12 Best Shopping in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Everything in this well-curated shop just outside the Ploče Gate is local, artisanal, and fun, from jewelry and clothing to cards, homeware, craft beer, and wine. There is also a small co-working space and a fully-stocked room for international grocery items that are hard to find elsewhere in town. Pop in for some shopping, or just hang out on the couch with a local Cogito-brand coffee and chat with the staff who are happy to share tips and help plan out your stay.

There are two open markets in Dubrovnik where you can get a wonderful glimpse into local life as well as pick up a few goodies. In the Old Town, the morning market in Gundulić Square brims with local delicacies such as dried figs, liqueurs, and candied fruit and almonds. Plan your visit for noon to see the local man who feeds the pigeons—it's quite the spectacle to see hundreds of pigeons flock to the square in anticipation. Across town at the Gruž Market, local people arrive every morning from around 6 am to pick up fresh produce, fish, and flowers; it's sometimes easy to forget that Dubrovnik is a living working city, but this market and the café-bars around it are an excellent reminder.

This long-standing family-run shop is renowned for its five different types of traditional pastries, including delicious handmade cukarin biscuits and klašun. They use local ingredients such as rose brandy, lemon, orange zest, carob, and almonds, and there are several gluten-free options.

Founded in 2012,  the Deša Association seeks to employ women over 40, women with disabilities, and other socially excluded people by selling their homemade products online and out of this small shop in Lazareti. Items rotate regularly but typically include local delicacies, handicrafts, cosmetics, and textiles. 

This tastefully decorated shop near the Ploče Gate stocks a fine selection of regional Croatian wines and sweets, rakija, olive oil, and handmade jewelry, plus works of art by contemporary local artists on the upper two levels.

You'll find this lovely oasis of a shop just steps from the bustling Pile Gate. The jewelry is handmade by a local artist who uses quality sterling silver, coral, and semiprecious stones to turn traditional designs into beautiful modern pieces.

Funky jewelry, colorful sculptures, and paintings with pop-art twists by more than 60 contemporary Croatian artists adorn the walls of this cavernous gallery inside the Sea Gate.

This little treasure trove on the main thoroughfare through town is run by a charming brother and sister, Miro and Ivana, and is well-stocked with art, fabulous clothing, and jewelry from local and Croatian designers.

Find this little treasure trove tucked away in an old stone storage building on the promenade. Items come from all over Croatia but the majority are handmade in Southern Dalmatia. You'll find wine, liqueurs, their own candied almonds and arancini, plus items made with Brač stone, jewelry, artwork, and natural cosmetics. Between the lovely interior and the friendly owner Nives, this is a perfect place to pick up great quality, well-priced gifts and souvenirs.

The largest shopping center near Korčula Town is located up the hill, about a 15-minute walk from the main bus station. Inside you'll find a large Tommy supermarket and a couple of other shops, but the main reason to visit is the spacious terrace of the Kavana No. 1 restaurant. Come for a coffee or casual lunch and stay for one of the best views overlooking Korčula Town from above.

The streets of the Old Town are filled with women selling hand-stitched embroidery and needlecraft products created using traditional methods and materials. The best storefront is Bačan, which sells decorative fabric in a variety of sizes and designs, all inspired by traditional Croatian folk costumes. The store is run by a husband-and-wife team, with the wife handcrafting all the items sold in the store.

Located one street away from the Stradun in the Old Town, this "gastro and gift shop" is your best bet for stocking up on authentic Croatian souvenirs (they even have a certification to prove it). Items include local jams (look out for traditional fig and bitter orange flavors), honey, salt from Ston, olive oil, wine, and truffles. They also have a selection of artwork, ceramics, items made from white Brač stone, cosmetics, and lavender.