Hospitable countries and the best resorts of the Mediterranean. Mediterranean Sea on the world map - where is it located, which countries does it wash? Which sea is included in the Mediterranean

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. The wide and long coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is home to many places for budget holidays and resorts that amaze with their luxury.

Mediterranean Sea on a world map with countries around it

1. Bizerta;
2. Kelibia;
3. Monastir;
4. Sfax.

Recently, Tunisia has been serious competition Turkey and Egypt. The gap in the level of service with European and Asian resorts is constantly narrowing. 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 by 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. It is one of the official languages ​​of the island state.
• Behind noise and fun, as well as for a comfortable holiday at an affordable price, it is worth going to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
• Exotic holiday can be found on the coast of North Africa. The best resorts in the southeast Mediterranean are 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. The excellent service provided by local hotels will not overshadow your holiday in the Promised Land with its cost. The Red and Marmara Seas compete with the Mediterranean beaches here.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

the intercontinental sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and Africa. The Strait of Gibraltar (length 59 km, width 14-44 km, minimum depth 53 m) is connected to the ocean through the Dardanelles Strait (length 120 km, width 1.3-27 km, depth 29-153 m). The Sea of ​​Marmara (depth up to 1273 m) and the Bosphorus Strait - with the Black Sea, through the Suez Canal - with the Red Sea. The greatest depth is 5121 m. In the north. parts are distinguished by seas separated by islands and peninsulas: Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean and Cyprus. Large islands: Balearic (Spain), Corsica (France), Sardinia, Sicily (Italy), Crete (Greece) and Cyprus (sovereign state). The rivers Nile, Po, Rhone, and Ebro flow into it. In winter, the water temperature is 12-17 °C, in summer - from 19 to 27-30 °C. Salinity from 36 ppm. Fishing for tuna, mackerel, mackerel, offshore oil production, the most important sea routes, resorts.

Concise geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008.

Mediterranean Sea

(Mediterranean Sea), divides Europe, Asia And Africa. Pl. 2505 thousand km², avg. depth 1438 m, max. 5121 m. According to some geological theories, a remnant of the ancient Tethys ocean. Connected to the Atlantic Ocean via Strait of Gibraltar , across the strait. Dardanelles with the Marmara and Black Seas. Happy opening Suez Canal through the Red Sea it connected with the Indian Ocean. Ancient civilizations (Egyptian, Hellenic, Roman, etc.) arose on the shores of the Sea. In ancient times, the sea was called the Inland Sea, the Great Sea, and even the ocean. Within the Northern Sea, the following seas are distinguished: Adriatic, Balearic, Ionian, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Aegean. Often the Sea of ​​Sirte or the Libyan Sea is distinguished (bays Gabes And Sidra ), the Levantine Sea (to the east of the Creto-African Strait) and the Phoenician Sea (the extreme eastern part). Sometimes in the bass. Seas include the Azov, Marmara, and Black Seas. The water temperature on the surface is from 8–17 °C (in winter) to 19–30 °C (in summer). Due to high evaporation, salinity is increased, from 36 ‰ in the west to 39.5 ‰ in the east. The tides are semidiurnal, up to 0.5 m. The continental shallows are narrow, the slopes are steep, cut by canyons. There are many islands, the largest: Balearic, Corsica , Sardinia , Sicily , Cyprus , Crete . High seismicity. Numerous rivers flow in, the largest: Rona , Nile , By . The courts are developed, the most important routes connect Europe, Africa and the countries of the South. and Vost. Asia. Fish (sardines, mackerel, tuna, mackerel, etc.), sponge collection. Oil is produced on the shelf of the Adriatic and Aegean seas. Largest ports: Barcelona (Spain), Marseilles (France), Genoa , Trieste (Italy), Piraeus And Thessaloniki (Greece), Beirut (Lebanon), Alexandria And Port Said (Egypt), Tripoli (Libya), Algeria (Algeria). Famous resorts on the shores: Cote d'Azur , Levantine and Dinaric coasts, Balearic Islands, etc. The sea is heavily polluted by industrial activities. and household waste.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Mediterranean Sea

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.
The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also closely connected Southern Europe, Northern 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 – Turkey, 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")
The coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is highly 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; 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; Lyon - off the southern coast of 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.
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.
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 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 of the 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.
The tides here are low, 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.
The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many places is composed of yellow carbonate silt, below which lies blue silt. Near the mouths of large rivers, the blue silts are overlain by deltaic deposits, which occupy a large area. The depths of the Mediterranean Sea vary greatly: the highest level - 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.
In some places, significant areas of dissected relief rise above the general surface of the Mediterranean Sea bottom, 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 are the Ionian - to the west of mainland Greece, the Cyclades - to the 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 major river flowing into this sea from the south.
The Mediterranean Sea is renowned for its calm and beauty, but like other seas, it can be rough during certain seasons, causing large waves to hit 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 of the Mediterranean Sea, especially the southern and eastern ones, have 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, the Adriatic coast of Croatia with numerous islands, the shores of Greece and Lebanon, where steep mountain slopes approach the sea itself, are especially picturesque. 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.

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

See what "MEDITERRANEAN SEA" is in other dictionaries:

Mediterranean Sea- A sea located between continents and connected to the ocean by one or more straits, for example, the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Syn.: intercontinental sea... Dictionary of Geography

The Mediterranean Sea, otherwise the Great Sea, Western, Philistine, or simply the sea (Numbers 34:6, Joshua 19:29, Exodus 23:31) lies between Europe, Asia and Africa, representing a huge bay of the Atlantic Ocean, connecting with it Gibraltar... ... Bible. Old and New Testaments. Synodal translation. Biblical encyclopedia arch. Nikifor.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA, Atlantic Ocean, between Eurasia and Africa. The Strait of Gibraltar connects with the Atlantic Ocean, the Dardanelles Strait, the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait with the Black Sea, the Suez Canal with the Red Sea. Area 2.5 million... Modern encyclopedia

Atlantic approx. between Eurasia and Africa. Connected by the Strait of Gibraltar. with the Atlantic Ocean, across the Strait. Dardanelles, Mramornoe metro and strait. Bosphorus with the Black Sea, Suez Canal with the Red Sea 2.5 million km². Average depth 1438 m, maximum… Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Mediterranean Sea- — EN Mediterranean Sea The largest inland sea between Europe, Africa and Asia, linked to the Atlantic Ocean at its western end by the Strait of Gibraltar, including the Tyrrhenian,… … Technical Translator's Guide

Its total area is 2,500,000 km², and the deepest point is located off the coast of Greece, and is 5,121 m. However, the average depth of the sea is approximately 1,500 m. The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the narrow Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco, which is only 22 km in width.

The Mediterranean Sea has had a historically important role in international trade, which has been a strong factor in the development of the region around it.

History of the Mediterranean

The region around the Mediterranean Sea has a long history that dates back to ancient times. For example, tools from Stone Age times have been discovered by archaeologists along its shores, and it is believed that the Egyptians began sailing it in 3000 BC. e. The region's early people used the Mediterranean Sea as a trade route and a way to move around or colonize other regions. As a result, the sea was controlled by several ancient civilizations. These include the Minoan, Phoenician, Greek and later Roman civilizations.

However, in the 5th century. BC e. The Roman Empire fell, and the Mediterranean Sea and the region around it came to be controlled by the Byzantines, Arabs and Ottoman Turks. By the 12th century, trade in the region grew as Europeans began their exploration expeditions. Although trade in the region declined in the late 1400s as European traders opened new waterways to India and the Far East. However, in 1869, after the opening of the Suez Canal, trade in the region began to increase again.

In addition, the opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, also became an important strategic location for many European countries. As a consequence, the United Kingdom and France began to build colonies and naval bases along the sea's shores.

Today the Mediterranean Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world. Trade and shipping are very well developed, and fishing in the sea waters is also significant. In addition, tourism makes up a large part of the region's economy, thanks to its mild climate, beautiful beaches, developed cities and ancient historical sites.

Geography of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is a very large sea that is bounded by Europe, Africa and Asia, and extends from the Strait of Gibraltar in the West to the Dardanelles and Suez Canal in the East. Since the Mediterranean Sea is connected to the ocean only by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, it is characterized by very weak tides, and its waters are warmer and saltier than those of the Atlantic Ocean. This is due to the fact that evaporation exceeds precipitation and runoff, and the circulation of sea water is less active than if the sea were more connected to the ocean. However, enough water flows into the sea from the Atlantic Ocean that the sea level is not subject to large fluctuations.

Geographically, the Mediterranean Sea is divided into two different basins - the Western and Eastern Basins. The Western Basin extends from Cape Trafalgar in Spain and Cape Spartel in Africa west to Cape Et-Tib in northeastern Tunisia. The Eastern Basin extends from the eastern border of the Western Basin to the shores of Syria and Palestine.

In total, the Mediterranean Sea is bordered by 22 states, as well as several different territories. Some of the countries with borders along the Mediterranean coast include: Spain, France, Monaco, Malta, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco. It also borders several smaller seas and is home to more than 3,000 islands. The largest of these islands include Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus and Crete.

The landforms around the Mediterranean Sea are varied, with highly indented coastlines in the northern regions. High mountains and steep, rocky cliffs are common in the region. In other areas, although the coastline is flat, deserts predominate. The water temperature of the Mediterranean Sea also varies, but in general it fluctuates between 10° and 27° C.

Environmental threats to the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is home to countless different species, and the majority of its waters come from the Atlantic Ocean. However, because the Mediterranean Sea is warmer and saltier than the ocean, these species have had to adapt. Porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles are common in the sea.

There are a number of threats to the Mediterranean Sea. Invasive species are one of the most common threats, as ships from other regions often bring non-native species, as well as Red Sea inhabitants entering the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Pollution is also a big problem, with coastal cities dumping chemicals and waste into the sea. Overfishing and tourism threaten biodiversity and integrity, as both industries put pressure on the natural environment of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mediterranean countries

Due to the large size of the Mediterranean Sea and its intercontinental location, it borders 22 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Below is a list of all Mediterranean countries, sorted by continent and with information on area, population and capitals.

Mediterranean countries of Africa

1) Algeria:

Area: 2381741 km²
Population: 40,400,000 (as of 2016)
Capital: Algiers

2) Egypt:

Area: 1010408 km²
Population: 96,492,600 (as of 2017)
Capital: Cairo

Note: The bulk of Egypt's territory is in Africa, with the exception of the Sinai Peninsula, which is located in Asia.

3) Libya:

Area: 1759541 km²
Population: 6,293,253 (as of 2017)
Capital: Tripoli

4) Morocco:

Area: 710850 km²
Population: 33,848,242 (as of 2015)
Capital: Rabat

5) Tunisia:

Area: 163610 km²
Population: 11,304,482 people (as of 2016)
Capital: Tunisia

Mediterranean countries of Asia

6) Israel:

Area: 20770-22072 km²
Population: 8,816,440 (as of 2018)
Capital: Jerusalem

7) Lebanon:

Area: 10452 km²
Population: 6,006,668 people (as of 2017)
Capital: Beirut

8) Syria:

Area: 185180 km²
Population: 17,064,854 (as of 2014)
Capital: Damascus

Mediterranean countries of Europe

10) Albania:

Area: 28748 km²
Population: 2876591 (as of 2017)
Capital: Tirana

11) Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Area: 51129 km²
Population: 3,531,159 (as of 2016)
Capital: Sarajevo

12) Croatia:

Area: 56594 km²
Population: 4,154,200 (as of 2017)
Capital: Zagreb

13) Cyprus:

Area: 9251 km²
Population: 1,170,125 (as of 2017)
Capital: Nicosia

14) France:

Area: 640679 km²
Population: 67,201,000 (as of 2017)
Capital: Paris

15) Greece:

Area: 131957 km²
Population: 11,183,716 (as of 2017)
Capital: Athens

16) Italy:

Area: 301338 km²
Population: 60,589,445 (as of 2017)
Capital: Rome

17) Malta:

Area: 316 km²
Population: 445,426 (as of 2014)
Capital: Valletta

18) Monaco:

Area: 2.02 km²
Population: 37,863 (as of 2016)
Capital: Monaco

19) Montenegro:

Area: 13810 km²
Population: 622,387 (as of 2016)
Capital: Podgorica

20) Slovenia:

Area: 20273 km²
Population: 2,065,895 (as of 2017)
Capital: Ljubljana

21) Spain:

Area: 505990 km²
Population: 46354321 (as of 2016)
Capital: Madrid

22) Türkiye:

Area: 783562 km²
Population: 79,463,663 (as of 2016)
Capital: Ankara

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea

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

Seas

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

The seas of the Mediterranean region are:

Rivers

Many rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea.

The most voluminous of them:

Islands

As in any other sea, there are a huge number of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, varying in size and location. Some of them are separate states. Archipelagos, which include several islands, are classified as countries that are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Most populous islands:

Depth of the Mediterranean Sea

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

Geological structure and bottom topography

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

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

Among the largest bays of the Mediterranean are:

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

Hydrological regime

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

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

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

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

Vegetable world

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

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

Animal world

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

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

The reservoir is inhabited by:

Fishes of the Mediterranean Sea

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

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

Among them:

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

Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea

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

Tourism in the Mediterranean

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

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

The following types of recreation are available to travelers:

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

Major European resorts

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

However, the largest holiday regions are:

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

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

Cities worth visiting in Greece:

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

Italy is a country with a wide choice of resort holidays. The north of the state is known for its attractions and a huge excursion program. In the south, tourists can expect a warm welcome from local residents, the opportunity to relax on the beach and enjoy world-famous national cuisine. The Italian islands of Sicily, Capri and Sardinia will also give you an unforgettable vacation.

In Italy, cities worth visiting include:

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

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

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

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

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

The most famous cities of the Cote d'Azur of the Mediterranean Sea are:

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

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

Attractive Asian coastline

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

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

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

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

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. Here tourists can get acquainted with the greatest architectural monuments preserved from pre-Christian times.

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

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

As an excursion program, tourists are offered:

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

The best Turkish resorts:

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

Popular African cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mediterranean Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise ships usually depart from European ports:

• Civitavecchia;
• Trieste;
• Savona.

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

Travel by sea is carried out on ships:

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

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

The program of cruise ship stops includes the ports of the following cities:

1. Italy:

2. Spain:

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

3. France:

• Ajaccio;
• Marseilles;
• Toulon.

4. Greece:

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

5. Croatia:

• Split;
• Dubrovnik.

6. Malta - Valletta.

7. Montenegro – Kotor.

8. Portugal - Lisbon.

9. Cyprus – Limassol.

10. Morocco – Casablanca.

11. Monaco - Monte Carlo.

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

Article format: Mila Friedan

Video about the Mediterranean Sea

TOP 10 most dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea:

The Mediterranean Sea is an inland sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean located between Eurasia and Africa. This water area has an average depth of 1.5 km and washes the shores of many countries, including Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, etc. Narrow expanses of water - the Strait of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, the Bosphorus, the Suez Canal - connect the Mediterranean basin with The Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea, the Sea of ​​Marmara, and the Red Sea, respectively.

The Mediterranean region is considered the cradle of ancient civilizations; powerful ancient states competed for dominance over its coast. The warm, dry and favorable Mediterranean climate and bright blue sea attract people from all over the world. Even the name of the Mediterranean Sea is rich in its history.

Interesting Facts: The Mediterranean Sea includes the Tyrrhenian Sea adjacent to the western Italian coast; the Adriatic Sea, stretching along the eastern coast of Italy; Ionian Sea, located between Sicily and Crete; The Aegean Sea, separating Greece and Turkey, etc.

Ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean

The historical region in the Mediterranean basin was inhabited by many ancient peoples - Phoenicians, Egyptians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and Middle Eastern cultures (Arab, Persian, etc.). The sea in the center of the region was a transport route, a route for traders and travelers, which contributed to the development of trade and the establishment of cultural ties between the peoples of the Mediterranean.

Interesting Facts: The largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea are about. Sicily, o. Sardinia, belonging to the territory of Italy; O. Cyprus, the French island of Corsica and the Greek island of Crete.

The most famous Mediterranean civilizations are the Greek city-states and the Phoenicians. The ancient Greeks called the sea by the names of individual parts of the reservoir (“Cretan Sea”, “Sea of ​​Io” (Ionian), etc.), since they did not have a common name for the entire water basin. Among the Carthaginians the name “Syrian Sea” was common; in Egypt the body of water was called “Great Green Water”.

"Our Sea" (Mare Nostrum)

Greece, Carthage, Egypt and Rome vied for control of the Mediterranean coast. The Romans, who conquered the Mediterranean region before the 2nd century, called the sea Mare Nostrum, which translated means “Our Sea.” The term Mare Nostrum was originally used by the Romans to refer to the Tyrrhenian Sea after their conquest of Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia during the Punic Wars with Carthage. By the first half of the 1st century BC. e. Roman rule extended from the Iberian Peninsula to Egypt, and the term "Our Sea" came to be used to refer to the entire Mediterranean Sea. Other Roman names for the Mediterranean Sea are also known, including “Inland Sea” (Mare Internum), since the coastal lands belonged to the Roman Empire at its height.

"Mediterranean Sea" (Mare Mediterraneum)

In the 7th century, the name “Mediterranean Sea” (Mare Mediterraneum) spread. The term Mediterraneum comes from the Latin mediterraneus (Latin medius - middle, terra - earth), which translated means “in the middle of the earth”, “surrounded by the earth”. This name is justified in relation to the location of the sea, since it is surrounded by land, the coastline breaks are narrow: the width of the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the sea in the western part with the Atlantic Ocean, is only 14 km; Dardanelles Strait – 1.3 km. The ancient Romans also discovered that the Mediterranean Sea is located at the center of the Earth.

The hydronym “Mediterranean Sea” was first used in the 3rd century by the Roman antiquarian writer Gaius Julius Solinus in the geographical work “On the Worthy of Memory.”

Other names

In the Old Testament, the Mediterranean Sea is called the “Western Sea” due to its proximity to the western coast of the Holy Land. In biblical texts the name “Sea of ​​the Philistines” is also found, which arose on behalf of the people who inhabited the Mediterranean coast near Israel. However, the name “Great Sea” or simply “Sea” prevails.

In Hebrew, Mediterranean means “Middle Sea”; in Arabic and Turkish - “White Sea”, since in eastern countries the color white denoted the west. The term may also have arisen in opposition to the "Black Sea".

Interesting fact: The Mediterranean Sea is one of the saltiest and warmest seas in the World Ocean. Winter water temperature is on average 10 °C, in summer – 22 °C. The average salinity of the Mediterranean Sea (38‰) exceeds the average salt concentration in the Atlantic Ocean (35‰).

Thus, the ancient peoples who inhabited the Mediterranean region gave different names to the sea around which they were located: “Western Sea”, “Great Sea”, “Inland Sea”, etc. The Romans, having conquered the entire Mediterranean region, called the body of water “Our Sea” (Mare Nostrum). In the 7th century, the hydronym Mare Mediterraneum (“Mediterranean Sea”), which comes from the Latin word mediterraneus and is translated as “sea among the earth,” “sea surrounded by earth,” spread.

This is due to the fact that the sea is located among the lands that made up the civilization of the Ancient World, it is surrounded on all sides by land, with the exception of narrow straits. In addition, the ancient Romans considered the Mediterranean Sea to be the center of the Earth. The meaning of the Mediterranean Sea, like its name, remains to this day - it is a transport and trade route that connects three parts of the world - Europe, Asia and Africa.

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