Just past security in T1, Aelia Duty Free fills most of the main walk-through corridor.
This shop sits airside in Zagreb’s Terminal 1, right after the central security checkpoint, so you almost can’t miss it on the way to Schengen and non-Schengen gates. Shelves run long and deep with liquor, perfume, cosmetics, local snacks, and travel gifts, all under the Aelia Duty Free banner that’s standard across many European airports.
Prices on mainstream spirits and cigarettes usually beat downtown Zagreb shops by a few euros, especially on 1L bottles of whisky, vodka, and regional brandies. You’ll also see Croatian wines and rakija lined up alongside global labels, which is handy if you forgot to grab a bottle in the city. Standard chocolate brands, plus a few Croatian sweets, sit near the central tills for quick last-minute gifts under €10.
Cosmetics and perfume lines run along both sides of the main path, with the usual big names in 50 ml and 100 ml sizes. Expect airport pricing here: sometimes you’ll find a promo two-for-one or 20% off on selected brands, but don’t count on it on peak summer days. Travel minis, face masks, and basic grooming items are near the front, useful if your liquids bag got pulled at security.
Aelia Duty Free generally follows airport hours, opening from the first morning departures to the last evening flights, often roughly 05:00–22:00. Payment works with kuna’s replacement, the euro, plus major cards; some counters accept contactless only. Lines at the central checkout spike about 45–60 minutes before larger departures to hubs like FRA and AMS.
Tip: if you’re eyeing liquor or perfume, walk the full length of the store first; promos can sit at the far end near the higher gates in T1, not just by the front tills.