Souvenirs From Croatia
We are all familiar with the scene when returning from a trip - suitcases that we can barely close. At first, carrying such a lot of luggage seems like a real pain, but in the end it pays off many times over, when we share all those tangible and less tangible memories from the trip with friends and family.
Every place has its own tradition, way of life, smells and tastes that are permanently engraved in the memory. Clichéd and mass-produced souvenirs will hardly 'capture' the uniqueness of the place in the way we experienced it. That's why we want to present you - different - handmade souvenirs that you can find in Croatia. With them, in a way, you bring home a piece of Croatia, reminders of the moments that made your vacation special.
- Pag lace – handmade lace is specific to the island of Pag. Throughout history, it was valued, so it also decorated parts of the clothes of the European nobility. If you visit Pag, you will probably come across women on the street who make lace with filigree precision and thus promote this old skill characteristic of their island.
- Dried fig jam – a superb delicacy produced along the Adriatic coast. This globally recognized Dalmatian product is made from sun-dried figs, and sometimes oranges, chocolate or walnuts are added to it. It is an excellent dessert, and served with cheese or prosciutto, it becomes a real sweet-salty surprise for your taste buds.
- Lavander – thanks to the climate and suitable soil, the island of Hvar has become one of the largest producers of lavender. During its flowering season, the island is covered in purple fields and – trust us – the sight is incredible! Almost everywhere you can find products made from this aromatic plant. The most popular are small bags filled with dried lavender, which leave a refreshing and pleasant smell on your clothes in the wardrobes. Also, the healing properties of lavender are used in various aromatherapy products.
- Olive oil – the large coastal regions, Istria and Dalmatia, are globally recognized as producers of quality olive oil. Made from autochthonous local varieties, this kind of olive oil truly embraces the original tradition and flavors of the south of Croatia. If you take a few bottles home, the smells and tastes of olive oil will certainly evoke memories from your summer vacation.
- Wine – Croatia has a long tradition of wine production. In the north, white grape varieties thrive better, and the south boasts strong red wines. The most famous indigenous grape varieties are Malvazija and Plavac Mali. Be sure to pack a bottle of one of these wines so that you can remember the "happy" summer evenings at home.
- Rakija – a drink with a high alcohol content made from various plants or fruits. Your hosts will probably offer you a glass of brandy to welcome you, and you will get to know all its charms very quickly. In order not to reveal too much, we will only say that you will probably fall in love with it very quickly and at the end of the trip you will do everything to find some free space for a bottle of brandy in your suitcase.
- Licitarsko srce – Licitar is a colorfully decorated sweet dough cake traditionally produced in the central and lowland parts of Croatia. Giving a gingerbread heart as a gift means giving that person your heart in a wide range of loving feelings.
