Exploring Europe and all the different countries is an exciting time for anyone and, more often than not, travellers want to bring a souvenir back to remember their time there. But with so much to see, do and choose from, it can be difficult to not overpack your suitcase!
Here, we’ve picked our top recommendations for 20 European countries, so you know what souvenirs you should look out for and pick for friends, families or even yourself.
20 European Souvenirs You Must Look Out For
Handheld Fans From Spain
Although many would recommend bringing back turrón, a popular nougat confection in Spain, we recommend trying this whilst you’re out there and selecting one of the many exquisite handheld fans as a souvenir instead.
Colourful, vibrant and beautifully unique covered in hand painted patterns, they can be displayed as decorative pieces in your home to remind you of your travels. Who knows, you might need to actually use one when you holiday in Spain during the summer to keep you cool and shaded from the sun!
Port Wine From Portugal
Portugal is extremely well-known for its port as the Douro Valley is the world’s only producer. With vineyards in the hillsides along the River Douro, not only is it a great place to visit but also the best place to pick up a famous bottle of port.
Whether you spend the day port tasting or you come across a bottle when shopping in the towns, pick up a bottle – or two – of this deliciously sweet, fortified wine to take home with you. You’ll never taste anything like it.
Luxury Leather From Italy
When perusing the outdoor markets in Italy, you will come across that distinct smell of leather and vendors upon vendors selling a variety of leather goods. Florence, in particular, is long established for its leatherworking tradition.
One of the city’s most famous places to buy leather goods is the Santa Croce Church’s venerable leather school – and the San Lorenzo Market isn’t far behind. The church is where this tradition originated from, so there is no doubt you will find the best quality leather bag, belt, notebook or wallet you can pack in your suitcase.
Prickly Pear Jam From Malta
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and you want something unique to bring home from your holiday to Malta, then prickly pear jam is the number one choice. Requiring lots of sunlight and dry conditions to thrive, prickly pears are found around the Maltese islands growing on cactus-looking plants and are enjoyed by the locals as well as tourists.
Found in fresh food markets or in traditional specialty food shops, prickly pear jam is a sweet and delicious souvenir. Bring the island’s natural bounty back home and savour the unique taste on a slice of toast, crumpet or even in a cake!
Christmas Ornaments From Germany
If your trip to Germany coincides with their traditional Christmas markets, you will find a plethora of souvenirs you can bring back home with you. From gingerbread biscuits and stollen cake to cuckoo clocks and Bavarian beer glasses, there are plenty of festive items to choose from.
However, we recommend finding a stunning handmade Christmas ornament to add to your own tree at home. In Berlin, there are normally over 50 Christmas markets happening throughout the city, so we’re sure you will find at least one handcrafted ornament.
Evil Eye Trinkets From Greece
The evil eye (mati) can be found on charms, trinkets and jewellery across Greece. Not only is it distinctly blue and eye catching, but there is rich history and tradition behind it that you may want to bring home with you.
For centuries, throughout Greek history, it was believed that this symbol helps ward off misfortune and evil spirits. It protects you and your loved ones from any nasty glares and reflects the ill thoughts back to the onlooker.
Baltic Amber From Poland
Did you know that the Baltic Seas used to be a forest? As the forest decayed, the fossilised tree sap was left behind and ended up floating along the streams and rivers towards Poland. This is where Baltic amber comes from.
Now, you can find it everywhere in the Polish city of Krakow. Pick up a piece of jewellery made from “the gold of the north” or “gem of the Baltic” as a souvenir to remember your holiday to Poland.
Eau de Parfum From France
A well-known name in the perfume industry, France is home to a huge number of established perfumers for you to choose from. From Dior and Chanel to Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, the quality of eau de toilette and eau de parfum is unparalleled.
Browse and test every scent and treat yourself to a new signature smell that you can pack in your suitcase. Not only will you feel fabulous when you wear it, but it will also remind you of your trip to France.
Mozartkugel From Austria
Named after Mozart, the famous Austrian composer, Mozartkugel are truffles made from dark chocolate, pistachio-flavoured marzipan and nougat. Originally known as Mozart-Bonbon, they are one of the most unique European souvenirs.
Also known as Mozart balls, boxes of these beloved confections can be found in gift shops and supermarkets around Austria. However, the most authentic truffles can be found in Mozart’s hometown in Salzburg.
Delicious Coffee From Turkey
Even though you can drink as much coffee as you like at home, Turkish coffee is a great souvenir as it tastes very different. Always served black, this coffee is stronger yet sweeter than the average coffee.
Traditionally served in a copper cup, why not purchase a set of these too so you can enjoy the entire experience? If you’re a coffee lover or know a coffee lover, this can be the perfect gift or treat to bring back with you from Turkey.
Rum Liquor From Estonia
You may not know, but Estonia’s most popular spirit is spiced rum. In particular, Vana Tallinn’s collection of rum, which is handmade and takes nearly a month to produce. It is a traditional alcoholic beverage that is smooth and aromatic.
It is made from Jamaican rum with fruits and spices like orange, vanilla, lemon and cinnamon. Velvety and silky due to the caramel and toffee, it can be enjoyed on the rocks, in cocktails or even in a hot chocolate.
Wooden Spoons From Romania
Something truly unique and different you will find on your holiday to Romania is their carved wooden spoons. Although they were originally used for practical purposes – and you can still use them for this too – they are mostly decorative nowadays due to their detailed designs.
Every design has a different meaning with varied motifs, for example a rooster symbolises hope and a stork symbolises good luck. With animals, religious symbols, people and more, choose the design that speaks most to you and bring one home with you.
Music Boxes From Switzerland
Created in the 1700s, automation music boxes quickly became a popular Swiss commodity. Originally named as “carillons à musique”, meaning “chimes of music”, these boxes automatically produced music using mechanisms created by watchmakers in Switzerland.
Intricately made, they place melodious songs and some even have interchangeable cylinders so you can choose which songs you’d like them to play. Available in an array of designs, they are truly fascinating and mesmerising souvenirs.
Dala Horse From Sweden
Dala horses are named after the region where they originated from in the 19th Century: Dalarna. Also known as the Sweden horse, they are the country’s symbol and appear in most Swedish homes.
Traditionally made from hand-carved wood, they are hand-painted in vibrant colours, like red and blue, and with classic Swedish flowers. You can find the most authentic souvenirs in Dalarna, but dala horses can be found in Gamla Stan too.
Embroidered Tablecloths From Hungary
Although you can find different styles of embroidery in Hungary, the main one you should look out for is Matyó embroidery. This is one of the most integral parts of traditional Hungarian folk culture, so much so it is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The most common design is floral motifs and can be found on tablecloths and table runners that can be easily packed in your suitcase. Visit the north region of Matyó in Mezökövesd for the most authentic embroidery or take your pick from shops and stalls throughout the country.
Religious Bracelets From Montenegro
One thing you will find everywhere you visit in Montenegro is brojanicas. These are religious souvenirs with Serbia Orthodox connections that will remind you of the strong spiritual side of the country.
A bracelet but also a prayer rope, brojanicas come in various designs so you can choose your favourite colour to fit your style. With ornate decoration and deep cultural references, it is a unique keepsake from your time away.
Idrija Lace From Slovenia
A tradition dating back to the 19th Century which is still occurring today is the manufacture of lace from Idrija. Originally created in order to make some extra income alongside their husbands, this miners’ wives tradition has continued through to the local woman nowadays.
Beautifully delicate, it is considered some of the highest quality lace in the world and can be found in Slovenia in many different forms. From handkerchiefs to gloves and even jewellery like necklaces and earrings, you will find the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself to bring home.
Lava Jewellery From Iceland
Iceland’s volcanic activity is well-known among all tourists, so their catalogue of lava jewellery is a popular choice of souvenir. By taking lava rocks directly from their habitat and combining it with other metals, some truly stunning pieces are created.
From necklaces and bracelets to earrings and cufflinks, there’s a huge variety available to suit everyone’s preferences so you can take a piece of Iceland home with you. One way to tell an authentic piece of lava jewellery from a counterfeit one is if the rock of lava is shiny; this material is too soft to be treated.
Unique Shoes From Croatia
Opanak shoes featured as everyday footwear in Croatia up until the second World War, where now they are commonly worn on special occasions. Made from light but durable leather, generations have owned these as part for their wardrobe and can still be found in many shops today.
They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and with different decorations. Each village has a distinct model, so make sure to check them out as you explore. Choose some that match your own wardrobe and wear them once you’re home to remember your time away.
Black Balsam From Latvia
One of the most famous souvenirs you can bring back from Latvia is Riga Black Balsam which is a black herbal drink. Originating over 200 years ago, it was a medicinal drink that was thought to cure almost all diseases.
It consists of 24 types of plants, however the exact composition is a commercial secret of local producers. In this day and age, it is used as liquor which can be added to cocktails and coffee. A must-try and a must-buy souvenir you and your friends will love.
When travelling round Europe, you will come across an abundance of distinctive souvenirs you will want to pack in your suitcase – but these are our top recommendations if you have to choose one from each country!
No matter which destinations you choose, make sure to get the most out of your holiday with Travel Department. With our local experts, you will be able to delve even deeper into each country’s culture and take away even more than souvenirs.
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