The largest and warmest Greek island of Crete is washed by three seas of the Mediterranean: the northern coast - Cretan, southern - Libyan (separates Greece from Africa), western - Ionian. However, locals often use their own names for these seas, of which there are more than ten in total.
In this article we will dwell in more detail on one of the most wonderful reservoirs created by nature. This is the Cretan Sea, often also called the Aegean. But first, let's present general information about the magnificent and numerous seas of Greece.
Sea of Greece
Tourists, going on a trip or on vacation to Greece, first of all choose not a certain resort, but the sea. And in this case, tourists have a great opportunity to choose, since Greece is surrounded by many seas.
Most of the maps represent only the above 3 seas. Once on the beach, tourists may find that they are either on the Cretan Sea, or on the Balearic or Libyan. The Mediterranean basin includes the following seas:
- Aegean (Cretan Sea);
- Ionic;
- Adriatic;
- Ligurian;
- Alboran;
- Libyan;
- Tyrrhenian;
- Balearic.
The northern part of Greece itself is also washed by the Thracian Sea, and the southwestern zone of the Aegean Sea is the Myrtoan Sea.
Being on vacation right here, you can learn more about the modern division of the seas washing the outskirts of the cities of one of the most ancient and wonderful countries in the world, attracting travelers from all over the world with its amazing nature.
Sea around Crete
- The Cretan Sea is often called the Aegean. Many unknowingly argue about the names, not suspecting that both are correct. A more detailed description of this amazing natural reservoir will be given below.
- The Libyan Sea separates the island from Libya. The coastline of Greece from this sea is steeper and covered with sheer cliffs. The beaches here are not very popular. But in summer this sea is calmer than northern Crete.
- The Ionian Sea, washing the island from the western side, is famous for its amazingly beautiful, changing shades of the water surface at different times of the day. For example, the Balos lagoon is distinguished by the fact that here the sea waters shine with more than 15 shades. The sea in this place is warm, rather shallow, therefore it is convenient for families with children.
Cretan Sea
Local natives believe that the eastern side of Crete is washed by the waters of the Carpathian Sea, whose name comes from the islandKarpathos, located east of the island. This definition is little used and has no official confirmation.
Thanks to the huge number of sandy beaches on the northern coast of the Cretan Sea, the territory of the island is quite famous and popular among many visiting tourists. In this regard, the Blue Flag award was received for the local recreational conditions that meet the highest modern requirements.
The Cretan Sea is very popular. The reviews of tourists who have ever rested on it are the most good and enthusiastic. Unforgettable impressions leave these places in the memory of every traveler. Probably the main reason for this is the large number of sandy beaches, smooth entry into the sea and developed infrastructure.
In general, the sea is located between the island of Crete and the beautiful Cyclades archipelago (56 islands and islets around the ancient sacred island of Delos).
But it is the northern coast of the largest island in the Cretan Sea that boasts a considerable number of well-equipped beaches.
The sea is unpredictable by nature. Throughout the rest, you can catch both calm and waves that rise from the north winds. During this period, swimming becomes dangerous.
In any case, this sea remains one of the most popular and beloved by both romantics and lovers of extreme relaxation.
Hydrography
What is the Cretan Sea in terms of hydrography? Surface water temperature in winterthe period of the year is from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, and in summer 22-27 °C. At a depth of more than 350 meters, its temperature remains unchanged throughout the year (about 13 ° C).
In the western part of the sea, the current is directed to the south, and in the eastern part it is directed to the north. Its speed is up to 0.5-1 kilometers per hour.
Due to the global warming of the temperature of the waters of all seas (the Cretan Sea is no exception), the salinity of the waters is gradually increasing. This sea has a considerable concentration of s alt, greater than, for example, the Black Sea, and it is approximately 40.0%. For this reason, after swimming in such water, a fresh water shower is necessary to avoid negative effects on the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes.
Features
The Cretan Sea is characterized by semi-diurnal tides, the magnitude of which can reach up to 60 centimeters.
It has a wayward and slightly unpredictable character. Calm water surface at times can suddenly get excited, and immediately calm down. This is due to the prevailing winds in these places, blowing over the coast of the city of Chania (the former capital of Crete and the second largest city in Greece), capable of raising rather big waves over the Libyan and Cretan seas in summer.
Conclusion
The Cretan (Aegean) Sea is ideal for absolutely all vacationers with completely different tastes. No wonder artists, writers, writers often come to the island of Crete in search of inspiration.musicians and just romantics.
