The Mediterranean climate is suitable for growing olives, citrus fruits and grapes. Grains are farmed during the wet, temperate winters. In Spain, rice is farmed and cooked into paellas, whereas in Italy, wheat is farmed and used to make pasta. 

Because the Mediterranean summer is warm and dry, tourists from Northern Europe love to visit the region during the summer. The Mediterranean region is full of important holiday destinations, and many Mediterranean nations base their economies on tourism.

The most important industrial regions of the Mediterranean coast are found in Northern Italy. The Italian industrial sector is known for automobile production. The image below shows cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari.