Many travel agencies offer to relax on the coast Adriatic Sea, describing the advantages of comfortable rest at low prices. But the answer is a legitimate question: where is the Adriatic Sea located? It turns out that this is a semi-closed part mediterranean sea between the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas, which washes the shores of several countries: Italy (more than 1000 km), Slovenia (47 km), Croatia (1777 km), Bosnia and Herzegovina (20 km), Montenegro (200 km), Albania (472 km) .
The Adriatic Sea communicates with the Mediterranean Sea through the Ionian. Where the Adriatic Sea joins the Ionian, the peninsulas converge and form the Strait of Otranto, which is called the gates of the Adriatic. Its width at its narrowest point is 75 km. On the shore of the strait is the Italian city of Otranto, and in the southern point the Italian “heel”, where Cape Santa Maria di Leuca is located, the strait enters the Ionian Sea.
Interestingly, the name of the Adriatic Sea comes from ancient port Adria, which was located on the coast in the delta of the Po and Adige rivers. However, over several thousand years, these rivers, with their sediments, carried the deltas deep into the shallow sea in this place to such an extent that now Adria is 25 km from the sea.
The area of the Adriatic Sea is 144 thousand km², the depth is from 20 m in the northern part of the sea to 1230 m in the southeast. It protrudes into the land for 796 kilometers, the width of the sea is from 93 to 222 kilometers.
The water temperature of the Adriatic Sea in the northern parts in summer is up to +24 degrees, in winter - +7 degrees; in the southern parts in summer - +26 degrees, in winter - +13. In summer it is sunny and warm, while in winter it often rains and is often overcast.
A distinctive feature of the Adriatic Sea is the transparency of the waters, which is one of the highest in the world and is 56 meters! The salinity of the waters is also higher than the world average and is 38 ppm.
The coastal zone is represented by many species of molluscs and crustaceans. Oysters, mussels, sea urchins, crabs. Seahorses swim in the thickets of algae. Lobsters, large crabs, octopuses, cuttlefish, starfish, eels and moray eels live at greater depths.
Note to the tourist: shark species such as pygmy shark, blue shark, and the rare great white shark live here.
Endangered dolphins and monk seals can be seen in the Adriatic Sea.
Inside the sea are Dalmatian Islands; there are many bays convenient for ships, the largest of which are referred to as Manfredonia, Venetian and Trieste. It is also convenient for navigation here that the bottom near the coast is located at a sufficient depth. The seashores are sandy or pebbly, so resort areas are well developed here.
The Adriatic Sea is an ideal place for a family and romantic getaway which surprises with its beauty and diversity.
You can also see on the map:
The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea, which separates the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas.
The Adriatic Sea washes the shores following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro, Italy and Croatia.
History of the Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea was named after the ancient port in Italy, which was built by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC. This port was called Adria.
IN ancient time this port was an important trading point on the Adriatic Sea and in general on the Mediterranean.
The Adriatic Sea played a large role in the formation of the Roman Republic, and then the empire, providing it with access to the Mediterranean Sea and allowing it to conduct active maritime trade.
Adriatic Sea on the map
Which rivers flow into the Adriatic Sea
Among the large water arteries that flow into the Adriatic Sea, rivers such as:
- Po, the length of which reaches 650 kilometers;
- Adige, the length of which is 410 kilometers.
Where does the sea go
The Adriatic Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea, which in turn flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Relief
The seabed is predominantly a large hollow with a small number of depressions. The seabed is predominantly covered with silt and sand.
Cities
On the coast of the Adriatic Sea there are many large port cities. In Italy, for example, such a city is Trieste, which, moreover, is independent city within Italy.
One of the most beautiful cities in Italy is Venice, which is also located on the seashore. The population of Venice barely exceeds 260 thousand people, but its popularity is so high that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its unique architecture and canals, along with traditional streets.
Other major Italian coastal cities include Bari, Ancona and Brindisi. Of the Croatian cities on the coast, Rijeka, the incredibly beautiful city of Split and the popular port town of Dubrovnik should be noted. Very beautiful and big city on the coast is also the Albanian city of Durres. The city boasts unique architecture from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Not less than beautiful city also is Vlore.
Flora and fauna
As in the Mediterranean animal world The Adriatic is extremely rich. There are many mollusks, sea urchins and crustaceans, the variety of which is simply amazing. Mussels, oysters, sea urchins and saucers, crabs and sea cucumbers live. There are jellyfish.
In a huge variety of seaweeds (about 750 species), in which seahorses hide. With increasing depth, large crustaceans such as lobsters, cuttlefish, octopuses, large crabs, moray eels, starfish and eels begin to appear.
The amount of plankton in the water is also quite large. Among the most common fish, a huge variety of sardines, tuna, mackerel should be mentioned. There are also sharks in the Adriatic Sea, among which the following species are found: night shark, blue shark, spiny shark and sea fox.
Adriatic Sea. starfish photo
Also in the waters of the Adriatic can be found giant shark, which is the second largest in the world after the whale shark. Representatives of mammals are also present in the Adriatic, such as: dolphins and monk seals (they are also called white-bellied seals), which are now endangered.
Characteristic
The area of the Adriatic Sea reaches 144 thousand square kilometers. The maximum depth reaches up to 1230 meters, the average depth is 240m. In general, the Adriatic Sea is quite shallow, so in its northern part the depth for the most part reaches 20 meters and a little more.
The eastern shores of the sea are mostly mountainous, but the western ones are mostly low-lying. There are many islands in the Adriatic Sea. Among them, the Dalmatian Islands, which are popular place for tourists' recreation. Among big islands also noteworthy are Krk, Brac, Cres, Pag, Hvar and Korcula.
The climate in the Adriatic Sea is Mediterranean - throughout almost the entire year the temperature is kept within +20 degrees. As for precipitation, their amount is insignificant, which generally corresponds to the climate of the Mediterranean. The water temperature in summer exceeds 20 degrees, and in winter it does not fall below +8 degrees. The salinity of the water is from 35 to 38 ppm.
- The shores of the Adriatic Sea, as well as its islands, are resorts where millions of tourists from all over the world come every year;
- On the shelf of the Adriatic Sea, gas and oil production is actively carried out.
The Adriatic Sea - the very combination of letters creates an image of something magical, beautiful, mysterious. This is a half-enclosed sea, which has an area of one hundred and forty-four thousand square kilometers. The depth of the Adriatic Sea is a little less than one thousand three hundred meters, the smallest sections reach a depth of only twenty meters. The average depth is two hundred and forty meters. The western coasts are lowland, and eastern shores- mountainous. The maximum water temperature is recorded in the last summer month - up to twenty-seven degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature occurs at the end of winter - up to six degrees Celsius. The salinity of the water is also not stable, ranging from thirty-five to thirty-eight percent.
When travelers plan their trip to this part of the world, a natural question arises: where is the Adriatic Sea? It is located between the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas, is part of the Mediterranean Sea. The place got its name thanks to the ancient port of Adria. At first, the name was attached to the northern water part, and after a while the whole sea began to be called. Gradually, as a result of sediments, Adria moved inland and at present the distance to the coast is more than twenty kilometers.
The terrain is different amazing beauty, diversity of flora and fauna, beautiful places for relax.
Geographic information: which countries it washes
The Sea of Six Countries is another name for the Adriatic. The water basin washes the borders of six states: Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The countries of the Adriatic Sea have always been desirable for thousands of visitors and are of constant interest at the present time. Many travel companies offer to relax on the picturesque coast. What exactly to choose, which country to stay in, is a question that you decide based on your preferences.
A special feature of the sea is the extraordinary purity and transparency of the waters. Visibility is fifty-six meters and this is a world record. The salinity of the water also exceeds the average norms on a global scale - thirty-eight ppm.
The largest water arteries of the Adriatic are two rivers:
- By, the length of 650 kilometers;
- Adige, length 410 kilometers.
coastal cities
On the coast of the Adriatic Sea is a large number of major port cities.
Among the most unforgettable is Venice, which attracts tourists from all over the world with its extraordinary beauty, unique architecture and history. The city is not numerous; no more than two hundred and sixty thousand people live in it. large Italian cities on the seashore are Bari, Brindisi, Ancona.
In Croatia, coastal cities that attract visitors are Rijeka, Split, Dubrovnik.
Extraordinarily interesting port cities in Albania are Durres, the so-called Coast of Flowers, Vlora. They are attractive to tourists for their architectural monuments early historical periods.
The leading resort of Montenegro is the Budva Riviera. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Neum is interesting, and Slovenia boasts comfortable towns on the seashore: Izola, Piran, Koper and Portorož.
Who lives in the Adriatic Sea
The salt concentration in the Adriatic water is very high. Most likely, the reason is that too little fresh water comes from rivers. In fact, only two major rivers flow into the sea, the remaining tributaries are very small. The whole fauna perfectly adapted to this feature and we can safely say that undersea world here is very, very diverse. A lot of different fish live in the coastal zone and the population of the lagoons mainly lives by fishing.
The danger in the resorts of the Adriatic is much lower than in the tropical seas, but it also exists. In recent years, sharks have not been found even in the most remote and sparsely populated areas, but nevertheless, these inhabitants of the depths live in the Adriatic Sea. Among all existing species, the danger to humans is the white and blue shark. But cases of attacks on divers and swimmers off the coast for recent decades rare, with no more than five incidents recorded. Thus, the real threat is posed by smaller marine inhabitants, and not by sharks in the Adriatic Sea.
Sea ruffs, stingrays and moray eels are considered quite unsafe. Stingrays on their tail process have sharp spikes that are used as a spear. But fish become aggressive only when they are attacked and provoked by a person.
Moray eels have strong jaws. She can seriously injure a person, but she never attacks first.
The fire worm and sea anemone, violating the integrity of human skin, cause inflammation and acute pain. But they also only attack when provoked or threatened.
The electric stingray is a serious and dangerous inhabitant of the deep sea. To meet him is a rarity, but every vacationer should remember that it is better to “go around” the fish on the tenth road. Defending itself, the stingray uses its unique feature - electric shock. As a result, the swimmer receives a powerful blow, shock and respiratory arrest.
Sea urchins never attack humans, but contact with them can end badly. They are indicators of water purity. There are a lot of hedgehogs in Croatia and Montenegro. Since the dark coloring does not allow distinguishing a hedgehog from a stone, some divers step to a shallow depth or take a marine life with their hand. Needles easily penetrate the skin and break, they are very difficult to remove. As a result, irritation, swelling, redness and severe pain begin at the puncture site. But minimizing contact with a hedgehog is very simple: you need to purchase special coral closed rubber shoes. In it you can walk along the bottom without fear of pricking.
Jellyfish in the Adriatic Sea
Jellyfish beauties can also be a threat to humans. After contact with them, burns and even scars remain on the skin. The jellyfish Crown of Thorns is especially unsafe, the rest do not cause serious harm.
Sea dragons are considered the most poisonous fish in this zone. They live in creeks and bays, penetrating the ground up to their heads. An injection with a poisonous thorn is extremely unsafe for humans, the poison acts like a snake. The bite site becomes inflamed, swollen and very painful. The bitten may lose consciousness, experience a fever, his heart rhythm is disturbed. In some cases, death is possible. Never touch a seemingly cute dragon. Even a dead specimen can threaten human health.
Based on the foregoing, it is important to understand that the basic principle safe rest– do not disturb or touch the underwater world. All your harmless actions can be regarded as aggression, followed by defense in the form of an attack.
Holidays on the Adriatic Sea
The advantage of choosing this place is that a person with any financial capabilities can relax here. Depending on the country and locality, you can opt for a super popular, trendy and expensive hotel, or you can choose a budget option that is affordable even for the poorest segments of the population. During the so-called season, the price of a vacation rises to the highest possible figures. Consider how much it costs for one person to stay in a four-star hotel for a week in different countries.
In each of the mentioned countries, you can relax at a lower cost, but at the same time, the quality and level of service are reduced. If you are traveling on your own without booking tours with travel agencies, then flights and accommodation can be arranged even more budgetably.
Adriatic sea resorts
Adriatic Italy offers travelers attractions, disco clubs, water areas for yachting, hundreds of restaurants and restaurants, night casinos, high-class hotels.
Adriatic Slovenia takes up very little space on the map, but it is located worldwide famous resorts that attract tourists from all over the world: Portorož, Izola.
Adriatic Montenegro is very popular among residents of Russia and neighboring countries.
The country attracts with the fact that here:
- Comfortable service for families with children is organized.
- You can get rid of problems, troubles, having a rest away from the noise.
- There is a longer beach season here.
- The cost of renting housing, excursions is an order of magnitude lower than in neighboring countries.
The most popular resorts in Montenegro are Duke Novi, Ulcinj, Sveti Stefan.
Whatever hotel and country you choose, a holiday on the Adriatic Sea will never be forgotten and will always be the most pleasant memory.
Weather in the Adriatic resort towns
The climate of the Adriatic has fundamental differences from the climate of the Mediterranean, but they have some features in common. Air temperature is influenced by local winds. During the summer period, clear weather is predominantly recorded, with the exception of rare storms. The winter period is characterized by the predominance of rain, often cloudy. Quite often, seventy percent of the annual rainfall falls. The water temperature in the Adriatic Sea is stable all season and comfortable for swimming. At different resorts, it varies slightly.
This is an analysis of the temperature of the most popular Adriatic resorts.
Where to go?
When choosing a trip, decide what you would like to see how to spend free time. Based on your preferences, choose what will not leave you indifferent.
- Amazing Slovenia. A fairy tale country for everyone who wants to forget about the hustle and bustle, plunge into the world of peace, fairy tales and magic. In addition to the purest water of lakes, the Alps, the warm Adriatic Sea, dense forests, there are fabulous places that will enchant and delight. Incredible architecture, mysterious and mystical legends- something that can be added to a beach holiday.
- Emotional Italy. The country combines the history of past centuries and the trend of the present. Why visit Albania? The answer is simple: it's amazing clean beaches and warm sea, pleasant and friendly locals, unexplored places and affordable cost.
- Unique Croatia. A country of museums, excursions, walks and discoveries. There are so many interesting things here that you will spend an unforgettable holiday filled with events and emotions.
- Diverse Montenegro. The country attracts by the fact that you can combine different types of recreation together. beautiful nature, monasteries, canyons, beaches - everything is beautiful here.
- Charming Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is known for its comfortable resorts, peace and distance from civilization. The length of the coastal zone is only twenty-five kilometers, but the available beaches meet the highest quality criteria. Everyone who loves solitude calls the place heavenly. But for lovers of excursions and crossings, there is also a lot of interesting things.
- Unknown Albania. For a long time, tourists "bypassed" the country, considering it a harsh and incomprehensible land. But the rest here is measured, inexpensive and of high quality. It is good to relax in the country with the family, as everything is provided for staying with children. Here, all resorts are distinguished by a high level of service and adequate cost.
You have the opportunity to discover any country of the Adriatic. Regardless of the choice, you will not be able to resist its charm, attractiveness and a lot of interesting things. Going on vacation to the Adriatic Sea, you make the right choice.
When it comes to the Adriatic Sea, Riccin, Lido di Jesolo and Rimini come to mind first of all, these places are considered the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast. In Italy, the features of the Adriatic Sea are considered to be gentle entrances to the sea, because it is necessary to take many steps to reach the depth. You just have to be careful not to step on peacefully walking crabs.
Life on the Adriatic Sea is full of life. One long "shopping street" stretches along the entire sea, changing resorts one after another, while the path does not change. In addition, the Adriatic Sea is rich in various tourist resorts, where there are many restaurants, shops and hotels.
Peculiarities
The Adriatic Sea, like, is part of the Mediterranean Sea. Its semi-enclosed territory stretches between the Balkan and Apeninsky peninsulas. The waters wash the shores of: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. Note that the name comes from the word "Adur", which means "water" or "sea". Initially, the Adriatic was considered the area of the sea, which is adjacent to the settlement, but then the Adriatic expanded to the entire sea surface up to the Ionian Sea.
The width of the center of the Adriatic Sea is 180 kilometers, while the widest zones reach 230 kilometers. total area the entire sea surface is approximately 140 thousand square kilometers. Western coastline quite monotonous, only one peninsula of Gargano goes far into southern part seas. The Gulf of Manfredonia is formed on the south side, the Tremiti Bay on the north, it is closed by four islands.
The Gargano peninsula is located far from and divides the bottom of the Adriatic Sea into two reservoirs. At the same time, the north of the sea is not very deep - only 35 meters. On the way to the southeast, the bottom gradually deepens, in the area near Lisa, the depth reaches 240 meters. The coast of the Adriatic Sea in the east is quite indented and mountainous. There are thousands of islands on the surface of the sea. Only 66 islets are uninhabited. by the most large islands considered: Venetian, Manfredonia and Trieste. Since the shores are deep, navigation is well developed.
Climate of the Adriatic Sea
The current influences the climate of the Adriatic Sea. It passes along the Dalmatian and Albanian coasts, which then goes to the Gulf of Trieste and reaches the Italian coast. It is noteworthy that the Adriatic climate resembles the climate of the Mediterranean Sea, because there are the same characteristic winds as: sirocco, bora and mistral. They significantly affect the air temperature. In summer, the water temperature reaches 220 degrees, and on cold days it is at least 60 degrees. Tourists appreciate the Adriatic Sea, especially in summer, because at this time the sea becomes hot and sunny. At the same time, even the winter is not so cold, although it is rainy. Seventy percent of precipitation falls in winter. If you are interested, we recommend that you read a special article.
Salinity in some places sea water reaches up to 38 ppm. The salinity of the water is due to the fact that two large rivers Echa and Po flow into it. The inflow of water from other rivers is quite small. In general, the climate of the Adriatic Sea is favorable, therefore, it is on its territory that tourist resorts. The favorable environment and temperature contribute to such a variety of flora and fauna, which the Adriatic Sea can be proud of.
Flora and fauna of the Adriatic
The flora and fauna of the Adriatic Sea is quite rich. For example, there are approximately 750 species of algae alone. A diverse fauna consists of: mollusks, echinoderms, sea urchins, crustaceans and mussels. If you go down to a great depth, then they live here: moray eels, octopus, cuttlefish and lobsters. Fish representatives include: tuna, sardines, mackerel, and there is also a pygmy, blue and prickly shark. The mammal family consists of monk seals and dolphins.
The waters are full of young fish and plankton. Flocks of mackerel, sardine, frigate mackerel, bubble mackerel, tuna and bonito constantly ply across the sea. Thanks to the current, the guests of the Adriatic Sea are: transparent jellyfish, as well as hydroid polyps that glow at night. The velvety-bellied luminous shark lives at great depths. It is extremely rare to see a giant shark. Some inhabitants of the Adriatic are listed in the Red Book, because they are on the verge of extinction. It is not for nothing that the Adriatic Sea is called the pearl of Europe, and many tourists try to visit its waters.
Tourism
On the Adriatic coast popular city considered to be Venice. It is followed by neighboring Trieste, which is also becoming increasingly popular. Rest on the Adriatic Sea is a rather tempting prospect, because the purest water and excellent sandy beaches attract travelers from different countries peace. The most attractive resorts are called: Dubrovnik, Ravenna, Porec, Riccione.
Even in coastal areas, a large number of crustaceans and mollusks. If you go to shallow water, you can see such marine life as: crabs, sea urchins and mussels. Seahorses swim in algae. The Adriatic Sea especially attracts lovers of diving, fishing and yachting, it is an ideal place for active rest. Various travel companies organize sightseeing and cruise tours on the Adriatic Sea, such trips leave an unforgettable experience.
In addition, the most interesting archaeological sites are the bays: Kaliala Capo, Risan, Cape Platinumi, Old Ulcinj and some other areas. Regardless of the type of holiday, the Adriatic never ceases to amaze travelers. The Adriatic Sea is great for romantic and family vacations.
The Adriatic Sea separates the Italian peninsula (Apennines) from Balkan Peninsula. Adriatic is the most Northern part Mediterranean Sea.
The Adriatic Sea extends from the Strait of Otranto (where it joins the Ionian Sea) to the northwestern Po Valley. Countries on the Adriatic coast - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia.
The sea is divided into three basins, the northern one is the shallowest, the southern one is the deepest (with a maximum depth of 1233 meters). The underwater ridge of Otranto Sill is located on the border between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Hydrography of the Adriatic Sea
The prevailing currents move counterclockwise: from the Strait of Otranto, along east coast and back into the strait along the western (Italian) coast. Tidal movements in the Adriatic Sea are negligible, although large amplitudes sometimes occur.
The salinity of the Adriatic is lower than the Mediterranean, because the Adriatic Sea collects a third of the fresh water that flows into the Mediterranean; this makes the Adriatic a dilution basin for the Mediterranean.
The water surface temperature usually ranges from 30 °C in summer to 12 °C in winter, which greatly stabilizes the climate of the Adriatic Basin.
The Adriatic Sea is located on the Apulian or Adriatic microplate, which is separated from the African Plate. The movement of the plate contributed to the formation of the surrounding mountain ranges and the tectonic uplift of the Apennines after a collision with the Eurasian plate. In the late Oligocene, the Apennine Peninsula formed, separating the Adriatic basin from the rest of the Mediterranean Sea.
All types of precipitation possible are found in the Adriatic; moreover, the bulk of the water is transported to the sea from the Po River and other rivers of the west coast. The west coast is alluvial (terraced), while the east coast is heavily indented with pronounced karstification.
The depth of the Adriatic Sea is 259.5 meters, and maximum depth- 1233 meters; however, the North Adriatic Basin rarely exceeds a depth of 100 meters. The North Adriatic Basin extends between Venice and Trieste to a line connecting Ancona and Zadar (only 15 meters deep at the northwestern end). The middle Adriatic basin south of the Ancona-Zadar line (also called the Pomo depression or Jabuka pit) is 270 meters deep. The deep-water Palagrusky threshold (170 meters) is located south of the Middle Adriatic Pit, separating it from the South Adriatic Pit (1200 meters deep) and the Middle Adriatic basin from the South Adriatic basin. Further south, the sea floor rises to 780 meters to form the Otranto Sill at the border with. The South Adriatic Basin is in many ways similar to the North Ionian Sea, to which it is tied.
In the transverse direction, the Adriatic Sea is asymmetrical: the Apennine peninsular coast is relatively smooth (Capes Monte Conero and Gargano, these are the only significant protrusions in the sea); in contrast to the Balkan coast, where numerous islands abound. The strength of the coast is due to the proximity of the Dinaric Alps, in contrast to the opposite (Italian) coast, because the Apennine mountains are further from the coastline.
It is assumed that the entire volume of Adriatic water is exchanged through the Strait of Otranto in 3.4 years. This is a relatively short period. For example, it takes about 500 years to exchange all the water in the Black Sea.
Since the rivers flowing into the Adriatic reach a water volume of 5,700 cubic meters per second, this rate is 0.5% of the total volume of the Adriatic Sea, or 1.3 meters of water every year.
After the Po river, the Neretva and Drin rivers have the second and third place in terms of the importance of water exchange. Another significant contribution of fresh water to the Adriatic is the underwater discharge of groundwater through underwater sources. They are estimated to contribute 29% of the total water flow to the Adriatic. Underwater sources include thermal waters found on the shelf near the city of Isola. Thermal spring water is rich in hydrogen sulfide, has a temperature of 22 to 29.6 ° C.
History
The earliest settlements on the Adriatic coast were Etruscan, Illyrian and Greek. By the 2nd century BC, the beaches were under the control of Rome. In the Middle Ages, the Adriatic shores and the sea itself were controlled to varying degrees by a number of states, primarily the Byzantine Empire, the Serbian Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Habsburg Monarchy and Ottoman Empire. The Napoleonic Wars saw the First French Empire gain control of the coastal regions, and British efforts to fight the French in the area eventually secured much of the eastern Adriatic coast and the Po Valley in Austria. After the unification of Italy, the Kingdom of Italy began its expansion to the east, which continued until the 20th century. After World War I and the collapse of Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, control of the east coast passed to Yugoslavia and Albania. The first disintegrated in the 1990s, four new states appeared on the Adriatic coast. Italy and Yugoslavia agreed on maritime boundaries by 1975, and this boundary is recognized by Yugoslavia's successor states. But maritime boundaries between Slovenian, Croatian, Bosnian-Herzegovina and Montenegrin waters are still disputed. Italy and Albania agreed on their maritime border in 1992.
Fisheries and tourism are significant sources of income throughout Adriatic coast. The tourism industry in Croatia's Adriatic is growing faster than in the rest of the Adriatic basin.
Maritime transport is also an important branch of the region's economy: there are 19 seaports on the Adriatic, each of which serves more than a million tons of cargo per year. The largest seaport on the Adriatic Sea is the port of Trieste. And the port of Split is largest port Adriatic Sea for passenger traffic.
There are dozens of marine protected areas in the Adriatic. Reserves are designed to protect karst habitats and marine biodiversity. The sea is rich in flora and fauna - more than 7,000 species have been identified as native to the Adriatic, many of which are endemic, rare and endangered.
The shores of the Adriatic Sea are inhabited by more than 3.5 million people. largest cities- Bari, Venice, Trieste, Split.
Islands of the Adriatic Sea
There are more than 1,300 islands and islets of all sizes in the Adriatic Sea, including those that appear at low tide. Most of them are found along the east coast of the Adriatic, especially near Croatia. The largest Croatian islands are Cres and Krk, each with an area of 405.78 square kilometers, and the highest is Brac, whose peak reaches 780 meters above sea level. The island of Lošinj is separated from the island of Cres by a narrow navigable canal, dug in classical antiquity; the island was formerly known as Apsyrtides. There are 47 permanently inhabited Croatian islands, among which the most populated are Krk, Korcula and Brac. The islands along the western (Italian) coast of the Adriatic are less numerous. But the most famous of them are the 117 islands on which the city of Venice is built.
