The deepest sea in the Mediterranean basin is the Ionian. The deepest place reaches 5121 m. The coastal areas are characterized by shallow water, which makes it convenient for families.
Geographical position
The Ionian Sea stretches between the islands of Sicily and Crete, dividing Italy and Greece. Its area reaches 169 thousand square meters. km. Straits connect this sea with the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas. The map of the Ionian Sea shows that its shores are heavily indented, especially in the eastern part, near the Ionian Islands. The sea has such bays as Patras, Corinth, Taranto, Art and Mesiniakos. The sea got its name thanks to the Ionians, who once occupied the western lands of Greece for a very long time. The seabed is shaped like a basin. It is covered with sediments: silt, shell rock and sand.
Climatic conditions
The water area is located in the Mediterranean climate zone. The water in the Ionian Sea is warm. In winter, its minimum temperature is +14 degrees. The water warms up strongly by August - up to +27 degrees. Sea water is characterized by high salinity (more than 38 ppm). The Ionian Sea is considered to be very calm. There are no strong and cold winds here.
Natural wealth of the sea
The Ionian Sea is famous for its picturesque landscapes. It contains islands of exceptional beauty, which are completely covered with forests. These islands are distinguished by fertile lands, azure coast, mild climate, white sand beaches. The northernmost and greenest is the island of Kerkyra. The flora and fauna of the Ionian Sea is rich and varied.
Vegetation is dominated by algae and phytoplankton. In the sea, bottlenose dolphins, octopuses, huge turtles, various types of fish are found: tuna, flounder, mackerel, mullet, etc. The tourist industry on the Ionian Islands is poorly developed. Therefore, the ecological situation there is very favorable.
What is the Ionian Sea famous for
This reservoir appears in the myths of Ancient Greece. Many legends are associated with it. Today the coast of the Ionian Sea is a resort area. The local population is actively involved in tourism and fishing. In the port cities of Greece and Italy, many monuments have been preserved, created during the heyday of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. Of the resorts, the most popular are the islands of Kefalonia and Corfu, Rocca Imperiale, Patras, Sicily, Catania, Taranto, etc.
