The Libyan Sea is an integral part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between about. Crete and the North coast of Africa (territory of Libya). Hence the name of the sea. In addition to the described water area, another 10 inland waters are distinguished in the intercontinental Mediterranean.
This territory is of great economic importance for the country in which it is located. This fact can be explained by the fact that many tourists come here every year who bring good money to the budget. That is why the government is interested in developing the coasts of this sea.
The coordinates of the object on the geographical map: 33 o 24'5 "N., 24 ° 39'41" E.
Sea characteristic
The Libyan Sea, along with the Sardinian, Cilician and Levantine, are not recognized by treaties of the International Geographical Organization. However, their names and borders have been known since ancient times.
The Cretan south coast, washed by the Libyan Sea, is known as South Crete in the tourism sector. This region is popular with lovers of calm, measured relaxation, with a minimally developed infrastructure - the so-called wild tourism.
The northern borders of the water area pass from the island of Crete, in the south it borders on Africa, in the east - on the Cyprus Sea. In the west it flows into the Mediterranean waters.
The wildlife of the Libyan Sea is diverse, and the water is crystal clear. There are several dozen species of fish, crayfish, lobsters, sea turtles, jellyfish, red corals. Due to this feature, diving is very popular among tourists, during which you can get acquainted with the exotic underwater world and visit underground caves.
The main ports of the Libyan Sea on the southern Cretan coast: Paleochora, Xerokambos and Ierapetra.
Temperature
This sea (Libyan) can be called a record holder among the nearest water areas. The water temperature in it is significantly different from other inland Mediterranean streams. This is due to the fact that a large number of mountain streams flow into it, which are cool in the sea. In addition, cold underground springs hit the bottom, significantly reducing the degree. That is why the maximum surface temperature in the hottest period does not exceed + 23 ° C.
Coastline
The coasts of the Libyan Sea are not endowed with extensive sandy beaches. Basically, the coast is made up of stones and this entire line is heavily indented - the sea sharply cuts into the land, and from the south it is framed by rocks.
From the side of the Cretan coast, one bay flows into the land - Mesara. There are several cozy bays hidden by sheer cliffs. Mountain formations in the bays of Crete are high, making it almost impossible to get to the coast by road. The only way to admire them is to go down the mountain trails on foot or swim from the sea.
The only lowland plain of the island is located on the south coast of Crete - Mesara. Its length is 50 km. And in the western part is the highest point - Mount Ida, whose height is 2,456 m.
Beaches
There are not many beaches on the Libyan Sea, but they are. Basically, these are pebbled areas of land or places with black sand. The bottom of the sea is also pebble, sometimes there are also large natural stone slabs.
There are only three large sandy beaches on the island:
- Plakias;
- Frangokastello;
- territory on the western part of Paleochora.
The latter is more suitable for surf lovers, of whom there are so many at sea. The Libyan Sea has the most popular resort, which is located near the coast - the city of Ierapetra. It is here that the equipped small sandy beaches of the island, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, are located.
In addition to Ierapetra, the resorts of the southern coast of the island are Sidonia, Castries, Matala, Myrtos, Agia Galini.
Climate
As a rule, everyone is waiting for heat and sun, going to sea. The Libyan will meet the expectations of tourists - the climate on its coasts is typical Mediterranean.
On land, high humidity. And due to its proximity to water, the coast of Libya becomes suitable for agriculture. Only 2% of the state’s land is agricultural land, but all of them are located along the described water area.
Winter on the coast is mild, humid and windy, and summer is hot. Average summer temperatures are from +25 to + 30 ° , air humidity reaches 50%. The average winter temperature is + 18 ° C, but the humidity in this case rises to 75%. Snow on the coasts is a rare phenomenon, and in Africa it does not happen at all.
The climate of southern Crete is part of a special region - North African. Air temperatures here are slightly higher than on the other side of the island. Summer is hotter and winter is warmer. The average annual rainfall of the island is 350 mm, most of which falls in the winter months.
By the way, the Libyan Sea (Crete) never storms. This is facilitated by the mountains located on the island. They protect the water surface from the influence of the Atlantic air masses.
The islands
In the water area there are several Cretan islands: Gavdos, Chrysi, Koufonisi, Gavdopula, Paksimadiya En and Paksimadiya Dio, as well as a number of small uninhabited pieces of land. From Libya to the sea there is not a single similar territory.
The island, which Greece (Crete) is famous for, is a separate independent ecosystem, which in many respects does not resemble the Greek one. Of the 2 thousand representatives of the flora, 160 are found only in this territory. This is due to the secluded position of the island. Dense cypress forests that grow on the rocks stretch along the entire coast of Crete.
Infrastructure
Regarding the tourist infrastructure, which is quite well developed in a country such as Greece, Crete, unfortunately, does not go far in first place. On its coasts, it is not as convenient for a demanding tourist as on other shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This is due to the lack of equipped beaches and cold water.
But remoteness from civilization nonetheless attracts lovers of wild tourism, who value a vacation at sea. The Libyan Sea has a beach season, which lasts from May to September. The velvet period lasts until the beginning of November. From December to mid-April, the so-called dead season takes place, when you can not meet tourists on the coast.
Interesting places
The ruins of the ancient city of Fest, the center of the Minoan civilization, are located on the south coast of Crete. They are located in the central part of the island, in Heraklion Prefecture. Fest was built before our era, and destroyed in the XV century, as a result of a strong earthquake. Excavations of the ancient city began in 1900 and continue today. Currently, this territory is open for tourists, entrance is paid.
On the plain of Mesar are the ruins of another ancient city - Gortyna. This is the oldest settlement in Crete. The history of the city begins another 6 thousand years ago. Currently, the architectural complex consists of the ruins of Roman terms, the Greek temple and the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods. Near Gortina is a stone building, built in the Neolithic era. This house is considered the very first residential building on the island.