Why are all the buildings in Santorini white?

The inhabitants, in order to confine the heat in the interior to a significant extent, had to construct their houses accordingly. The white color reflects the biggest part of the dazzling light, preventing the houses from getting warm and that was a basic goal of the traditional architecture.



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It was not until 1967, that these two colors became a mandatory choice when the Junta, a right-wing military dictatorship mandated that all buildings must be painted or repainted to white and blue. The regime believed that this measure would inspire patriotism and reflect nationalism.

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The dominant white and blue colors of the Cycladic architecture are a symbol of Greece as they represent the colors of the Greek flag. What is more, they are in total concordance with the vast Aegean Sea that encircles the Cyclades and the bright blue sky creating a breathtaking, harmonious setting.

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During the colonel's dictatorship from 1967 to 1974, the junta established by Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos and Brigadier General Stylianos Pattakos mandated blue and white as standard colors for Cycladic homes. This was an attempt to boost patriotism and reflected Greek national pride.

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The reason behind this color choice has to do with practicality. In the old times, Greek housewives would use a cleaning agent called loulaki (blue powder in English) which came in the form of talcum powder. It was widely and cheaply available across Greece.

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It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.

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Due to the challenging weather conditions (heavy hurricanes in winter and solar heat in summer) and protection from pirate invasions, Santorini's architecture is very similar to the other Cycladic islands. Of unique charm is the sunset of Fira and Oia, for which the island welcomes thousands of visitors.

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It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.

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You will meet a lot of locals and you will understand what really means living in Santorini. Yes, another sad news! Life on Santorini is not cheap, also for locals!

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Whether you opt for a delicate lace gown or a bohemian-inspired dress, white will always create a sense of timeless beauty against the island's idyllic scenery. Soft Pastels: Serenity in Hues Pastel shades like blush pink, baby blue, and mint green are perfect for those seeking a softer, romantic look.

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Geothermal energy, a mild, renewable and local source is cheap and very environmentally friendly. Geothermal conditions are particularly favorable in Santorini because of the active volcano and increased heat flow and geothermal energy is a clear comparative advantage for the island.

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Santorini really has no sources of natural drinking water. While a couple of new sea water desalination plants have been able to supply the main cities with clean water, many households still rely on collecting the winter rain fall in large tanks that sit on top of many houses.

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Due to the wars of the 20th century, Santorini's economy declined and the inhabitants abandoned the island after a catastrophic earthquake in 1956.

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The beach's sand is composed of black and red pulverized volcanic rock from the nearby Santorini caldera.

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Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

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