Croatia captivates visitors with its stunning Adriatic coastline, over 1,000 islands, and remarkably preserved medieval cities. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this Mediterranean gem offers crystal-clear waters, rich history, and exceptional cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Croatian Lace (Čipka)
Delicate hand-made lace from Pag island and Lepoglava, recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tablecloths, collars, and decorative pieces showcase centuries of tradition.
Price: €15-150
Where: Pag town markets, Zagreb artisan shops on Ilica street, Dubrovnik Old Town boutiques
Istrian Truffle Products
Black and white truffles from the Motovun Forest region are among Europe's finest. Truffle oil, truffle salt, and jarred truffles make exceptional culinary gifts.
Price: €10-80
Where: Zigante Tartufi in Motovun, Zigante stores in Zagreb and Rovinj, Dolac Market Zagreb
Travarica Herbal Brandy
Traditional grape brandy infused with local herbs including sage, lavender, and rosemary. Dalmatian producers age it in oak barrels for complex flavor. Different from standard rakija.
Price: €12-35
Where: Duty-free shops, Dubrovnik wine shops, local distilleries in Dalmatia
Hvar Lavender Products
Hvar island produces exceptional lavender oil and products. Sachets, essential oils, soaps, and cosmetics from family farms offer authentic island fragrance and skincare.
Price: €5-40
Where: Hvar town market, Stari Grad square vendors, artisan shops throughout Split-Dalmatia
Morčić Earrings (Dubrovnik)
Moors-head earrings are a centuries-old Dubrovnik tradition symbolizing protection from the Ottoman threat. Masterfully crafted in gold or silver with enamel by local jewelers.
Price: €30-300
Where: Dubrovnik Old Town jewelers, especially on Od Puča and Stradun streets
Lijerica Instrument Replica
Traditional three-stringed instrument from Dalmatia and Dubrovnik region, often available as a decorative replica. Authentic handcrafted versions remain a unique cultural keepsake.
Price: €25-200
Where: Dubrovnik Folk Museum gift shop, artisan workshops near Pile Gate
Paški Sir (Pag Cheese)
Dense, sharp sheep's cheese from Pag island, aged in sea salt and olive oil. Its unique flavor comes from the island's wind-dried sage and herbs that sheep graze on year-round.
Price: €15-35 per wheel
Where: Dolac Market Zagreb, Split Green Market, Pag town shops, high-end delicatessens
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Dolac Market (Tržnica Dolac)
Zagreb's beloved open-air farmers' market, nicknamed 'The Belly of Zagreb' since 1930. Red umbrella stalls overflow with seasonal produce, cheeses, cured meats, honey, and handmade crafts.
Where: Dolac ulica, 10000 Zagreb (above Ban Jelačić Square)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM-2PM, Sunday 7AM-1PM
Split Green Market (Pazar)
Vibrant outdoor market adjacent to the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace where locals shop for fresh produce, figs, almonds, olive oil, and dried herbs from surrounding villages.
Where: Hrvojeva ulica, 21000 Split (behind Diocletian's Palace)
Hours: Daily 7AM-1PM
Dubrovnik Open Air Market
Charming market in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town where local producers sell lavender from the islands, handmade lace, ceramics, embroidery, and fresh produce alongside souvenirs.
Where: Gundulićeva Poljana, 20000 Dubrovnik Old Town
Hours: Daily 7AM-1PM (May-October)
Hrelić Flea Market
Croatia's largest flea market with thousands of vendors selling antiques, vintage items, car parts, books, tools, and curiosities. An authentic Zagreb experience away from tourist areas.
Where: Sajmišna cesta bb, 10090 Zagreb (Jankomir area)
Hours: Sundays 7AM-2PM
Hvar Market
Small but vibrant island market where Hvar locals and farmers sell fresh lavender products, homemade wines, figs, and local produce from the fertile Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where: Fabrika, 21450 Hvar town center
Hours: Daily 7AM-12PM (seasonal, May-September)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Ilica Street, Zagreb
Zagreb's longest shopping street stretches over 6km from Ban Jelačić Square toward Črnomerec. Mix of international chains, Croatian fashion boutiques, bookstores, and cafes makes it the city's main commercial artery.
Best for: Fashion, books, everyday shopping, Croatian brands
Dubrovnik Old Town
The Stradun and surrounding medieval streets house boutiques selling Croatian lace, lavender products, wine, Morčić jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs. Premium prices but unbeatable atmosphere.
Best for: Souvenirs, Croatian crafts, jewelry, wine, luxury goods
Split Marmontova and Vestibul
Split's main pedestrian zone includes Marmontova ulica with fashion stores and cafes, plus the atmospheric streets within and around Diocletian's Palace where local designers sell jewelry and art.
Best for: Fashion, jewelry, Croatian design, café culture
Cvjetni Prolaz, Zagreb
Zagreb's trendy Flower Square area and its passages feature independent boutiques, Croatian designer shops, concept stores, and artisan workshops. The Importanne Centar passage connects multiple boutique zones.
Best for: Croatian design, independent fashion, gifts, art prints
Rovinj Old Town, Istria
Winding cobblestone streets of Rovinj's old town are lined with galleries selling original paintings, handmade jewelry, Istrian truffle products, and local olive oils from small producers across the peninsula.
Best for: Art, paintings, Istrian specialties, truffle products, ceramics
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Avenue Mall Zagreb
Zagreb's largest shopping mall with over 130 stores including Zara, H&M, Mango, and international brands alongside Croatian retailers. Cinema, food court, and underground parking make it convenient for rainy-day shopping.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-10PM
Arena Centar Zagreb
Modern shopping center near Zagreb Airport with 200+ stores across three levels. The largest IKEA in Southeast Europe is connected, making it a popular destination for locals seeking furniture and home goods alongside fashion and electronics.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-10PM
City Center One East, Zagreb
Two-part shopping destination (East and Split locations) featuring international brands, a hypermarket, cinema complex, and diverse food court. The Split location on the waterfront is architecturally striking and convenient for airport arrivals.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Croatian shops, malls, or established markets — prices are fixed
At Hrelić flea market and some souvenir stalls, polite negotiation is acceptable, especially for multiple purchases
Asking for a 'popust' (discount) at market stalls selling crafts sometimes yields 10-20% off, especially toward closing time
At local markets buying large quantities (olive oil, cheese, honey), vendors sometimes offer better prices for bulk
In tourist areas like Dubrovnik and Hvar, comparing prices between several shops before buying is advisable
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Items over 50 years old may require export permits. EU residents can freely transport goods within EU limits. Non-EU visitors can export up to €430 in goods duty-free.
Tax Refund: VAT refund available for non-EU residents on purchases over €133.72 per transaction. Request a Tax Free form (Global Blue or Planet) at point of purchase and present at customs exit.
Duty Free: EU citizens: no limits on goods bought tax-paid within EU. Non-EU visitors: 200 cigarettes, 1L spirits, 2L wine, €430 in other goods duty-free.
Shipping: International shipping available from main post offices and courier services (DHL, FedEx, GLS). Ship fragile items like olive oil and wine from specialized packing services in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik.