Why Buildings In Greece Are White And Blue? How To Find Them

Why Are The Buildings In Greece White And Blue?

If you have ever visited or seen pictures of Greece, you have likely seen the iconic blue and white buildings. You might assume these colors were chosen because they appear on the flag, but there is more to the story.

This color scheme kept temperatures cool, saved money, supported a political agenda, and helped control a cholera outbreak. Keep reading to learn more about why the blue and white buildings in Greece follow this colour scheme, and where you can find them.

This home features whitewashed walls with a flat roof.

Why Are The Buildings In Greece White And Blue?

Greece’s iconic blue and white architecture is not only visually stunning but also rooted in tradition, history, and practicality. The striking white buildings helps reflect sunlight, keeping homes cooler during the summer months. While the blue accents often symbolize the sea and sky, connecting the architecture to the country’s natural beauty.

Also, whitewashing was an inexpensive and effective way to sanitize homes and prevent the spread of diseases. This tradition spread throughout the islands, inspired in part by Greece’s national colors, which symbolized patriotism and unity.

Today, this color scheme is a point of pride and a major draw for tourists. Explore the famous whitewashed alleys of Santorini to the blue-domed churches of Mykonos.

A sprawl of white buildings in Greece with classic dome shaped roofs.

Blue And White Buildings Were The Most Practical

One reason for the blue and white buildings in Greece is related to the hot climate and scarcity of resources. The more you learn, the more you realize the historical significance of these of these colours and how they are symbols of cultural identity and unity.

White Helped With Temperature Control

On the Greek islands, lumber was scarce, and many people had no choice but to build their homes using dark coloured volcanic rock. When the outside of a Mediterranean home is a dark colour, the inside can feel like an oven.

So, this is one reason many painted the outside of their homes with white, as it helped keep the inside cool during the hot summers. White paint is an excellent reflector of the heat of the sun, making it an ideal choice for sunny locations. Similarly, countries that get a lot of sun have used this method for centuries, as a way to keep their homes cool.

Blue Was The Most Cost Effective

Historically people have often had to make use of what was most readily available to them and for the people of Greece, it was no different. The ingredients needed for the famous Greek blue were cheap and easy to get.

Since these components were easy enough to for people to mix at home, blue quickly became the accent colour of choice for many Greek people looking to adding some style to their homes.

This is one of many blue and white buildings in Greece.

Where Does The White And Blue Come From?

Mix lime, salt, and water to create the white color known as “whitewash.” Homeowners apply it to exterior walls a few times a year. These ingredients were all obtained easily from the natural landscape, especially for those who lived on the islands.

Additionally, the blue color comes from mixing limestone with a common cleaning product called loulaki, which translates to indigo in English. This talcum powder, known for its rich blue hue, was often used at home for washing laundry.

A view of Santorini island from the water.

Colour Theme Was Enforced By The Greek Military

During a health crisis in the thirties, people turned to white paint for its perceived hygienic benefits. Years later, authorities promoted the blue and white buildings in Greece to create a sense of unity and boost the islands charm, aiming to attract more visitors.

Cholera Outbreak

In 1938, Greece faced a serious Cholera outbreak that threatened the population. At this time, the dictator Ioannis Metaxas ruled the country and sought immediate solutions to contain the crisis. He mandated that everyone had to paint their homes in white as a preventive measure.

Desperate to slow the spread of the disease, he ordered everyone to whitewash their homes. This was due to the disinfectant nature of the solution and the easy access of the ingredients. People began whitewashing their homes, following the directive to protect their families and communities.

Political Agenda

Decades later, a Greek military officer led a coup, throwing the government. This man was Georgios Papadopoulos, and he became the Prime Minister of Greece from 1967 to 1973.

During his regime, his government mandated that the island homes had to be paint in white with blue trim. He believed this would inspire Greek patriotism and national pride.

Today this order is no longer in place, but many people still choose to paint their homes in this colour scheme to continue the tradition and aesthetic.

A street lined with blue and white buildings in Greece.

Where To Find The Blue And White Buildings In Greece

Both the islands and mainland are filled with iconic blue and white buildings in Greece. Their charm and cultural significance make them a beloved symbol of national identity.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos stands out as the ultimate party destination among the Greek islands, offering stunning coastal views and a lively nightlife.

Found in the main town of Mykonos, Little Venice is a great area to see some white painted houses with blue and red shutters. These buildings dot the coast, creating a stunning backdrop to the clear turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

You can find the Google Maps location for this area here.

Meg hiking in the Santorini caldera, on the volcano of Nea Kameni.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s unique beauty surprised me, and it is an island I highly recommend taking the time to visit. The jagged coast of volcanic rock mixed with the white architecture and the blue sea, creates a beautifully striking landscape.

The Anastasi Church, located in the town of Oia, stands as one of the most iconic blue domes in the Greek Islands. Due to its location, you can view this building with the Aegean Sea and volcanic island of Nea Kameni in the backdrop.

You can find the Google Maps location for this area here.

Astypalaia, Greece

This island is one of the many that make up the Cyclades of Greece. This is a great choice if you prefer a quieter spot with fewer crowds than Santorini or Mykonos.

The main town features many blue and white houses that have an interesting mixture of the Cycladic and the Dodecanese architecture style. These structures line the hillside as you make your way up to the towering Castle of Astypalaia.

You can find the Google Maps location for this area here.

Anafiotika, Greece

If you do not have time in your itinerary to visit the islands, no worries, this area of Athens is a great spot to see some classic white buildings in Greece.

Found north of the Acropolis and south of Plaka you can walk through a picturesque neighbourhood sporting the white and blue style famously known to the islands.

You can find the Google Maps location for this area here.

This is a view of the coast of Santorini, through a gap in the whitewashed walls that line the streets.

Why Are The Buildings In Greece White And Blue: FAQ

The history, culture, and climate have shaped the iconic blue and white buildings in Greece. Their design reflects practical considerations for cooling and aesthetics while symbolizing themes of tradition and national pride.

A large Greek flag is mounted on the Acropolis hill.

Are The Buildings In Greece Painted Blue And White After The Flag?

In the seventies, the government required island homes to be painted in the colors of the flag. They chose these colors to inspire greater national pride and patriotism. Islanders embraced the initiative, turning their neighborhoods into vibrant displays of unity.

What Does The Blue And White Mean In Greece?

The blue and white colours in Greece have become a symbol of unity and purity to its citizens. Blue represents the sky and sea, while white represents the struggle of independence of the Greek people.

This is a view of the Santorini coast. Many white buildings in Greece can be seen here.

Why Are Most Of The Blue And White Buildings On The Greek Islands?

There are no longer any laws in place regarding the colour scheme of homes on the islands. But many inhabitants have continued the time-honoured tradition for aesthetic and cultural reasons. This creates a striking backdrop to the blue waters surrounding the islands.

What Are The White Houses In Greece Made Of?

Historically, people would use a mixture of water, lime, and salt to whitewash the exterior of their homes, recoating a few times a year. This was used on a mix of cement and brick that formed the building’s structure.

This church and its bell towers feature classic Greek architectural styles.

Final Thoughts: Why Are The Buildings In Greece White And Blue?

The blue and white buildings in Greece are a symbol of the country’s charm. People traditionally coated white walls with a mix of water, lime, and salt to reflect sunlight and combat summer heat. These ingredients were easy to access and affordable, especially for those living on the islands.

The tradition of painting buildings white and blue also holds cultural and historical significance. The blue and white combination, inspired by the Greek flag, emerged in the 20th century to boost national pride and unity. Over the years, this aesthetic has become a quintessential aspect of Greek architecture.

Whether visiting the islands or the mainland, there are many great choices to spot these homes. They serve as reminders of Greece’s history, climate awareness, and ongoing cultural preservation. Not to mention they offer a stunning backdrop to the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea.