Many people remember from school geography that Greece is located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and covers several islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, to the question “What seas is it washed by?” some boldly answer: "Mediterranean." But this answer is not accurate. Take a closer look, looking at the map of Greece with the seas. The Mediterranean Sea belongs to the intercontinental, and includes several seas. Did not know? As you can see, Greece is washed by the largest number of seas. Perhaps that is why fishing here is a source of decent income. Let's take a closer look at these seas.
the Aegean sea
The name comes from the Bulgarian language and means "white sea". The Aegean Sea washes a myriad of islands (about a couple of thousand). The sea was also often mentioned in the history of antiquity and Greek mythology. Features of the Aegean Sea:
Its salinity is higher than in the Black Sea. Therefore, after swimming in the Aegean Sea, it is recommended to rinse with fresh water to avoid skin and eye diseases.
The water temperature is cool in winter, ranging from 10 to 15 C, in summer
from 22 to 25 C, but each year the figures can vary significantly.
The tides are mostly small, from 30 to 70 cm. Storms are relatively rare.
Seafood such as sponges, octopuses and a variety of marine fish are harvested in the Aegean Sea.
Libyan Sea
It is obvious why it is called Libyan - because part of it washes the shores of Libya. Features of the Libyan Sea:
The sea is not rich in beaches, most of the shores washed by it are deserted, and the shores themselves are indented with many secluded bays. Neither roads nor railways are laid to them, therefore, tourists have to get to such areas on their own - either on foot or by boat.
Since a large number of mountains flow into the Libyan Sea, the water temperature here is cool.
Cretan Sea
The northern coast of the sea is the most popular among tourists, because here are the most beautiful sandy beaches and nature. Features of the Cretan Sea:
Many beaches of this sea can boast of positive feedback from vacationers, because they are environmentally friendly.
The Cretan Sea is much warmer than the Libyan.
The best sandy beaches and guest houses are located in the village of Bali.
Cyprus Sea
Cyprus is perhaps one of the most visited islands among tourists. Features of the Cyprus Sea:
This sea is the warmest and saltiest part of the Mediterranean. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why heat-loving foreigners prefer the Cyprus Sea.
Only one large river, the Nile, flows into it.
Due to the increased salinity, the sea, unfortunately, cannot boast of a rich fauna, so it can be considered practically “uninhabited”.
One hypothesis says that the remains of Atlantis are hidden in the depths of the Cyprus Sea. This fact is still being studied.
Adriatic Sea
This sea is popularly called "loving", because it washes the shores of several European countries at the same time. What is the peculiarity of the Adriatic Sea?
The name of the sea comes from the ancient port of Adria.
The tides reach one and a half meters in height, regular storms are characteristic of this sea.
The fauna and flora of the sea is diverse. It is home to about 750 species of algae, many marine fish, sea foxes, sharks, dolphins, and even monk seals.
ionian sea
In addition to Greece, the sea washes the Italian and Albanian coasts. The Ionian Sea is the deepest of all Mediterranean parts. The shores are mostly sandy, less often - silty sand and shell rock. Features of the Ionian Sea:
The water temperature fluctuates between 14-17 C in winter and 20-25 C in summer.
The tides are mostly small, almost imperceptible - only 0.2-0.4 m in height. So the sea can rightly be considered calm and safe.
Probably, the name "Ionic" comes from a tribe of Ionians who previously lived on its shores. Although there is a mythological theory about the beautiful Io, who crossed this sea, being turned by Zeus into a white cow. Whose side the truth is, one can only guess.
Tyrrhenian Sea
The Tyrrhenian Sea is not very popular among tourists. This is a great reason to go to its shores and explore its area on your own. Who knows, suddenly you will be the discoverer of the secret that was hidden behind the seven locks? To date, the Tyrrhenian Sea is famous for such features:
In ancient times, people called this sea the Ausonian.
There are many island resorts in the Tyrrhenian Sea. As you can see, you are provided with all the conditions for a detailed acquaintance with this laconic area.
Alboran
Alboran is the westernmost sea in the Mediterranean. Alboran Sea Features:
Today, the sea is the main route for illegally migrating Africans.
On the north coast, fishing is the only means of survival.
The average water temperature reaches 17 C in winter and 27 C in summer. But figures from year to year can vary significantly.
Ligurian Sea
Many of us in childhood learned the tongue twister "Liguria" and wondered what kind of wonderful place this is and where is it located? Liguria is a tiny Italian region, and the Ligurian Sea lies between Liguria and Corsica. Features of the Ligurian Sea:
The name of the sea comes from the Ligurian tribe, who previously lived on its coast. Accordingly, the very name Liguria must have been borrowed from there.
The shores are mostly rocky, sandy beaches are less common.
Balearic Sea
It is the outskirts of the Mediterranean, located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Features of the Balearic Sea:
The water temperature fluctuates between 12 C in winter and 25 C in summer.
Navigation and fishing are especially developed here.
The most famous resorts are located on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula and covering many islands of the Mediterranean, Greece is washed by the seas on three sides: from the east - Aegean, from the western part - Ionian, and from the south - mediterranean. The geographical parts of the Mediterranean Sea are such seas as the Ligurian, Adriatic, Alboran, Tyrrhenian, Balearic, Cyprus, Cretan, Libyan, Ionian and Aegean. But since most of them are considered only parts of the water area, many seas are not indicated on the maps.
Compared to other European countries, Greece, in terms of the number of seas washing its territory, is far ahead. The sea for the Greeks is one of the main sources of income. The wide sea zone, along with the most picturesque landscapes and numerous historical monuments, attracts millions of tourists every year. Tourism brings the state about 15% of GDP and also provides employment for more than 16% of the total employed population in Greece.
Maritime transport routes also bring their share of income to the state treasury: according to maritime regulations, foreign ships can pass through the Greek maritime zone only if they pay a fee. The amount of this fee depends on the type of vessel, its dimensions and other characteristics.
Greece also receives a significant percentage of profits from marine fisheries: fishing and collecting corals.
The Aegean Sea washes the shores of Greece and Turkey. The largest islands of the Aegean are the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Lesvos, Samos and Euboea. The area of the sea is close to 179 thousand km². The coast is mostly rocky. The sea is located in the frame of numerous, as a rule, low mountain ranges with a semi-desert landscape.
The shores of the Aegean Sea attract divers from all over the world. Both beginners and professionals will find a lot of interesting things here. The first category of tourists will be able to admire the splendor of the seabed at shallow depths, and the second category will be able to get acquainted with underwater caves, see with their own eyes sunken ships of various eras and other curiosities. In addition, waves are constantly present here, which guarantees ideal conditions for active surface recreation - surfing or windsurfing. That is why in the Aegean Sea, near the island of Rhodes, the stages of the World Cup in these sports are held.
The temperature of the surface waters of the Aegean during winter varies from 11°C to 15°C, and in summer from 22°C to 25°C.
Due to global warming, there is a tendency to increase water temperature, as well as an increase in its salinity. At a depth of more than 350 m, the temperature does not change throughout the year and is 12-13 °C. The salinity of the Aegean Sea is higher in comparison with the Black Sea. The tides here are daily, ranging in size from 30 to 60 cm.
The Aegean Sea is a famous shipping region. In Greek ports and under the flag of the state there are a huge number of ships. Greek shipowners are among the most influential in the world.
The Aegean Sea can be considered the cradle of such great empires as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Bulgarian Kingdom and the Latin Empire. There are many different versions regarding the name of the sea. According to one of them, it comes from the name of the city Aigeus (Evbey Island), another version leans in favor of the ancient Greek expression "waves on the water", the third insists that the name of the sea comes from the name of the king of Athens, Aegeus. According to one of the myths, the Athenian king threw himself into the sea, believing that his son Theseus was killed by the Cretan Minotaur.
ionian sea
The Ionian Sea is the deepest geographical part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between two peninsulas - Alenninsky and Balkan, dividing Greece and Italy. Along the entire length of the Balkan coast of the sea, the Ionian Islands, called the "Seven Islands", can be seen. They owe this name to the largest land areas - the islands of Ithaca, Paxos, Corfu, Levkas, Kefalonia, Kitira and Zakynthos. Although in fact there are much more islands in this system.
The area of the sea is 169 thousand km². Its bottom, which has the shape of a basin, is mainly covered with silt. Closer to the coastline - sand and shell rock.
The average water temperature of the Ionian Sea in February is 14°C and in August it is 25.5°C. The water temperature at depth is about 13°C.
The salinity level of the waters exceeds 38 ‰. The tides here are daily - up to 0.4 m.
Since time immemorial, the islands of the Ionian Sea have stood out among other islands of Greece, because even in those distant times, nature blessed them with amazing beauty and lush vegetation. Mild climate, high snow-white cliffs above the azure sea, fertile lands, mountains sprouted with forests, shores covered with snow-white sand and convenient for mooring ships.
The territory of the coast of the Ionian Sea is densely populated. There are many tourist cities here, for the majority of whose inhabitants the sea is a source of income. They, like the population of other regions of Greece, trade in fishing and the provision of tourist services.
Most likely, the Ionian Sea owes its name to the ancient Greek tribe of the Ionians, who founded a settlement on about. Kefalonia and other islands of the western part of Greece. But there is also a mythological version, according to which the sea got its name thanks to Io. She managed to swim across after the supreme deities of Olympus turned her into a cow.
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is designated as one of the largest seas (area - 2.5 million km²). The concept of "Mediterranean" is applicable to peoples, climate, countries, vegetation. For many, the Mediterranean is associated with a whole era in the history of mankind and a special way of life.
The coastline of the sea is completely indented, and a huge number of land protrusions divide it into many semi-enclosed water areas (seas), which have their own names (they were mentioned at the beginning of the article). In the Mediterranean Sea, it is customary to distinguish two depressions: western and eastern.
The water in the western trough is colder and fresher, with an average temperature of around 12°C in February and 24°C in August. In the eastern basin, respectively, about 17°C and 27°C.
The Mediterranean Sea is attractive for its calmness and beauty, but in certain seasons, like other seas, it can be stormy, breaking ashore in large waves. The mild climate of the Mediterranean has always attracted the attention of tourists. The very concept of "Mediterranean climate" implies hot, long summers and short, wet winters. Many of the coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea, mainly the southern and eastern ones, are characterized by semi-arid and arid climate features. It is the semiaridity with an abundance of clear sunny days that is typical of the Mediterranean climate. Although winter can be characterized by a series of cold days, when the marine wet wind brings rain, frost and even snow.
The Mediterranean is also famous for its attractive landscapes. The Italian and French Riviera, the Adriatic coast of Croatia, the environs of Naples, the shores of Lebanon and Greece are distinguished by their special beauty.
Formally, the south of the Balkan Peninsula and the numerous islands surrounding it are located in the Mediterranean Sea. However, experts divide the Mediterranean Sea into several areas, each of which individually is a whole sea. Of these small seas, the coast of Greece is washed by only four:
- Aegean;
- Ionic;
- Cretan;
- Libyan.
Not all of these seas are distinguished on geographical maps. Therefore, it is generally accepted that Greece is surrounded by everything three seas: from the east - Aegean, from South - mediterranean e, from the west - Ionian.
Mediterranean Sea
The name "Mediterranean" is associated with the geographical representations of the ancient inhabitants of North Africa and Southern Europe. The Mediterranean Sea was the cradle of several major civilizations at once. For the ancient Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and Turks, this sea was the main reference point and a way of communication between different peoples.
The Mediterranean Sea is the largest sea in the world. Almost all Greek resort islands are located here: Crete, Rhodes, Samos, etc. In summer, the weather on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea is ideal for a beach holiday: minimal cloudiness, occasional rainfall and tropical heat.
The Mediterranean waters are home to many rare species of animals and fish: spiny lobsters, white-bellied seals, squid, rays, turtles and sharks. The region has long been famous for its fishing industry, but today many of its inhabitants are protected by international environmental law.
ionian sea
The Ionian Sea separates the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas. There are two versions explaining the appearance of such a name. According to the first of them, it was associated with a tribe of Ionians who lived on the local islands. And according to the second version, the sea bears the name of the princess Io - the beloved of Zeus, who turned into a cow and in this form crossed the sea.
The Ionian Sea is notable for being the saltiest and deepest part of the Mediterranean basin. The maximum depth here exceeds 5000 m.
The best resorts of the Ionian Sea - Loutraki, Xylokastro, Sykeia and others - are concentrated mainly on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth. Many tourists prefer to relax not in mainland Greece, but on the local islands - Lefkada, Kitira, Zakynthos.
the Aegean sea
The Aegean Sea was named after the legendary king of Athens - Aegeus, who threw himself into the sea waters after he received the tragic news.
The Aegean Sea is not as warm as other seas washing Greece, so already in October tourists practically do not come here. There are many Greek and Turkish resorts here: Glyfada, Paleo Faliro, Marmaris, Kusadasi. On the coast are the two main cities of Greece - Athens and Thessaloniki, which annually attract thousands of tourists.
The Aegean Sea is famous for its special purity and azure hue of water. In some areas, underwater visibility can be up to 30 meters. This feature attracts many divers to the Aegean coast. Some species of dolphins, sharks safe for humans, as well as many varieties of fish and shellfish are found in the sea.
Tourists who love the sea and the sun prefer to travel to Greece. After all, this subtropical region seemed to have been designed by nature specifically for a beach holiday. An amazing but well-known fact is that mainland and island Greece, located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula, is washed by seven small and large seas.
What seas border Greece? The map depicting this ancient state abounds in blue. After all, three large water areas are necessarily represented on it: the Mediterranean Sea, located in the south of the country, the Ionian, washing the western coast, and the Aegean, spread out in the east. Smaller seas: Thracian, Libyan, Tyrrhenian, Cretan, Carpathian are part of the above water areas.
If you find out the total number of seas washing Greece, then it will take a leading place in Europe. The geographical feature of this country directly affected the economy of the state. The exploitation of the marine area and tourism are the two largest budget items.
In the first case, finances come to the treasury from foreign states whose ships pass through the country's numerous water spaces. In the second option, unique historical monuments, pilgrimage centers, beautiful beaches and comfortable hotels with high-class service are the basis of the tourism business, which brings year-round stable profits to the state budget.
More than a thousand islands with numerous resorts, a comfortable climate and various seas attract tourists from all over the world. After all, each of them can choose the sea coast for recreation, based on their personal preferences - swimming, sunbathing, fishing or water sports.
When choosing the sea where you plan to spend your vacation, in order to avoid annoying misunderstandings that can spoil the impression of the trip, it is necessary to take into account the characteristic features of the water areas. For example, choosing the island of Crete for travel, which sea washes the island territory, this type of vacation will be most popular on the coast. The Aegean transparent, rather cold and stormy sea, located in the north of Crete, is more suitable for diving. The warm, shallow Ionian Sea is an excellent solution for a beach holiday with young children, which cannot be said about the Libyan Sea. Its coastline has a high coastline covered with sheer cliffs, where there is no extensive beach network.
the Aegean sea
The Aegean Sea will be the answer to the question: "Which sea, washing Greece and the islands, is the coldest?" The water in its area is always a couple of degrees colder than in the Mediterranean Sea. In summer up to + 25 ° C, and in October not higher than +23 ° C.
The swimming season starts in May and runs through October. The water of the Aegean Sea has a lower salt concentration than the waters of all the seas washing the Greek coast. The cocky nature of the bright blue Aegean Sea, due to frequent storms and rough waters, is more suitable for active tourists, windsurfers, advanced and beginner surfers and kitesurfers. Fans of foamy obstinate waves are not embarrassed by pebble beaches and the windy climate of the coast. Ialyssos and Ixia are the main water sports centers in Greece.
The presence of many sunken ships off the coast of the transparent Aegean Sea makes diving not only an educational activity, but also allows you to independently raise a unique ancient artifact from the bottom of the sea.
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea will be preferred by lovers of a classic beach holiday. Indeed, for a comfortable enjoyment of swimming and sunbathing, all conditions are provided here for a different contingent of vacationers, ranging from married couples with children, people of advanced age, active youth looking for entertainment and ending with people who prefer non-traditional, nudist beach leisure.
The temper of the Mediterranean Sea is flexible and balanced. Winds on the coast are less frequent, do not blow for long, their gusts are not very strong. Warm water (+25 °C in summer) with a high concentration of salt makes you feel comfortable in the sea and easily stay afloat. The landscape is dominated by golden sand. The coast has developed infrastructure, many cafes, restaurants, and entertainment areas for leisure activities (attractions, water parks).
ionian sea
The Ionian Sea is the deepest part of the Mediterranean waters, located between the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas, perfect for families with children and people suffering from chronic diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems. The coast is rich in springs with mineral healing water. The water temperature warms up to +26 °C by the end of summer. Salt concentration in water is not higher than 38%. Sandy beaches and lush vegetation of citrus orchards and olive groves, against the backdrop of rocky bays and coves, will make your holiday experience unforgettable.
Greece - One mention of the name of this country, a picture immediately appears before your eyes: endless beaches, sea and waves, blue clear skies and, of course, the Acropolis. Not one thousand tourists come to Greece every year to enjoy this country, get new impressions and learn a lot of new and interesting things.
Before a trip to Greece, almost every traveler tries to learn as much as possible about the country. But at the same time, few people think about what kind of seas are in Greece. Today we will try to answer this question, perhaps this information will come as a surprise to those who have not yet been to Greece.
Location of Greece
Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, spreading its possessions on many islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is washed by a huge number of seas from different parts of the country: the Ionian, the Mediterranean and the Aegean.
By the way, from the fact that Greece is washed from all sides, the Greeks found benefit in this. When ships from other countries pass through the maritime part of Greece, and in Greece, in addition to the mainland, there are more than 15 thousand islands, they are required to pay a certain fee for this, which depends on the type and size of the ship.
Ionian waters
The Ionian Sea is washed by such islands as Crete, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and others. Crete is by far the most popular tourist destination. In summer, the water in this sea usually stays at around 25-27 degrees. Usually the peak here is July, August and September.
According to historical sources, the name comes from the name of captivity in Ancient Greece, they were called Ionians. They got this name from Greek mythology, the beloved of God Zeus was called Io. Io succumbed to temptation and had a connection with the Thunderer, because of this, she turned into a white cow and swam across the sea in order to avoid the threats of Hera.
mediterranean water
Definitely the Mediterranean coast in Greece - one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in this country. It is here that all the beaches are equipped with everything necessary, the bottom is sandy, and if occasionally there is pebble, then everything necessary for a comfortable entry into the water has been done by skillful human hands. Both couples with children and newlyweds, as well as lovers of various sports prefer to relax here. Usually by June the water warms up to 22 degrees, and in August it becomes 26 degrees.
This sea got its name from the Latin word, which meant "Water in the middle of the Earth." It is considered very warm, but at the same time very salty. Also, there are rarely waves, ebbs and flows. It will be comfortable to rest here even for those who are not very good swimmers. An interesting fact is that the beach strip that connects the island of Rhodes with the small island of Prasonisi is called the "Kiss of the Seas", because on the one hand it is washed by the water of the Mediterranean Sea, it has a rich blue color, and on the other hand the Aegean with a warm turquoise hue.
the Aegean sea
Definitely, the Aegean Sea in Greece is considered simply the cleanest. Basically, tourists who want to swim in its waters choose the island of Halkidiki. It is here that more than 40 beaches which are considered to be among the best in the world. Usually in June the water temperature reaches 23 degrees, and by mid-August as much as 26 degrees. All the beaches of Halkidiki are very comfortable for relaxing, mostly all sandy or, in extreme cases, with very small pebbles. The beaches have a very developed infrastructure, where you can find all the necessary equipment for those who are not indifferent to water sports, such as surfing or diving. Therefore, when setting off to conquer the expanses of the Aegean Sea, think about what to take with you.
It is the shores of the Aegean waters that attract thousands of divers. Here you can plunge into the endless expanses of the sea with scuba gear, and get acquainted with the beautiful underwater world. It can also be noted that the Aegean Sea is also suitable for those who are still new to diving, even at shallow depths they can admire bizarre corals and exotic fish.
For those who are pros in diving, interested in caves and wrecks, there is also a lot of interesting things. On the shores, young people who surf often rest. There are always waves here, which means it will be great to ride on the board. By the way, for a long time, surfing competitions, even at the world level, are held here.
Historically, the Aegean Sea is the cradle of such ancient civilizations as Byzantium and Rome, as well as Ancient Greece and Turkey, in the past the Ottoman Empire and many others. The name of this sea comes from ancient Greek and means "waves on the water" or on behalf of the king of Athens, Aegeus. There is even a legend that this king threw himself off a cliff into the sea because his only son was killed by the Minotaur. It is not known whether this is true or fiction, but the sea is named after him.
Each sea in Greece is beautiful in its own way, the beach holiday season here lasts from May to September, warm water and endless sandy beaches will delight tourists. No wonder the resorts of Greece have long been considered the most comfortable around the world. No matter which resort you choose, you will in any case get an unforgettable vacation.
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