Are you looking for the perfect souvenir to bring back from Croatia? Without hesitation, go for a mini bottle of Rakija, Paški sir (Pag cheese), a licitar ❤️ gingerbread heart, a Croatian tie, or even a sachet of lavender from Hvar. These five essentials sum up the soul of the country: generous terroir, time-honored craftsmanship, and historical symbols.
The 5 must-have Croatian souvenirs to slip into your suitcase
| Souvenir ⭐ | Why is it iconic? | Where to buy it (address) | Indicative price | Emoji marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artisanal Rakija | Traditional eau-de-vie served right from the aperitif | Market at Dolac, Zagreb | 8 € / 50 cl | 🥃 |
| Paški sir | Salted sheep cheese, awarded in London 2024 | Gligora Dairy, Kolan (Pag) | 90 € / kg | 🧀 |
| Licitarsko srce | Gingerbread heart, symbol of love | Krampus shops, Ilica 69, Zagreb | 1 € to 5 € | ❤️ |
| Croatian tie | Local invention from the 17th century | Store Croata, Ulica Nikole Tesle 5 | 35 € to 120 € | 👔 |
| Lavender from Hvar | 100% organic essential oil 🌱 | Aroma Hvar Cooperative, Velo Grablje | 3 € per sachet | 💜 |
For more inspiring lists, take a look at this alternative guide or the selection from Ok Croatie.
Quick bonus: 5 clever items that fit in a cabin bag
- 🧂 Fish-shaped salt shaker from Rijeka
- 🎎 Hand-painted wooden dolls from Hrvatsko Zagorje
- 🧴 Olive soaps from the island of Pašman
- ⌚ Small pocket watch engraved “Croatia 925”
- 🪵 Cork souvenirs from Istria, light and eco-friendly
Gourmet products: the best of Croatian cuisine
The local gastronomy is as appealing as its beaches. Here are 7 specialties easy to carry:
- 🥃 Rakija (sljivovica, travarica, medica…)
- 🍷 Croatian wines – favor Pošip or Plavac Mali
- 🛢️ Olive oil from Istria, voted best in Europe 2025
- 🍯 Chestnut honey from Lika
- 🧄 Local spices: Vegeta, truffle salt, Slavonian paprika
- 🫑 Ajvar “Vipro” – the caviar of the Balkans
- 🥩 Pršut from Drniš, vacuum packed 200 g
| Customs tip 🇪🇺 | Allowed product | Recommended limit |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids in cabin | Rakija & Olive oil ≤ 100 ml / bottle | 10 bottles |
| Cheeses | Vacuum-packed Paški sir | 2 kg |
| Cold cuts | EU-labeled Pršut | 1 kg |
More gourmet ideas? Browse the tips from Ideoz or the list from Regard sur la Croatie.
Where to buy specialties without breaking the bank?
- 🏪 Konzum supermarkets for Vegeta and Ajvar (local prices)
- 🛒 Split Market (Tržnica) for fresh truffles 🍄
- 🚜 Kalpić Agritourism, Radonić – cold-pressed olive oil
- 📦 International shipping: Instinct Voyageur lists reliable e-shops
Craftsmanship and unique creations of heritage value
Croatia excels in the art of thread, stone… and ceramics! Here are the pieces to watch in the shops:
- 🪡 Pag lace (UNESCO) – doily 30 €
- 🧵 Silk embroideries from Konavle – table runner 45 €
- 🏺 Traditional ceramics from Grožnjan – bowl 12 €
- 💍 Amber jewelry from the island of Korčula – pendant 40 €
- 🫶 Wooden dolls from Hrvatsko Zagorje – 15 €
| Artisan | Specialty | City / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Galerija Lepoglava | Bobbin lace | Ul. Hrvatskih Pavlina 5, Lepoglava |
| Artefacto “In Love with Zagreb” | Jewelry inspired by the city 💎 | Tkalčićeva 14, Zagreb |
| OPG Matulić | Olive cosmetics & soaps | Dobropoljana 74, Pašman |
Tips to avoid tourist traps
- 🔍 Check the label “Croatian Handmade” (HRN EN 1485)
- 👵 Favor stands run by “baka” who sew on site
- 🛡️ Pay with digital kuna or card – avoids counterfeit money
Original small gifts for collectors
Want a souvenir that breaks from clichés? These pieces tell the country’s story:
- 🕊️ Replica of the Vučedol dove
- 🪨 Miniature Baška stele in reconstructed stone
- ⛺ Model of an Istrian kažun
- 🚦 Austro-Hungarian traffic bollard scale 1:87
- 💼 Elegant pocket watch engraved “Hrvatska”
| Item | Recommended shop | Useful link |
|---|---|---|
| Vučedol dove | Muzej Vučedol, Vukovar | Complete guide |
| Baška stele | Jurandvor souvenir shop | Air Info article |
To go further: international shopping inspirations
Compare your Croatian finds with those brought back from Milan, Thailand, or even New York. For a list shared in just a few clicks, try the “My Wishes” tool.
FAQ – Souvenirs from Croatia
- Which souvenir costs less than 5 €?
A sachet of lavender, a small licitar, or a traditional ceramic magnet can be found from 2 € at local markets. - Can Paški sir be transported by plane?
Yes, if vacuum-packed and consumed within 48 hours; nevertheless, check the rules of your return country. - Where to buy a real Croatian tie?
In the “Croata” shops in Zagreb or at Franjo Tuđman Airport (duty-free zone). - Are local spices like Vegeta halal?
The classic version is vegetarian; the “Vegeta Natur” variant has had the halal logo since 2023. - Are there eco-friendly souvenirs?
Yes: cork souvenirs, lead-free ceramics, or OPG Matulić cosmetics certified organic by Ecocert.
