Why Sand, Pebbles and Shells Should Not Go in Your Luggage
Summer is just around the corner, and with it the main travel season of the year. Alongside Croatia, Greece and Italy are among the most popular destinations in Europe. From the latter, a French tourist recently took 40 kilos of sand, allegedly as a souvenir. However, as taking sand, pebbles and shells is strictly forbidden there, the woman now faces a hefty fine and made international headlines. In Croatia, the matter is not treated quite as strictly. Nevertheless, caution and consideration are still called for.
27. Mai 2026
Holiday Memories
Basically, the wish is understandable. You want to take something home from your holiday that reminds you of the most beautiful time of the year. After all, the French word “souvenir” means “memory” or “keepsake”. For many people, holiday photos or memories alone are not enough. They want something more tangible. How tempting it can be to take a few pebbles, shells or even some sand from the beach. It costs nothing, looks lovely as decoration and surely no one will miss it — or so one might think.
But it is not quite that simple. Nature, and this includes the beach, is a fragile ecosystem in which every little part has its meaningful place. Pieces of shell, for example, are an important soil substrate. They form a firm base for algae and lichens. They protect the ground from erosion, provide a habitat for microorganisms and crustaceans, serve as building material for the nests of coastal birds and act as a source of nutrients.
Sand and pebbles, on the other hand, function like a giant water filter. They are also home to millions of microorganisms and are important for the balance of the ecosystem. If a small amount is missing, the effects may not be immediately noticeable. But when you consider how many people spend their holidays at the beach every year, it quickly becomes clear: it all adds up. A few grams can soon turn into tonnes missing from the very place where they belong.
What Can You Take Home from Croatia?
Even though taking sand, pebbles and shells from Croatia is not generally punishable by law, responsible travellers should avoid doing so for the reasons mentioned above. Particular caution is also required when it comes to shells and sea snails. Numerous species are strictly protected, and it is often difficult for travellers to recognise which ones they are. Exporting them is forbidden and can result in heavy penalties. The same applies to shards or fragments that may be classified as archaeologically relevant. When it comes to the beach and nature, the rule should therefore be: take only memories and photos with you.
Fortunately, there are still so many other things you can bring home from a holiday in Croatia without any concerns at all. How about a bottle of the outstanding olive oil from the island of Brač, for example? Guests at Hotel Lemongarden can even press it themselves during the autumn Olive Festival. The island is also known for its regional wines and its iconic Brač stone. Many beautiful, handcrafted decorative items are made from this world-famous white natural stone. Figs, Dalmatian honey, lavender products, natural cosmetics, jams and soaps are also popular reminders of days spent in paradise.
So the Holiday Feeling Lasts Longer
Did you know that there are things you can do during your trip to help prevent yourself from falling straight back into everyday life after your holiday? For example, buy a perfume or a scented cream especially for the trip or while you are away. Fragrance has the ability to connect instantly with the memory centre. If you feel like bringing back a little holiday feeling at home, all you need to do is smell that perfume or cream. The same also applies to scented candles or room fragrances.
Have you taken hundreds of photos that will ultimately lead an unnoticed existence in the digital depths of your phone? Set your favourite picture as the background on your phone or laptop. Thanks to practical apps, it is now also very easy to create a photo book in just a few minutes. When it is within reach, you will enjoy leafing through it again and again. According to studies, people actually look at physical photos more often than photos on their phones, which first have to be searched for.
Tip!
Create your own holiday memories of paradise and book your stay at Hotel Lemongarden today. Located directly by the sea, this adults-only hideaway on the island of Brač is a dreamlike place far away from everyday life.
