Seas of Greece. The seas washing the shores of Greece The names of all the seas and bays of Greece

Greece is one of the most popular European resorts. And all thanks to the picturesque landscapes, delicious cuisine and a variety of beach resorts, where entertainment is presented for every taste and budget.

Answering a question“what seas the territory of Greece is washed by,” one can easily make a mistake by naming only the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian. Although these three are considered the most famous, in fact there are many more.

In addition to the seas already mentioned, the mainland of the state is also washed by the Libyan, Cretan, Tyrrhenian, Thracian and Myrtoic. No other country in Europe can boast of so many seas on its shores, and this fact makes Greece even more interesting for travelers.

Vacationers come here not only to find out which sea washes the shores of Greece. The country is famous for its many historical monuments, ancient cities, mild climate and beautiful beaches.

Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea has been used since ancient times as a means of communication between cities located along its coast. And for most people, this is what comes to mind when they ask: What sea is in Greece? Only now, in fact, the south side of the islands of Crete and Rhodes is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, that is, there is no access to it directly in mainland Hellas.

The Mediterranean Sea is ideal for a relaxing family holiday. But there are enough water activities at its resorts - diving, windsurfing, jet skis. Fishing is very popular.

At the height of the tourist season, in summer, the water temperature is +26°C, by September this figure drops to +23°C, but sunbathing and swimming is still quite comfortable.

Aegean Sea

Thinking about what seas Greece is washed by , the Aegean is remembered immediately after the Mediterranean. And all thanks to the widespread local legend. According to her, the sea was named after Aegeus, the king of the Athenian state. He threw himself from a high cliff into the water, thinking that his son had died in a battle with the Minotaur.

On the coast of the Aegean Sea there are such popular resorts:

  • Athens;
  • Thessaloniki;
  • O. Halkidiki;
  • O. Lesvos;
  • O. Kos;
  • O. Chios.

The high tourist season here begins in May and lasts until the end of October. In summer, the water temperature warms up to + 24 ° C, so this sea is considered the coldest of all washing Greece. The beaches are mostly pebbly.

If you are interested which sea in Greece is suitable for water sports - feel free to choose the Aegean. There are often high waves here, and local resorts have many equipment rental points for marine entertainment.

ionian sea

But the Ionian Sea is not immediately remembered when thinking about the waters of which sea Greece is washed by. It washes most of the mainland and several islands, including:

  • Corfu;
  • Kefalonia;
  • Ithaca.

The coast of this sea is not as popular as the Mediterranean or Aegean. The beach season here starts late, but in June there are many vacationers. But in August-September the average water temperature in the sea is 25-26°C. This period is considered the peak tourist season. In comparison with other seas of Greece, the Ionian is the most salty, which means it is clean and contributes to the healing of the body. In addition, it is perfect for swimming for children or people who do not know how to swim.

Now you know which seas wash Greece. It is impossible to single out the advantages of a particular coast. All of them are distinguished by clear water of a beautiful turquoise hue, and most of the beaches of Hellas have been awarded"Blue Flag" for cleanliness.

By contacting our managers, you will select a ticket based on your wishes and budget. Holidays in Greece will allow you to replenish your energy reserves, improve your health and just have a great time!

Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. The mainland of the state and its numerous islands are washed by several seas (among them - Libyan, Thracian, Cretan, Tyrrhenian and etc.). They, in turn, are part of larger marine areas: the south of the country is washed by Mediterranean Sea, western part of Greece Ionian, and the eastern Aegean.

In terms of the total number of large and small seas washing the territory of the state, Greece ranks first in Europe. Naturally, this geographical feature also affects the country's economy. Two major items of filling the budget of Greece are the income associated with the exploitation of its water area, and tourism. In the first case, the state receives payment from foreign ships passing through its waters. As for tourism, here the advantages of Greece over other countries are undeniable: unique historical monuments, world-famous pilgrimage centers, ancient cities, about 1400 islands, numerous resorts and beautiful beaches from year to year attract tourists from all over the world to this amazing country. The mild climate allows you to sunbathe, swim, fish and do water sports all year round!


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Mediterranean Sea

In ancient times, the main centers of civilization were located around the Mediterranean basin. That is why it received the appropriate name (lat. Mare Mediterranea - "Sea in the middle of the earth").

The unique Mediterranean type of climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, is due to the influence of many factors. The sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean only by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, therefore it has an autonomous ecosystem. In addition, it is located in the subtropical climate zone, so the temperature here is high: even in October, the water warms up to +23 °C, and in summer - from +22°C to +26°C. The water in the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by high salinity and transparency, as well as weak tides.

Most of the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea are sandy and pebbly, they are equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and various water sports equipment rentals. Ships, yachts, ferries, pleasure boats constantly run between the islands, so getting to the right point is not a problem.

Guests of Greece should definitely visit the southern part of the island. , where it joins the small Prasonisi peninsula with a narrow strip of sand. On one side, the coast is washed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, and on the other, by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. This place is called "The Kiss of the Two Seas".

There are two versions of the origin of the name of the Ionian Sea. According to the first, the name was given to him by the tribe of Ionians who lived here in ancient times. The second version is connected with the mythological plot. Once the god Zeus fell in love with the beautiful priestess Io, but his wife Hera, out of jealousy, decided to destroy her rival. To save the beautiful maiden, the Thunderer turned her into a white cow. During her flight, Io swam across the sea, which has since been named after her.

In our time, the Ionian Sea is known not so much thanks to mythological plots, but thanks to sunny resorts, among which are: islands, Lefkada, etc. The tourist season here lasts from June to October; in summer the water warms up to +26 °C, and in winter - up to +14 °C.


The Aegean Sea is considered the cradle of Greek civilization. On the territories washed by its waters, other great states were born and developed: the successor of Ancient Greece - the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Bulgarian Kingdom. The origin of the name of the sea dates back to antiquity and has several versions. The most popular is mythological: the king of the Athenian state Aegeus threw himself into the sea from a high cliff, thinking that his son Theseus died at the hands of the Cretan monster Minotaur. Since then, the sea has been named after him. Other versions are derived from the ancient Greek phrase “waves on the water” or from the name of the city Aigeus (o. (Evboia)).

The Aegean Sea is very warm, so tourists especially like to relax in the local resorts. In the summer months, the water on its surface warms up to +25°C, in October the figure is still at +23°C, in winter it is +11–15°C.


photo: valamarua.livejournal.com

Perhaps the most popular holiday destination in the Aegean Sea basin is. Thanks to its clean water, 42 of its beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, a quality mark awarded only to the best beaches in the world. The local resorts have everything you need for a quality holiday - rental shops, eateries, numerous hotel complexes, etc. Most vacationers prefer the resorts of Metamorfosi, Nikiti, Neos Marmaras and Vourvourou.

Halkidiki has long been chosen by divers from all over the world: beginners can watch the amazing marine life close to land, while professionals prefer deep dives: there are many sunken ships from different eras off the coast of the peninsula, so you can even raise a unique artifact from the bottom. The presence of wind and waves makes the Aegean a suitable place for surfing and windsurfing. In the area of Rhodes hosts annual competitions in these sports.

Here you will see the place where the great Zeus was born, find out if the famous Colossus of Rhodes will be restored, and understand why the ancient Greek gods were amazed by the natural beauties of this country. But what is a trip without swimming in the sea and watching the sunset on the beach! Moreover, there are no shortages of water resources in this state.

Which sea washes the coast in Greece?

The coast of Greece is washed by three seas at once:

  • Mediterranean;
  • Ionic;
  • Aegean.

Which of them you will see every day from the windows of the hotel, returning to the room after a busy day, depends on which part of the country you prefer to stay.

On the south side of Greece is the most popular sea in the world - the Mediterranean. Whatever time of the year you visit the country, the beaches of the Mediterranean coast will be clean and fully prepared to receive all their many tourists. The Mediterranean Sea has a calm character and warm water. Those vacationers who bought a holiday tour in Crete, surrounded by its waters, will be able to verify this. By the way, two more small seas are splashing off the coast of Crete, which are separate parts of the Mediterranean: Cretan and Libyan.

Do you know which sea is the dream of all divers on the planet? Of course, the Aegean! It envelops the eastern part of Greece and keeps many beauties and mysteries. In the Aegean Sea, the peninsula of Halkidiki and the island of Rhodes are located - two of the most picturesque places in Greece. The most daring travelers who come here will be able to dive to the bottom and explore sea caves, view sunken ships and study the features of the underwater terrain. Well, those who do not like extreme sports, but prefer a measured rest under the sun, will surely want to relax on one of the magnificent beaches of the Aegean coast.

And what kind of sea will those who rest in the west of Greece see - on the island of Corfu and the Peloponnese peninsula? The most severe, the Ionian Sea, named after the priestess Io, the beloved of the Thunderer Zeus, rages here. It is best to come to its coast in summer: in the winter months, the Ionian Sea cools down a lot. But lovers of fishing can go here all year round. In the waters of the Ionian Sea, mackerel and mullet live in large quantities - the joy of the fisherman.

Whatever the name of the sea, it was created in order to delight and delight. We hope that you will fully experience these emotions in Greece!


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Greece - One mention of the name of this country, a picture immediately appears before your eyes: endless beaches, sea and waves, blue clear skies and, of course, the Acropolis. Not one thousand tourists come to Greece every year to enjoy this country, get new impressions and learn a lot of new and interesting things.

Before a trip to Greece, almost every traveler tries to learn as much as possible about the country. But at the same time, few people think about what kind of seas are in Greece. Today we will try to answer this question, perhaps this information will come as a surprise to those who have not yet been to Greece.

Location of Greece

Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, spreading its possessions on many islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is washed by a huge number of seas from different parts of the country: the Ionian, the Mediterranean and the Aegean.

By the way, from the fact that Greece is washed from all sides, the Greeks found benefit in this. When ships from other countries pass through the maritime part of Greece, and in Greece, in addition to the mainland, there are more than 15 thousand islands, they are required to pay a certain fee for this, which depends on the type and size of the ship.

Ionian waters

The Ionian Sea is washed by such islands as Crete, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and others. Crete is by far the most popular tourist destination. In summer, the water in this sea usually stays at around 25-27 degrees. Usually the peak here is July, August and September.

According to historical sources, the name comes from the name of captivity in Ancient Greece, they were called Ionians. They got this name from Greek mythology, the beloved of God Zeus was called Io. Io succumbed to temptation and had a connection with the Thunderer, because of this, she turned into a white cow and swam across the sea in order to avoid the threats of Hera.

mediterranean water

Definitely the Mediterranean coast in Greece - one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in this country. It is here that all the beaches are equipped with everything necessary, the bottom is sandy, and if occasionally there is pebble, then everything necessary for a comfortable entry into the water has been done by skillful human hands. Both couples with children and newlyweds, as well as lovers of various sports prefer to relax here. Usually by June the water warms up to 22 degrees, and in August it becomes 26 degrees.

This sea got its name from the Latin word, which meant "Water in the middle of the Earth." It is considered very warm, but at the same time very salty. Also, there are rarely waves, ebbs and flows. It will be comfortable to rest here even for those who are not very good swimmers. An interesting fact is that the beach strip that connects the island of Rhodes with the small island of Prasonisi is called the "Kiss of the Seas", because on the one hand it is washed by the water of the Mediterranean Sea, it has a rich blue color, and on the other hand the Aegean with a warm turquoise hue.

Aegean Sea

Definitely, the Aegean Sea in Greece is considered simply the cleanest. Basically, tourists who want to swim in its waters choose the island of Halkidiki. It is here that more than 40 beaches which are considered to be among the best in the world. Usually in June the water temperature reaches 23 degrees, and by mid-August as much as 26 degrees. All the beaches of Halkidiki are very comfortable for relaxing, mostly all sandy or, in extreme cases, with very small pebbles. The beaches have a very developed infrastructure, where you can find all the necessary equipment for those who are not indifferent to water sports, such as surfing or diving. Therefore, when setting off to conquer the expanses of the Aegean Sea, think about what to take with you.

It is the shores of the Aegean waters that attract thousands of divers. Here you can plunge into the endless expanses of the sea with scuba gear, and get acquainted with the beautiful underwater world. It can also be noted that the Aegean Sea is also suitable for those who are still new to diving, even at shallow depths they can admire bizarre corals and exotic fish.

For those who are pros in diving, interested in caves and wrecks, there is also a lot of interesting things. On the shores, young people who surf often rest. There are always waves here, which means it will be great to ride on the board. By the way, for a long time, surfing competitions, even at the world level, are held here.

Historically, the Aegean Sea is the cradle of such ancient civilizations as Byzantium and Rome, as well as Ancient Greece and Turkey, in the past the Ottoman Empire and many others. The name of this sea comes from ancient Greek and means "waves on the water" or on behalf of the king of Athens, Aegeus. There is even a legend that this king threw himself off a cliff into the sea because his only son was killed by the Minotaur. It is not known whether this is true or fiction, but the sea is named after him.

Each sea in Greece is beautiful in its own way, the beach holiday season here lasts from May to September, warm water and endless sandy beaches will delight tourists. No wonder the resorts of Greece have long been considered the most comfortable around the world. No matter which resort you choose, you will in any case get an unforgettable vacation.

Greece shares much of its northern border with its four Balkan neighbors Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. The country is washed by the largest number of seas in all of Europe. Due to its geographical location, Greece lives off this amazing feature and has a fairly good profit. Basically, the map of Greece displays only a small number of seas: the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian.

The waterways are different bodies of water, but they are also part of the Mediterranean. Waterways can also include reservoirs, lakes, rivers. In ancient times, these waterways played a big role in the history as well as in the mythology of Greece. Today, the seas, reservoirs and lakes that surround Greece provide a route for trade. Therefore, this country is a destination for tourists who cruise along the coast from one island to another.

Every summer the Greek islands with their unique nature, history and culture attract millions of visitors from all over the world. The Greek Islands are a popular tourist destination and each island is unique in its own way. When planning a trip to this ancient country, many are concerned about the question of what kind of sea is in Greece.

Greece Map

Sea or ocean in Greece?

Tourists come to the Greek islands every year to enjoy the beautiful weather, magnificent landscapes, clear sea water, sandy beaches, unique architecture and the character of Greek hospitality. With so many islands, it's hard to make the right choice. Since each site is unique in its own way. Therefore, a tourist, having carefully examined the photos on the Internet, will definitely find his favorite place to relax on a Greek island.

There are islands that have been forgotten by time. These unspoiled areas allow visitors to feel as if they are living in another era. There are islands in Greece that offer visiting guests luxury according to their financial means. For lovers of a relaxing holiday, there are islands that are located in remote areas. No more than 2,000 people live in these circles. This is a place where you can get lost in solitude and enjoy the natural beauty.

On a note! There are also places that offer guests a number of interesting entertainment. This includes both relaxing and active holidays. Among them are islands such as Rhodes and Crete, they are really popular because they offer visitors a unique nature, hospitality, sandy beach, ancient history, rich culture, well-kept villages and parties. Young people usually choose between Mykonos and Rhodes, where they offer noisy and fun parties throughout the night.

Among travelers, the question arises whether there is an ocean in the country of Greece. As mentioned above, the seas washing the country of Greece: Aegean Mediterranean and Ionian. Previously, the Mediterranean Sea in Greece was called the Tethys Ocean. It is in the Mediterranean Sea that everyone's favorite Greek island of Crete is located. This region is famous for its beaches. Here you can relax at any time of the year. Since the average annual temperature does not fall below +15 degrees.

Introduction to the Greek Islands

How many seas and which ones wash Greece?

The seas of Greece attract travelers from around the world. Crystal clear water is ideal for swimming. Tourists who are fond of diving come to this country. Looking at this map, you can find out which seas wash Greece.

  • Ionian

The Ionian Sea runs along the western coast of Greece and the eastern coast of southern Italy. The Ionian Sea originates in the northern part of Greece and joins the Strait of Otranto on the lower border of the Adriatic Sea. The southern border runs from the tip of Italy's heel boot east to the southern edge of the Peloponnese region.

Along the western Greek border are the Ionian Islands. Corfu in northwestern Greece is a major region and the most popular tourist destination. Visitors come to Corfu for sunbathing on the best beaches. This area has always a temperate Mediterranean warm climate. Here is an archipelago. The Ionian island pleases visitors with sunny days at any time of the year.

Important! The Ionian Islands include Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos. The best time to visit is mid-September. During this period, the heat subsides.

  • Aegean

It is important to note that the Aegean Sea may be called differently Cretan. The Aegean washes, among others, a group of islands of the same name. The eastern coastline and the northern coast of Greece are on the Aegean Sea, including the eastern mainland and the eastern Peloponnese.

Southeast of the Peloponnese in the Aegean Sea are the Dodecanese Islands, which belong to Greece, but they are much closer to Turkey than to Greece. The ancient city of Rhodes is located in the Dodecanese. Also in the Aegean Sea are the islands of Sporades, Argo - Saronic Islands and the Cyclades.

The romantic Aegean island of Santorini is one of the sought-after tourist destinations. Loving couples come here. The resort is famous for its snow-white buildings, blue roofs, crystal clear water and luxurious villas. The gentle entrance to the sea protects against injury. Resting at such resorts is a pleasure.

  • Thracian

Interesting! Greece The Thracian Sea is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. Here is Lemnos, which borders with Macedonia. The southern border of the Thracian Sea begins with the mainland of Halkidiki or Sithonia near the city of Thessaloniki. From there, the southern limit of the Thracian Sea extends eastward to the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The southernmost point of the Thracian Sea is the island of Lemnos. Lemnos is home to the medieval castle of Myrina.

  • Cretan

The Sea of ​​Crete is the lower part of the Aegean Sea between the region of Crete and the Peloponnese. The sea is located across the northern border of the island of Crete. The eastern part borders on Karpathos, and on the west with Kythira. Crete (Heraklion) is the place where the city of Knossos, the capital of the ancient Minoan civilization, is located.

  • Gulf of Corinth

The Gulf of Corinth lies horizontally between the Greek mainland to the north and the Peloponnese peninsula to the south. The famous Corinth Canal connects the bay of the same name with the Aegean Sea. Its peculiarity is that the canal is the narrowest in the world - its width is only 21 meters with a length of more than 6 kilometers. The maximum height of the structure is 63 meters - it easily fits two 9-storey houses stacked on top of each other.

Choosing a place to stay

ionian sea

What seas the country of Greece is washed by can be found out thanks to the geographical map. On the world map, the Ionian Sea belongs to the central part of the state. Between them are the Apennine and Balkan continents. This may also include the bays of Taranto, Patras and Messianikos. The hottest month in this area is August. The water heats up to +27 degrees, and the air temperature up to +34 degrees.

Mediterranean Sea

It is important to note that the Mediterranean Sea washes the seas not only in Greece, but also in other European countries: France, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, Croatia. The maritime climate in these countries is favorable for recreation at any time of the year. The weather in these regions is almost always warm. Precipitation in the form of snow is very rare. The Mediterranean Sea is considered calmer.

Note! Off the coast of Crete, the sea is divided into Libyan and Christian.

Other seas in Greece

In order to find out the exact sea in the country of Greece, you will need to follow the link and study the map. The Mediterranean Sea basin includes: Balearic, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, Adriatic, Alboran. The holiday season on the banks starts from the beginning of May to the end of October.

As a rule, September and October are the best months for a beach holiday. During this period, the resorts become cooler, but during the day you can light up and swim in clear water. The sea temperature is about +22 degrees. Water lovers can indulge in fishing, yachting, diving, windsurfing and jet skis. Entrance to the beach is usually paid (the price varies from 8 to 50 euros *).

Important! The price includes a sun lounger and an umbrella. How much it will cost to enter a certain beach - it depends on the customer service.

Where is the best place to spend a vacation

Recreation features

The best beach with a high class of service is located in Greece. There are over 380 Blue Flag beaches on the coastline. Among Russian tourists, the most popular beach is Balos, which is located in Crete.

A more budget-friendly place for a perfect holiday is Voidokilia beach in the Peloponnese region. Golden sand, crystal clear water, beautiful coves - everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. The region itself is quite quiet and calm. Nearby are the old Greek villages that have preserved all the traditions.

What a tourist should know

To plan a vacation at sea, you must book air tickets and a hotel room in advance. There are many search engines for this, for example, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, Ostrovok, Booking and others. When planning a vacation in the summer, you should take sunscreen with you. The sun shines brightly in the resorts. Therefore, to avoid burns, you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. You should also not leave suitcases and bags unattended, despite the fact that Greece is a safe place.

In conclusion, it should be noted that after visiting Greece, it is advisable to go to Corfu. Between Sidari and Peroulades, picturesque landscapes open up. After all, here is the well-known Canal of Love.

*Prices are current as of September 2018.