The Mediterranean Sea borders several countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The region is hugely popular with tourists, both for the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate, and for the ancient and modern civilisations that have risen and fallen here over millennia. The region is also known for its long tradition of gastronomy, with some of the most revered cuisines in the world.
See also Ferries in the Mediterranean.
Regions
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Map of the Mediterranean Sea
Twenty-one countries and several territories have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. They are, roughly clockwise from the Strait of Gibraltar:
| Iberia (Gibraltar (UK), Spain) Once the core of a world-spanning empire, Spain is known today for its diverse nature, beaches and nightlife. Although Portugal does not lie on the Mediterranean, it is often considered to be culturally Mediterranean, especially the Algarve and Alentejo regions. |
| France and Monaco The world's most popular destination and one of Europe's most geographically diverse countries. Attractions include Paris, picturesque Provence and the Riviera, Atlantic beaches, winter sports resorts of the Alps, castles, rural landscape, and its cuisine (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion. |
| Italy and Malta Italy has more history and culture packed into it than many other countries combined. The island of Malta offers medieval sites and aquatic activities. |
| The Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania) A rich and often turbulent history, with wonderful nature, charming multicultural towns, impressive monasteries and citadels dotting the hillsides, and mighty mountains liberally sprinkled with beautiful forests and pleasant lakes. |
| Eastern Mediterranean Europe (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Northern Cyprus) A cradle of civilization with immense archaeology, as well as the most hours of sun in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean is a haven for beach-goers, party-people and history and culture enthusiasts alike, and is known for its rich and tasty cuisine and warm hospitality. |
| The Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Gaza Strip) |
| North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) The Arab and Berber nations that rim the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the northwestern Atlantic coast of Africa with many ancient sites, being part of various civilizations including the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians, and the Romans. |
Islands
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