Croatia is a colorful and unforgettable country with its own traditions and peculiarities. This is one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world, where every tourist should visit. The country has the most favorable climate for summer holidays and the cleanest waters of the Mediterranean coast. A visit to this wonderful corner leaves the warmest memories that will remind you of a pleasant journey for a long time. But what to bring from Croatia besides a golden tan and beautiful nature photos? You can surprise your loved ones not only with souvenirs or fridge magnets, but also with other colorful reminders. Edible gifts will help convey a real part of the country, and will be a great opportunity to talk about a wonderful vacation with the family.

Pagian cheese

This famous delicacy has a unique taste and is sold in any store. Produced in a very unusual place. His homeland is the island of Pag, which is covered with a layer of salt and more like the surface of an uninhabited planet. The main vegetation in such conditions was spicy herbs with elastic foliage, or rather, sage and rosemary, which are the only food for the local breed of sheep.

Thanks to the sea wind and salt crystals, sheep give already salted milk. Golden Pag cheese has a salty rind and a heady aroma of herbs and olive oil. It is not covered with wax, on top it dries itself. There are no preservatives and synthetic additives in its composition, and it is usually served with wine. This variety is recognized as the best in the world among hard sheep cheeses and the national product of the Croatian region.

Olive oil

A good gift would be olive oil, which, in terms of quality, is in no way inferior to Greek, Spanish and Italian production. Olives grow everywhere here, but local farmers are not able to compete with well-known global producers. It is known that an olive tree lives on average for about 500 years, but on the Istrian peninsula, their age exceeds 17 centuries. The famous truffle oil is also bought here.

Before making a purchase, the oil should be tasted. You can do this at spontaneous farmers' markets. Fresh olive oil is considered very tasty and fragrant, to which pepper, garlic and local herbs are added. It is noticeably different from the store, has an unusual taste and smell. The product of the first cold pressing is endowed with useful qualities. The oil is sold in glass bottles or tin containers, and the label always indicates the classification by grade, and the acidity of the product.

Prosciutto

The pride of the country is called dried pork ham, or prosciutto. Without tasting it, one cannot get a complete picture of the national cuisine of this people. It is similar to Spanish jamon, but made using a completely different technology. Such a present will definitely please friends, relatives, remind you of a pleasant journey. Dried meat is sold in all grocery stores, supermarkets, and is a national product. This is a real meat delicacy, which is produced in dried and smoked form. It also differs in color, and it can be light or dark.

This is a dietary dish that is perfectly absorbed by the body. Fresh pork ham is rubbed with salt, various spices and dried for 14 months. The older the pork, the tastier it is. Each manufacturer prepares it according to its own recipe, and each has its own secrets for preparing this delicacy. For example, Istrian prosciutto is cooked in dry air, and Dalmatian prosciutto is smoked on oak coals. The longer the exposure of prosciutto, the higher its price. Such meat can be stored in a cool dark place for more than a year. You should buy it in vacuum packaging, then it will not lose its appearance during the trip.

Truffles

Mushroom truffle will become a valuable useful gift for the whole family. On the Istra peninsula there is a whole forest where white and black truffles grow. This is a real delicacy that is appreciated all over the world, but it does not grow everywhere. White truffle has a special, refined taste, but it is very difficult to find. Black truffle is more common, and is served in restaurants and cafes as part of various dishes. In supermarkets, it can be found in glass jars in pickled form.

The price for a small fresh “tartuffe”, as it sounds in the Croatian language, varies from 8 to 12 euros, yet its taste is enough to treat the whole family. They are sold in special shops or markets, and the prices here are much lower than in the same France. King mushrooms are usually bought in Istria as a paste, seasoning, and also dry or fresh. Here, in October, the annual collection of truffles takes place, in which you can easily take part.

Chocolate

Croatian chocolate factories are known all over the world. We are talking not only about milk, but also about dark chocolate with a large amount of cocoa and less sugar. The masters of the largest factory Nadalina are so reverent in their work that they create simply incredible things. It was here that the first chocolate with rice, chocolate music records, as well as the largest tile measuring 101 sq.m. were invented. The most expensive chocolate is made from donkey milk and high-quality Porcelana cocoa, sweetened with organic agave sugar. It is sold wrapped in olive tree paper.

Local confectioneries are a real paradise for the sweet tooth, besides, in any such institution you can order sweet tiles to your own taste. Particular attention should be paid to dark chocolate with chili pepper. Rumor has it that his recipe was taken from Arabic cuisine. The tile has an unusual spicy taste, but the sweetness is definitely interesting and very popular. There are also other original varieties, for example, with the addition of Pag cheese, truffle, lavender or olive oil. Croatians are proud of their chocolate and export it to all countries.

Honey

The unique climate, mountains and abundance of flower fields make it possible to produce delicious mountain and lavender honey. The combination of various components and an unusual aftertaste make this product a truly unusual souvenir. For example, pine honey is prepared according to a special folk recipe, because pine is not a flowering plant, which means it is almost impossible to get a honey product from it. In fact, it is a sugar syrup made from a decoction of pine cones or buds. It is produced on the Plitvice Lakes, and you can buy it during the tour.

In the mountainous regions, every native farmer has an apiary and makes his own honey. In addition to the usual varieties, rare green honey is obtained from acacia. It contains extracts from green herbs and vegetables such as mint, nettle, rock rose and broccoli. Enriched with useful components, it has become a real local “cure” for all diseases. Jars of fragrant treats are sold everywhere, but it is most profitable to buy it in the markets.

Paprenjak cookies

The origin of papregnac is unknown, but cookies were definitely baked in the 16th century during the Renaissance. Now it is sold in many confectionery and souvenir shops, and in the old days a whole family gathered to make it. Mothers and grandmothers prepared the dough, and the children carved holiday figurines. The recipe has spread throughout Europe, but it is the Croats who make paprenyacs with the help of special three-dimensional stamps.

Paprenjak is a famous Croatian biscuit with honey, spices, black pepper and chopped nuts. Moreover, each housewife prepares this dessert to her taste, with the addition of her own ingredients. In other countries, anise, cardamom, orange zest are added. It has a special taste, transparent packaging and a label with the inscription Paprenjak. You can buy it in any store, cafe and souvenir shops. In pastry shops, each batch is crowned with its own branded stamp. Not a single tourist with a sweet tooth will pass by these gingerbread cookies.

Wine

Croatia can be called a wine country, so true connoisseurs will not miss the opportunity to taste Croatian alcoholic drinks, which are much better than Italian and French ones. Winemakers here have achieved truly great success, and have registered more than 800 varieties of wines, and about 80 of them are elite. The price often depends on the producer, the grape variety, and also the year of harvest. The most popular “souvenir” wines: Grasevina, Plavac, Bibic, Malvazija and many others. To choose a quality product, you should pay attention to the label, where there should be an inscription – “kvalitetno vino”.

We can say that the wine flows here like a river. There are more than 1,000 large wineries and 20,000 private winemakers in this country. About 80% of wine production is occupied by white wine, but red wine is most valued here. The composition may also contain other fruits and berries, such as blackberries, so some drinks have a characteristic fruity aroma. In local bars, where they sell only the products of local winemakers, the alcohol is of the best quality. Homemade wines can easily be taken home as a present.

Maraschino liqueur

The original fruit liqueur has been produced since the 16th century. His homeland is the city of Zadar. A special recipe includes maraschino cherries, ground together with the pit. Liquor has no color, but it has plenty of alcohol – 32%, so many people drink it diluted or add a few drops to coffee. This drink is aged in barrels for about three years, and is considered a symbol of wisdom, diligence and love of the Dalmatian farmer for his land. It is the marasca variety with its unique tart taste that gives the drink a characteristic note of almonds.

“Maraschino” has already been tested by many famous personalities. The outlandish drink enjoyed the love and patronage of the noblest nobility, including the royal house of Britain. Honore de Balzac spoke about him in his book First Steps in Life. It was tasted by passengers on the legendary Titanic. Neither the world lover of Casanova, nor the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte ignored him. Even world film classic Alfred Hitchcock liked to drink it.

Brandy

Of the strong aperitifs, you should try the Balkan alcoholic drink called rakia. The fortress of the store product is 40 degrees, and the homemade one is all 60. Rakia tastes like brandy, only the composition contains exclusively fruits. In fact, this is the same vodka, but it is aged like cognac in oak barrels for at least 6 months. The most unusual brandy is infused with a mixture of medicinal herbs or nutty. Rakia or moonshine is used quite often at home feasts.

They drink brandy in small sips just before eating. In bars, it is poured into elongated tin or glass mugs of 50 grams each, and served with pickles or meats. Experts say that each type of raki has its own appetizer. Green vegetables, eggs, cheeses are great for apricot. To plum – fatty meat dishes. Grape varieties are combined with ham or meat hot dishes. Various cheeses are served with a pear drink, but quince-based vodka is more combined with sausages and vegetables.

Silk tie

It is the Croats who are considered the inventors of neckerchiefs. They call a tie svilena kravatka and wear it as a business attribute. Representatives of the stronger sex began to wear it around the 17th century, and soon it became part of the national costume. The Croatian army wore it, and when the soldiers arrived in France, many people liked this attribute.

The French adopted the detail of the toilet, gave it a name – kravat, which means Croat. By the way, the Ukrainian word kravatka also comes from here. Thanks to the French fashion, ribbons scattered around the world and became a sign of a real gentleman. Even the guardsmen of the main military unit, which carries guards in the old city, wears a neckerchief tied in a special way around their necks. In the era of the incredible development of tourism, neckerchiefs began to be actively used.

For some time now, a holiday has appeared in this country – International Tie Day, which is celebrated annually on October 18th. In this country, they know a lot about making this incredibly beautiful accessory. It is sewn in factories and by hand, and sold everywhere. The doors of such a store are usually decorated with a huge colored tie, so it is impossible to miss it. The best gift is considered to be men's silk ties from Croata.

Morchich

Earrings will become not only an original gift for lovely ladies, but also their amulet. We are talking about an unusual decoration in the form of the heads of the Moors. It was they who for many centuries were used by Croatian sailors and fishermen as a protection against evil forces. Morcic is the official symbol of the city of Rijeka. In ancient times, when the port of Rijeka was besieged by the Turks, women and children prayed that God would throw stones at the strangers. After defeating the enemy, the men presented their wives with Moorish earrings, which at some point turned into the heads of the Moors.

The appearance of this jewelry is always associated with legends, but morcic is not only earrings, but also rings, brooches, key chains, bracelets and figurines with an African head in a white turban. Products from the souvenir shop are not of great value, however, in jewelry shops there are specimens made of precious metals. The most expensive of them are decorated with precious stones: rubies, corals and pearls.

Nalivpero fountain pens

All souvenir shops are filled to overflowing with different-sized fountain pens. They are made for every taste and color, and all because it is the national pride of the Croats. This accessory was invented by the Croatian engineer Slavoljub Penkala at the beginning of the 20th century. Since that time, the goose nib has been replaced by a more durable steel nib. Today, one of the most famous brands that still produces fountain pens remains Nalivpero.

Croatia is the birthplace of this stationery, yet this business souvenir is not cheap at all. Today it is a fashion writing instrument that can only compete with gel pens in writing speed. In Western European schools, ink pens are still popular, but in other countries they have long been replaced by cheaper options. The cases of the earliest fountain pens were made of ebonite, now they are made of plastic. Collection series are made from celluloid, but this is too combustible material, which is practically not used.

dolls

What present for a girl can be found in the souvenir shops of this hospitable land? Of course, dolls in national clothes. In this corner of the world there are a lot of varieties of national costumes, and each region has its own. It was in the clothes that the rich history of the state, its cultural diversity was reflected. They are sold in a large assortment, they are not very expensive. Such a souvenir will definitely remind you of the trip and will be a good gift for loved ones.

Dolls are made of wood, porcelain, plastic or soft materials. They are dressed in dresses, aprons, vests, hats, and, of course, ties. According to tradition, the top is decorated with a stylized daisy, and their heads are decorated with exquisite hairstyles that echo the style of the outfit. These are not only toy decorations, handmade motanka dolls are also amulets from the evil eye and damage, and they also grant wishes. They are made of fabric, threads, colored ribbons, decorated with embroidery and lace. They keep such dolls at home in a secluded place or take them with them on the road.

Ceramics

For souvenirs in Zagreb, Dubrovnik or Split, it is better to go to the Old Town. According to centuries-old tradition, there is a considerable selection of ceramics. Prices in different shops are almost the same, so you can buy goods immediately, without leaving the cash register. The best reminders will be small copies of antique amphoras raised from the bottom of the sea. Of course, in the modern world, many of the secrets that the ancient masters owned have already been lost, nevertheless, it is possible to purchase a miniature copy.

In the pottery workshops located right on the streets, you can find unfinished pottery made of colored clay, which has a rather unusual appearance. Handicrafts are usually presented in the form of plates, goblets or vases, and are available in a large assortment in any shop. Their design is always exceptional, and the quality is beyond praise. In the hands of talented craftsmen, ordinary clay turns into true works of arts and crafts.

Products made of white Brač stone

Brac stone has long gone down in history as a solid and beautiful building material. He served as the main raw material in the construction of the well-known Capitol in America, and after that he became famous throughout the world. Be that as it may, people appreciate in it not only strength and beauty. For the locals, this snow-white limestone has always been a talisman. According to ancient belief, every dwelling should undoubtedly contain at least one product made of this noble stone.

White stone is mined on the island of Brac. Jewelry, figurines, kitchen utensils, watches, and much more are made from it. Souvenirs made from Brač limestone turn out to be extraordinarily beautiful, and the prices for them do not bite at all. There is plenty to choose from, and if you don't want to buy jugs, trays and figurines, then you can get by with a piece of the famous outlandish stone.

Vuchedol dove

The Vucedol dove can be considered the most recognizable archaeological symbol of the country. This ceramic vessel is an exact copy of a jug that was found during excavations of ancient settlements. Such dove-shaped vessels were made around 3000 BC. At that time it was a masterpiece of pottery.

An unusually beautiful ceramic model of a bird with three thick legs symbolizes peace, serenity and the struggle for freedom. This is a very significant thing for the Croatian people, so almost every traveler considers it his duty to bring an unusual souvenir in memory of this place. Dove-shaped vessels of various sizes are sold on any street, but this is a fragile gift, which means it needs to be securely packaged.

Lavender

Admiring the lavender fields, many want to take a piece of them with them. For this purpose, dried lavender is sold, along with cosmetics, souvenirs, and home accessories made on its basis. Croatian lavender is an environmentally friendly high quality product that is exported to all corners of the globe. It is planted and harvested by hand on the sunniest island of Hvar in ideal climatic conditions on favorable hilly soil.

The heady lavender aroma is felt in any souvenir shop. It has a calming and lulling effect, completely safe to use. During the summer, many people go on a “lavender tour” to admire the blooming fields and buy lavender souvenirs from fresh or dry bouquets, scented bags, linen pillows, and candles. On sale there is always lavender tea, oil and honey. These are quite popular products that deservedly enjoy great respect.

Page lace

The most beautiful gift that can be brought from here, the Croats proudly call Pag lace. Woven on the Isle of Page, it is so delicate and intricate that it has been nicknamed “white gold”. Hand weaving is highly valued in Europe and beyond. Several centuries ago, page lace was an indispensable attribute in the clothes of the rulers of the Habsburg dynasty, and at present, everyone can afford to decorate scarves, towels, bedding or tablecloths with it.

From generation to generation, the secrets of skillful weaving were passed down the female line. When it gets warm on the streets, housewives can be seen near the houses, skillfully creating the finest weaving, wielding only a needle and thread. According to an old tradition, each girl's dowry had a treasured air hank. The work is quite painstaking, so it is not cheap, besides, there are many fakes in other regions.

Licitarian heart

Who was in Croatia, has already tasted the “heart” sweetness loved by everyone. Glazed cookie hearts are loved by almost everyone, from young to old. According to the old custom, a gift in the form of a honey licitary heart is considered a kind of symbol of love and fidelity. Once upon a time, guys gave it to their lovers, today cookies decorated with colorful inscriptions are given for any occasion.

From the 16th century to the present day, the sweet symbol of the country has practically not changed its recipe. They give it mainly on Valentine's Day and Christmas, and also decorate Christmas trees. During the New Year holidays at street fairs, you can find edible and inedible hearts with the most inconceivable patterns. This is a wonderful beautiful souvenir that the whole family will love.