The calm, unspoilt and pure waters of the Mediterranean Sea are actually part of the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean is almost completely enclosed by the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa and the Sea connects some of the most fascinating, exciting and beautiful countries in the world including Egypt, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus.

The histories of the countries with coastlines brushing the Med are intrinsically linked with this romantic Sea and today they are some of the most attractive and fascinating countries in the world in which to holiday. This article examines some of the main attractions of four of the favourite Mediterranean countries.

Turkey

Turkey is the country where east really does meet west and where European and Asian influences combine to create a vibrant and passionate mix. The Turkish people are sincerely welcoming of overseas visitors and charm growing numbers of tourists every year. These visitors are attracted by the stunning sandy beaches of the Med and the five star resorts, facilities and amenities offered all along the Turkish Riviera.

If you choose to holiday in Turkey you will be visiting a land where many ancient civilisations and cultures were born, where two of the seven wonders of the ancient world were found and where Cleopatra once holidayed and basked in the sumptuous sunshine. Turkey is a land of contrasts where thousands of years of history have been preserved, where brand new state of the art resort facilities can be enjoyed and where the mighty mountains reach right down into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Greece

Greece and the Greek Islands like Crete and Corfu are blessed by the inimitable Mediterranean climate that provides long hot and balmy summer days and temperate, mild short winter months. Visiting Greece you will be charmed by the tiny fishing villages that have been little changed for the last hundreds of years and where you can dine in the evening on the day's fresh catch whilst watching the sun setting into the sea.

Pristine whitewashed villages are scattered all along the Mediterranean coastline of Greece like pebbles and you can sail from island to island on a mini-Mediterranean cruise and take in the different sights, sounds and flavours offered on each Greek Island.

Spain

Once upon a time the beautiful Spanish coastline was also dotted with tiny fishing communities whose whole lives and histories revolved around the Mediterranean tides and treasures. Today the Spanish coastline to the south of the country is much changed and visitors can enjoy some fantastic five star resorts offering an array and abundance of nightlife, day time excitement and evening entertainment. The resorts on the Costa del Sol, Costa Calida and Costa Blanca are vibrant, beautiful and hugely popular.

For those in search of the old Spain just head north and take in the rugged and impressive Mediterranean coastlines along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are dominated by magnificent cliffs, rocky coves and secret sandy beaches.

Cyprus

Last but not least is possibly the most stunning of all of the Mediterranean Islands - namely the island of Cyprus. It is not the Med's largest island but it is the Med's most famous and most popular and it offers visitors acres and acres of lush interior, miles and miles of sandy beaches and two incredible mountain ranges where you can ski in the morning before travelling down to the seaside to enjoy an afternoon swim and a barbeque beneath the setting sun.

The southern two thirds of Cyprus are inhabited by the friendly and lively Greek Cypriots, and the most popular resorts in Southern Cyprus include Ayia Napa and Paphos where the nightlife is world famous and where the daily activities on offer are plentiful.

Northern Cyprus faces the stunning Turkish coastline which is strikingly visible on clear days. The people of the North are probably some of the most friendly and genuinely hospitable people in the entire Mediterranean region and their main resort town is Kyrenia where you can take in the perfectly preserved ancient harbour and the wonders of the ancient castle and the old town before spending your afternoons and evenings lazily whiling away the time dining on beautiful and fresh local food and drinking the best Turkish wines.