From figs to Intangible Cultural Heritage lace! A special feature on popular souvenirs from Croatia!
Croatia is one of the European countries located to the east of Italy. When it comes to its main tourist spots, there’s the World Heritage–listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its mystical scenery of lakes and waterfalls of all sizes; Brač Island, famous as the location of the “Golden Horn” beach; and the beautiful Old Town of Dubrovnik, with its cityscape facing the Adriatic Sea.
So, if you go to Croatia, what kind of souvenirs should you buy? Here we’ll introduce Croatian specialties and products that are very characteristic of the country. Please use this as a reference when choosing your souvenirs!
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From figs to Intangible Cultural Heritage lace! A special feature on popular souvenirs from Croatia!
Croatian sweets: chocolate, cookies, and candied fruits
Chocolate is a classic souvenir that is sure to please anyone. In Croatia, a recommended product is “Bajadera hazelnut chocolate.” Bajadera was created by the long-established European manufacturer Kraš. When you go to a supermarket, you’ll see many Kraš products, but this is one of Croatia’s most iconic items among them. Also, traditional spicy cookies called “paprenjak” are another standard souvenir!
Something you’ll often see in Croatian souvenir shops is candied orange peel and candied almonds. They’re sweet and slightly tangy and taste great on their own, but they can also be used as cake decorations or snacks to go with drinks. They’re specialties of Dubrovnik and can be bought at markets, so be sure to check them out!
Fig products and truffles
In Croatia, fig trees can be found even in ordinary households, but they are especially widely cultivated along the Adriatic coast. Popular souvenir items include dried figs sold at markets and jam packed full of figs. The organic jam from “Dida Boža” can even be purchased via online shops. You’ll also find a variety of fruit jams from the same brand lined up in supermarkets!
Istria in Croatia is a region famous for truffles. Jars of white and black truffles are sold there, and they are cheaper, making them popular as souvenirs as well. If you go to a specialty store, you can also find truffle salt and truffle oil, which makes them especially delightful gifts for people who love cooking!
Spices and herbs
Something you’ll often see in Croatian household kitchens and supermarkets is a seasoning in a blue package called “Vegeta (VEGETA).” It’s a salty seasoning containing several kinds of spices, and because it can be used in stews, stir-fries, salads, and more, it is very well received as a souvenir!
Herb cultivation is thriving in Croatia, and if you go to a supermarket or pharmacy, you can find various herb products such as essential oils and herbal teas. Lavender cultivation is especially active on Hvar Island, where markets are lined with lavender goods of all kinds, starting with potpourri. In Croatia, natural cosmetics such as those from “Aromatica” are also very popular. Soaps and body-care products made with olive oil and herbs make great souvenirs too!
Intangible Cultural Heritage lace and licitar
For those who want a souvenir that will serve as a lasting memento of Croatia, we recommend traditional lacework products. This craft, made in places like Lepoglava, is actually recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Cute coasters and tablecloths created with lace and embroidery are works of art unique to Croatia. Be sure to take a look!
Among Croatian souvenirs, one item especially recommended for women is the cute heart-shaped “licitar.” These are traditional handicrafts made from a cookie-like dough. It is said that they originated in the Zagreb region as gifts from men to women. Although they are called cookies, they are decorations, so depending on how they’re made, they can last for decades. They also come in many shapes, such as animals and mushrooms, so why not pick up one as a souvenir?
◎ Summary
How was that? Croatia has many charming souvenirs. Use this article as a reference to find souvenirs that suit your tastes and turn them into wonderful mementos of your trip. Besides the items introduced here, Croatian wine, cheese, salt, and olive oil are also well-regarded souvenirs!
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