The islands of the Ionian Sea 5. If you are planning on hopping between Greek Islands or exploring more than one island you will want to become familiar with the different seas surrounding Greece. Pavezzo Country Retreat 5 km. Christos Stefanakos, Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF Ocean. The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the worlds most seismically active locations. It was so central to Western Civilisation that the name derives from the Latin word mediterraneus, meaning middle of the Earth. The Ionian Sea has ferry routes that cross its eastern and northern portions. Near the equator, where temperatures are higher, more evaporation takes place and so the seawater has a higher concentration of salt. Table of Contents show We, from Tubber, get that there is plenty to daydream about. Life in our rockpools is more gruesome than you might think. Placed about 10 minutes' ride from Nydri Waterfalls, the stunning 5-star Ionian Blue Hotel Lefkada Island includes views over the Ionian Sea. As we know, light and CO2 are abundant in the Mediterranean sea, but nitrates and ammonia (a form of phosphorus) are in short supply. So why does the ocean have color when you look into, or across it? Anyone who has tasted seawater will know that its incredibly salty it actually has an average salt content of around 3.5%. Why is the Greek sea water so blue? - Quora The Ionian Sea has a deep and fascinating history, which has had a profound impact on the cultural and political developments of the Mediterranean region for thousands of years. Youll see that the color of the sea in the Aegean looks deeper blue, whereas the Ionian appears mystically green/turquoise. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-is-the-sea-blue-2291878. Water exchange is the delivery system of the nutrient supply for the worlds oceans and seas. Witness views dominated by the gorgeous blue sea, white chalk houses, and characteristic blue domes. Water is only truly mixed with extreme weather conditions or in areas of upwelling or downwelling caused by a combination of geographical features and ocean and atmospheric circulation. This is due to sediments being stirred-up from the ocean bottom, or entering the ocean through streams and rivers. The beaches are characterized by limestone rock formations, sand, and smooth pebbles. At the diagonal cross-section also, salinity exhibits very low variability; being (mostly) horizontally layered, with few exceptions in the upper part. Maybe this doesnt directly ring a bell for you. Ionian Sea, Latin Mare Ionium, Italian Mare Ionio, part of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Albania (northeast), Greece (east), Sicily (southwest), and Italy (west and northwest). Statistically, figures record just 15 shark attacks in Greece in the last 170 years, with just one fatality. The Ionian versus the Aegean islands. Combatting the climate and nature emergency, How to identify swifts, swallows, sand martins and house martins, Why is the sea salty and why is the sea blue. [3] Ancient Greek writers, especially Aeschylus, linked it to the myth of Io. On the other hand, IAV is very low; the higher values (6% of the mean value) are in the Greek coasts (Corfu island and Peloponnese). . Due to historical facts the isolated islands of Kithera and Antikythera, south of the Peloponnese, are here included in this group. The salinity of the water is more than 38 parts per thousand. [2] People come back here year after year. (2023, April 5). These geological features, as well as the many other fascinating and unique geological processes that have taken place over millions of years, have helped shape the Ionian Sea into the beautiful and diverse destination it is today. Some of its most famous islands are Zakynthos, Corfu, and Lefkada, which all have fantastic sailing opportunities. Today, the Ionian Sea remains an important cultural and historical hub, boasting a rich and varied history that stretches back to the dawn of civilization. (2010), Kalimeris and Kassis (2020), and references therein. 1. Ionian Sea - WorldAtlas If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. What is the average depth of the Ionian Sea? This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. That is because the phytoplankton contains chlorophyll. The temperature of the water at the bottom of the sea is about 13C, and the salinity there is 38 parts per thousand. In the deep sea, the ocean is dark. The Ionian Islands - Complete island Guide | Discover Greece Marine life and underwater magnificence. Yet if you gather a bucket of sea water, it will look clear. Each one of them offers something different. Navagio beach on Zakynthos, otherwise known as shipwreck beach, is a must-see if you are nearby due to the washed ashore shipwreck and impressive high surrounding rocks. It is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, including the Apennines in Italy and the Pindus Mountains in Greece. Coastal areas can sometimes look murky and brown as they contain sand from the seabed that has been churned up by waves. Greece is full of culture; its history goes back thousands of years. The ocean may also take on green, red, or other hues as light bounces off of floating sediments and particles in the water. Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. The Red sea and the Black Sea also feed the Mediterranean with water, via the Suez Canal and the Bosphorus Strait, but this exchange is very, very small. Or because there is little pollution? The deeper you go, the more other colours are absorbed and the deeper blue the light becomes, until you reach the point where no visible light can reach, where it is completely dark. There is a 24-hour reception, concierge service and ironing at the luxury hotel too. Why Is the Sea Blue? TheWildlife Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a shared mission. The result of . So, while Greece lies in the Mediterranean, there are two other important seas you need to know about. It was once a bustling hub for trading and commerce, connecting Greece, Italy, and the Near East, allowing for exchanging goods, ideas, and knowledge. So lets begin. Related:The Best Quiet Greek Islands To Escape To. Both island groups have their own specific hyper-local cultures due to the different empires that have fought over these areas to conquer them. Slight SWE hint do visit the Balos Lagoon if you like warm water! If there was a popular vote for the best beach in Greece, Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) in Zakynthos would always be a candidate because it is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.But there are so many other highlights to choose from. The west coast of Anatolia was populated by settlers of the Mycenaean Civilization (c . Joey Chestnut ate 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win the men's division of the Nathan's hot dog eating contest for a record 16th time, and Miki Sudo downed 39.5 dogs to win the women's . To learn more about this tradition, you can find the best ouzo distilleries on the island Lesvos. Is it because the sun is shining so brightly whenever you go on holiday there? This sea in Greece is also home to the deepest part of the Mediterranean, called Calyspo Deep. The water column is also stratified the top rarely mixes with the bottom due differences in temperature forming thermoclines. Like many place names in Greece, their origin can be traced back to ancient times. There was an instance when a fisherman claimed he spotted a great white shark off the coast of Greece some 20 years ago, but it is now believed to have more likely been a small whale that lost its way. The hotel is built on a natural descent, while its rooms are going downhill in front of the calm blue waters of the Ionian Sea. The islands bring a unique charm to the Ionian Sea with their picturesque white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. This group of islands consists of seven lush green islands that are very different in nature from the Aegean islands; you could even say they are quite opposites. Where is the warmest sea water in Greece? Aegean Sea - WorldAtlas Ionian Sea - Secret Hidden Gems inside this Stunning Blue Paradise The Ionian Sea is a bay in the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from Albania in the northeast to Sicily in the southwest. The Ionian Sea is an absolute paradise, boasting a plethora of vibrant and diverse natural wonders and cultural heritage. The Ionian Sea has been a common location for different battles that were fought between Greece and Rome since ancient times. How to cite this article, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The geology of the Ionian Sea is a complex yet fascinating one, with a variety of sedimentary, volcanic, and tectonic processes having combined over millions of years to form the seas unique geography. What is the significance of incense in church? The obvious advantage is that with your own yacht you can visit such beaches that are only accessible by the sea at your own pace and avoid the masses of tourists as much as you can. From its stunning scenery with crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and breathtaking geological formations to its diverse marine life, the Ionian Sea is a true paradise for any nature lover. Discover Secret Hidden Gems of the Ionian Sea Sea animals suffer as 200-mile toxic algae bloom spreads. Largest values at the surface (20 cm/s). The southern Adriatic Sea is the traditional engine of the Eastern Mediterranean internal conveyor belt, which is the main and historical contributor to the deep and bottom waters of the Ionian and Levantine basins, from which the Adriatic Deep Water (ADW) exits crossing the Otranto Straits (Budillon et al., 2010). Like a filter, this leaves behind colors in the blue part of the light spectrum for us to see. Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. At the diagonal cross-section, temperature in the upper part varies from 14 to 20 C, and it is layered horizontally, while the variability in the bottom part is much less (13.75-13.9 C). A number of beautiful islands are dotted throughout the sea, but the majority are on the east side . Thank you for some other informative blog. Find out with these facts about our amazing oceans. Carpeted with olive trees, pines and vineyards, the Ionian Islands are fertile and green, a stunning setting for award-winning white-sand beaches and peacock-blue waters. Derives its name from ancient Greek legends The term Ionian is derived from the Greek word , whose etymology is not known. The analysis of results includes monthly, annual and interannual variability of fields of current speed, temprature, salinity, and wind speed at sea surface, and at a diagonal cross-section along the Ionian Sea. From the stunning scenery to the vibrant wildlife, there is something for everyone to discover in this stunning part of the Mediterranean. Common thresher shark, blue shark, bluntnose sixgill shark and shortfin mako are the most observed species in Adriatic and Ionian seas, respectively. 656 feet, and no light penetrates deeper than 3,280 feet. Legal Drinking Age in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide, The 8 Most Irritating Individuals Youll Encounter at the Airport and Effective Strategies to Handle Them, The Best Ways to Travel from Florence to Pisa Your Complete Guide, 5 Unforgettable Travel Destinations in the Ionian Sea of Greece. The Mediterranean boasts crystal-clear waters almost all year round. What are the different straits and Gulfs found in the Ionian Sea? Good to know that there are distinctive differences in sailing circumstances in both areas, which determine how difficult it is to sail there. Whether you are looking for luxury, relaxation, or adventure, they have it all available for you. Not all red tides show up as red water, but the ones that do are because of the presence of dinoflagellate organisms that are reddish in color. Summertime at its best, endless sunshine & blue sky. Let us help you visualize your dream vacation by comparing the two areas that contain the most beautiful islands of Greece. It is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, including the Apennines in Italy and the Pindus Mountains in Greece. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 54% of shark species that live in the Mediterranean are at an elevated risk of extinction. In combination with a more cosmopolitan vibe where you can really explore your sailing skills, you will find your happiness in the Aegean Sea. If you look to the East coast of Greece on a map you will see the Aegean Sea. The Ionian islands are the least windy (Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Kithira and Paxoi). The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea . In west, the Ionian Sea is connected to the Western Mediterranean via the Strait of Sicily, the Levantine Sea in South East, the Aegean Sea in East and the Adriatic Sea in North via the Otranto Strait. As blue as the Adriatic. The temperature of the water at the bottom of the sea is about 13C, and the salinity there is 38 parts per thousand. Ionian Sea, Latin Mare Ionium, Italian Mare Ionio, part of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Albania (northeast), Greece (east), Sicily (southwest), and Italy (west and northwest). There are over 6.000 islands in Greece! The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the world's most seismically active locations. The Ionian Sea has ferry routes that cross its eastern and northern portions. Hydrographic characteristics of water masses and circulation in the Northern Ionian Sea, Deep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography, 57(5), 441457, the APLABES Programme: Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Deep-Water Coral Ecosystems from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean). 5 reasons why the Adriatic is the most wonderful sea in the world http://pitaway.com/locations/warren/, The main point of water exchange for the Mediterranean is through the. Most of the ocean, however, is completely dark. Sailing at the Ionian versus the Aegean islands in Greece - Tubber Magazine These creatures, combined with the warm climate, make the Ionian Sea an ideal location for those seeking a unique experience that allows them to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean.