Statistically, figures record just 15 shark attacks in Greece in the last 170 years, with just one fatality. With its mild temperatures and plentiful marine life, the Ionian Sea is the perfect place to explore the wonders of the ocean and uncover the secrets of the deep. Etymology In Ancient Greek, the adjective Ionios ( ) was used as an epithet for the sea between Epirus and Italy in which the Ionian Islands are found, because, according to myth, Io swam across it. 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. Staying at a private villa in the Ionian islands offers many exploration opportunities and the . Dallet Greece Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe. The climate of the Ionian Sea is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities and water sports. The Big . Many of which you can still visit today. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The major islands of Greece's Ionian Sea lived for centuries under Venetian rule and it shows in their castles and churches. From the sprawling coral reefs home to a kaleidoscope of colors to the abundant schools of fish that swim around its depths, the Ionian Sea is a true paradise for nature lovers and marine biologists. 0 reasons why the Ionian Sea is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. 1 / 7 Night falls over ancient ruins in Greece. This is where you will find a cluster of islands, aptly named the Ionian Islands. Back in 2005, I published an article in BlueSci , Cambridge University's Science magazine, which publishes science-related articles on v NASA's major announcement on December 2nd is old news by now, but I decided to write something about it anyway. The Ionian Sea is an elongated bay of the Mediterranean Sea. Kennedy, Jennifer. Individual years are also used for the study of IAV. The Ionian Sea is situated to the south of the Adriatic Sea. July 23, 2022by Robert Micheli. The salinity of the water is more than 38 parts per thousand. The bluer colours, with shorter wavelengths, are less likely to be absorbed, giving the sea its blue hues. 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). As blue as the Adriatic. Like many place names in Greece, their origin can be traced back to ancient times. Why is the Ionian Sea so blue? The colors that we see in the ocean are determined by what is in the water, and what colors it absorbs and reflects. White light is made up of many different visible colours ranging from red to violet red has the longest wavelength, blue light the shortest. If you want to sail in the Aegean sea, you have to bear in mind the fierce Meltemi wind that has a force of 5-7 bft that blows from the north-west in summer. The Ionian Sea has ferry routes that cross its eastern and northern portions. Budillon G, Bue NL, Siena G, and Spezie G (2010). (2023, April 5). Maybe this doesnt directly ring a bell for you. The average temperature of the Ionian Sea is 20 degrees Celsius in May and 22 degrees Celsius in October. This is because of the so-called Bora wind that is present in the Ionian sea. 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. An entirely different outlook when you compare it to the Aegean Islands; where youll find influences from Middle Eastern culture due to the fact that a large part of the Aegean Sea was long ruled by the Ottomans, who have left their mark. With a long and storied history, the Ionian Sea is a region that is rich in both culture and natural beauty. The Ionian Sea has also been linked to the myth of Io by different ancient Greek writers. The Ionian versus the Aegean islands. 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 scene is unsettling: hundreds of sea lions and dolphins are sprawled across the beaches in Southern . The Ionian islands are the least windy (Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Kithira and Paxoi). In areas closer to shore, the ocean may appear a muddy brown. This beautiful sea is also distinguished by its many islands, such as the famous Ionian Islands of Greece, the smaller Lipari Islands of Italy, and the Albanian Islands. Our site is an advertising supported site. The islands bring a unique charm to the Ionian Sea with their picturesque white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Recent measurements have found a depth of 5,090 meters, 75 miles of Tenaro. Etymology The name Ionian comes from the Greek word Ionion (). The Aegean is home to the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades. Can internal processes sustain reversals of the ocean upper circulation? Depending on where you are, the sea may look very blue, green, or even gray or brown. Have you ever wondered why the sea is blue? In spring and autumn, the wind is usually 2-4 bft coming from the south-east. The Mediterranean Sea is practically a closed system. Whether you are looking for luxury, relaxation, or adventure, they have it all available for you. Adriatic blue at night, photo by Brotherside Until I moved to England. Its many cities and islands are home to an array of important museums, monuments, and other cultural landmarks, from the ancient ruins of Olympia in Greece to the medieval castles of the Albanian coast. Though considered by ancient authors to be part of the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea is now seen as a separate body of water. The word oligotrophic comes from the Greek words (oligon) meaning little/few, and (trophi) meaning food/nutrition, so it means little, or not enough, food. The Calabrian Arc, in particular, is a large tectonic feature that stretches from the Italian mainland down to the Greek islands, providing evidence of the slow but powerful tectonic movement that has occurred over time. The ports of Catania, Messina, and Syracuse are located along the western coast of the Ionian Sea. On the other hand, the Ionian Trench is a deep-sea canyon that serves as a habitat for many different species of fish and other marine life, making it a hotspot for marine biology research. Due to historical facts the isolated islands of Kithera and Antikythera, south of the Peloponnese, are here included in this group. For wind speed, MAV is very high; the largest values (65% of the mean value) being in the southwestern part. It is called Calypso Deep and reaches depths of 17,280 feet. First of all, both island groups will give you a unique sailing experience that you wont easily forget. The Ionian Sea example, Geophysical Research Letters, 37(9). I spent the first 25 years of my life believing that every sea in the world was blue. Western Greek Islands or Ionian Islands refers to the chain of Greek Islands stretching along the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Where is the warmest sea water in Greece? The water is stunningly blue and it's perfect for taking amazing photos! 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. So jump in and start snapping! ISSN 2784-9465, BLUE-GREENWAY: Ocean current conditions in the Ionian Sea, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy. For this, SINTEFs hydrodynamic 3D ocean model SINMOD has been implemented in a doubly nested setup (20 km resolution for the North Atlantic, 4 km for the Mediterranean, and 800 m for the Ionian Sea), using ERA5 atmospheric input, together with information concerning freshwater influx (main rivers) and tides; see Knutsen et al (2021). Our luxury Ionian Sea villas offer the best vacation experience in the exclusive Ionian Sea holiday destination, for deluxe travelers who are after the real Greek Blue Experience!. The Ionian Sea is an expanse of deep blue waters, stretching for an area of about 215,000 square kilometers and boasting a maximum depth of over 3,000 meters. Good to know that there are distinctive differences in sailing circumstances in both areas, which determine how difficult it is to sail there. The Ionian Sea is an absolute paradise, boasting a plethora of vibrant and diverse natural wonders and cultural heritage. This is because of the absence of phytoplankton and particles in the water. Sea surface circulation variability in the Ionian-Adriatic Seas, Progress in Oceanography, 189, 102454. At the diagonal cross-section also, salinity exhibits very low variability; being (mostly) horizontally layered, with few exceptions in the upper part. As the Aegean islands hardly have any green vegetation with a rocky landscape and smaller cozier bays. These beautiful islands dot the Ionian Sea that surrounds western Greece. She serves as the executive director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. Hence, the adjective Ionios was utilized as an epithet for the seas and oceans because Lo swam across the stormy waters. It allowed for trade between one region to another, as well as cultural exchange. He threw himself into the sea and drowned upon thinking that his son had died. . 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). The climate of the Ionian Islands is a hot Mediterranean climate with temperatures quickly racking up mid 30. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the Ionian Sea 3. As we know, light and CO2 are abundant in the Mediterranean sea, but nitrates and ammonia (a form of phosphorus) are in short supply. . The colour of the water also depends on other factors, such as what particles are floating in it. The width of the Ionian Sea is 40 milesfrom Greece in the east to Italy in the west and northwest. The Mediterranean, while connected to the Atlantic Ocean, is almost entirely surrounded by land. A small lock or https:// means youve safely connected to a .gov website. Phytoplankton need nitrogen and phosphorus in order to grow, in addition to light and carbon dioxide. Jennifer Kennedy, M.S., is an environmental educator specializing in marine life. ThoughtCo. Big Sur coastline looking north to Bixby Canyon Bridge in California. So lets begin. Is the Ionian Sea the same as the Mediterranean Sea? The largest island of the Ionian Islands is Kefalonia Island. Living things influence the colour, too. Yes, the climate of both archipelagos differs. https://www.thoughtco.com/why-is-the-sea-blue-2291878 (accessed July 9, 2023). I have a mission that Im just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information. Here are a few examples of what your perfect Island Hopping Itinerary can look like: Are you dreaming about sailing on one of the many gorgeous islands that Greece has? Which is the nicest of the Ionian Islands? From dense forests and impressive waterfalls to breathtaking multi-awarded beaches, Ionian nature is a joyful pleasure. 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. Written by guest bloggerAlexandra Dimitriou. 1 | When I say 'the sea', what colour do you see? There is a 24-hour reception, concierge service and ironing at the luxury hotel too. It is enclosed by Southern Europe and Northern Africa. 1. Greece, of course, is a Mediterranean country and it has a longer Mediterranean coastline than any other thanks to its plethora of islands. Slight SWE hint do visit the Balos Lagoon if you like warm water! Common thresher shark, blue shark, bluntnose sixgill shark and shortfin mako are the most observed species in Adriatic and Ionian seas, respectively. The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the areas of the world where earthquakes occur very frequently. The Greek islands are broken down into clusters and six of these seven clusters can be found in the Aegean. "Why Is the Sea Blue?" The ocean may also take on green, red, or other hues as light bounces off of floating sediments and particles in the water. This sea in Greece is also home to the deepest part of the Mediterranean, called Calyspo Deep. Located on Greece's west coast, the Ionian Sea boasts turquoise waters, protected moorage, beaches, and long summers - and many tavernas! The islands of the Ionian Sea 5. Though considered by ancient authors to be part of the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea is now seen as a separate body of water. The Ionian Sea is a veritable treasure trove of cultural and historical riches, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore and appreciate the wealth of history that can be found in this unique corner of the world. So why does the ocean have color when you look into, or across it? From late May to the end of September the Maistro wind blows down onto the Ionian Islands from the North West. Some of its most famous islands are Zakynthos, Corfu, and Lefkada, which all have fantastic sailing opportunities. The Aegean Sea is said to be named after King Aegeus in Greek mythology, the father of the famous Greek hero Theseus. Christos Stefanakos, Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF Ocean. born with the intention of sharing the results and updates, 2020 Regional Cooperation Magazine. Yet if you gather a bucket of sea water, it will look clear. 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. Here the sea reaches a depth of 5,267 m. The Ionian Islands (also known as Eptanisa) include seven main islands. Visit a tropical ocean, like in southern Florida or the Caribbean, and the water is likely to be a beautiful turquoise color. The sea temperature remains warm enough for most of the year for swimming and other recreational activities. The winds in the Ionian are remarkably consistent in the summer months. So, as soon as its possible to travel for you, you already know where to go! One such subdivision of the Mediterranean Sea is the Aegean Sea. What battles were fought in the Ionian Sea? The warmest part is in the south-southeast area of the Ionian Sea, and the warmest year was 2016. The Cyclades belong to the most popular island groups with well-known islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros. With crystal clear waters and lush green mountains creating a picturesque landscape, the Ionian Sea is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. The Aegean islands have a slightly cooler Mediterranean climate due to the strong wind and presence of the Aegean Sea. The sea often appears blue because of the way light interacts with the water. Related:Your Master Guide to All Greek Islands and How to Pick One. So you can have a relaxing night of sleep, reliving the adventures of the day in your head again, wondering about tomorrow. The northern coast of the island is slightly warmer with sea surface temperature 28-29 C, while the southern coast is about 1 C cooler, 27-29 C. It is the pizza delivery boy of the water. TheWildlife Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a shared mission. By clicking "Accept" or continuing to browse the site, you consent to the use of cookies. Coastal areas can sometimes look murky and brown as they contain sand from the seabed that has been churned up by waves. Have you ever wondered why the sea is blue, or whether dolphins sleep? Read on if you dare. It was so central to Western Civilisation that the name derives from the Latin word mediterraneus, meaning middle of the Earth. All rights reserved. Placed about 10 minutes' ride from Nydri Waterfalls, the stunning 5-star Ionian Blue Hotel Lefkada Island includes views over the Ionian Sea. Eptanissa in Greek means seven islands, hence this name for the Ionian islands. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The Mediterranean boasts crystal-clear waters almost all year round. With its breathtaking beauty and significant history, the Ionian Sea is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the Mediterranean. The temperature of the water at the bottom of the sea is about 13C, and the salinity there is 38 parts per thousand. Water is exchanged at the slowest of rates making the med as clear as a swarovski crystal. Ionia was a territory in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) populated by the Ionians (Greeks who spoke the Ionian dialect) in c. 1150 BCE.It is best known as the birthplace of Greek philosophy (at Miletus) and the site of the Ionian Revolt which prompted the Persian invasion of Greece in 490 and 480 BCE.. Places: Corfu, Lefkada According to marine pollution surveys conducted by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and given the amounts of litter collected annually by clean-up actions on the coasts of the islands, the middle and north Ionian Sea are among the top polluted spots of all the seas in Greece. Near the poles, melting ice and heavy rain dilute the seawater, making it less salty. It is also bordered by southern Albania in the northeast, and by the western coast of Greece in the east. Photograph by J.D. And for those simply seeking a change of scenery, the Ionian Seas stunning beauty and vivid culture are sure to captivate and inspire. Why is the sea blue? Sure, they do have some trees here and there to provide some necessary shade. Its estimated that 4 billion tons of salt enter the sea each year, but the ocean is not growing any saltier because a similar amount of salt is deposited on the ocean floor each year, so the salt level is fairly balanced. 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. It is also an excellent destination for those interested in cultural heritage, as it is home to many historical sites and monuments that tell the story of its past. Lower patterns (40% of the mean value) are exhibited in the southeastern area from April until November, and in the western part from February til August. It is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, including the Apennines in Italy and the Pindus Mountains in Greece. Light winds and sunshine make the Ionian an ideal cruising ground for sailors and families. To help you make a choice, you can first decide which archipelago you want to go to. Islands Ionian Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece and to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands. As the sun warms the sea, water evaporates but the salt is left behind, making the sea even saltier. 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. Generally speaking, the more phytoplankton there are in the water, the greener it is. Giving sailors of all levels a chance to enjoy their time here! These islands include: Related:Kythira Discovered Impressions of A Greek Tour Guide, 2023 Design & Development by Dataspot.gr. Both island groups have their own specific hyper-local cultures due to the different empires that have fought over these areas to conquer them. Here you can learn more about the color of the ocean. In the Ionian Sea, south of Greece, the Mediterranean Sea reaches its greatest depth of 17,280 feet (4,900 meters). But if we sink below the surface, however, the blue colour remains, and it does when we look at the ocean from space, too. This body of water was one of the most important seas in Ancient times. 656 feet, and no light penetrates deeper than 3,280 feet. So why not make your next journey to this amazing region and explore its wonders today? To learn more about this tradition, you can find the best ouzo distilleries on the island Lesvos. At about 656 feet (200 meters), there isn't much light, and the sea is totally dark at about 3,280 feet (2,000 meters). 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. The Ionian Sea is the sea surrounding Greece on the Western side of the country. (2010), Gai et al. Footsteps of Cultural and Religious Inheritance. When sunlight goes through the water, water molecules absorb red light but reflect blue light, making the water appear a brilliant blue. The winds are steady and strong, but they are also predictable, allowing you to chart and follow your course with ease. Youll find the Aegean islands in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey. law of the sea, LOSC, maritime dispute, maritime law, custom of the sea, maritime claims, maritime boundaries, maritime map, maritime chart Due to historical facts the isolated islands of Kithera and Antikythera, south of the Peloponnese, are here included in this group. Regulated by the Fundraising Regulator. Luckily, there is always a gentle sea breeze present. Updated on April 08, 2019 Have you ever wondered why the sea is blue? Here there is plenty of lush greenery, Italian influences, and fertile lands. There are over 6.000 islands in Greece! 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 . Knutsen, ., Stefanakos, Ch.N., Slagstad, D., Ocean current conditions in the Ionian Sea, 31st International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, ISOPE2021, Online/Virtual Conference June 20-25, 2021. Gai M, Borzelli GLE, Civitarese G, Cardin V, and Yari S (2010). 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. The Ionian Islands refers to the chain of Greek Islands stretching along the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Also known as Cephalonia, Kefalonia is the largest of Ionian Islands and one of the most scenic. Please whitelist to support our site. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. SINMOD resolves sufficiently well the circulation dynamics of the oceans. The result of . That is because there is a limit to the depth of ocean that light can enter. Marine life and underwater magnificence. Rain water dissolves minerals and releases salts from the rocks on land, which are then carried down to the sea by rivers. Note that unless you're hiring a captain, Sailing in Greece requires licensing - for more information learn . Best Beaches In Albania Best Beaches In Bulgaria Best Beaches In Slovenia Relax & Unwind At These 34 Beaches In The Balkans While many tourists focus on the classic beach destinations in southern Europe, such as Spain, France, and Italy, the Balkans' beaches are often overlooked. Kalimeris A and Kassis D (2020). Private boat trip Corfu to Paxos and the Blue Caves. CLUSTER OF ISLANDS CARETTA CARETTA SEA TURTLES IONIAN SERENADES BELOVED SAILING DESTINATION Travel Guides Where to go. The saltiness (called salinity) of the sea is not the same in all parts of the world. To learn more about how we use cookies and your options, please see our. If you are looking for idyllic beaches, comfortable sailing conditions, and beautiful harmonious nature, then the Ionian islands are a perfect match for you. This brings a unique concoction of cultures for every island to explore. The chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light, but reflects yellow-green light. Interesting Ionian Sea Facts: The deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea is located in the Ionian Sea. What are the different straits and Gulfs found in the Ionian Sea? A very calm wind that rises in the morning up to 4-5 bft and then in the evening eases again. How long does it take to become a CNA in Tennessee? Witness views dominated by the gorgeous blue sea, white chalk houses, and characteristic blue domes. Summertime at its best, endless sunshine & blue sky. This is where you will find a cluster of islands, aptly named the Ionian Islands. However, ancient Greek authors like Aeschylus associated it with the legend of the god Lo. Probably because there is a very good reason not to worry. Last updated: 01/20/23 This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. 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. Water exchange is the delivery system of the nutrient supply for the worlds oceans and seas. Concerning the monthly variability, the largest patterns (60% of the mean value) are shown in winter months (Jan, Feb and Dec) in the central Ionian Sea, and near the coasts most of the year.
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