Where is the Mediterranean Sea located in which country? Mediterranean Sea - detailed information. Tourism in the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Sea surrounded on all sides by earth. One glance at the map is enough to agree with this judgment. This was also known ancient Greek scientist.

Countries and islands
Countries
Islands
Eastern Mediterranean

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Features of geographical location and climate

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

Nowhere else in the world has this been found large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean by only a tiny, for this scale, bridge - Strait of Gibraltar.

The sea in its own way geographical location is between: Asia, Europe, Africa.

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

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

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

continental slope rugged by canyons;

shelf narrow.

Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:

Aegean;
Alboran;
Adriatic;

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

Balearic;
Ionian;
Ligurian;
Tyrrhenian.

in winter the weather is very changeable, regularly there are storms, and pass heavy rainfall. The temperature drops significantly due to the influence northern winds.

In summer observed here dry fog and a small amount precipitation.

Tourists they come en masse to these places closer to mid-summer. By July the reservoir warms up to +27 degrees.

Countries and islands

To the Mediterranean include vast territories of countries and islands. We give examples of some of them below.

Countries

Türkiye. There are resorts here that are very popular Russian tourists. Most of the service staff are talking in Russian, which simplifies holidays in a foreign country for our tourists. There are a lot of excellent ones here beaches, inexpensive hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens. The reservoir washes the following major Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya And Izmir.
Italy. It is located in the western Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza And spaghetti and also enjoy warm sun. Resort towns are considered Rome, Sicily And Milan.

Italy is a great place to relax not only in summer, but also in winter. Read about winter resorts of this country here

Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona And Majorca– these are exactly the settlements where travelers come who want to have fun and have a good time. Especially it concerns youth, loving noisy parties.
Croatia. A country attractive for tourists, first of all, quickly gaining momentum yachting. For this purpose the state allocates multi-million dollar investment.
Montenegro. The beach is especially worth a look Ada Boyana. Here the purest sand, which can only be found throughout Adriatic. In addition, tourism is actively developing here among nudists.
Albania. Chic kitchen, beautiful landscapes– this is how local resorts are characterized.

In ancient times it was believed that the Mediterranean Sea was located in the center of the world. The Roman aborigines called it Inland Sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.

Morocco. Intersect here European And Islamic traditions and cultures. This fact attracts tourists. According to statistics, people also come here to see cultural attractions. Particularly popular Casablanca.
Tunisia. Ancients museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments architecture, memorable markets– at local resorts you can’t find any miracles.

Islands

Also in the Mediterranean a bunch of big and small islands, interesting for travelers. Among them stand out:

Djerba. Located in the north Africa. Translated from ancient Arabic as "wheat town". The island is mentioned in the famous "Odyssey" Homer. Pink flamingos, ancient synagogue, fireballs, local delicious rice– something like this simply cannot be missed if you find yourself in Djerba.
Sardinia. Located next to Dirk And Sicily. Archaeologists constantly find various tombs And ziggurats. These are the main attractions of the island.
Vulcano. Tourists come here to see the numerous volcanic craters.

Scientists have found out that due to the catastrophic floods, which occurred 5.3 million years ago, is precisely filling occurred Mediterranean Sea. In two years such a large water basin was formed!

Eastern Mediterranean

Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the shores of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this the opinion is wrong. If we approach this issue from a geographical point of view and look at the map, it turns out that the Eastern Mediterranean includes:

Syria;

Palestine;

Cyprus;

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

Lebanon;

Jordan.

Israel;

Pros and cons of holidays on the Mediterranean Sea

On the Mediterranean Sea ideal to relax in September. At this time already the heat subsides, and the water remains warm. An additional advantage is that the reservoir contains a large amount healthy salts And No dangerous poisonous plants And animals.

Can be inspected attractions absolutely different countries world and get to know them culture. After all, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of a good half continents of the world.

In Mediterranean resorts there is a very developed resort and medical infrastructure. Therefore, people suffering diseases of various origins, can easily find a place for relaxation and recovery.

There are no cons. Unless, of course, you consider the scorching summer sun a disadvantage.

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

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

Mediterranean Sea on a world map with countries around it

Bizerta;
Kelibia;
Monastir;
Sfax.

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

Directions by interest

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

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

The beautiful beaches of Malta are worth a visit not only for those who love a comfortable holiday on landscaped beaches, but also for those who want to get practice in English. He is one of official languages island state.
Behind noise and fun, as well as for comfortable stay at an affordable price it is worth traveling to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
Exotic holiday can be found on the coast North Africa. Best resorts in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea are located in Tunisia and Morocco. In these regions you will feel not only exoticism, but also comfort.
Vacationers talking in Russian language, will surround you on the beaches of Israel. Excellent service provided local hotels, will not be able to overshadow a vacation in the Promised Land with its cost. The Red and Marmara Seas compete with the Mediterranean beaches here.

This question is asked much more often by tourism enthusiasts than by schoolchildren. This sea plays an important role in the lives of not only the modern inhabitants of its coast, it has influenced the emergence of many civilizations.

"The Sea in the Middle of the Earth"

The Mediterranean Sea began to be used long before new continents were discovered. It seemed to people that this large body of water was located in the very center of the planet. This is how the sea got its name.

“The sea in the middle of the Earth” became the most important trade route. It helped transport from Eurasia to Africa. Not only trade relations were established between peoples. Ethnic groups living on the coast sought to establish diplomatic contacts with other countries. Alliances were formed with some, and hostilities were fought with others. But even wars to some extent had a positive effect on the development of mankind. Captured peoples adopted the experience and culture of the occupiers. As a result of cultural exchange, new civilizations emerged.

Today, the Mediterranean Sea continues to facilitate contacts between different cultures. The main source of income for the ancient inhabitants of the coast was trade with foreigners. Nowadays tourism has also been added to trade. Having learned which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, tourists plan their vacation.

Where to go on a trip?

Located on the sea coast great amount countries It will take more than one vacation to get to know everyone:

Malta. Many people mistakenly believe that the state consists of just one island. In fact, in addition to the main part, Malta, the state includes the island of Gozo (also called Gozo) and several sparsely inhabited islands. The small state is inhabited by only about 500,000 thousand people. Thanks to its climate in 2011, Malta was recognized as one of the... best countries to live in peace.
Italy. Here tourists will find relaxation for body and soul. In Italy you can lie on the beach and visit a huge number of museums. The rich culture of this country will not leave anyone indifferent. Italy is famous for its gastronomic delights. National cuisine not just tasty, but also healthy. Beach holidays in this country are suitable for lovers of nudism. In 2006, being on the beach without clothes was legalized. Sunbathing in this way is not possible in every country on the Mediterranean Sea. In some states, travelers and the local population will face a large fine or arrest for such behavior. More than half a million people visit Italian nudist beaches every year.
Spain. This country seems like a place for endless celebrations. Some celebrations are terrifying foreign tourists. Tomatina is a holiday during which people throw tomatoes at each other. Not every traveler will appreciate this way to spend free time. You can give preference to less exotic entertainment. Some tourists, returning from Spain, decide to take a flamenco or guitar course.
France. The southeast of this country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. French culture is very diverse. The specifics of a region will be determined by its location. Being in the south of the country, travelers often feel like they are in some Spanish or Italian town. And this feeling is not far from the truth. Most Mediterranean cities are really similar to each other. Some settlements in the south of France were founded by representatives of other ethnic groups. Marseille, for example, was founded by the Greeks. It was originally called Massilia.
Türkiye. This country is most popular among Russian tourists. Europeans are much less common here. For thousands of Russians, Antalya, Mersin, Istanbul and some other Turkish cities are a permanent destination summer holiday during several years. Türkiye attracts cozy beaches, architectural landmarks and local cuisine. Prices in this country are significantly lower than in Europe. The Turkish lira is cheaper than the dollar or euro. It is noteworthy that while in Turkey, you can relax not only on the Mediterranean, but also on the Black Sea.

Countries and resorts of the Mediterranean Sea: maps, photos and videos. Holidays in the Mediterranean, hotels, beaches, water temperature off the coast of resorts.

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The cradle of civilizations, the bone of discord and the oldest trade routes - all this is a “sea in the middle of the earth”, whose waves wash the shores of 22 states, most of which have managed to derive direct tourist benefits from this remarkable neighborhood. It is on the numerous coasts of the Mediterranean Sea that the world's most famous resorts are located, to which millions of vacationers from all over the world flock every year. The countries of two continents - Africa and Eurasia, as well as numerous islands and archipelagos provide all the conditions for a full-fledged beach holiday: albeit not always warm, but quite clean waters, a sandy or pebble coast with a remarkably wide coastline, lush fruit-bearing nature and a lot of historical ruins in the surrounding area. What is especially pleasant is that a holiday in the Mediterranean bush can be classified as budget: a little more expensive than domestic “souths” and at the same time a whole range of entertainment and, for now, alas, a level of service that is mainly unattainable in the homeland.

Mediterranean countries

Let us not bend our hearts when we say that the Mediterranean is one of those successful tourism destinations in all respects, capable of offering almost everything to a demanding tourist, immediately and quickly. reasonable prices. What is there on the hospitable shores of the “middle sea”: plant-based relaxation in flip-flops and a swimsuit, and interesting excursions to the sights of almost any period known to historical science, and authentic items of souvenir interest, and rich opportunities for learning foreign languages “with immersion,” and terribly tasty, and most importantly healthy Mediterranean cuisine, on whose dishes more than one generation of centenarians has been raised.

Another characteristic feature of the Mediterranean, a balm for the heart of an attentive tourist, is the exceptional diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures.

Everyone will find something to their liking: praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem or burning through what they have acquired through “backbreaking labor” at golden parties in Monaco, inhaling the smell of eternity in the Giza Valley or listening to the chirping of cicadas in emerald Corfu, following in the footsteps of the Grand Duchesses on the streets of Istanbul or looking at Fez drowning in the red midday haze.

Among other pleasant bonuses of the direction - short flight(most resorts can be reached in no more than 4 hours), a unified visa regime (we’re talking about Schengen), which allows you to go to your neighbors along the coastline for the evening without hassle, in some cases, there is no visa formalities at all - as in Tunisia or Turkey. Among other things, the Mediterranean is the most financially accessible of the foreign resort seas - you can find a holiday here starting from 200 EUR “from the nose”. Finally, the climate here is closest to the “universal” climate - swimming season from May to October, absence sweltering heat summers and mild, moderately sunny winters. The only downside is the extraordinary popularity of Mediterranean beaches, which in terms of the number of bodies per square meter of area easily surpasses the Klondike of the Gold Rush. However, for fans of secluded relaxation, the Mediterranean Sea has in store several secret corners, such as small greek islands, where nothing prevents you from consigning everyday life to oblivion.

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, color – to surprise with its beauty and richness, the sound of waves – to calm, and fishing – to bring 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 Northern part Atlantic, Bosporus - with the Black Sea, and with the help of the Suez Canal - borders with 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 on English language 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 5,092 m and is located in the depression of the Ionian Sea ( West Side Peloponnese peninsula). Total length sea – 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 regime, in contrast to weather conditions, which are changeable.

Climatic conditions are determined by the location of the sea - the subtropical zone determines this climate into an 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. Summer (August) average temperature 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. Okay, bottom western basin it is more flat, and the bottom of the eastern one 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, 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 ebb and flow of tides are influenced by depth, salinity of water, Atmosphere pressure, coastal terrain. 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.

You can find the forecast of Mediterranean wave heights and tides on the Mediterranean coast of Israel 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. Meet and sea turtles, which are represented by 3 types.

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 different 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 a ship from the Roman Empire that sank more than 1.5 thousand years ago at a depth of 70 m.

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.

— interesting article, which characterizes the Mediterranean Sea.

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

It might be useful to read: