A baylike arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea separates Italy from the Balkan Peninsula of Eastern Europe. It was probably named after the port town of Adria, which prospered during ancient Roman times. According to surveys done in the late 20th century, the Adriatic is one of the cleanest seas in the world

Physical features

The Adriatic is about 500 miles (800 kilometers) long and has an average width of 100 miles (160 kilometers). Its maximum depth is 4,100 feet (1,250 meters). The sea has a high salt content. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by clear, warm, and dry summers and mild, humid winters.

The Adriatic extends from its northerly head, the Gulf of Venice, southeastward to the Strait of Otranto, which leads to the Ionian Sea. The Po and the Adige rivers empty into the Adriatic near its head. Its western, or Italian, coast is low and straight. The eastern coast on the Balkans is rocky and mountainous with many inlets and offshore islands. This coast can be dangerous for ships in the winter.

Winds and tides

Two main winds prevail in the area of the Adriatic. The bora is a strong northeasterly wind that blows cold, dry air from the nearby mountains. The sirocco, a southeasterly wind from North Africa, is calmer but very hot and humid. Scientific institutes in the surrounding countries have studied the tides of the Adriatic, which follow a complicated pattern.

Economy

The Adriatic is an important part of tourism in the region. Many holiday resorts are located on the Italian and Balkan shores. The main Italian ports on the Adriatic are Bari, Brindisi, Venice, and the free port of Trieste. The main ports on the eastern coast are Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik in Croatia; Bar and Kotor in Serbia and Montenegro; and Durrës and Vlorë in Albania. The fishing catch includes lobsters, sardines, and tuna.