: “Bled is not only a lake and a castle.

The surrounding area of ​​Bled is inhabited by 11 thousand inhabitants. There are many beautiful villages here and we hope to include them in tourist area Lake Bled. Farm holidays are becoming increasingly popular in Europe."

For tourists, the capital of the country, Ljubljana, is of absolute interest - a city with a population of 280 thousand people. In the center of the city on a hill rises medieval castle- peculiar " business card» Ljubljana. The small Ljubljanica River flows through the city, flowing into the Sava and in the past was used as a transport artery. Ljubljana is a university city.

About 50 thousand students study here. An outstanding role in the development of the city was played by the Slovenian architect J. Plesnik (1872-1957). As a result of the implementation of his projects, Ljubljana turned from a provincial city into a capital city.

There are balneological resorts in the country, for example, Rogaska Slatina. From Slovenia, as well as from Croatia, one-day trips are organized tourist trips V neighboring countries, in particular to Italy (Venice and Trieste). If Venice is, first of all, a storehouse of attractions, then Trieste is considered among tourists as a place for successful shopping. Cheap but high-quality Italian shoes are especially valued. Other types of tourism are also popular in 86 Slovenia. One of them is fishing on clean mountain rivers, in particular on the Sosha mountain river. Other tourist attractions in Slovenia include the karst Postojna Cave and a stud farm in the town of Lipica.

On the territory of Slovenia there is a large seaport of Koper, known since the times of the Venetian Republic. The oldest city in Slovenia is Ptuj, which was once a settlement of the ancient Romans. Slovenia's experience in tourism development is instructive in many ways. The Slovenes have achieved a reversal of the trend in the prevalence ratio domestic tourism over the exit. Most Slovenian citizens prefer to holiday in their homeland rather than abroad. The reason for this is the reduction in prices, due to growing competition in the country's tourism market, while the tourism infrastructure is constantly being improved.

CROATIA- a state located south of Slovenia.

A distinctive feature of Croatia's geographical location is the presence of a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea (about 1800 km), which can be divided into three parts. In the north there is an economically depressed region of the Istrian peninsula with environmentally friendly tourist centers (Porec, Pula, Rovenj, Umag, Opatija, Rabac, Novigrad, Vrsar). In the center of the coastline (Dalmatia region) there are famous administrative centers Croatia Zadar and Split. In the region of Central Dalmatia there is the famous resort area of ​​Makarska Riviera. It stretches from the city of Brela in the west to the city of Gradac. The road from Split airport to the resorts of the Makarska Riviera takes up to one and a half hours. Makarska Riviera is national reserve. The sea here is the cleanest on the Croatian coast.

Thanks to its central location on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, Dalmatia has always played an important cultural and historical role. Numerous cities and towns of Dalmatia have a rich history. Many of them were founded in antiquity and the Middle Ages. This part of the Croatian coastline is characterized by pebble beaches, pine forests, olive groves, mountains, cozy bays. All this 87 makes Makarska Riviera a popular holiday destination. Famous tourist centers of the Makarska Riviera are the cities of Brela, Makarska, Podgora, and in the south there is the famous wine-making center Dubrovnik, awarded for outstanding services in the field of tourism in 1996. "Golden Apple" prize. The capital of Croatia is the city of Zagreb. It spreads from the foot of the Zagreb Mountains in the vast valley of the Sava River. The origin of the city's name "Zagreb" is often associated with one of the local legends. According to one of them, during a military campaign of a Croatian detachment, its leader stuck a sword into the ground at a halt. A fountain of cold water began to flow from there.

“Rake!” the leader exclaimed, and the warriors - some with their helmets, some with their palms - began to “rake” and drink the long-awaited water.

Others believe that the name of the city comes from the Old Croatian word “zagreb”, meaning “embankment, fortification, fortification”.

Croatia has many natural attractions Natural monument- Plitvice Lakes attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are several state nature reserves in Croatia.

Close to west coast The Brijuni nature reserve is located on the Istrian peninsula, consisting of 2 large and 12 small islands. Mediterranean vegetation is well represented here, there is a zoo. Risnjak Nature Reserve - wooded mountain range north of the port of Rijeka The Krka Nature Reserve covers the course of the Krka River, a beautiful karst river flowing through deep canyons. Croatia has over a thousand islands, of which only 66 are inhabited. The islands of Croatia are of interest to beach lovers and yachtsmen. Interestingly, the decision on privatization of the islands is not accepted; they are leased for 99 years. One of the first buyers of this Croatian real estate was a famous Hollywood star, who paid $1.8 million for complete privacy.

It should be noted that, apparently, investments in Croatian real estate are primarily selective in the sense that after Croatia's likely accession to the EU, its value may increase significantly in the future.

Special mention should be made of the Brijuni archipelago, once a prestigious holiday center for the European aristocracy. The archipelago has an advantageous geographical position, it is separated from the Istrian peninsula (northern Croatia) by the three-kilometer Fažana Strait and is located 10 km from the city of Pula - one of the administrative and transport centers of Istria. Brijuni has a mild Mediterranean climate: the average winter temperature is 6.3°, spring - 12.2°, summer - 22.2°, autumn - 14.8°. The archipelago was developed for tourism purposes at the end of the 19th century. Austrian entrepreneur P. Kupel-weiser. Subsequently, after the end of World War II, Yugoslav President Joseph Tito spent six months of the year here and received the heads of other countries. Currently, the archipelago has a national park with exotic plant species, and is also home to numerous animals. Some of them move freely throughout the entire archipelago. Therefore, the trees on the islands are fenced to prevent “voracious” deer from eating their bark. A small number of vacationers, a peaceful atmosphere, combined with favorable natural and climatic conditions create a special holiday flavor here. Currently, in an attempt to attract tourists and excursionists, the Croatian authorities are striving to increase the prestige of their country. For this purpose, various events are organized here. Thus, for the fifteenth time in the summer, the Croatian open tennis championship is held in the city of Umag with the participation of famous international sports stars SERBIA and MONTENEGRO(Montenegro) are located south of Croatia and are also popular and promising for international tourism.

The coastal resort area of ​​​​Montenegro is in great demand among tourists. The coast of Montenegro is represented by famous resorts: Kotor, Herceg Novi, Budva, St. Stefan, Ulcin, Ada Boyana, in the vicinity of the port of Bar, etc. Mediterranean Montenegro has long been prestigious place recreation. So, the beach in Becici back in 1936. was recognized in Paris best beach Europe.

George Byron and Bernard Shaw spoke with admiration about the coast of Montenegro. So, having seen Budva, Byron wrote: “When our planet was born, the most beautiful meeting of sea and land took place on the Montenegrin coast. And when the pearls of nature were scattered, they threw handfuls of them onto this earth.” Budva is located in one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic coast.

Here, between lush vegetation and the sea, there are long sandy beaches, in the immediate vicinity of which there are comfortable hotels. Old Budva is surrounded by Renaissance walls - a unique architectural monument of the 15th century. The city regularly hosts art festivals and celebrations.

In the north of the Montenegrin part of the Adriatic coast are the cities of Herceg Novi and Kotor. Kotor is located, as it were, inside the coast on the banks of Boka Kotor - the largest and most picturesque fjord in this part of the Mediterranean. The fjord extends 28 kilometers into the coast. Objects of medieval architecture, which are under the protection of UNESCO. Herceg Novi is called the Mediterranean botanical garden. This is a city of carnivals and art. Not far from Herceg Novi there is a small health resort Igalo. He is famous for his modern center physiotherapy and mud therapy. Igalo beaches help patients with chronic rheumatism, diseases of muscle joints, and patients with nervous system disorders. St. Stephen is known as a prestigious aristocratic resort. Since the early 60s of the 20th century, crowned heads from all over the world, as well as famous actors and public figures, have vacationed here.

Ulcinj is one of oldest cities on the Adriatic coast.

The beautiful healing sand of local beaches is rich in salt and iodine. It helps treat rheumatism, nervous disorders and women's diseases. Ada Boyana - most beautiful resort in the south of the Montenegrin coast in recent decades it has become the capital of lovers of contact with nature without intermediaries - nudists. Bar is the largest Montenegrin port. The city is connected by rail to Belgrade. The bar is surrounded by olive groves. Sutomore, a popular resort with sandy beaches and comfortable hotels, is responsible for tourism on the Bar Riviera. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe is the capital of Serbia and Montenegro, Belgrade, a port city on the Danube at the confluence of the Sava River. From the 1st century BC. on the site of Belgrade was the Roman city of Singidunum. Belgrade is located on 7 hills and has many monuments of ancient Roman, medieval and Turkish architecture.

The houses of the 18th-19th centuries are incredibly beautiful. in the style of Balkan architecture.

It should be noted that Serbia and Montenegro are countries with ancient Orthodox traditions. Christianity came to Serbia earlier than to Rus'. There are a large number of Orthodox churches and monasteries, which 90 are visited by pilgrims and excursionists, for example, the Sopo-cani monastery, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Southern Serbia). Modern types of tourism, in particular ski tourism, have also become widespread in Serbia. Largest winter resort Serbia - Kopao-nik. The resort is located 300 km south of Belgrade.

GREECE - important center international tourism of South-Eastern Europe. The Greek Republic, with a population of 10 million, consists of 13 dioceses, which are divided into 51 nomes (prefectures). Greece has numerous islands. A trip to Greece is a journey through historical eras. Traces of the past are at every step here.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the era of Turkish rule and modernity are closely intertwined here.

The capital of Greece is the city of Athens, the center of world tourism. The first settlements here appeared in the 16th-13th centuries. BC. The glory of Athens began with the development of democracy in the 6th century BC, when the first steps towards it were taken by Solon and Cliephenes. The “Golden Age” for Athens begins in the 5th century. BC. and is associated with the name of Pericles. It was under him that the Parthenon was built. Aeschylus, Sophocles and Aristophanes write their brilliant tragedies and comedies, Socrates builds his philosophical system, highlighting Man in it. No matter what part of the city you are in, the Acropolis with the proudly towering columns of its temples is visible from everywhere. From the top of the Acropolis you can see two ancient theaters - the Odeon and the Theater of Dionysus, the oldest in Europe. The attractions of Athens also include the buildings of the university (1837), the conservatory, the National Archaeological Museum and, of course, Plaka - the old part of the city.

Crete - largest island Greece - offers varied and unconventional opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

The tourist season here begins in April and ends at the end of October. Crete is one of the centers of the ancient Aegean culture, which had Cretan-Mycenaean writing (III-II millennium BC) - Linear A and B. In 190 0. English archaeologist A. Evans, as a result of archaeological excavations in Crete, discovered the Knossos Palace, many of the buildings of which were decorated with paintings, as well as numerous tools of labor and everyday life, and a household archive - tablets with writing. Kings of Knossos in the 16th-15th centuries. BC. were the rulers of the Cretan state.

In the shops of Heraklion, Agnos Nikolos, Retimo and Chania you can see a lot of beautiful jewelry, furs, and folk art. In the bazaars and shops of the island, along with traditional vegetables and fruits, exotic ones grown in Crete are also sold - avocados, kiwis, bananas, sweet figs, medicinal mountain herbs.

The island of Rhodes is considered the sunniest island in Greece. In the city of Rhodes is the Castellane Castle, which was once a meeting place for Mediterranean merchants. There is a so-called butterfly valley on the island. Tens of thousands of butterflies flock here from all over Europe, attracted by the special aroma of resin emitted by the trees growing here. The island is one of the few places in Greece with a casino.

The island of Corfu is located in the Adriatic Sea, 2.5 km from the mainland and is the northernmost island of Greece. The central city of the island - the city of Corfu - is the history of this land frozen in stone: Venetian houses and squares, English mezzanines, French-style arcades. The island of Corfu is closely associated with the legends and myths of Ancient Greece. It was on Corfu that the brave Argonauts found refuge, hiding from the pursuit of the king of Colchis, Eetos. King Alcinous of Corfu blessed the marriage of the beautiful sorceress Medea, daughter of Aeetes, and the brave Argonaut Jason. One of the most beautiful and romantic episodes of Homer’s Odyssey is also associated with this island. Here, after a shipwreck, the exhausted Odysseus was thrown ashore by the sea, where he was found by the beautiful Nausicaa, daughter of Alcinous and Arete.

Tourists have also chosen others greek islands: Santorini, Skiathos, Kefalonia, Lesbos Very attractive for tourist routes in Greece is the region of the Halkidiki peninsula. Halkidiki is made up of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The outline of the Halkidiki peninsula resembles the trident of Poseidon, ready to plunge into the sparkling waters Aegean Sea. Chalkidiki is the birthplace of the great ancient philosopher Aristotle. The peninsula is located an hour's drive from Thessaloniki airport.

Tourist demand in Greece is supported by the widespread sale of Greek fur products and wines, in particular the famous Metaxa cognac. In terms of regional tourism differences in Greece, Attica (Athens, Piraeus) can be distinguished; North-Eastern and Northern Greece; Central and Southern Greece and island territories. Greece is currently one of the most visited countries by pilgrims. Every pilgrim dreams of coming to Mount Athos. Holy Mount Athos is located on the eastern promontory (finger) of the Halkidiki peninsula. This place is considered the inheritance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Orthodox monasteries have existed here for many centuries. On Athos there are only monasteries and only men make the pilgrimage here.

MALTA located in the very center of the Mediterranean Sea, 93 kilometers south of Sicily and 288 kilometers from the African coast. The Republic of Malta occupies about 300 square meters. km of the Maltese archipelago, including the islands of Malta, Gozo and Camino, as well as a number of uninhabited islands. The capital of the state is Valletta. The Mediterranean type of climate allows you to relax in Malta all year round. From May to October is the most favorable time for a beach holiday, and from November to April is a season favorable for educational tourism, as well as recreation for people of the “third age”. Many types of tourism are developed in Malta.

Cultural and educational tourism is associated with an abundance of historical attractions, the secrets of the Order of Malta, and architectural monuments of the capital of the country, Valleta. The shores of the archipelago are mostly rocky and many tourists like to sunbathe on the flat rocks. The crystal clear Mediterranean Sea and wonderful sunny climate create a healing and healing effect. Educational tourism is associated with English language training programs. Malta was a British colony for a long time.

In Malta in 1989 A historic meeting between M. Gorbachev and George W. Bush took place, marking the beginning of the end of the Cold War. One of the advantages of Malta is the ability to host major business forums. Congress tourism has prospects. In Malta you can enjoy many sports all year round. Sports complex in the city of Mars is called one of the best in Europe.

Sports activities in Malta are mainly related to the sea (diving, sailing).

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 an eventful journey through her famous cities you can relax on the sunny beaches of the island of Sardinia or stroll through the gardens and olive groves of picturesque Sicily.

Beauty Spain - another one Mediterranean country– a picturesque area with upscale resorts, rich nature and ancient cities. And of course, sea ​​cruises No trip to the Mediterranean is 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 Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, medieval castles, vast vineyards and charming old distilleries.
Malta is another one amazing country included on 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 a dynamically developing tourist infrastructure. In addition to traditional beach holidays 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 most the best sand throughout the 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 expanses, picturesque islands and hot sun - all these are sea cruises in the Mediterranean, allowing you to see beyond a short time such different and such distant countries.

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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 to feel at this time of year for both adults and children.

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.

One of the largest seas in size. 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 each other 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. A number of Asian countries – Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon and Israel – reach the sea from the east. 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 been very important for trade, navigation and strategic purposes. At various times 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 is 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 are also a number of large bays, for example Alicante - off the eastern 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. The 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 fresher 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 the Hellenic 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 an average depth of 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 are of 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 - to the west of the Apennine Peninsula, as well as a number of 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. The Aegean Sea basin includes 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. Many coastal areas Mediterranean Sea, especially the southern and eastern ones, are characterized by semiarid and arid climate features. In particular, semi-aridity with an abundance of clear sunny days is considered typical for the 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, the outskirts of Naples, are especially picturesque, Adriatic coast Croatia with numerous islands, the shores of Greece and Lebanon, where steep mountain slopes approach the sea itself. Important trade routes and cultural spread passed through the main islands of the eastern Mediterranean - 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.

Vegetation 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. there are few species. 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

Mediterranean Sea- the cradle of humanity! Powerful and great civilizations arose on the Mediterranean coasts, on the ruins of which the modern world developed and flourishes.

Its area can easily absorb Western Europe, its color can surprise you with its beauty and richness, the sound of the waves can calm you down, and fishing can be a pleasure...

What is this amazing part of the World Ocean like? Where it is located, what countries it washes, what depths and shores it has, what peaceful and dangerous animals and plants it hides in the abyss of its waters, what secrets it keeps - all this and a little more you will learn from this article.

1. Where is the Mediterranean Sea located?

The Mediterranean Sea is located between Asia, Africa and Europe, surrounded by continents, and only through the Strait of Gibraltar is it connected to the North Atlantic, the Bosporus Strait to the Black Sea, and through the Suez Canal is it bordered by the Red Sea.

2. Which countries does it wash?

The Mediterranean Sea is named so due to its location - among the continents (lands). The waters of this sea wash the coasts of more than 22 countries from west to east, including: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

The coastal area of ​​the sea is represented by many islands, varying in area and population, the largest of which are considered:

• O. Corsica;
• O. Balearic;
• O. Sardinia;
• O. Sicily;
• O. Cyprus;
• O. Crete.

The Mediterranean coastline has many independent water areas - seas: Ligurian, Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Black, Ionian, Azov, Balearic, Aegean, Cretan, Levantine, Libyan and Alboran seas.

3. History and secrets of the Mediterranean Sea

The modern Mediterranean Sea is a remnant of the ancient Tesis basin, which once occupied the territory of Europe, North Africa, southern and western Asia. Over many millions of years, the strait connecting to the ocean was repeatedly closed and opened. Subsequently, the sea dried up and could no longer fill to its former size. The modern relief was formed due to changes in the Earth's climate.

The Mediterranean territory was one of the first to be inhabited by humans, and it was here that writing was first born, many great states were formed, and world religions were born.

In 1833, an Englishman, a geologist by profession, Charles Lyell, began to study this ancient sea.

Educational film in English about the Mediterranean Sea

4. Natural characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea has an area of ​​2965.5 thousand square meters. km. The average depth of the sea is 1500 m. The greatest is 5092 m and is located in the depression Ionian Sea(western part of the Peloponnese peninsula). The total length of the sea is 3,800 m.

Salinity level of some seas:

• Black Sea - 18%;
• Adriatic Sea - 36%;
• Aegean Sea - 37%;
• Ligurian Sea - 38%;
• Mediterranean Sea - 39%.

4.1 Climate

The word “climate” is translated from ancient Greek as “slope” and refers to the inclination of the sun’s rays in relation to the earth’s surface. Climate is a long-term, established weather pattern, as opposed to weather conditions, which are changeable.

Climatic conditions are determined by the location of the sea - the subtropical zone determines such a climate in independent type"Mediterranean".

For countries washed by the waters of this sea, winter is characterized by a decrease in atmospheric pressure, which leads to precipitation and storms. During such a period, a cyclone hangs over the sea, accompanied by cloudiness, winds increase in different directions. The height of the waves can exceed 8 m. In summer there is an anticyclone, the pressure rises and during this period clear, sunny, not rainy weather prevails.

The temperature in the southern part of the sea in January ranges from 14 to 16 degrees, in the northern part - from 7 to 10 degrees. In summer (August) the average air temperature is 22 - 24 degrees in the northern part and up to 30 degrees in the southern regions.

Air humidity in summer is 50 - 65%, and in winter from 65 to 80%. Cloudiness in summer is from 0 to 3 points, in winter – 6 points.

Hot cities: Larnaca, Limassol, Tel Aviv and Antalya. In these regions, the water temperature in the summer months reaches 27 degrees. Next come the cities with water temperatures of no more than 25 degrees: Valencia, Malta and Heraklion. The coasts of Barcelona, ​​Athens and Malaga are considered even less hot (up to 22 degrees of water).

4.2 Bottom topography

The bottom relief of the Mediterranean Sea is represented by rapids, basins, ridges, depressions, bays and volcanic cones. The sea basin is divided into Western and Eastern parts. Thus, the bottom of the western basin is more flat, and the bottom of the eastern basin has depressions and ridges stretching from Cyprus to the Apennine Peninsula.

Here, under the water column, there are cones of active and extinct volcanoes and tectonic depressions. Yes, the most deep place in the sea - the Hellenic Trench, 5121 m deep. The bottom of the sea is rich in deposits of rock salt, potassium and sulfur. Natural gas and oil are produced here.

The largest bays of the Mediterranean Sea:

• Valencian;
• Lyonsky;
• Genoese;
• Taranto;
• Sidra or Greater Sirte;
• Gabes or Little Sirte.

Interestingly, at the bottom of the sea there are many remains of ships, the exact number of which, to this day, has not been established.

4.3 Water

The amount of water evaporation in the Mediterranean Sea exceeds the amount of precipitation, since the sea is surrounded by countries with arid climates. The water deficit is replenished by North Atlantic waters entering through the Strait of Gibraltar. During the process of evaporation, the salinity and density of water increases, which settles at depth, which makes this water area warmer. Depending on the season, the density of water changes. Interestingly, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the warmest and saltiest seas.

Water circulation occurs due to wind currents. The current speed in open sea areas reaches up to 1 km/h, in the straits – from 2 to 4 km/h. Water transparency is from 50 to 60 m. The water has a rich blue color.

4.4 Ebbs and flows

Does the sea have ebbs and flows (periodic fluctuations in water levels up and down as a result of changes in the position of the sun and moon relative to the Earth)? Yes, they are not large, on average from 1 to 2 cm in both directions. This is due to the fact that the sea is cut off from the Atlantic by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar and, accordingly, the gravitational force of the moon does not act on it.

You can read more about the ebb and flow of tides on the Wikipedia pages

Also, the tides are influenced by depth, water salinity, atmospheric pressure, and coastal topography. The highest tides are observed in the bay called “Gabes”, which is located in the northern part of Africa and this is due to its huge shape (100 km in length and width).

Peak tide is when the sun and moon are either on the same side of the Earth (new moon) or on opposite sides (full moon) and the gravitational forces of these objects are combined, which affects the appearance of tides.

With forecast for Mediterranean wave heights, tides at Mediterranean coast Israel you can find on the website of Oceanographic and Limnological Research https://isramar.ocean.org.il/isramar2009/TideHadera/default.aspx

5. Mediterranean life

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is represented by animals and flora, which is related to the geological history of the sea and living conditions.

5.1 Plant life

Despite the scarce phytoplankton found in the upper layers of the sea, the vegetation here is diverse: more than 800 species of green, brown, red algae and plants. Notable is the world's largest sea grass, Posidonia oceanica, which has proliferated in colonies (more than 700 km). This is one of the oldest plants, more than 100 thousand years old.

5.2 Fauna

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is diverse, but the number of resident species is not large, which is due to the poor development of plankton in Mediterranean waters.

Plankton– various organisms freely floating in water (bacteria, algae, invertebrate larvae, small mollusks, etc.). You can find out more about this type of life on the Wikipedia pages.

The fauna is represented by more than 800 species of various mollusks: squid, cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, shrimp and others.

5.3 Fishes of the Mediterranean Sea

Winter period is the most massive for accumulation different types fish, since in other months (spring-summer) they spawn and feed, so they stay more dispersed.

Among the inhabitants there are more than 700 species of various fish, more than 290 of which live in the coastal waters of Israel:

The blue shark also lives in the Mediterranean Sea. There are more than 40 species of Mediterranean sharks. There are also stingrays, moray eels, reaching 0.5 m in length, dolphins, seals, porpoises and killer whales. There are also sea turtles, which are represented by 3 species.

A detailed list of fish living in the Mediterranean Sea can be found on the pages of Wikipedia

There are 4 species of flying fish off the Israeli coast:

• exocoetus obtusirostris;
• exocoetus volitans;
• hirundichthys rondeletii;
• parexocoetus mento.

5.4 Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea

Sharks- not only terrifying inhabitants of the sea, but also irreplaceable cleaners of the sea spaces from various types of sick, weak inhabitants. Their population is declining. For example, the hammerhead shark was last observed only in 1955.

stingray– has poisonous spines located in the tail part of the body.

Electric Stingray– capable of giving any attacker an electric shock.

6. Coastal features

North coast has a complex topography: the shores are high, rocky and steep with large bays.

South coast– smooth. Mountains stretch from the western part, and in the east they disappear and the coast becomes smooth and sandy (almost deserted).

The total length of the Mediterranean coast is 46 thousand km. Interestingly, this area of ​​water would easily be enough to swallow Western Europe!

6.1 Israel's sea coast

The coast of Israel is washed by the western waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean territory extends from Israel's northern border to the Gaza Strip. Also on the coast there is a plain called “Coastal”, stretching for 187 km from Lebanon to the Gaza Strip. The plain is divided into cultural and geographical areas and has many sandy beaches.

The Mediterranean coast consists not only of plains and beaches, but also rocky shores and reefs.

6.2 Port cities of Israel

• adaptation to the Mediterranean climate - unhurried summer walks along the sunny coast;
• apply protective creams against sun rays;
• beware of marine life;
• don't forget about high waves, rocky bottom and very dangerous rip currents.

You can read more about the phenomenon of rip currents on Wikipedia.

A short video on what to do if you get caught in a rip current in the Mediterranean Sea

The ancient Mediterranean Sea had many names:

• "Akdeniz" or "White Sea" (Turks);
• "Our Sea" or "Inland" (ancient Romans);
• "Sea of ​​Sunset" (Babylonians).
• “Great Sea” (Hebrew ‏הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל‏‎, Ha-Yam Ha-Gadol).

This sea includes in its expanses many small seas and various islands, which in ancient times were independent states.

The Mediterranean Sea is famous for the habitat of such an animal as the “sponge”, which later received the name “toilet sponge”, since the dried skeletons of this inhabitant were used as washcloths.

In 2016, Spanish archaeologists discovered at a depth of 70 m a ship from the Roman Empire that sank more than 1.5 thousand years ago.

In the Strait of Messina, you can see a mirage.

What will happen if this Great Basin is drained? You will find the answer to this question if you watch this entertaining film (published by I. Garkalikov)

9. Useful links

- a lot has been written in the book of universal misconceptions interesting facts about the Mediterranean Sea.

- an interesting article characterizing the Mediterranean Sea.

— an informative article about the currents and tides of the Mediterranean Sea, temperature, flora and fauna.