Perhaps the most amazing and unusual sea on the planet is the Mediterranean. It separates three different parts of the world, but at the same time serves as a meeting place for a wide variety of cultures, nations and religions. Which countries wash the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and which of them do tourists most like to come to? You will learn about this from our most interesting article.
Mediterranean: history and geography of the region
What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? What famous cities are located on its shores? Before answering these questions, you need to study in detail the geography and history of the region.
Mediterranea - this is the name of the Mediterranean in English. This historic region occupies the entire basin of the same sea - the cradle of European and Arab shipping. The most ancient civilizations and powers arose on its shores - Phenicia, Ancient Hellas, Roman Empire. The latter at one time controlled the entire region. What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea today?
The total area of the region, according to various scholars, ranges from 4 to 5 million square kilometers. The states of two continents and three parts of the world are located on its territory.
What countries is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Largest cities
Geographically, culturally and mentally, the Mediterranean is divided into three zones (parts): European, Asian and African.
So, what countries is the Mediterranean Sea washing with its waters? These include 21 independent states. These are Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Malta (an island republic located directly in the water area), Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
The unrecognized countries of Palestine and Northern Cyprus, as well as two overseas territories of Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri and Dhekelia) also have access to the Mediterranean Sea.
What cities is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? On the shores of its waters are thousands of settlements. Among the largest and most famous cities in the Mediterranean are the following: Barcelona, Marseille, Cannes, Genoa, Napoli, Dubrovnik, Athens, Istanbul, Antalya, Alexandria, Tripoli.
Mediterranean structure: islands, archipelagos, seas
Scientists claim that the Mediterranean Sea is nothing but a relic of an ancient reservoir of planetary proportions - the Tethys Ocean. The Black, Caspian and Aral Seas are also its remnants.
The modern Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow Strait of Gibraltar. It passes between two high cliffs, called in ancient times the Hercules pillars. A curious fact: in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea hydrographs distinguish a whole series of smaller seas. For example, on the maps of this part of the planet you can find the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Cyprus and others.
What bathes the Mediterranean Sea? Several large peninsulas deeply penetrate into its water area : Balkan, Apennine, Pyrenees, Asia Minor. The waters of the Mediterranean also have a large number of islands, varying in area. And almost every one of them is very attractive for tourists. It is worth mentioning some of the most famous islands of the Mediterranean: Crete, Malta, Sicily, Rhodes, Ibiza and Mallorca.
Synthesis of cultures and peoples
"The sea in the middle of the Earth" - that is how it was called in antiquity. This geographical toponym, having slightly transformed, has survived to the present day. Indeed, it was here that, over the centuries, various peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations met. As a result, a unique ethnocultural situation has formed in the Mediterranean.
Already in the third millennium BC, the so-called Aegean civilization arose here, which consisted of several cultures and was complicated by Sumerian influences. Mixed ethnic groups could be observed within the state of Carthage. Even later, a synthesis of European and Eastern traditions formed a powerful power here - Byzantium.
Thus, cultural syncretism is more than characteristic of the Mediterranean region. It is this fact that makes it overly popular among tourists from all over the world.
Tourism in the Mediterranean
The countries of the Mediterranean Sea annually visit tens of thousands of tourists from different parts of our planet. The attractiveness of this region is further enhanced by the fact that it is completely located within the mild subtropical climate.
Of course, the best way to experience the Mediterranean is a cruise vacation. It allows you to visit several countries and dozens of interesting cities. During such a cruise, a tourist can personally see how ancient ancient monuments are combined with the creations of modernity.
In the Mediterranean, tourists most often visit Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Croatia.
Holidays in Turkey
Each of the Mediterranean countries boasts its first-class resorts. And the most famous resort country in this region is, of course, Turkey!
This state today has been very successful in developing its tourism infrastructure. Resting here is both interesting and very comfortable. Moreover, Turkey is ready to offer relaxation for every taste and size of the wallet.
Excellent hotels, wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine and acquaintance with vibrant local culture - this is what awaits every tourist who decides to visit Turkey. In addition, in a very short time you can see many interesting sights here.
What cities of Turkey is washed by the Mediterranean Sea? It is the largest metropolis in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Mersin.
Spain and Italy
In the western part of the region is the state of Spain. Tourists appreciate this Mediterranean country for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature, sunny first-class resorts and ancient monuments of architecture. Not a single cruise, as a rule, bypasses Mallorca and Ibiza. But real architecture lovers should definitely visit the city of Barcelona.
Another European Mediterranean state is Italy. The country of the sun, pizza and spaghetti attracts a huge number of foreign tourists. Lovers of unity with pristine nature go to Sicily, but lovers of cultural and historical monuments - to Rome. Here is also located the world-famous center of haute couture - the city of Milan.
Balkan countries of the Mediterranean
Five Balkan states have access to the Mediterranean Sea at once . And they all have tremendous tourism potential.
The most attractive of the Balkan countries for tourists is Croatia. Even 20 years ago, she fought for her independence, and today already receives thousands of tourists every year. Vacationers are struck by the unique purity of sea water in Croatia and the huge number of coastal islands.
Montenegro is also famous for its excellent resorts. In particular, 3.8 kilometers long Ada Bojana Beach boasts the cleanest sand in the entire Adriatic.
Albania is also gaining popularity among tourists. This country benefits from its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary colorfulness. Only in Albania, you can enjoy chic local cuisine in an abandoned concrete bunker of the last century!
African countries of the Mediterranean
Of course, tourists and African states of this region do not bypass. Egypt has long gained the fame of a resort and tourist country. But even countries such as Libya and Algeria are actively equipping their resorts and cities for potential recreants.
Cruise ships are sailing more and more to the ports of Morocco. This state, right at the junction of east and west, Islamic and European cultures, a priori is of interest to tourists.
Tunisia is another Mediterranean state on whose territory a large number of historical and architectural monuments, museums with ancient artifacts have been preserved. And after a rich cultural program, a tourist here will also be able to fully relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Another feature of Tunisia is its colorful and colorful markets.
Finally...
Now you know how many countries the Mediterranean Sea is washing. There are 21 of them. The Mediterranean is a unique and very attractive region for tourists. First of all, they strive to get to Turkey, Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Croatia. Indeed, in these countries there are a lot of attractions, and the infrastructure is in perfect order.