The Mediterranean Sea is named for its geographical position; it is literally the “sea between the land” (in Latin, “mare medi terra”).

It seems almost landlocked– the Straits of Gibraltar which open into the Atlantic Ocean are only 14 km / 8.5 miles across – but it is actually the crossroads between several different continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In addition to its connection with the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean is linked to the Black Sea via the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, and to the Red Sea by the Suez Canal.
This large pan-European region touches the coasts of 14 European countries!

A Bit of History

The Mediterranean has been in use since antiquity for commercial exchange and as a consequence has also been an excellent means of cultural exchange as well. This sea has witnessed, and actually been the playing field, of the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians, the Persians, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks, and the Romans. Different empires succeeded and confronted one another here; in later centuries the Mediterranean was the theatre for perpetual battles between pirates, corsairs, and merchant ships, an adventure series to really fire our imagination!

The Mediterranean Spirit

The Mediterranean Sea is a strong link between the countries of the south. The physical and political differences that could exist among them are erased by a shared past and common cultural characteristics. The sun is almost omnipresent. This certainty of having sun and heat and light has multiple consequences on the land, the inhabitants and their activities. The sea is of great importance in the region’s economic life, as much in fishing as in tourism. Along the coast of the mainland and the islands you’ll find fishing villages, some still steeped in tradition, others turned towards tourism. Many different cruises are offered in the Mediterranean, aboard vessels ranging from ocean liners to private yachts. Find out how pleasant a pleasure boat can be!
To say sea is to say coast! The entire region has an amazing variety of coastline, from silky sand to jagged rock, and miles of beaches to enjoy. You have a choice of pastimes; extreme relaxing and sun worship are both very popular throughout this region. But it is the mesmerizing sea will pull at you like a lover; visiting some of the sea creatures requires you to scuba dive, but you can also enjoy the seascape more simply, with just a mask and snorkel. You won’t be disappointed no matter which way you go!
Starting in the east, enjoy the attractive breaches in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia, in Italy, France, Spain and finally Portugal, after you pass through the Straits of Gibraltar (United Kingdom). A profusion of beaches glistening with white sand or black will be at your disposal, the black ones reminding you that the Mediterranean region still has volcanic activity. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe this more closely, at Mounts Etna, Vesuvius or Stromboli (Italy).
The Mediterranean coast is also strewn with islands: Cyprus and Malta of course, but also the Balearic islands (Spain), the Greek isles, French islands such as Corsica, Italian ones such as Sicily and Sardinia, and the multitude of Croatian islands. This is an chance to explore a wide range of scenery, from sandy to rocky, bucolic or dramatic, calm to bustling. Some of these much sought-after sites are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The gentle landscape of the Mediterranean is equally famous: the salt marshes, the vineyards and olive groves reaching as far as the eye can see, pine forests resonant with the song of cicadas and crickets. All this beauty will inspire you to be still, to open your heart, and take time simply to enjoy life. Your curiosity will be piqued by visits to the many caves that rim of Mediterranean, and to towns of irrepressible character. The art of Living: The people of the Mediterranean are proud to be so. Don’t criticize the Mediterranean Sea just because it doesn’t have a tide! You’ll be answered by a quotation from the writer Marcel Pagnol, that “at least it’s consistent”. Exaggeration is often a national sport; one story that typifies Marseille (France) tells that the Old harbor was once blocked by a sardine. Obviously, all becomes clear when you know that the Sardine was a boat stuck in the entrance to the harbor! Mediterranean people also share a love of gastronomy and good wine. Whichever country you find yourself in, you’ll be offered delicious traditional dishes. Taste the culinary treasure of each country. The art of celebration also unites these Europeans: all year long many festivals take place on their shores. Be sure to go to the traditional and very famous celebration beginning on August 15th at Saintes Marie de la Mer in Camargue (France), or in Spain, to the festivities in 2007 held with the Year of EL Cid and on “the road of El Cid”, which passes through Valencia and Alicante. In Greece and Cyprus, enjoy the many festivals focused on the theater or wine. All of these countries offer cultural programming in conjunction with the festivals. Your time will seem far too short to see and do everything!
The Mediterranean countries are tightly connected with their past. In Turkey, make a pilgrimage to the mythical ruins of Troy or Ephesus. In Greece, the entire coast is crowded with archeological sites: Epidaurus, Nauplia, Corinth and Athens, for a start. The Greek isles aren’t to be outdone, however. Crete offers you the remains of the palace of Knossos, Phestos, and Malia. On the island of Delos, in the Cyclades, you can visit the Sanctuary of Apollo. Cyprus has enchanting sites; Apollo and Aphrodite are the most remarkable local characters! It’s understood that Italy will take you back to the Greco-Roman era, but also on the trail of the Etruscans civilization. Many very beautiful ruins are still visible in France, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Malta relies heavily on its past as the crossroads of Europe, where you can see vestiges of both the ancient Greco-roman civilization alongside those of the more recent Knights of Malta. The island of Minorca is an open-air museum where the stones speak of a mysterious past through its megalithic constructions.
The Rock of Gibraltar (United Kingdom) has several advantages: its position as the guardian of the Mediterranean, as well as being the bridge between Europe and Africa, which make it a good vacation spot. The rock itself is impressive, the old city is attractive, and the inhabitants welcoming. And go ahead, don’t worry about clichés, have your picture taken with one of the famous monkeys of Gibraltar on your shoulder.
And just crossing the Strait find the cities of Ceuta and Melilla (Spain) that bring the mystery of Africa and the history of Spain, with a legacy of over 900 modernist and Art Deco buildings and four different ethnic and religious communities (Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu) filling the cities with a mix of surprising contrasts.

The Mediterranean Strategy

The countries bordering the Mediterranean and the European Community have developed a “Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development”. It encourages sustainable development as a means of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. These countries are at stake to benefit collectively in terms of human and economic development and environmental protection.