Why are most houses white painted in Santorini?

The Timeless Charm of Santorini's Whitewashed Architecture!

Similar to other islands in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades are well known for the striking beauty and unique architectural style that Santorini has.

Indeed, Greek islands seem to be a synonym for Cycladic architecture-harmonious with nature and elegant in their simplicity. This style, found throughout Santorini and its neighboring islands, is characterized by clean lines and minimalistic designs. In particular, Santorini's architecture perfectly captures the island's special conditions and the requirements of its inhabitants.

The iconic white and blue palette

View of the Aegean sea, through a distinctive blue window frame

Some of the most striking features of Cycladic architecture are the whitewashed houses, usually complemented by bright blue doors and window frames. This hue is not only easy on the eye but also symbolic of the island's associations with the sea and sky. The white homes combine perfectly, into the immense vastness of the sky and the bright blue of the Aegean Sea. Yet despite the deep historic and practical origins, the harmonic interaction between color and environment is a feature, which still characterizes the Cyclades in a way unmistakable to the familiar eye.

Functionality behind the whitewash

The famous Blue Domes of Santorini

Santorini's buildings' use of white is by no means accidental. Due to the island's torrid summers and scorching sun, building a home required a pragmatic approach. One efficient way to keep the houses cool was to whitewash them. White's reflective qualities assisted in rerouting the strong sunshine so that the houses wouldn't absorb too much heat. This innovation gave inhabitants a more comfortable living environment and made the hot months much more bearable.

Narrow streets in the iconic village of Oia

Narrow, tortuous streets, thick stone walls, small and often cave-like interiors-all this was developed with the perspective of creating a building, that could stay cool in the heat and protect people from the scorching summer sun. Whitewash played an important role here, reflecting much of the sunray and keeping a more temperate atmosphere indoors.

Historical significance of whitewash

Fira town-the capital of Santorini-overlooking the Aegean sea

The fact that most of the houses in Santorini and the Cyclades were whitewashed can also be explained historically. Diseases such as cholera severely plagued Greek islands during the early 20th century. Whitewash was often used to stop the spread of various diseases due to its nature of being a low-cost yet effective disinfectant. As this was due to its antiseptic nature, it reduced the risk of infection. Hence, it played a significant role in public health in the older days.

Whitewash has remained a symbol of the islands' history and tenacity, even when their practical purpose as a cleanser is no longer needed. Now it's regarded as a trademark of the Cycladic aesthetic since it has been deeply inlaid into the architectural identity of the area.

The beauty and balance of Santorini’s architecture

The famous sunset of Santorini

Beyond its practical use, the white color of Santorini's buildings contributes to the island's breathtaking beauty. The island under the Mediterranean sun seems shining and serene, with the bright reflective white surfaces radiating an ethereal glow. A soothing yet energizing visual balance is created by the striking blue hues of the windows and doors and the sporadic bursts of color from blossoming flowers.

The white-washed houses of Santorini blend perfectly into the dramatic scenery of the island: steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. The clean-cut geometrical lines of the buildings perfectly fit into the actual rock landscape, while the minimalism of the architecture allows the natural beauty of the island to come to the foreground. Thus, house and nature become one, with Santorini's architectural setting complementing, rather than competing with nature.

A lasting legacy

Pyrgos village at Santorini island, Greece

Whether viewed from the cliffs of Oia or while strolling through the narrow streets of Fira, the architecture of Santorini evokes a sense of calm. What was originally created out of need has grown into a timeless representation of Greece's natural beauty, rich history, and cultural legacy in this island's palette of white and blue.