The Best Shopping on the Dalmatian Coast

This shop is more coral sanctuary than ordinary jewelry store. In addition to selling mind-blowing designer pieces, this is the place to learn all about the Adriatic coral: where it lives, and how it is sourced, harvested, and treated to become that deep-red stone used in jewelry. You can watch this magic will happen right before your eyes if you drop in here for a chat with a member of the impressively knowledgeable staff, who will tell you everything you want to know in the time you have available. Get inspired, and then check out the pieces, some of which feature typical Dubrovnik filigree work. Like unique works of art, each item comes with a certificate of authenticity.

For well over a century, the stone-working Jakšić family from the island of Brač have been producing works using the white Brač stone from which Diocletian’s Palace was built. Head to their little Split gallery to see their impressive sculptures, and have one custom-made or pick up souvenirs of little stone flowers, jewelry or calendars.

The name hardly prepares you for the exquisitely cut and styled women’s clothes inside. Among the featured Croatian designers, my favorite, who goes by the name Rococo, creates Grecian-themed gowns and cocktail dresses. The Dubrovnik branch will reopen in a new location this summer. Od Puča 11, Dubrovnik. This appeared in the January/February 2013 issue.

On the corner of Stradun and Široka, this small shop is bursting with books, lined up on floor-to-ceiling shelves and even on the floors. The staff, however, seems reassuring, calm and knowledgeable. Pick up a book for the ship from the section of foreign-language books (history, novels and guidebooks).

This designer store stocks three popular Croatian women’s clothing and accessory brands: Chicks on Chic, Little Wonder and Dott. They also feature an ever-changing selection of quirky T-shirts with illustrations by local graphic designers. The shop’s open from April to November and again during the week before Christmas when they showcase a winter collection.

Dedicated to everything olive, Uje sells superior extra-virgin olive oils, olive wood cutting boards and olive tapenade, as well as other favorite tidbits such as hams and cookies. Uje also runs an oil bar (Dominisova 3), an eatery offering olive oil tastings and an olive oil-centric menu.

The artist Antonija Rusković uses the silk embroidery tradition of her native area of Konavle as inspiration for her work here in oil paintings, prints, and hand-painted ceramics. The atelier also has an array of hand-painted silk scarves, bags, purses, notebooks and similar mementos.

Fashionistas love this little shop located at Don Ive Prodana 3, half a block from the People’s Square. Clothes by some of Croatia’s leading young designers are carried here (they are not cheap), along with sandals, ballet shoes, bags, jewelry and glass necklaces. You’re guaranteed to find a unique gift—and maybe discover a favorite new designer in the process.