The Greek city of Kavala is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. What seas is Greece washed by?

Greece - One mention of the name of this country, a picture immediately appears before your eyes: endless beaches, sea and waves, blue clear sky 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 quiet 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.

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 are very developed infrastructure, there 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 like Byzantium and Rome as well Ancient Greece and Türkiye, 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.

Greece is one of the most unique countries peace. In its expanses, a unique developed here, ancient gods and mythical heroes were born. Today, the territory of this country is historical and tourist center, they come here as lovers sea recreation and adventure seekers.

But everyone who comes here is sure to plunge into the waters washing the shores of the country, whether they are calm and warm or cold and stormy. Therefore, now we will try to figure out how many seas Greece washes, and what each of them is.

Truth and fiction

Many modern sources claim that the peninsula of Rhodes, on which Greece is located, bathes in the waves of only three seas. In this case, the waters of the Mediterranean basin, the Ionian and the Aegean are listed. In fact, this country is the mistress of seven seas and, in addition to the most famous ones mentioned above, there are also the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Balearic and Alboran seas.

In some cases, they still distinguish it, but it is, in fact, the southern part. It should be noted that all these salt water basins are part of the Mediterranean, and these mysterious and ancient names were formed during the formation of ancient Greek culture. Each nation that lived on one of the coasts of Rhodes had its own name for the sea that approached its shores.

Representations of modern tourists about the Greek seas

Travelers of our time are most interested not in which sea washes Greece from one side or another, but in which water of them is the warmest and most suitable for swimming. Therefore, in order to make it easier to distinguish the features of the local seas, it is customary to conditionally divide them into the Aegean and the Mediterranean. The first is particularly cold, windy and waves that rise even at the peak of summer. The water temperature in the Aegean basin (especially in its northern part) never exceeds 23 degrees. In addition, constant storms create good waves here. That is why at the height of the season windsurfers most often rest here.

Mediterranean Greece and its features

The entire western coast of the Rhodes peninsula is sandy beaches stretching for kilometers, with warm and soft waves of local seas and bays splashing. There are a lot of bays in the region, in which, in principle, there are never storms and strong winds. All the seas washing the coast of Greece in this region maintain a warm temperature throughout the summer. The water here warms up to 28-30 degrees, and its shade beckons with its turquoise and pale blue tints.

Crete - a monument of history and a tourist paradise

Located near Crete - one of the main assets of this country. Many tourists are very interested to know what kind of sea washes Greece in this region, what is characteristic of it.

The island bathes in three seas at once - in the Ionian, Libyan and Cretan. The first two are particularly warm and beautiful. The water here always has a soft turquoise hue, which at great depths smoothly turns into dark blue. Most of the beaches that touch the waves of the Libyan and Ionian Seas, gentle, wide and sandy.

Natural landscapes of Greece and Crete

We have more or less figured out which sea washes Greece on one side or another, and now we will find out what kind of nature this country can boast of in its coastal zones. So, most of the Greek coasts that stretch along the Mediterranean are either rocky slopes or picturesque bays. In the first case, you have the opportunity to relax on a narrow, but very beautiful beach covered with sand. There are often winds here, as the sea is surrounded by rocks and hills, but they are not strong, so high waves do not rise. Where the bays and bays are located, the waters are always calm and quiet.

Often the lush tropical greenery of the region rises directly to the sea, which makes every such corner of nature look like a real Eden. Many bays are equipped with infrastructure that allows you to relax in comfort, and some remain wild, untouched and very attractive.

Conclusion

Every traveler should know that the seas surrounding Greece are truly beautiful and clean. In this region, the Mediterranean is considered the cleanest, since there are no plants or factories nearby that could dump their waste into the water.

Greece is a great country for holidays with children, with friends, and it is also a huge expanse for time travel. Once here, you can walk the same paths that philosophers and mathematicians previously explored ancient world, and at the same time enjoy the beauties of nature, the warmth of the sea and the light breeze that always blows over Rhodes and Crete.

While on vacation in Greece, few can resist the temptation to go to the beach and swim in the sea. It is not without reason that Greek resorts are popular in the world: a pleasant climate, almost constant bright sun and hundreds of beaches attract tourists. You can relax in Athens, Thessaloniki, Peloponnese, i.e. in the mainland, or you can go to Greek islands: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Euboea, etc. So travelers face difficult choice: what resort to go to rest? And in this article we will tell you which sea in Greece to choose for beach holiday, and also briefly describe all the seas washing the Greek coast.

A little about the geographical position of Greece

Greece is a southern European country with a total area of 132,000 km2. It is located on the Balkan Peninsula, in its southernmost part. Also, the state includes over 2 thousand islands of nearby water areas. By sea and on land, Greece borders on 4 states:

Albania;
Turkey;
Macedonia;
Bulgaria.

On physical map it can be seen that Greece is surrounded by coastal waters, but the question of which of the seas washes the country of Greece is at least incorrect. The fact is that due to the wide extent and heterogeneous territory of the country, its shores are washed by not one large sea, but several at once. So Greece is very diverse, but we will describe which sea which regions of the state washes in the sections below.

Greece coastline

The coast of Greece stretches for a total of 15 thousand kilometers. Of these, 4 thousand are on the mainland, and everything else in total is the Greek islands. In general, the land part of Greece is classified into the following categories:

peninsulas;
mainlandPart;
Major islands;
Small uninhabited islands.

So the territory that is washed by the seas in Greece is very heterogeneous and winding, due to which there are many bays, bays and capes in local resorts.

Islands of the Greek Seas

Each Greek azure sea hosts hundreds of islands in its water area. All of them are territorially united into groups and archipelagos.

As you can see, only the number of the largest objects is highlighted in each group. And besides them, tens and hundreds of small uninhabited islands can also be noted. But we digressed a little, and did not find out which sea washes Greece. Let's return to the main topic of the material.

How many seas are there in Greece

As already noted, the number of seas that wash Greece is due to an extended and intermittent coastline. But there is another influential factor: scientific classification. Some scientists consider the Mediterranean to be a single marine area, then it turns out that the Greeks have one Mediterranean Sea. But a number of researchers think differently: the waters of the Mediterranean are heterogeneous, therefore, according to its distinctive features, it can be divided into several parts. So, the following small seas are distinguished in the Mediterranean water area:

Ionic;
Aegean;
Cretan;
Libyan;
Alboran;
Tyrrhenian;
Balearic;
Adriatic;
Ligurian;
Cyprus.

That is, under one name, a dozen sea waters of different properties are combined. And it is noteworthy that 7 of them are the seas washing mainland Greece and its islands. Thus, in terms of the number of coastal waters, Greece overtakes any European country.

And now let's look at the Greek sea areas and tourism at local resorts in more detail. So, finally, the time has come to find out which seas wash Greece from the east, west and in the central part.

When asked what seas Greece is washed by, many will answer the Mediterranean - and they will be partly right. The waters of this sea wash the southern Greek shores and closely adjoin smaller seas. The Mediterranean Sea also connects the Greek waters with the Atlantic Ocean through narrow straits.

The Latin expression "Mare Mediterranea" translates as "Sea in the middle of the Earth." This perception is due to the fact that most of the ancient states were founded precisely on the shores of the Mediterranean basin. So the sea was a kind of center of the countries of ancient civilization.

Mediterranean weather and resorts are considered among the the best places where you can relax in Greece. The sea here is quiet, calm and quite warm: the water temperature in June is already fixed at around +23°C, and by August it rises to +26°C. In addition, the local waters are rich in salt content, and high / low tides and undercurrents are not typical for these places. So the mediterranean great option for holidays in Greece with children.

The water area of this reservoir is rarely marked by cartographers, because. it is mostly considered the southern part of the Aegean. However, a number of researchers still distinguish it as a separate water area.

In antiquity, these sea waters were called the Karpathos Sea. It is easy to guess that this name comes from the island of Karpathos, located between Crete and Rhodes.

The borders of the Cretan Sea stretch from the northern coast of Crete to the Cyclades archipelago. The main characteristic of local waters is unpredictability. Here you can find both complete calm and unexpected storms with high waves. But in times of bad weather, vacationers are greatly saved by cozy coves, sheltered from the winds by rocky shores. The temperature of the waters in the Cretan waters is one of the highest (+26°C in summer), while there are areas where the thermometer readings do not fall below +19°C all year round!

But for tourists, Cretan waters are not only a warm sea, but also dozens of the best and most beautiful beaches in Greece. After all, its water area includes the entire northern coast of Crete, on which the most popular local resorts are located. The local beaches are characterized by extraordinary beauty, clear waters, comfortable infrastructure and, of course, diversity. In Crete, couples, young people, athletes and lovers of secluded relaxation have a great time.

A small water area along the coast of Thrace. From east to west, it stretches from the Greek peninsula of Halkidiki to the Turkish Gallipoli peninsula, and in the south it reaches the island of Lemnos (Greece). The sea is quite warm, and the salinity of local waters reaches 35%.

Among the beaches of Greece in the Thracian Sea, attention should be paid to the coasts of the islands of Thassos and Samothraki.

An ancient term denoting the southwestern part of the Aegean near the island of Myrtle, which was located in the south of about. Euboea.

Mentions of the Myrtoan Sea are often found in the writings of ancient authors: Horace, Strabo, Pliny the Elder and many others. At the same time, data on the exact geographical location the seas are different. According to the most common version, it is believed that, stretching from Euboea to the Cyclades and Laconia, the Myrtoan Sea also included waters from Attica to Crete. As a matter of fact, even now this area is full sea water, but modern geographers do not distinguish it as a separate area of \u200b\u200bthe Aegean Sea.

So, now we are familiar with all the marine areas of Greece, and we can say with confidence that this is a country of 7 seas. But which one should tourists choose? We will discuss further.

Which sea is the warmest in Greece?

The choice of resort largely depends on the purpose of the trip. For example, surfers care about wave height and wind speed. Divers first of all evaluate the purity and depth of the waters, and also note the richness underwater world and places of interest to visit (caves, sunken ships, etc.) Couples with children are more interested in sandy beaches with safe entry into the water.

But all of them, as well as other tourists, as a rule, are also interested in the question of which sea in Greece is the warmest. And here it is immediately worth noting that the assessment depends not only on the characteristics of the seas, but also on the season.

In summer, the temperature of seaside waters is comfortable on almost all coasts: at least you will not find the Greek sea with a temperature below +22°C during the season. But the middle of spring and the beginning of autumn are best spent on the southeastern shores of Greece. For a beach holiday at this time of the year, only the coasts of Crete and Rhodes are suitable. Therefore, the warmest in Greece can be called the Cretan and Mediterranean seas.

Which seas of Greece have the best beaches

The same criteria are typical for the choice of beaches. Most tourists like the soft sandy beaches of Greece. By the way, they are white, and golden, and red, and pink, and even black! Unusual color give sand natural features terrain. But there are also many lovers of pebble beaches: pebbles are less binding and do not get into clothes and bags, like small grains of sand. Therefore the choice best beach Greece is purely a matter of taste.

So come to Greece and evaluate the seas and beaches according to your own impressions. Fortunately, there is a large choice here: Kerkyra, Rhodes, Crete, Halkidiki, Peloponnese and many other regions are always glad to tourists. And if you also book hotels in Greece for a promotion, then the rest will be pleasant both in terms of impressions and finances.

Have fun trips!

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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.

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 falls into it. major river- Neil.

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. 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.

Most famous resorts located on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

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? Map showing 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. geographical feature 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 - historical unique monuments, pilgrimage centers, beautiful beaches and comfortable hotels with high-class service are the basis of the tourism business, bringing 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, you need to take into account characteristics 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.

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 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 centers aquatic species sports 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

Fans will prefer the Mediterranean Sea classic holiday on the beach. 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 luxurious vegetation of citrus orchards and olive groves, against the backdrop of rocky bays and coves, will make your holiday experience unforgettable.