Istria is the peninsula in Croatia and Slovenia that forms the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.
The peninsula lies at the northern end of the Adriatic, between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. Most of Istria belongs to Croatia, while a smaller northern section belongs to Slovenia; a tiny part is also associated with Italy’s historical Istrian region.
Istria has a layered history shaped by Roman, Venetian, Austrian, Italian, Yugoslav, and modern Croatian and Slovenian influences. Pula, on the southern coast, is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
The region is also known for hill towns, truffles, olive oil, vineyards, and a heavily indented coastline. Although Istria is often discussed as a cultural and historical region, its geographic core is the Adriatic peninsula itself. It should not be confused with the entire eastern Adriatic coast.