In ancient times there were many trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea, and there were constant wars over territory. The islands of the Mediterranean Sea, scattered in great numbers across the immensity of the sea, were declared the property of those who found them first, or conquered them if they were worth it.
Brief information about the Mediterranean islands
The exact number of islands is still unknown, as there are pieces of land so small that they look more like slides of rocks. But the big ones can equal some of the republics on the continents.
History has so decreed that in one sea the possessions meet:
Some territories are divided between several states.
Large islands of the Mediterranean Sea are well known, most are popular resorts, where the tourism business is well developed.
Map of the Mediterranean Sea with islands (interactive)
Top 10 largest and most famous islands in the Mediterranean
The unique climate, comfortable long beaches, lush nature inherent in almost all the islands. To this is added the ancient history, historical monuments and their own mentality of the inhabitants, sometimes very different from the mainland of the country whose flag flies over the largest city of the island.
Sicily
The largest island in the Mediterranean had an important strategic importance in the Middle Ages, being at the crossroads of trade routes. It is washed by three seas at once: the Ionian, Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian. During the wars of conquest, it became politically entrenched in Italy. The area is 25460 km², the capital is Palermo, with a population of 5 million. man.
Sardinia
Also belongs to Italy, located between Sicily and Corsica to the west of the Apennine Peninsula. The name translates as “sandal”, according to legend the Creator left his mark on the island. The capital is Cagliari with a population of 1.6 million. man. The area is 23813 km². It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly in the Mediterranean Sea, has preserved the national culture. Famous for its caves, granite cliffs and numerous annual festivals.
Cyprus
The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus leads in tourism. Politically divided between 3 states:
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus;
- UK;
- Republic of Cyprus.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, never sleeps, the area of 1952 km ² is almost all considered a resort area, due to the influx of tourists in high season population increases several times.
Corsica
This French island in the Mediterranean Sea has an important historical significance for the country to which it belongs. The area is about 8.7 km². Famous as the birthplace of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The capital of Ajaccio preserves many monuments related to the personality of Napoleon and his family. Corsicans are characterized by willfulness and freedom, stubbornly preserving their dialect, folk costumes, culture, and mentality. As a resort, Corsica is not a resounding success, but it attracts history buffs and lovers of antiquities.
Crete
Steeped in myth and legend, it belongs to Greece, considered the largest of the nearly 1,400 islands belonging to that state. The capital is Heraklion, the population of the island is about 2.5 million. man. It is rich in ancient original culture, monuments, Mediterranean cuisine and a huge number of beaches at the warmest and gentlest sea. It is a popular resort and tourist area.
Euboea
Territory of Greece, 3.7 km² with a population of 200 thousand inhabitants. The capital of Halkida, attracts tourists with an abundance of ancient monuments. It is popular with Greeks as a vacation spot for weekends and vacations. Distinguished by the transparency of water and clean beaches.
Mallorca
The Spanish territory of 3.6 km² with the capital Palma de Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic archipelago. The advantageous position in the Middle Ages constantly attracted pirates and smugglers. Now the overwhelming number of visitors are tourists. There are so many artists looking for inspiration in the amazing play of highlights and deep contrasting shadows on the surface of the sea and in the surrounding landscapes.
Lesbos
Belongs to Greece, an area of 1.4 km², the largest city of the island – Mitilini with a population of about 9 thousand citizens. The cradle of ancient Hellas, is not spoiled by the tourist attention, because it is a major commercial port with its inherent bustle and hustle.
Rhodes
Known as the site of one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Dependencies of Greece, an area of 1.4 km², with a population of 117 thousand people. Famous for its ancient, acropolis, knightly castles and great windsurfing.
Chios
It completes the magnificent ten islands in the Mediterranean Sea, popular destinations for tourism and recreation. Refers to Greece, the area is less than 1 thousand km. For a long time it was considered a “home” Greek resort. In recent years, it is rapidly developing tourist destination.
The most secluded islands of the Mediterranean Sea
Fatigue from constantly being in the midst of people and events sometimes leads to depression or heightened emotional acuity. The surest way to regain composure is to get away from civilization, at least for a few days.
Silence, natural beauty and tranquility await travelers on the islands:
- Sifnos;
- Caprera;
- Comino;
- Milos;
- Columbretes;
- Favignans;
- Formentera;
- Levanto;
- Marettimo;
- Porquerolles.
These islands have no noisy entertainment industry, no big hotels or shopping malls, no pushy cab drivers or pushy tour guides. No one demands money for the entrance to the purest strip of white or golden sand and shade from the olive grove.
Some areas are declared natural monuments, there are some restrictions and rules of conduct on them. For example, it is forbidden to make fires or put up a tent for the night.
In others, ordinary life simply flows unhurriedly, without the hustle and bustle of chasing the slipping away of time.
Video overview of the islands
There are several thousand islands scattered in the Mediterranean Sea, united in archipelagos. Their visit will leave amazing memories of the generosity of nature and the transparent turquoise sea.
