15 Essential Souvenirs to Purchase in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Planning a vacation? If you're seeking a destination that's anything but ordinary, consider a European cruise aboard a cruise ship. You'll visit stunning ports rich in history and culture, including Dubrovnik, Croatia, nestled along the Adriatic Sea. While wandering through this enchanting port, make sure to grab one of these 15 keepsakes to preserve the memories of your journey.

1. Konavle Earrings

For those who appreciate a bit of shimmer, consider seeking out traditional Croatian jewelry like Konavle earrings. Crafted from gold or silver, these beautiful hoop earrings were once part of the folk attire in the Konavle region, located just down the coast from Dubrovnik. They also hold significance as cherished gifts from grooms to brides during proposals and weddings. You can find these exquisite earrings in jewelry shops throughout Dubrovnik's Old Town.

2. Botuns

If you're on the hunt for unique gifts, consider botuns—ornate, sphere-shaped buttons crafted from silver or gold filigree. These buttons traditionally adorned men’s folk costumes from the Šibenik region of Croatia. Nowadays, you can find beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and lapel pins made from botuns at jewelry stores in the Old City.

3. Hand-Stitched Linens

Enhance your dining experience for special occasions with exquisite hand-stitched linens from the Konavle region. Explore the open-air markets in Dubrovnik for beautifully embroidered napkins, tablecloths, and table runners in the classic colors of red, green, and black.

4. Coral Jewelry

Since the 13th century, Croatians have been trading Adriatic coral, making Dubrovnik an excellent destination for exquisite coral jewelry. While wandering through the city's markets and shops, keep an eye out for stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings adorned with coral and other precious gemstones.

5. Cravat

Long before the modern necktie existed, there were cravats—a fusion of a scarf and a necktie. In 17th-century Croatia, cravats were worn as part of soldiers' uniforms and have since become a national cultural emblem. You can find contemporary cravats alongside neckties, scarves, and shawls in Dubrovnik's local boutiques.

6. Lace

For centuries, Croatian women have been crafting exquisite lace, a skill recognized by UNESCO as part of Europe’s intangible cultural heritage. Renowned for its intricate designs and superior quality, Croatian lace adorns beautiful tablecloths, table runners, and doilies that you can discover in local markets and souvenir shops.

7. Dried Lavender

Croatia's soil and climate are perfectly suited for lavender cultivation, making dried lavender a beloved souvenir. You can find bags of dried lavender in Dubrovnik's markets, ideal for creating fragrant potpourri or sachets to freshen up your gym bag, linens, or sock drawer.

8. Additional Lavender Products

Lavender oil stands out as a favorite among essential oils. It's believed to help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, soothe sunburns, and deter mosquitoes and moths. In the shops and markets of Dubrovnik, you'll find a wide array of vendors offering lavender oil along with lavender-infused soaps, lotions, and cosmetics.

9. Face Cream

If you're in search of high-quality face creams, you might be surprised to discover that a Franciscan monastery is the perfect place to find them in Dubrovnik. A monk-operated pharmacy located within the monastery sells face creams and other cosmetic products crafted from ancient, secret recipes. Natural ingredients like rose, lavender, and rosemary feature prominently in their formulations.

10. Honey

With 450,000 beehives producing around 9,000 tons of honey annually in Croatia, it's no wonder that honey is a sought-after souvenir for visitors to Dubrovnik. You can find delicious local honey in grocery stores and markets, with some artisanal varieties even infused with lavender or sage. Just remember to ensure that any edible honey products are prepackaged and unopened if you're taking them back to the ship.

11. Wine

Croatia boasts a winemaking history spanning 2,400 years, with its diverse climate, terrain, and soil creating the ideal conditions for exceptional red and white wines. When searching for the perfect bottle, keep an eye out for renowned grape varieties like Grasevina, Malvasia, and Plavac Mali. Remember, cruise travelers are allowed one duty-free bottle of alcohol per adult, and any alcohol purchased will be securely stored by your Dinogo crew until the end of your journey.

12. Rakija

For those seeking a distinctive adult beverage, consider purchasing a bottle of rakija, a unique brandy-like spirit native to the Balkans. While often made from grapes, rakija can also be crafted from a variety of fruits such as cherries, blueberries, oranges, and plums, with some blends even incorporating walnuts or honey. Before buying rakija at a liquor store in Dubrovnik, you might want to sample it at a local restaurant.

13. Olive Oil

For centuries, Croatians have cultivated olives, with most olive oil producers being family-run businesses that carefully hand-pick their olives and press them immediately to ensure top-quality oil. If you’re looking to bring home a bottle of authentic Croatian olive oil, simply visit one of the oleotecas (olive oil shops) in Old Town.

14. Local Artwork

Across the globe, local artists contribute to the cultural tapestry of their cities, and Dubrovnik is no different. The art galleries in Old Town showcase a variety of collectibles, from glazed ceramics to exquisite oil paintings on wood. Add a unique touch to your decor with a piece crafted by a Croatian artist.

15. Cookbook

The culinary scene in Dubrovnik is shaped by its picturesque coastal setting. While Mediterranean seafood dishes are a staple, locals also enjoy hearty stews and casseroles influenced by Austro-Hungarian traditions.

If you savor the flavors of Dubrovnik, consider picking up a Croatian cookbook to bring home. Discover how to prepare dishes like crni rizot (black risotto with shellfish) or zelena menestra, a green stew featuring meat, potatoes, and cabbage.

Experiencing Europe from the deck of a Dinogo cruise ship is anything but ordinary. A vacation that takes you to historic ports is truly enchanting, and you can cherish those memories with souvenirs. Explore Dubrovnik for any of these 15 treasures to bring home a slice of this beautiful European city.