Santorini Tours and Transfers

Why Santorini’s houses are white.

Why-santorini's-houses-are-white

Unravel the mystery behind Santorini’s iconic whitewashed houses! Explore the practical reasons and historical influences that shaped this architectural tradition. Discover how the white color keeps homes cool, promotes hygiene, and reflects the island’s beauty. Learn why Santorini’s houses are white and plan your visit to this dazzling Greek island!

 

Santorini and its Cycladic neighbors in the Aegean Sea enthrall visitors with their captivating beauty and distinctive architecture. Cycladic design embodies a spirit of simplicity and elegance, shunning ornate embellishments and intricate details. It establishes a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding landscape, perfectly capturing the essence of the Greek isles. Santorini’s architecture exemplifies this philosophy, meticulously tailored to the island’s environment and the needs of its inhabitants.

 

White-and-blue-houses-in-santorini

The first encounter with a Cycladic island leaves a lasting impression.

Pristine whitewashed houses, often accented with vibrant blue doors and windows, dominate the scene. This color palette resonates beautifully with the cerulean sky and the vast expanse of the Aegean. This harmony, established centuries ago, served both aesthetic and practical purposes. Today, these colors stand as a hallmark of the Cyclades and a symbol of Greece, mirroring the nation’s flag.

From a functional standpoint, the whitewashed exterior holds immense significance. Santorini boasts an idyllic climate, characterized by scorching summers and an abundance of sunshine throughout the year. To mitigate the intense heat, islanders developed houses specifically designed for thermal comfort. The brilliant white reflects a substantial portion of the sunlight, preventing the interiors from absorbing excessive heat – a fundamental principle of traditional Cycladic architecture. This ingenious approach ensures considerably cooler and more pleasant summers.

 

Houses-in-santorini

Historical accounts offer another fascinating explanation about why Santorini’s houses are white.

During the early 20th century, the Greek islands faced devastating outbreaks of diseases like cholera. Whitewash, a readily available and inexpensive disinfectant, was routinely used to curb the spread of infection. In those times, it likely served as the most effective, if not the only, means of disinfection.

Regardless of the reasons behind its dominance, white has become the defining color of Santorini and the Cyclades, creating a spectacle that inspires awe. The island radiates a luminous glow, instilling a sense of optimism, vibrancy, and tranquility in visitors. In Santorini, particularly, the white complements the island’s rugged beauty, striking a perfect balance and allowing pops of color to truly shine.