6 Facts About the Mediterranean that You Need to Know

The “Mediterranean” is a flourishing region of sea, land and vacation resorts.

It’s a destination with a lifetime of history to find, fantastic foods to taste and eclectic travelers to meet.

The seaports of the “Middle-Earth sea” connect southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, which is also known as the Levant, together. It’s fair to say that you’ll encounter a broad mix of cultures, and we’re confident that you’ll seek out more time to stay during your visit to the Mediterranean. Prepare for your journey into the Mediterranean by learning more about it. Here’s a list of six-exciting things to see within the waters of an ancient sea.

1. Standing Up Towards Spain’s Tallest Mountain

Take a closer look at a map of the Mediterranean sea if you hope to find Tenerife, which is the home of Teide Peak, standing at 3,700 meters tall (12,000 feet). Teide Peak sits on an island of mainland Spain. Right within the Mediterranean, Tenerife Island is a rock-climber’s paradise. Passing the mountain peak by boat or plane also gives you a clear view of the snowy inclines of Teide National Park.

2. Flushed with Islands and Sandy Beaches

The Mediterranean’s warm-to-mild weather of summertime makes its sea ideal for “beaching.”

Formentera Island, which has a tropical feel within its mainland, has shores of white-sandy beaches.

The crystal, blue water of Fromentera’s horizon is dotted with sailboats during summertime. Ionian Island, Greece, is also home to an exciting-beach front that’s accessible from the Mediterranean Basin. Egremni Beach sits on the edge of rugged, rocky formations where waves crash into stone crevices and caves.

Travelers enjoy Egremni for its restaurants, wine tastings and warm seawater.

3. Home to France’s Largest Port

Not only is Marseille Fos Port—the port of Marseille—a fun French destination, but some of the world’s largest-sea vessels anchor at Marseille’s docks. Marseille Fos Port is an ideal location to start a sea journey from—if you plan to travel the entire Mediterranean by water. Though the port boasts of being the largest in the Mediterranean, within the city of Marseille, travelers enjoy local-French culture and a population of over 870,000.

The port of Marseille exports to and imports goods from Morocco, Turkey and Greece.

4. Inhabited by Wild Dolphins and Gentle Whales

The bottlenose dolphins of the Mediterranean are known for their unique-jaw structures that make it seem as if the sea creature is smiling at you. The dolphins of the Mediterranean are accustomed to boats and whale watchers. You can expect the popular members of the Delphinidae family to jump, flip and break through the water’s surface. Striped dolphins live in the Mediterranean sea, and fin, sperm and Cuvier whales live alongside common fish.

5. Stands for “the Middle of the Earth”

The diverse nations and the vast trade the Mediterranean brought to an ancient world led many-latinized civilizations to describe the basin as “the middle of the Earth.” The Phoenicians, Romans, Persians and Greeks all recognized the Mediterranean as where the civilization of man was “cradled.” The Romans named it “Mediterranean.”

6. Amazing Cruises that Launch from Shore

From celebrity cruises to quiet evenings for a party of two, the cruises of the Mediterranean Basin travel the entire bay or take you to countries that are part of your-travel plans. Music, pools and bars are the allures of Mediterranean cruises. You can see a part of the world you’ve never seen before on a Mediterranean cruise by having a simple ticket.

Let the ripples of seawater calm your mind, and enjoy time as it “stands still.” When you’re ready for excitement, the social crowds, chefs and tour guides of a cruise boat bring you deeper into the wonders of the Mediterranean.

Photo of author

Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
Share on:

Leave a Comment