{"id":72323,"date":"2026-08-10T08:28:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/greece\/why-are-houses-in-cyclades-white-with-blue-the-serious-reason-why-it-became-a-national-proposal\/72323\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T00:45:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T21:45:01","slug":"why-are-houses-in-cyclades-white-with-blue-the-serious-reason-why-it-became-a-national-proposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/south-aegean-islands-en\/cyclades-en\/why-are-houses-in-cyclades-white-with-blue-the-serious-reason-why-it-became-a-national-proposal\/72323\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are houses in Cyclades white with blue?- The serious reason why it became a national proposal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The color of the architecture of the Cyclades was not always white, with blue windows.
\nOn the contrary, we would say that, in the first decades of the 20th century and further back, the complex of 24 islands had color. But how did we get the houses of the Cyclades to be white with blue windows and whitewashed alleys? We have to go back almost 90 years \u2013 86 to be specific.<\/p>\n

Why houses in the Cyclades are white with blue <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Why<\/picture>
Why the answer for houses in the Cyclades are white with blue, we have to go back almost 90 years<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1938, by decree, Ioannis Metaxas stipulated that the houses of the Cyclades should be covered with lime for protection from cholera. Lime was a solution without great cost; its disinfectant role was deemed effective.
\nThe blue allegedly comes from a pigment of the locals, also economical, made of limestone. What color were houses before 1938? Several were in shades of intense ocher, indigo, and earthy red. And even before? In the era of pirates, before the establishment of the modern Greek state, the inhabitants of the islands did not paint their houses, as they were made of stone and thus became one with the natural environment.
\nWhereas if they painted them, they would give a target.
\nAfter the war, the mood for tourist promotion of Greece kept white and blue, identifying it with the sky and the sea. At the same time, the combination refers to the colors of the Greek flag, leaving no room for any misinterpretation. Today, although none of the above is valid, the tradition continues to a large extent.<\/p>\n

The houses in the Cyclades are white with blue, but not Syros<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Syros<\/picture>
Hermoupolis and Syros as a whole have kept their own architecture in contrast to the white – blue of the Cyclades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It is interesting to note that the island that kept its architecture, having its own identity in relation to the image of the Cyclades, is the capital of the complex: Syros. The island was essentially built in the 19th century, with Hermoupolis<\/strong> remaining a reference point to this day.
\nMansions, neoclassical, island, frescoes, colors and great architects – with one of them, Ernst Ziller<\/strong> having created the impressive town hall – and one of the largest in Greece.
\nWith elements from the famous La Scala in Milan, the Apollo Theater has been built<\/strong> by the Italian architect Pietro Sambo.<\/p>\n

Three special beaches in the Cyclades<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We are in the Cyclades, but we will leave the white and blue of the architecture to go to the colors of the sea and sky. The beaches worth it are dozens. No list will leave everyone happy. We chose three, not because they are the best or win in points against others, but because together with the waters they have a special landscape that makes the scenery special – and sometimes magical.<\/p>\n

Sarakiniko – Milos<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\"Milos<\/picture>
Sarakiniko in Milos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It is the most popular beach of Milos<\/strong>, but this description seems too short to capture the grandeur of nature, the grandeur of Sarakiniko. The white of the volcanic rock blends with the natural pools of the caves. In these caves, the Saracen pirates found refuge; from them it took its name. The scenery is breathtaking. The beach rewards visitors who usually find it difficult to get there. But when they go, they don’t want to leave.<\/p>\n

Gala Beach – Koufonisia <\/strong><\/h4>\n
\"Koufonisia:<\/picture>
The impressive Gala beach in Koufonisia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next is Gala beach, a small miracle of nature in Koufonisia<\/strong>. The scenery really offers a unique spectacle, as it is a rare geological phenomenon, where the sea passes under a large rock and comes out on the other side of it. “This is not just another beautiful beach in Greece, but a beach of indescribable beauty that springs up like a painting as the traveler approaches the cliff,” Conde Nast Traveller has written about this beach.<\/p>\n

Grias Beach – Andros<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\"Grias<\/picture>
The beach of Grias to Pidima in Andros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, the beach of Grias to Pidima has a uniqueness that has made it famous until the other side of the world<\/strong>. Its fame has transcended Greek borders. Rightly so, because in its crystal clear and turquoise shallow waters, you will relax and enjoy the landscape surrounded by cliffs, while in combination with the legends that follow it, you will feel part of an almost eerie and detached scenery.<\/p>\n

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