Top 10 souvenirs to buy in Croatia on your vacation!

Croatia is an amazingly beautiful country to visit and enjoy a vacation. Several things make Croatia such an aesthetic country. From gorgeous waterfalls, massive castles to rustic buildings, ancient cathedrals and stunning beaches. Also, there is something unique in every place you visit in Croatia. No wonder you will have a perfect vacation there! Coming back from such a splendid vacation should be memorable forever on our Croatia tour packages. So here is a list of the 10 best souvenirs to buy in Croatia on your vacation!

10 Best souvenirs to buy in Croatia

1. Lavender essentials
2. Wooden toys
3. Maraschino cherries
4. Croatian Lace
5. Homemade Jam
6. Kras chocolates
7. Traditional cheese
8. Licitar hearts
9. Rakija
10. Samobor crystal

1. Lavender essentials

If you want to buy something very special and premium, you can always buy these essentials. The lavender essentials range from soaps, shampoo, lotions, perfumes, oils and candles. You can buy anything from this range and surprise your loved one. Hvar is one of the best Croatian islands, and there are many stunning lavender fields! Other than lavender essentials, you can also buy pure olive oil, linseed oil, wine grapes, and many more. So, it is one of the best and “forever kinds of souvenirs” to buy in Croatia on your vacation! 

• Where to Buy: Look for lavender farms, local markets, or specialty shops in regions like Hvar, Vis, or the Dalmatian Coast.
• What to Look Out For: Opt for products like lavender oil, sachets, soaps, or dried lavender bundles. Check for products made from locally sourced lavender for authenticity and quality. Look for vibrant color and strong fragrance in dried lavender bundles, and ensure lavender oil is pure and not diluted with other oils.

2. Wooden toys

Wooden toys are extremely special to even elderly people. The wooden toys of Hrvatsko Zagorje are officially under UNESCO protection and have a high heritage in the making. The men in the city beautifully carve and make different types of wooden toys, while the women in the family paint the toys with ecologically friendly paint. The toys are completely made out of wood like teak, oak and timber. Some of the most famous wooden toys are cars, horses, a spinning wheel, boats and tiny furniture. So, this is such a perfect souvenir to buy or gift someone, especially kids. This obscure region is very near to the country’s gorgeous capital, Zagreb.

• Where to Buy: Visit local markets, artisan workshops, or specialty toy stores in towns and cities across Croatia, particularly in rural areas and coastal regions.
• What to Look Out For: Seek out handcrafted wooden toys made from sustainable materials. Look for toys with smooth finishes and vibrant, non-toxic paints or dyes. Traditional Croatian wooden toys often include puzzles, figurines (such as animals or characters from folklore), and vehicles like cars or trains.

3. Maraschino cherries

Maraschino cherries are very famous in Western countries like Croatia, Austria and Slovakia. Maraschino cherries are light colour cherries with extreme sweetness and a good texture. Also, maraschino cherries are a mix of many other cherries like Royal Ann, Rainier and Gold varieties. This cherry is not very sweet as it looks, but it is a great souvenir to buy. To be exact, the cherries taste like a hundred Shirley Temples. So you can now imagine the taste of the fruit. This is a great choice if you want to buy something unique and unusual.

• Where to Buy: Look for maraschino cherries in specialty food shops, delicatessens, or souvenir stores in Zadar and other coastal cities like Šibenik.
• What to Look Out For: Opt for cherries preserved in maraschino liqueur for the authentic taste. Check the label for quality ingredients and ensure the cherries are plump and vibrant in color. Authentic maraschino cherries should have a distinct flavor and aroma, with a sweet yet slightly bitter taste from the liqueur.

4. Croatian Lace

The Benedectine nuns still have a rich heritage and tradition in making Croatian laces. You can find original and gorgeous laces in many shops in Hvar town. Croatian lace or aloe laces are woven into cardboard or nets. The laces are completely handmade, having high importance and demand in the market. Not only laces, but you can also buy lace dresses, bags, photo frames, lace decor items and lace-making kits. This is such a thoughtful gift and a pretty souvenir to buy in Croatia. And also, do not forget to check out the lace-making factories and places on your Croatia vacation!

• Where to Buy: Look for local markets, souvenir shops, or lace-making workshops.
• What to Look Out For: Authentic handmade lace is a must. Pay attention to the intricacy of the patterns and the quality of craftsmanship.

5. Homemade Jam

Homemade products always have a high demand and popularity among the people. The natives of Croatia not only make laces, wines and cheese but also varieties of jams and dips. You can watch the jam production in huge factories and as small scale house businesses too. And not to forget, this is also one of the major sources of income of the natives. You will find many such cottage businesses in the rural and countryside regions in Croatia. The jam is left to sit for almost 40-48 hours before packing. There are many types of fruit jams, spiced jams, honey jams, and even pepper jams. Some of the tastiest jams are plum jam, strawberry jam, pineapple jam, rosewater raspberry jam, carrot jam and mixed fruit jam. You can buy as many bottles of jam as you wish. This is one of the memorable souvenirs to buy in Croatia.

• Where to Buy: Look for homemade jams at local markets, roadside stands, or small family-owned shops in rural areas and villages across Croatia. You may also find them in specialty food stores or agro-tourism farms.
• What to Look Out For: Choose jams made from locally sourced fruits, such as figs, strawberries, cherries, or plums. Pay attention to the ingredients list and opt for jams without artificial additives or preservatives. Homemade jams often come in charming glass jars with handwritten labels, adding to their authenticity and appeal.

6. Kras chocolates

How can you not buy chocolates from one of the best chocolate manufacturers in Europe? Every country in Europe is famous for its own chocolate type and production. And it is Kras chocolates for Croatia. These chocolates are fine and extremely premium in quality and taste. You can buy Kras chocolates in almost every supermarket, souvenir store, and even restaurants, cafes and bars. There are many day trips to the KRAS Choco Bar, which is one of the most famous places in Zagreb. You can see the making of the chocolates, taste, and buy some assorted boxes of chocolates as souvenirs. Chocolates are the best souvenirs to buy in any country, especially in Croatia!

• Where to Buy: Look for Kras chocolates in supermarkets, convenience stores, or specialty chocolate shops throughout Croatia. You can also find them in souvenir shops, especially in tourist areas like Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik.
• What to Look Out For: Kras offers a wide range of chocolates, from classic milk chocolate bars to assorted pralines and truffles. Look for their iconic products like Dorina chocolate bars or Bajadera pralines. Consider picking up a variety of flavors to sample the best of Croatian chocolate craftsmanship.

7. Traditional cheese

One of the most common and famous varieties of cheese in Croatia is the Pag cheese. It is made from distinctive and unique flavoured sheep milk. This cheese tastes extremely creamy and delicious. You can try this cheese and many other cheese varieties in the typical Croatia breakfast combo. Of course, there are many factories and cottage businesses in cheese making, pasteurising and trading. This is an absolute treat for cheese lovers and even foodies. There are many other types of cheese in Croatia like Istrian cheese, Tezacki cheese, Basa and Paksa (Pag) cheese. Try visiting these business areas and know more about the process!

• Where to Buy: Visit local markets, cheese shops, or dairy farms across Croatia, particularly in regions known for cheese production such as Istria, Pag Island, or the Dalmatian Coast.
• What to Look Out For: Opt for authentic Croatian cheeses made from locally sourced milk, often from sheep, cow, or goat. Popular varieties include Paški sir (cheese from Pag Island), Istrian cheese (such as Istrian sheep cheese), or Dalmatinski sir (cheese from Dalmatia). Look for cheeses aged in traditional methods, with distinctive flavors and textures unique to the region.

8. Licitar hearts

The Licitar hearts are very similar to the gingerbread man tradition. This is a very popular tradition in Zagreb, the country’s gorgeous capital. It is a very authentic souvenir to buy, and it is also on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. The ingredients to make the licitar hearts are dough, sugar, and some food colours. It is one of the significant baking customs in Croatia. You can buy these cute little hearts to hang outside your door. This is also a great gift for your friends and kids! Do we need more reasons to say that licitar hearts are one of the must-buy souvenirs in Croatia?

• Where to Buy: Look for Licitarsko Hearts in souvenir shops, markets, or specialized craft stores, particularly in Zagreb and other tourist destinations across Croatia.
• What to Look Out For: Licitarsko Hearts are brightly colored, heart-shaped biscuits or ornaments made from honey dough and decorated with intricate designs. They often feature red, white, and gold colors and are adorned with motifs such as flowers, birds, or traditional Croatian symbols. These hearts are not only decorative but also edible, though they’re often used more for decoration than consumption.

9. Rakija

Rakija is an alcohol variety, and it is the most famous spirit or brandy in Croatia. And also, Rakija is the national drink of Croatia, so you can buy these drinks without thinking twice. There are also many other drinks that you can consider buying. Some of the other common drinks are Dingac, Chardonnay, Grk (white wine) and Plavac Mali (red wine). These are some of the expensive and classic souvenirs to buy in Croatia.

• Where to Buy: Rakija is available in liquor stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops throughout Croatia. You can also find it in local markets or directly from small-scale producers in rural areas.
• What to Look Out For: Rakija comes in various fruit flavors, including plum (šljivovica), grape (loza), pear (kruškovac), or apricot (kajsijevača). Look for rakija made from high-quality fruits and produced using traditional methods for the best flavor. Pay attention to the alcohol content, as rakija can be quite strong, often ranging from 40% to 60% alcohol by volume.

10. Samobor crystal souvenirs

Samobor crystals are the most famous crystals in Croatia and one of the important crystals in Europe. These crystals contain a 24% lead cut. The major significance of this place is glass-blowing. There is a 180-year-old tradition and history in craftsmanship. There are many blown glass masterpieces like glass vases, cups, holders, horse statues, perfume bottles and whiskey glasses. If you want to make your vacation an extremely memorable one forever, then these cult pieces will be a perfect choice.

• Where to Buy: Visit glassware shops, artisan studios, or souvenir stores in Samobor itself or in major Croatian cities like Zagreb, where Samobor crystal products are often sold.
• What to Look Out For: Samobor crystal is known for its clarity, brilliance, and intricate designs. Look for glassware such as wine glasses, vases, bowls, or decorative items crafted from high-quality crystal. Authentic Samobor crystal products should bear the mark or label indicating their origin.

So, that is everything about the 10 best souvenirs to buy in Croatia on your wonderful vacation. Of course, there are more such souvenirs, but the most prominent and famous ones are above. You can buy as many things as you wish and surprise your loved ones! Build your trip right away with Pickyourtail and check out Croatia holiday experience to learn more about the pre-packages. Or you can also customise your Croatia itinerary on your own according to your preferences, likes and budget! 

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