Split is the self-proclaimed “Most Beautiful City in the World” so it should come as no surprise that the most beautiful city in the world would also claim to be filled with the most beautiful women in the world. A bold statement considering the stiff competition it’s up against with Brazilian supermodels and Hollywood starlets, but the citizens of Split firmly stand by this claim as will many visitors to the city who have witnessed it firsthand for themselves.  

Dalmatians never looked so good. Photo: Sonja Dvornik

When in Split, it’s impossible not to notice these flawless freaks of nature flaunting their tall, thin frames, European facial features with perfectly contoured make-up and impeccable fashion sense on the coastal catwalk called riva. Tourists from all over the world can’t help but comment on it and walk away from the city surprised yet satisfied with their newfound knowledge to brag about back home. I even remember when the famous DJ David Guetta made an announcement on stage at one of his shows here how he just found out for himself that Split lives up to the hype as having the most beautiful women in the world.   

Photo: Sonja Dvornik

Photo: LikeCroatia

It’s a well known fact for those in Split and all over Croatia, but I’ve always wondered why it’s not yet widely recognized throughout the rest of world. Yes, Croatia is a small country, Yes, Croatia is a small country, and if you want to visit Croatia you can find accommodation here. If Split’s women are really the most beautiful than how is it still the world’s best kept secret? Why don’t we ever see Split supermodels over Brazilian ones taking flight with their Victoria’s Secret angel wings on runways across the world and not just on the city’s riva waterfront? Shouldn’t they be gracing the covers of fashion magazines and swimsuit issues after taking home tiara’s from international beauty pageants? Is it possible that the myth is just that; an idea believed by people, but not actually true? 

Photo: Sonja Dvornik

Not according to a list compiled by Bryaanbazaar of the 102 Sexiest European Women, which backs up this belief by choosing two women from Croatia, singer Jelena Rozga and actress Natasa Junjic, and as you may have already guessed they’re both from Split. They joined the ranks, in no particular order, with the likes of famous models, singers and actresses such as the legendary Victoria’s Secret Angel and beauty pageant winner Helena Christiansen (Denmark), Claudia Schiffer (Germany), Cheryl Cole (UK), Kiera Knightley (UK), Marion Cotillard (France), Diane Kruger (Germany), Penelope Cruz (Spain) and my husbands personal favorite Monica Belluci (Italy).

Singer Jelena Rozga

The list looks not only at physical attributes, but requires the candidates to be in the public eye and have significant achievements as well and it was published on the web portal last September. However, Natasa just discovered herself on it yesterday as shared on her social media and I quickly realized that the rest of the world has also been in the darkl. Just like the beauty of Croatia as a country has been hidden from the world for centuries so have the beautiful women in Split and between the rest of it’s borders, but not for much longer I predict. 

Actress Natasa Junjic

With the country gaining worldwide popularity in tourism and the recognition it deserves by finally topping the 'Best Lists' of travel magazines such as National Geographic it’s only a matter of time before the top modeling agencies send in their scouts to dig up the undiscovered beauties of Split.

Photos: Sonja Dvornik

So keep strutting that riva runway ladies and get ready for your close up because you and your unexposed beauty in all it’s glory is about to take center stage on the world stage! Until then, Split’s citizens and visitors will keep you all to themselves while they continue to selfishly savor the worlds best kept secret of beautiful women.

Photos: Sonja Dvornik