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Samples of surface sediment layer (0-2 cm) were collected at 39 locations along the eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia) in August and September 2005. Results of granulometric composition, organic matter, carbonate, organic carbon content and phosphorus concentration in sediments were subject to correlation and cluster analysis. The examined stations represent the areas of different trophic status and environmental conditions for sediment particles settling. Sand was predominant grain size sediment fraction (53± 34%) and it was negatively correlated with organic matter content (3.84±2.40%). Carbonate content in sediments (47± 14%) was not correlated to granulometric composition due to different geological origin of the North and Middle Adriatic sediments. Organic matter affinity to smaller sediment particles resulted with higher C-ORG values in fine-sized sediments. Total phosphorus concentrations (13.4±4.6 μmol g-1) were positively correlated to fine-sized sediments and negatively to carbonates. Cluster analysis of the all investigated parameters indicated the granulometric composition as a leading factor that influences other sediment characteristics of the eastern Adriatic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]