Did you know that when you bask on the sun-soaked beaches of Italy or Greece, you may actually be standing on the remnants of a long-lost continent? That’s right! Around 200 million years ago, the supercontinent Pangea began its slow and dramatic break-up, setting the stage for the world we know today. But there’s more to this ancient tale: millions of unsuspecting tourists are likely vacationing on what remains of the mysterious Greater Adria!

The groundbreaking idea of continental drift, proposed by German meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1912, sparked decades of geoscientific exploration. It wasn’t until the 1960s, with advanced technology like echo sounders and magnetometers, that researchers could finally understand the intricate movements of Earth's crust. Fast forward to 2019, scientists took a closer look at the Mediterranean region, widely known for its geological complexity, and embarked on a decade-long investigation into the area stretching from Spain to Iran.

According to Douwe van Hinsbergen, a Professor of Global Tectonics and Paleogeography at Utrecht University, the Mediterranean is a “geological mess” filled with curves and fractures that stand in stark contrast to the simplicity of the Himalayan mountain range. After reconstructing the geological history of the region, van Hinsbergen and his team unveiled a staggering discovery: a large piece of continental crust—about the size of Greenland—had separated from Africa over 200 million years ago.

In what might be the ultimate vacation mystery, van Hinsbergen states, “Forget Atlantis. Without realizing it, vast numbers of tourists spend their holiday each year on the lost continent of Greater Adria.” Most of this ancient landmass has since plunged into the depths of the Earth’s mantle, but remnants of its sedimentary rocks have manifested as majestic mountain ranges like the Apennines, parts of the Alps, as well as sections of Greece and Turkey. Who knows what geological histories lie beneath those stunning landscapes and cerulean seas?

While scuba diving enthusiasts might catch glimpses of coral reefs perched on this lost continent underwater, there's a small portion of Greater Adria still visible above the waves. A notable remnant stretches from Turin, through the picturesque Adriatic Sea, down to the heel of Italy’s iconic boot.

It's not just Greater Adria that has been lost to the ages—scientists have also identified other submerged continents like Zealandia, sinking beneath the surface from 100 to 80 million years ago. As we continue to unearth the secrets of our planet's past, one thing is clear: the earth is full of wondrous surprises just waiting to be discovered! So, the next time you sip a cocktail on the coast of Italy, think about the ancient land beneath your feet—it's a geological treasure trove!