Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Favorite Mediterranean countries among tourists

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 are washing the Mediterranean Sea and which of them are the most loved by tourists? You will learn about this from our most interesting article.

Mediterranean: history and geography of the region

Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? What famous cities are located on its shores? Before answering these questions, it is necessary to study in detail the geography and history of this region.

Mediterranea - so sounds the name of the Mediterranean in English. This historical region occupies the entire basin of the same name sea - the cradle of European and Arab navigation. The oldest civilizations and powers arose on its shores - Phenicia, Ancient Hellas, the Roman Empire. The latter in its time controlled the entire region. Which countries are washing the Mediterranean today?

The total area of the region, according to various scientists, ranges from 4 to 5 million square kilometers. On its territory, the states of two continents and three parts of the world were located.

Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? Largest cities

Geographically, culturally and mentally, the Mediterranean is divided into three zones (parts): European, Asian and African.

So, which countries is the Mediterranean Sea washed by its waters? To these can be attributed 21 independent state. This is Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Malta (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 Mediterranean Sea also has the exit of the unrecognized countries of Palestine and North Cyprus, as well as two overseas territories of Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri and Dhekelia).

Which cities are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? On the shores of its water area 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.

Structure of the Mediterranean: islands, archipelagos, seas

Scientists say that the Mediterranean Sea is nothing but a relic of an ancient reservoir of planetary scale - the Tethys ocean. The Black, Caspian and Aral Seas are also its remains.

The modern Mediterranean Sea is connected with the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow Gibraltar strait. It passes between two high cliffs, named in ancient times by the Pillars of Hercules. Curious fact: in the water area of the Mediterranean hydrographs give off a number of smaller seas. For example, on the maps of this part of the planet you can find the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Cypriot and others.

What is washing the Mediterranean? Several large peninsulas deep into its waters : the Balkans, the Apennines, the Pyrenees, and Asia Minor. In the Mediterranean waters there is also a large number of islands, different 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" - so they called it in ancient times. This geographical toponym, a little transformed, has come down to our days. Indeed, it is here that over the centuries there have been various peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations. As a result, a unique ethno-cultural situation was formed in the Mediterranean.

Already in the third millennium BC there arose the so-called Aegean civilization, which consisted of several cultures and was complicated by Sumerian influences. Mixed ethnoses could also be observed within the state of Carthage. Even later, the synthesis of European and Eastern traditions formed here a powerful power - Byzantium.

Thus, cultural syncretism is more than typical for the Mediterranean region. It is this fact that makes it extremely 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 all over the world. The attractiveness of this region is further enhanced by the fact that it is completely located within a mild subtropical climate.

Of course, the best way to experience the Mediterranean is to cruise. It allows you to visit several countries and dozens of interesting cities. During such a cruise, a tourist can see firsthand 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 can boast of its first-class resorts. And the most famous country-resort in this region is, of course, Turkey!

This state has very much succeeded today in the development of its tourist infrastructure. Rest here is interesting and very comfortable. And Turkey is ready to offer rest for every taste and size of a purse.

Excellent hotels, wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine and familiarity with the bright local culture - that's what awaits every tourist who decided to visit Turkey. In addition, in a very short time you can see many interesting sights.

Which cities in Turkey are washed by the Mediterranean Sea? This is the largest metropolis of Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Mersin.

Spain and Italy

In the western part of the region is the state of Spain. This Mediterranean country tourists appreciate for the most picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature, sunny first-class resorts and ancient monuments of architecture. No cruise usually takes Mallorca and Ibiza. But real connoisseurs of architecture 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 the virgin nature go to Sicily, but the connoisseurs of cultural and historical monuments - in Rome. Here is also the world-famous center of high fashion - the city of Milan.

Balkan countries of the Mediterranean

To the Mediterranean Sea there are five Balkan states. And they all have a huge tourist potential.

The most attractive of the Balkan countries for tourists is Croatia. Twenty years ago, she fought for her independence, and already today she receives thousands of tourists annually. Holidaymakers are struck by the unique purity of sea water in Croatia and the huge number of coastal islands.

It is famous for its excellent resorts and Montenegro. In particular, the beach of Ada Bojan, 3.8 km long, boasts the cleanest sand on the whole Adriatic.

Gradually, Albania is gaining popularity among tourists. This country wins at the expense of its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary coloring. Only in Albania can you taste the delicious dishes of local cuisine in the 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 acquired the reputation of a resort and tourist country. But even countries like Libya and Algeria are actively building their resorts and cities for potential recreants.

More and more often cruise liners swim in the ports of Morocco. This state, being directly at the turn of the east and west, of Islamic and European cultures, a priori evokes interest among tourists.

Tunisia is another Mediterranean state, on the territory of which a large number of historical and architectural monuments, museums with ancient artifacts were preserved. And after a rich cultural program, the tourist here will also be able to fully relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Another feature of Tunisia - its colorful and colorful markets.

Finally...

Now you know how many countries are bathed in the Mediterranean. A total of 21. The Mediterranean is a unique and very attractive region for tourists. First of all they seek to get to Turkey, Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Croatia. After all, these countries have a lot of attractions, and the infrastructure is in order.