Even if you have never vacationed on the Cyclades, you have probably seen or at least heard about the magnificent Greek islands’ architecture. Mykonos and Santorini are some of the most famous destinations in entire Greece, and their charming architecture is adored by numerous individuals who traveled to the Cyclades or are intending to. If you wish to learn more about why this style is so impressive and unique, this article will be the best explanation.
The Greek Islands Architecture Is Most Known for Its Simplified Yet Very Aesthetically Pleasing Forms
The gorgeous architecture that became a synonym for the Cyclades is one of the many reasons why these islands are so specific and why a great number of tourists usually vacation on Mykonos and Santorini.
This specific architectural style of every Cycladic island is something that is hard to find anywhere else. The whitewashed buildings with picturesque blue details are a key symbol of these destinations and something that sets them apart from many other places in the Aegean Sea.
Cycladic houses have a unique style and are very recognizable
The Cycladic Style Is Much Older Than You May Expect It to Be
The marvelous houses, built on the famous Cycladic islands, are well-known attractions of this specific area in the Aegean. Smooth-edged houses have their roots in the Cycladic art that dates back to 2,000 B.C. and is characterized by organic forms.
Through centuries, on Santorini, for example, locals built their homes in this characteristic style, carving them into hills and adjusting them one to another. The locals never cared about the aesthetics of their homes – their main goal was to keep them functional and in sync with the environment. The buildings on the island were made out of local rocks and materials that kept the temperature in these homes stable throughout the year.
The Traditional Style of Old Cycladic Architecture Is Now Highly Favored by the Whole World
The urbanization plan of the Cyclades hasn’t changed much in centuries. As they became more and more popular vacation destinations, each island drastically evolved, but without hindering the original atmosphere.
Even though numerous luxurious hotels were built as well as plenty of international restaurants, the locals made sure that the facilities of the contemporary world didn’t ruin the original panorama of the island. Today these buildings are some of the most popular Instagram spots, and the photos of whitewashed streets can be seen on every social media.
The luxurious hotels had to incorporate themselves into the traditional style
The Story About How Blue and White Became the Emblematic Colors of Mykonos and Santorini
Most buildings on Mykonos and Santorini were built centuries ago, and they are all characterized by white and blue colors. Many people who visit or wish to visit these destinations often wonder why these buildings have this specific combination of colors. There are numerous theories for that. However, most of them imply that functionality was the main priority behind this idea.
Greek Houses Have White and Blue Details for Functional Reasons
The white color is the main one on almost every facade, and it has been like that for centuries. However, there is more than one theory about this color scheme rule:
- One of the reasons is to ensure that the houses can cool down, so they are more comfortable during the summer months.
- Some believe that whitewashing was a way of sanitizing homes during the outbreak of cholera in 1938.
- During the 1950s, white buildings started drawing a lot of attention, so locals decided to keep it that way, as it was good for tourism.
The blue details have a completely different story. It is believed that fishermen and seafaring men used to paint window shutters and doors blue because that was the cheapest color. It was also the most available color since everyone painted their boats blue. Some also believe that the blue and white patterns are a symbol of Greek nationalism and patriotism.
Both Santorini and Mykonos respect the white and blue color scheme
Today These Islands Are in Perfect Harmony with Tradition and Modernity
Once unpopular spots in the Aegean Sea, mainly inhabited by fishermen, are now known for being one of the most popular tourist and party islands for rich & famous people. The major popularity took these two destinations by storm and made them the most famous places in the entire world.
This attracted many investors who started renovating the town, building great hotels, numerous luxury villas on Mykonos and Santorini, and the most famous beach clubs. However, these places still kept their traditional charm.
The urbanization rule of each Cycladic island is pretty clear – even the most modern facilities need to respect the original style of Cycladic architectural design without harming the picturesqueness of its environment.
The Luxurious Villas in Mykonos and Santorini Are Perfect Examples of This Rule
The famous Mykonos luxury villas and villas on Santorini are perfect examples of how contemporary ideas can be incorporated into traditional style. Most of these villas look very ordinary from the outside, with whitewashed facades and blue details, but they are completely modern and luxurious on the inside.
They have all the facilities and amenities you could imagine, and they are the favorite spots among most hedonistic tourists. If you are looking for a unique place to stay while on these destinations, one of these private villas in Mykonos with pools and numerous amenities might be the best choice for you and your companions.
New private villas still respect the authenticity of local architecture
The Ace VIP Team Is Here to Find You Your Perfect Mykonos Villa
If you want to spend your summer on the coast of Greece in one of the most amazing accommodations you could find, our team will gladly help you out. The Ace VIP team has numerous Mykonos villas for rental, and we can help you find the one that best suits your budget and preferences. Contact us today, and we will immediately introduce you to our concierge services, which can be out of great help to you on your vacation. Our job is to make your dream holiday a reality!
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