Croatia is positioning itself as the perfect getaway to attract a record number of North American travelers vacationing this year and next. The country’s several key initiatives highlight its cities’ ancient history that remains timeless while being modern enough to give travelers what they need. These initiatives will also focus on the unique culture and culinary and wine offerings synonymous with Croatian hospitality, as well as the nautical experiences differentiating the destination and resonating with U.S. travelers. Upcoming 2023/2024 trips to Croatia offer a terrific opportunity for travelers to visit the country’s key destinations.

One day is never enough to soak in the magic and majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gothic-Renaissance city of Dubrovnik, with its 1.2 miles of long, winding stone walls set right on the Adriatic Sea. Just a mere stroll along Stradun (the main street) will easily convince you you’re in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful places, with its unique, culture-rich, ancient-meets-cool vibe. A tour of the world’s second-most frequented open-air museum will take your breath away, and foodies can savor delicious Mediterranean specialties. This is a jewel in the crown of Croatia and where you can enjoy Game of Thrones’  King’s Landing in person.

© CNTB + Aleksander Gospic

When another celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site meets a modern city, the result is a city like no other. Welcome to Split, regal enough to boast a palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, as well as modern and chic buildings. Travel through time as you experience this city, ranging from the Diocletian-era palace in Aspalathos to the urban bustle of top-notch gastronomy, film, theater, music festivals and exhibitions. Feeling stressed? Soak in the green oasis of Marjan forest park before relaxing on miles of beaches spilling into crystal-clear water.

Start your morning with a cup of coffee on Riva, a seaside promenade and popular meeting place and pedestrian area, where visitors savor the traditional mid-morning snack marenda, featuring home-made local dishes, or escape to the green embrace of the forest park to achieve fjaka — a state of mind of total relaxation. Wines in this region are world-class: Sip some crljenak and pošip while marveling at the city’s classical and regal Greco-Roman architecture and the Olympian plaques along the Western seaboard.

© CNTB + Julien Duval

With parks, forests and hiking trails spread all over the city; its classic imperial architecture; and many modern restaurants and cafés, Zagreb offers something for everyone. Some visitors see it as a lively capital, while others remember the various colors, sounds and spectacular mountains on the horizon. Foodies love the rich gastronomic selections like sir and vrhnje (fresh cream with cheese), often sold by kumice (ladyfarmers) at any of the produce markets. This is most popular at Dolac, where you will find a statue in honor of all the kumice on the top of the left staircase. Kremšnita, a famous cream cake, as well as the signature open-air food markets, are beloved by locals and visitors alike.