Istria formerly Histria (Latin), is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner.
The geographical features of Istria include Ucka Mountain, which is the highest point in the Cicarija mountain range, the rivers Dragonja, Mirna, Pazincica and Raša, and the Lim bay. Istria lies in three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The largest portion, Croatian Istria (Hrvatska Istra), is further divided into two counties. The largest portion is Istria county in western Croatia. Important towns in Istria County include Pula, Porec, Rovinj, Pazin, Labin, Umag, Motovun, Buzet and Buje, as well as smaller towns of Višnjan, Roc, and Hum.
The Kvarner Gulf is a bay in the northern Adriatic Sea, located between the Istrian peninsula and the northern Croatian seacoast.
The main islands within the Kvarner are Cres, Krk, Pag, Rab and Lošinj. The main portion of the Kvarner bay is that between the mainland, Cres and Krk. A smaller body of water located between Cres, Krk, Rab and Pag is called Kvarneric (the little Kvarner).
The bay is notable for it's depth, which allows for the city of Rijeka (at it's northernmost point) to have a seaport that can handle the largest ships in the world such as super tankers. The city of Rijeka itself has a long pedigree as a ship building port.
The special qualities of the cuisines of Istrian and Kvarner cuisines may be found in the fine relationship of the Mediterranean and the continent - the use of aromatic and seasoning herbs and olive oil. Today the inland of Istria is synonymous with good domestic cuisine that offers various cheeses, cold plates and meat dishes. Traditionally this region abounds with fish and seafood specialties. The age old traditions of olive-tree cultivation and the production of olive oil (especially on the islands of Cres, and Krk) are also nurtured and continue to be passed on within families from generation to generation. Also specific to the region are the various stewed vegetables called “manestra”. World renowned dishes include pasta or meat with truffles; rare mushrooms which are gathered using specially trained dogs and pegs, and which are quite often attributed with aphrodisiac qualities. This region is also the homeland to some of the most famous Croatian wines. Special gastronomic days are dedicated to this region, particular ingredients that are often celebrated are asparagus and chestnuts called “maruni” (a particular type of chestnut). Also famous are pasta dishes prepared in a special manner; pasta called “fuži” in Istria and “šurlice” in Krk.
