Sea of Libya - part of the Mediterranean Sea (Greece, Crete): coordinates, characteristics

The Libyan Sea is an integral part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between Fr. Crete and the Northern coast of Africa (the territory of Libya). Hence the name of the sea. In addition to the described water area, another 10 internal reservoirs are allocated in the intermaterial Mediterranean.

This territory is of great economic importance for the country in which it is located. Explain this fact can be due to the fact that many tourists come here every year, which bring good money to the budget. That is why the government is interested in developing the coasts of this sea.

Coordinates of the object on the geographical map: 33 ^о 24'5 "N., 24 ° 39'41" E.

Characteristics of the sea

The Libyan Sea, along with Sardinia, Cilicia and Levant, is not recognized by the treaties of the International Geographical Organization. However, their names and boundaries have been known since ancient times.

The Cretan south coast, washed by the Libyan Sea, in the tourist sphere is known as South Crete. This region is popular with fans of a calm, measured rest, with a minimum developed infrastructure - the so-called wild tourism.

The northern borders of the water area pass with the island of Crete, in the south it borders with Africa, in the east - with the Cyprus Sea. In the west it flows into the Mediterranean waters.

The fauna of the Libyan Sea is diverse, and the water is crystal clear. Here there are several dozen species of fish, crabs, lobsters, sea turtles, jellyfish, red corals. Due to this feature, among tourists, diving is very popular, during which you can get acquainted with the exotic underwater world and visit the underground caves.

The main ports of the Libyan Sea on the southern Cretan coast: Paleochora, Xerokambos and Ierapetra.

Temperature

This sea (Libyan) can be called, to some extent, the record holder among the nearest water areas. The water temperature in it is significantly different from other domestic Mediterranean flows. This is due to the fact that it receives a large number of mountain streams that carry coolness in the sea. In addition, at the bottom of the cold cold underground springs, significantly reducing the degree. That is why the maximum surface temperature in the hottest period does not exceed + 23 ° С.

Coastline

The coast of the Libyan Sea is not endowed with extensive sandy beaches. Basically, the beach is built of stones and the whole line is heavily indented - the sea cuts sharply into the land, and from the south it is framed by rocks.

From the side of the Cretan coast in land one bay - Mesara is being let out. There are several cozy bays hidden by sheer cliffs. Mountain formations in the bays of Crete are high, making it almost impossible to reach the coast by road. The only way to admire them is to walk down the mountain paths or swim from the sea.

The only lowland plain of the island is on the southern coast of Crete - Mesara. Its length is 50 km. And in the western part is the highest point - Mount Ida, whose height is 2 456 m.

Beaches

There are few beaches on the Libyan Sea, but they are. Basically, these are pebble areas of land or places with black sand. The bottom of the sea is also pebble, sometimes there are also large natural stone slabs.

There are only three large sandy beaches on the island:

• Plakias;
• Frangokastello;
• Territory on the western part of Paleochora.

The latter is more suitable for surfers who are so much at sea. The Libyan Sea has the most popular resort, which is located near the coast - the city of Ierapetra. It is here that there are equipped small sandy beaches of the island, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

In addition to Ierapetra, the resorts of the southern coast of the island are Sidonia, Castri, Matala, Myrtos, Agia Galini.

Climate

As a rule, everyone is waiting for heat and sun, going to the sea. Libyan will justify the expectations of tourists - the climate on its coasts is typical Mediterranean.

On land, high humidity. And due to its close location to the water, the coast of Libya becomes suitable for agriculture. Only 2% of the state's land falls on agricultural land, but all of them are located along the described water area.

Winter on the coast is mild, wet and windy, and summers are hot. The average summer temperatures from +25 to + 30 ° C, humidity of air reaches 50%. The average winter temperature is + 18 ° C, but humidity is increased to 75%. Snow on the coasts is a rare phenomenon, but in Africa it does not happen at all.

The climate of southern Crete is a special area - North Africa. The air temperatures here are slightly higher than on the other part of the island. Summer is hotter, and winter is warmer. The average annual precipitation of the island is 350 mm, most of which falls on the winter months.

By the way, the Libyan Sea (Crete) never storms. This is facilitated by mountains located on the island. They protect the water surface from the influence of the Atlantic air masses.

The Islands

Several Cretan islands are located in the water area: Gavdos, Chrisi, Koufonisi, Gavdopula, Paximadia Ena and Paximadia Dio, as well as a number of small uninhabited pieces of land. From the side of Libya in the sea there is no such territory.

The island, which is famous for Greece (Crete), is a separate independent ecosystem, much unlike the Greek one. Out of 2 thousand representatives of the flora, 160 is found only in this territory. This is due to the secluded position of the island. Throughout the coast of Crete are dense cypress forests that grow on the rocks.

Infrastructure

According to the tourist infrastructure, which is quite developed in such a country as Greece, Crete, unfortunately, goes far not in first place. On its coasts is not so convenient for demanding tourists, as on other shores of the Mediterranean. This is due to the lack of equipped beaches and cold water.

But remoteness from civilization nevertheless attracts lovers of wild tourism, who value recreation at sea. The Libyan Sea has a beach season that lasts from May to September. The velvet period lasts until early November. From December to the middle of April, there is a so-called dead season, when tourists can not be found on the coast.

Interesting places

On the southern coast of Crete are the ruins of the ancient city of Festus, the center of the Minoan civilization. They are located in the central part of the island, in the prefecture of Heraklion. Festus was built before our era, and destroyed in the XV century, as a result of a severe earthquake. Excavations of the ancient city began to be conducted from 1900 and continue in our days. Currently, this territory is open to tourists, the entrance is paid.

On the plain of Mesar are the ruins of another ancient city - Gortiny. This is the most ancient settlement of Crete. The history of the city begins 6 thousand years ago. At present, the architectural complex consists of the ruins of Roman baths, the Greek temple and the sanctuary of Egyptian gods. Next to Gortina is a stone building built during the Neolithic period. This house is considered to be the first residential building on the island.