The most visited Mediterranean country: which countries of the Mediterranean do tourists like. Map of Turkey with resorts and hotels in Russian

Asia

The Mediterranean Sea connects to the Atlantic Ocean in the west through the Strait of Gibraltar. This closed sea is surrounded on all sides by land. The ancient Greeks called the Mediterranean Sea - the sea in the middle of the Earth. At that time, this name was fully justified, because all the ancient European and North African civilizations appeared in the basin of this sea. And it was the Mediterranean Sea that served as the main route for contacts between them.

Interesting fact: they say that the Mediterranean Sea is the remnants of its former greatness. Previously, in its place was the ancient ocean Tethys. It extended far to the east and was much wider. Today from Tethys, except mediterranean sea, only the drying up Aral and Caspian Sea, as well as the Black, Azov and Marmara seas. The last three seas are included in the Mediterranean basin.

In addition, inside the Mediterranean Sea, the Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Cretan, Libyan, Cypriot and Levantine seas are distinguished as separate seas.

Detailed physical map seas of the Mediterranean in Russian. To enlarge, just click on the picture.

The currents of the Mediterranean Sea are not quite usual. Under the influence of high temperatures, a lot of water evaporates and, therefore, the consumption of fresh water prevails over its arrival. This, of course, leads to a decrease in the water level and it has to be drawn from Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. Interestingly, at a depth in more saline layers, the reverse process occurs and salty water flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to the above factors, the currents of the Mediterranean Sea are mainly caused by wind processes. Their speed in open parts sea is 0.5-1.0 km/h, in the straits it can rise to 2-4 km/h. (For comparison, the Gulf Stream moves to the North at a speed of 6–10 km/h.).

The tides are usually less than one meter, but there are places where, together with wind surges, it can reach up to four meters (for example, the northern coast of the island of Corsica or the Strait of Genoa). In narrow straits (Strait of Messina), tides can cause strong currents. In winter, waves reach their maximum and the height of the waves can reach 6-8 m.

The water of the Mediterranean Sea has an intense blue color and a relative transparency of 50-60 m. It belongs to the most saline and warm seas in the world. In summer, the water temperature varies from 19 to 25 degrees, while in the east it can reach 27-3°C. In winter, the average water temperature drops from north to south and varies between 8-17°C in the east and in the central part of the sea. At the same time, in the west, the temperature regime is more stable and the temperature is kept within 11-15°C.

In the Mediterranean Sea there are many large and not very big islands and almost every one of them is an attraction for many tourists. To name just a few of them:

Majorca and Ibiza in Spain, Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes in Greece, Corsica in France, as well as Cyprus and Malta.

Mediterranean Sea- Mediterranean, intercontinental sea of the Atlantic Ocean, connected to it in the west by the Strait of Gibraltar.

The seas of the Mediterranean basin wash the shores of the states: Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria, Morocco.

In the northeast, by the Dardanelles, it connects with the Sea of Marmara and then the Bosphorus - with the Black Sea, in the southeast - with the Suez Canal - with the Red Sea.

The area is 2500 thousand sq. km.

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

The most significant bays: Valencia, Lyon, Genoa, Taranto, Sidra (B. Sirte), Gabes (M. Sirte).

The 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 cubic km.

Vegetation and animal world The Mediterranean Sea is distinguished by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails the paucity of larger animals that feed on them, including fish. The amount of phytoplankton in the 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 (peridine and diatoms predominate).

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by high species diversity, but the number of representatives of the sep. species are small. There are dolphins, one species of seals (white-bellied seal); sea turtle. 550 species of fish (sharks, mackerels, herrings, anchovies, mullets, dolphins, tunas, bonitos, horse mackerels, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including stingrays, anchovy species, gobies, sea. blenny, wrasse and needlefish. Of the edible mollusks, the most important are the oyster, the Mediterranean-Black Sea mussel, and the sea date. Of the invertebrates, octopuses, squids, sepia, crabs, spiny lobsters are common; numerous species of jellyfish, siphonophore; sponges and red coral live in some areas, especially in the Aegean.

Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea is of secondary importance compared to other basins of the Atlantic Ocean. The industrialization of the coast, the growth of cities, the development of recreational areas lead to intense pollution of the coastal strip.

Well known resorts Cote d'Azur(Riviera) in France and Italy, the resorts of the Levantine coast and the Balearic Islands in Spain, etc.

Photos of the Mediterranean Sea:

Menton, France

Mediterranean Sea surrounded on all sides by land. One glance at the map is enough to agree with such a judgment. This was also known ancient Greek scientists.

Features of geographical location and climate

mediterranean sea named for a reason, from all sides it touches with continents.

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

Sea in your own way geographic location located between: Asia, Europe, Africa.

Total area - 2,500 square kilometers. Max Depth is 5 121 meters.

It is connected by canals and straits with black, red and Seas of Marmara.

Concerning bottom topography, then he has all typical for the sea peculiarities:

continental slope carved by canyons;
shelf narrow.

Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:

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

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

Summer observed here dry fog and not a large number of precipitation.

Tourists come en masse to these places closer to the middle of summer. By July the reservoir warms up +27 degrees.

Countries and islands

to the mediterranean includes vast territories of countries and islands. We give examples of some of them below.

Countries

Turkey. Here are the resorts that are very fond of Russian tourists. Most of the attendants are talking in Russian, which simplifies the rest in a foreign country for our tourists. There are many excellent beaches, inexpensive hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens. The reservoir washes the following major Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir.
Italy. It is located in the western Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza and spaghetti and also enjoy warm sun. Resort towns are Rome, Sicily and Milan.
Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona and Majorca- those are the ones settlements where travelers come who want to have fun and have a good time. Especially it concerns youth loving noisy parties.
Croatia. The country attractive for tourists, first of all, rapidly gaining momentum yachting. To do this, the state allocates multi-million investment.
Montenegro. Especially worth a look at the beach Ada Bojana. Here the purest sand, which can only be found throughout Adriatic. In addition, tourism is actively developing here among nudists.
Albania. posh kitchen, beautiful landscapes- this is how local resorts are characterized.

In ancient times, it was believed that the Mediterranean Sea is located in the center of the world. Roman natives called him by inland sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.

Morocco. Here intersect European and Islamic traditions and cultures. This fact attracts tourists. According to statistics, people also come here to see cultural attractions. Particularly popular Casablanca.
Tunisia. ancient museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments architectures that are memorable markets- at local resorts which are not found miracles.

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- this is simply not to be missed if you find yourself on Djerba.
Sardinia. Located next to Dagger and Sicily. Archaeologists constantly find various tombs and ziggurats. These are the main attractions of the island.
Vulcano. Tourists come here to see the numerous volcanic craters.

Scientists have found that because of the catastrophic floods, which occurred 5.3 million years ago, just filling has occurred Mediterranean Sea. For two years such a large water basin was formed!

Eastern Mediterranean

Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the coasts of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this opinion is wrong. If we approach this issue in terms of geography and look at the map, it turns out that the Eastern Mediterranean includes:

Syria;
Palestine;
Cyprus;
Lebanon;
Jordan.
Israel;

Pros and cons of holidays in the Mediterranean

On the Mediterranean ideal holiday in september. At this time already the heat subsides while the water stays warm. An additional plus is that the reservoir contains a large amount useful salts and No dangerous poisonous plants and animals.

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

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

There are no cons. Unless, of course, the scorching summer sun is not considered a disadvantage.

This sea is called Mediterranean because it is surrounded on all sides by lands or continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. It has a huge basin and is connected to the Atlantic by the relatively small Strait of Gibraltar.

Scientists believe that more than 5 million years ago there was a downpour on Earth for two years in a row, a catastrophic flood occurred, as a result of which this wonderful sea was formed.

A map of the Mediterranean Sea indicates that it is divided into several more seas, and is also connected to the Black, Red and Marmara Seas through the straits.

Cards

Climate

In winter, storms and prolonged rains very often occur in the Mediterranean Sea. Cold winds blow from the north, the temperature of air and water drops noticeably. In summer - a warm and fairly dry maritime climate.

The high sea season begins in May, and the climax occurs in the middle of summer, when the sea warms up to + 27C - + 30C, like fresh milk, and tens of millions of tourists come from all over the world.

Countries and islands

Turkey has been loved by Russians for many years great resorts, quality service, Russian-speaking staff and affordable prices. Travel to Italy for pizza and sightseeing ancient rome, Naples, Venice.

Spain is famous for its classic English-style resorts. Yachting is rapidly developing in Croatia, Montenegro is known for its the cleanest beaches and Albania with magnificent seaside landscapes.

In Morocco and Tunisia, you can see unique ancient monuments and artifacts, oriental bazaars, the interweaving of traditions of the West and the East, but few tourists come here today due to the political situation in the countries.

Mediterranean Sea- the cradle of mankind! Powerful and great civilizations were born 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 beauty and saturation, the sound of the waves - to calm down, and fishing - to give pleasure ...

What is this amazing part of the oceans? Where it is, 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

The Mediterranean Sea is located between Asia, Africa and Europe, surrounded by continents, and only with the help of the Strait of Gibraltar, it connects with the North Atlantic, the Bosphorus Strait with the Black Sea, and with the help of the Suez Canal it borders on the Red Sea.

2. Which countries washes

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 territory of the sea is represented by many islands, different in size and population, the largest of which are:

about. Corsica;
about. Balearic;
about. Sardinia;
about. Sicily;
about. Cyprus;
about. Crete.

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

3. History and secrets of the Mediterranean

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

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

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

Informative film for English language about the mediterranean

4. Natural characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea

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

The degree of salinity of some seas:

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

4.1 Climate

The word "climate" from the ancient Greek language is translated as "tilt" and refers to the tilt of the sun's rays in relation to the earth's surface. Climate is a long-term, stable weather regime, in contrast to weather conditions, which are changeable.

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

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

The temperature regime 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 22 - 24 degrees in the northern part and up to 30 degrees in the southern regions.

Humidity in summer is 50 - 65%, and in winter from 65 to 80%. Cloudiness in summer 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 a water temperature of no more than 25 degrees: Valencia, Malta and Heraklion. Even less hot (up to 22 degrees of water) are the coasts of Barcelona, Athens and Malaga.

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. So, the bottom of the western basin is more gentle, and the bottom of the eastern one is with depressions and ridges stretching from Cyprus to the Apennine Peninsula.

Here, under the water column, cones of active and extinct volcanoes and tectonic depressions lurk. Yes, most deep place in the sea - the Hellenic depression, with a depth of 5121 m. The bottom of the sea is rich in deposits of rock salt, potassium and sulfur. Mined here natural gas and oil.

The largest bays of the Mediterranean Sea:

Valencian;
Lyon;
Genoese;
Taranto;
Sidra or Greater Sirte;
Gabes or Little Sirte.

It is interesting that 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 evaporation of the water of the Mediterranean Sea exceeds the amount of atmospheric precipitation, since the sea is surrounded by countries with arid climates. The water deficit is replenished by the North Atlantic waters coming through the Strait of Gibraltar. In the process of evaporation, the salinity and density of water increases, which settles at a depth, which makes this water area warmer. Depending on seasonality, the density of water changes. Interestingly, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the warmest and most salty seas.

Water circulation is 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. The transparency of the water is from 50 to 60 m. The water has a rich blue color.

4.4 Ebb and flow

Are there tides in the sea (periodic fluctuations in the water level up and down, as a result of changing 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 by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar from the Atlantic and, accordingly, the gravitational force of the moon does not act on it.

You can read more about high and low tides on the Wikipedia pages.

Also, the tides are affected by depth, salinity, atmospheric pressure, coastal relief. The largest tides are observed in the Gulf called Gabes, which is located in the northern part of Africa and this is due to its huge shape (100 km long and wide).

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

With a mediterranean wave height forecast, tides on mediterranean coast Israel you can find on the Oceanographic and Limnological Research website https://isramar.ocean.org.il/isramar2009/TideHadera/default.aspx

5. Life in the Mediterranean

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is represented by animals and flora, which is associated with the geological history of the sea and habitat conditions.

5.1 Flora

Despite the meager phytoplankton located 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 largest sea grass in the world, which has bred in colonies (more than 700 km), “oceanic posidonia”. This is one of the oldest plants, whose age is more than 100 thousand years.

5.2 Animal life

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is diverse, but the number of species of inhabitants is not large, which is associated with the poor development of plankton in Mediterranean waters.

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

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

5.3 Fishes of the Mediterranean

The winter period is the most massive for the accumulation different types fish, as in other months (spring-summer) they spawn and feed, so they keep 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 rays, 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 types of flying fish off the Israeli coast:

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

5.4 Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean

sharks- not only frightening inhabitants of the sea, but also irreplaceable cleaners of the sea expanses from various types of sick, weak inhabitants. Their population is declining. For example, the hammerhead shark last time observed only in 1955.

Stingray- has poisonous spikes located in the tail of the body.

Electric Stingray- able to give any attacker an electric current.

6. Features of the coast

north coast has a complex relief: the coast is high, rocky and steep with not small bays.

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

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

6.1 Sea coast of Israel

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

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

6.2 Port cities of Israel

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

More about such a phenomenon as rip current you can read on wikipedia pages

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

The ancient Mediterranean Sea had many names:

"Akdeniz" or "White Sea" (Turks);
"Our Sea" or "Inland" (ancient Romans);
Sunset Sea (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”, since the dried skeletons of this inhabitant were used as a washcloth.

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

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

And 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

- in the book of general delusions, a lot is written interesting facts about the Mediterranean.

- An interesting article characterizing the Mediterranean Sea.

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