Physical map of the Mediterranean Sea in Russian. Map of the seas of the Mediterranean Sea: islands, countries, seas, water

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

Sea basin mediterranean sea wash the shores of states: Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria, Morocco.

In the northeast, through the Dardanelles, it connects with the Sea of Marmara and further through 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

One of the largest seas. The adjective "Mediterranean" is widely used in describing peoples, countries, climate, vegetation; for many, the concept of "Mediterranean" is associated with a particular way of life or with a whole period in the history of mankind.

It divides Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also closely connected Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. The length of this sea from west to east is approx. 3700 km, and from north to south (at its widest point) - approx. 1600 km. On the northern coast are Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. From the east to the sea there is a row Asian countries– Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Finally, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco are located on the south coast. The area of the Mediterranean Sea is 2.5 million square meters. km, and, since only narrow straits connect it with other bodies of water, it can be considered an inland sea.

In the west, through the Strait of Gibraltar, 14 km wide and up to 400 m deep, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast, the Dardanelles, narrowing in places to 1.3 km, connects it with the Sea of Marmara and through the Bosporus with the Black Sea. In the southeast, an artificial structure - the Suez Canal - connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red. These three narrow water passages have always been of great importance for trade, navigation and strategic purposes. At various times they were controlled - or sought to be controlled - by the British, the French, the Turks and the Russians. The Romans of Roman times referred to the Mediterranean as mare nostrum ("our sea").

Coastline mediterranean sea it is strongly indented, and numerous protrusions of the land divide it into many semi-isolated water areas that have their own names. These seas include: the Ligurian, located south of the Riviera and north of Corsica; the Tyrrhenian Sea, enclosed between peninsular Italy, Sicily and Sardinia; the Adriatic Sea, washing the shores of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania; the Ionian Sea between Greece and southern Italy; the Cretan Sea between the island of Crete and peninsular Greece; Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. There is also a row large bays, for example Alicante - off the east coast of Spain; Lyon - off the southern coast of France; Taranto - between the two southern ledges 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 - off the southeastern and northeastern coasts of Tunisia, respectively.

Contemporary is a relic of the ancient Tethys ocean, which was much wider and stretched far to the east. The relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara Seas, confined to its most deep depressions. Probably, Tethys was once completely surrounded by land, and between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the region of the Strait of Gibraltar, there was an isthmus. 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, the western and eastern depressions are distinguished. The border between them is drawn through the Calabrian ledge of the Apennine Peninsula, Sicily and the underwater bank Adventure (up to 400 m deep), stretched 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 one: in the west average temperature surface layer 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 most stormy areas mediterranean sea is the Gulf of Lyon. The salinity of the sea varies widely, since less salty water comes from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar.

tides here they are low, but quite significant in very narrow straits and bays, especially during the full moon. However, rather strong currents are observed in the straits, directed both into the Mediterranean Sea and out of it. Evaporation is higher than Atlantic Ocean or in the Black Sea, therefore, surface currents arise in the straits, carrying fresher water to the Mediterranean Sea. At a depth below these surface currents, countercurrents occur, but they do not compensate for the influx of water near the surface.

Bottom The Mediterranean Sea in many places is composed of yellow carbonate silt, below which lies blue silt. Near the mouths of large rivers, blue silts are overlain by deltaic deposits, which occupy a large area. Depths mediterranean sea very different: the highest mark - 5121 m - was recorded in the Hellenic deep-water trench at the southern tip of Greece. The average depth of the western basin is 1430 m, and its shallowest part, the Adriatic Sea, has an average depth of only 242 m.

Above the common bottom mediterranean sea in some places, significant sections of dissected relief rise, the peaks 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 a 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 north of Sicily, Stromboli and Lipari. Within the Eastern Mediterranean Basin is the island of Malta (south of Sicily), and further to the east - Crete and Cyprus. In the Ionian, Cretan and Aegean seas are numerous small islands; among them stand out the Ionian - west of mainland Greece, the Cyclades - east of the Peloponnese and Rhodes - off the southwestern coast of Turkey.

Major rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea: Ebro (in Spain); Rhone (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 rivers Vardar (in Greece and Macedonia), Struma or Strymon, and Mesta or Nestos (in Bulgaria and Greece) belong to the Aegean Sea basin. 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 famous for its calmness and beauty, but, like other seas, it can be stormy in certain seasons, and then big waves crashing on the coast. The Mediterranean has long attracted people with its favorable climate. The term "Mediterranean" itself is used to refer to a climate with long hot, clear and dry summers and short cool and wet winters. many coastal areas mediterranean sea, especially the southern and eastern ones, are characterized by semiarid and arid features of the climate. In particular, semiaridity with an abundance of clear sunny days is considered typical for mediterranean climate. However, there are many cold days in winter when damp cold winds bring rain, drizzle and sometimes snow.

The Mediterranean is also famous for the attractiveness of its landscapes. Particularly picturesque are the French and Italian Riviera, the environs of Naples, the Adriatic coast of Croatia with numerous islands, the shores of Greece and Lebanon, where the steep slopes of the mountains approach the sea itself. Important trade routes passed through the main islands of the eastern Mediterranean and culture spread - 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.

Flora and fauna mediterranean sea is characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails a correlation. the paucity of larger animals that feed on them, including fish. The amount of phytoplankton in the surface horizons is only 8-10 mg/m?, at a depth of 1000-2000 m it is 10-20 times less. Algae are very diverse (peridine and diatoms predominate).

Fauna mediterranean sea characterized by high species diversity, but the number of representatives of the sep. species are small. There are kaki, 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.

Coastal countries of the Mediterranean Sea:

Spain
France
Monaco
Italy
Malta
Montenegro
Croatia
Slovenia
Bosnia
Albania
Greece
Bulgaria
Romania
Ukraine
Russia
Georgia
Turkey
Syria
Lebanon
Israel
Egypt
Libya
Tunisia
Algeria
Morocco

The largest islands in the Mediterranean:

Balearic
Corsica
Sardinia
Sicily

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

The modern Mediterranean Sea is a relic of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which was much wider and stretched far to the east. Relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara Seas, confined to its deepest depressions. Probably, Tethys was once completely surrounded by land, and between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the region of the Strait of Gibraltar, there was an isthmus. The same land bridge connected southeastern Europe with Asia Minor. It is possible that the Bosporus, Dardanelles and Gibraltar straits were formed on the site of flooded river valleys, and many island chains, especially in the Aegean Sea, were connected to the mainland.

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

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

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

The area is 2500 thousand km².

The volume of water is 3839 thousand km³.

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

The shores of the Mediterranean Sea near the mountainous coasts are predominantly abrasion, leveled, near the low ones - lagoon-estuary and deltaic; the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is characterized by Dalmatian-type coasts. 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 km³.

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

Geomorphologically, the Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three basins: Western - Algiers-Provencal basin with maximum depth over 2800 m, uniting the depressions of the Alboran, Balearic and Ligurian seas, as well as the depression Tyrrhenian Sea- over 3600 m; Central - over 5100 m (Central basin and depressions of the Adriatic and Ionian seas) and Eastern - Levantine, about 4380 m (hollows of the Levant, Aegean and Marmara seas).

The bottom of some basins is covered with Neogene-Anthropogenic strata (up to 5-7 km thick in the Balearic and Ligurian Seas) of sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Among the Messinian (Upper Miocene) deposits of the Algiers-Provencal Basin, a significant role belongs to the saline evaporite stratum (thickness over 1.5-2 km), which forms structures characteristic of salt tectonics. Along the sides and in the center of the Tyrrhenian Basin, several large faults are stretched with extinct and active volcanoes; some of them form large seamounts (Lipari Islands, Vavilov volcano, etc.). Volcanoes along the outskirts of the basin (in the Tuscan archipelago, on the Pontine Islands, Vesuvius, and the Aeolian Islands) erupt acid and alkaline lavas, volcanoes in the center, parts of the Mediterranean Sea - deeper, basic lavas (basalts).

Part of the Central and Eastern (Levanta) basins are filled with sedimentary strata, including thick products of river runoff, especially the Nile. At the bottom of these basins, according to geophysical studies, the Hellenic deep-water trough and the Central Mediterranean swell were identified - a large arch up to 500-800 m high. Along the foot of the continental slope of Cyrenaica, the Libyan trough is traced, very clearly expressed in the relief and poorly filled with sediments. The basins of the Mediterranean Sea are very different in time of initiation. A significant part of the Eastern (Levantinsky) basin was laid down in the Mesozoic, the Algerian-Provencal basin - from the end of the Oligocene - the beginning of the Miocene, some basins of the Mediterranean Sea - at the beginning - the middle of the Miocene, Pliocene. At the end of the Miocene (Messianic Age), shallow basins already existed in most of the Mediterranean Sea. The depth of the Algiers-Provencal basin during the salt deposition in the Messinian was about 1-1.5 km. Salts accumulated as a result of strong evaporation and concentration of brine due to the influx of sea water into a closed reservoir through a strait that existed south of Gibraltar.

The modern depths of the Tyrrhenian depression were formed as a result of bottom subsidence during the Pliocene and Anthropogenic period (over the last 5 million years); as a result of the same relatively rapid subsidence, some other basins also arose. The formation of the basins of the Mediterranean Sea is associated either with stretching (pulling apart) of the continental crust, or with the processes of compaction of the earth's crust and its subsidence. In the department In areas of the basins, the processes of geosynclinal development continue. The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many parts is promising for the search for oil and gas deposits, especially in the area where salt domes are distributed. In shelf zones, oil and gas deposits are associated with Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits.

The hydrological regime of the Mediterranean Sea is formed under the influence of high evaporation and general climatic conditions. conditions. The predominance of the flow of fresh water over the inflow leads to a decrease in the level, which is the reason for the constant inflow of surface less saline water from the Atlantic. OK. and Black Cape. In the deep layers of the straits there is an outflow of highly saline water caused by the difference in water density at the level of the thresholds of the straits. Main water exchange occurs through the Strait of Gibraltar. (the upper current brings 42.32 thousand km³ of Atlantic water per year, and the lower reaches 40.80 thousand km³ of Mediterranean water); 350 and 180 km³ of water per year flows in and out through the Dardanelles, respectively.

The circulation of waters in S. of m has hl. arr. wind nature; it is represented by the main, almost zonal Canarian Current, which carries waters predominantly. Atlantic origin along Africa, from the Gibraltar Strait. to the shores of Lebanon, n system tsiklonich. gyres in isolated seas and basins to the left of this current. The water column to the depths. 750-1000 m is covered by a unidirectional water transfer in depth, with the exception of the Levantinsky intermediate countercurrent, which carries the Levantine waters from about. Malta to the Strait of Gibraltar along Africa.

The speeds of steady currents in the open part of the sea are 0.5-1.0 km/h, in some straits - 2-4 km/h. The average surface water temperature in February decreases from north to south from 8-12 to 17 °C in the east. and center. parts and from 11 to 15 °С by 3. In August, the average water temperature varies from 19 to 25 °С. - at the extreme east, it rises to 27-30 °C. Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values increase from 3. to V. from 36 to - 39.5. The density of water on the surface varies from 1.023-1.027 g/cm³ in summer to 1.027-1.029 g/cm³ in winter. During the period of winter cooling in districts with increased density, intensive convective mixing develops, which leads to the formation of highly saline and warm intermediate waters in the East. basin and deep waters in the north of the western basin, in the Adriatic and Aegean seas. In terms of near-bottom temperature and salinity, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the warmest and most saline seas in the world. (12.6-13.4 ° C and 38.4-38.7, respectively). Relates water transparency up to 50-60 m, color - intense blue.

The tides are mostly semidiurnal, their magnitude is less than 1 m, but in some parts. points in combination with wind surges, level fluctuations can reach 4 m (Genoa Bay, near the northern coast of Corsica Island, etc.). Strong tidal currents are observed in narrow straits (Messina Strait). Max. excitement is noted in winter (wave height reaches 6-8 m).

The climate of the Mediterranean Sea is determined by its position in the subtropical zone and is distinguished by great specificity, which distinguishes it as an independent Mediterranean type of climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In winter, a hollow of low atmospheric pressure is established above the sea, which determines unstable weather with frequent storms and heavy precipitation; cold northern winds lower the air temperature. Local winds develop: mistral in the area of the Gulf of Lion and bora in the east of the Adriatic Sea. In summer, most of the Mediterranean Sea is covered by the crest of the Azores anticyclone, which determines the predominance of clear weather with little cloudiness and low rainfall. During the summer months, there are dry fogs and a dusty haze carried out of Africa by the southerly sirocco wind. In the Eastern Basin, stable northern winds - etesias - develop.

The average air temperature in January varies from 14-16°С southern shores up to 7-10°С in the north, in August - from 22-24°С in the north to 25-30°С in southern regions seas. Evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea reaches 1250 mm per year (3130 km3). Relative humidity varies from 50-65% in summer to 65-80% in winter. Cloudiness in summer 0-3 points, in winter about 6 points. The average annual precipitation is 400 mm (about 1000 km3), it varies from 1100-1300 mm in the northwest to 50-100 mm in the southeast, minimum in July-August, maximum in December.

Mirages are characteristic, which are often observed in the Messinian Strait. (the so-called Fata Morgana).

The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is distinguished by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails a significant difference. 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 crayfish, one species of seals (white-bellied seal); sea turtle. 550 species of fish (mackerel, herring, anchovy, mullet, dorado, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, 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.

The coast of the S. m. has long been densely populated, differs high level economic development (especially the countries located along its northern coast).

Agriculture mediterranean countries: stands out for the production of citrus fruits (about 1/3 of the world harvest), cotton, oilseeds. In the system of international trade and economic relations, trade and economic relations occupy a special position. Located at the junction of three parts of the world (Europe, Asia, and Africa), the Northern Sea is an important transport route along which Europe's maritime links with Asia, North Africa, and also Australia and Oceania pass. Important trade routes linking Russia and Ukraine with Western countries, as well as large cabotage lines between the Black Sea and a number of other ports of Russia and Ukraine, run along the S. m.

Transport value of the water area S. m. for Western Europe increases continuously due to the growing dependence of these countries on the import of raw materials. The role of S. m is especially great in oil transportation. S. m. is an important "oil" route between Western Europe and the Middle East. The share of southern ports (the chief of which are Marseille, Trieste, Genoa) in the supply of oil to Western Europe is constantly growing (about 40% in 1972). The ports of S. m. are connected by pipelines both with the countries of Western Europe, including Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, and with the oil fields of the Middle East and North Africa. Transportation of various types of raw materials, metal ores and bauxites, agricultural products is also great. products through the Suez Canal, through which Western Europe links with Asia and Australia. The largest ports are Marseille with outports in France, Genoa, Augusta, Trieste in Italy, Sidra, Marsa Brega in Libya.

Numerous industrial enterprises have been set up along the sea coast and on the islands. On raw materials delivered by sea, the chemical and metallurgical industries developed. In 1960–75, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, the mouth of the Rhone in France, and others became major centers of the chemical industry. Oil and gas production began on the shelf of the Northern Sea (the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, the coast of Greece, and others).

Fishing in the North 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. The resorts of the Cote d'Azur (Riviera) in France and Italy, the resorts of the Levantine coast and the Balearic Islands in Spain, etc. are widely known.

Part Mediterranean countries includes European, Asian and African states. Tourists are attracted to them picturesque nature, clean sea waters, a large number of monuments of architecture and history.

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

Mediterranean Sea on a world map with countries around it

Bizerte;
Kelibia;
Monastir;
Sfax.

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

Destinations by interests

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

Sandy and pebbly 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 stay on the ennobled beaches, but also for those who want to get practice in English . It is one of the official languages of the island nation.
Behind noise and fun, as well as for comfortable rest on affordable price it is worth going to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
exotic vacation can be found on the coast of North Africa. Best Resorts in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea are found in Tunisia and Morocco. In these regions you will feel not only exotic, but also comfortable.
Resting people talking Russian language, will surround you on the beaches of Israel. The excellent service provided by local hotels will not overshadow the cost of a holiday in the Promised Land. The Mediterranean beaches here compete with the Red and Marmara Seas.

The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea located at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. There are 22 UN member states on its shores, of which Spain, France, Italy and Greece have the longest coasts in the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Turkey in Asia, Egypt, Libya and Algeria in Africa. In the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, up to eleven separate seas are distinguished, the largest of which is the Levantine Sea with an area of 320 thousand km², in the waters of which the island of Cyprus is located, and the smallest is the Ligurian Sea, with an area of 15 thousand km², however, on the shores of the Ligurian Sea there are such large port cities as Genoa and Nice.

There are many ways to get to the Mediterranean Sea from Russia: by land, by air and by water. When traveling by car or bus, you will have the opportunity to visit Belarus, Poland, then to Germany, from there to France, along the way you can visit the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. The duration of such a journey depends only on the route and time for walking around the cities of Europe. When flying with leading airlines, it all depends on the country on the coast on the coast of which you want to enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean Sea: a flight from Moscow to Monaco, Barcelona, or Athens will take about 4 hours, but direct flights to Naples, Rome or Tunisia from Moscow no, you will have to fly with at least one transfer and the flight will take from seven hours to a day. And for those who prefer sailing, a trip to the Mediterranean is a great opportunity to spend a couple of months sailing. Having sailed from the Crimea, from Novorossiysk or Sochi to the Black Sea, all that remains is to get to the Bosphorus Strait, take a walk around Istanbul, then to the Sea of Marmara and from there - through the Dardanelles to get into the waters of the Aegean Sea and you can sail to any port of the Mediterranean Sea.

Fishing is developed in the Mediterranean Sea, and this is a real paradise for tourists. Moreover, it has recently appeared new opportunity for wealthy citizens to provide themselves great vacation on the islands of the Mediterranean. Due to internal economic problems, Greece began selling off its islands in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Hollywood star Brad Pitt and his wife Angelina Jolie have already bought one. However, Greece knows the value of its islands: the "cheapest" of them costs more than three million dollars. But, if for some reason you don’t have three million bucks, or you just don’t need an island, you can rent a house in Malta for only $350 a month.

Mediterranean resorts

Storm on the coast of Crete

Resort town Budva in Montenegro on the Mediterranean coast

Shark on the Cretan beach

Monaco beach, Monte Carlo

small fish on mediterranean beach Monaco loves bun

Malta - the pearl of the Mediterranean!