Santorini – Unique island architecture

There are some sights that make an everlasting imprint on your mind. And the tiny white cuboid houses perched precariously on the northern volcanic hills of Santorini, against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea merging into the shining blue sky forming a seamless horizon is just one of those sights. Unseen, it is a dream to inspire to, and seen, a memory to rest on, but in either case, an experience to live by.

Oia – North Santorini

 

 

Downtown Fira

 

A night view of cliff-top abodes in Fira, Santorini 

 

A fleeting glance at the hill top nests is enough to get a gist of the unique island architecture of Santorini. If I were to describe it in a couple of words, it would be ‘simple’ and ‘grand’. And yet, these are words that seldom go together…until you have visited and experienced living in an island suite.

 

Along the cliff side, Santorini enclosures are perched, one over the other, connected by interlinking narrow and steep steps, such that often boundaries of one abode are undistinguishable from another. The colour scheme is an unchanging white, sometimes interspersed by gentle hues like greys for various tones. And yet the landscape is anything but monochrome for paleness and plainness are regularly interrupted with a blue church domes, rustic earth-hues doors, overflowing bougainvillea, delicate lavender blooms and the exotically coloured, wild and wondrous of the plant kingdom. It is this mix of the plain and bold that creates a theme of simplistic grandeur throughout the island. In an age where cluttered houses and chaotic lives have crammed our souls, Santorini’s fresh and minimalistic approach to creating enclosures brings a peaceful mindfulness with it. Even the most exquisite of abodes here are adorned with only jaw dropping views of the ocean beyond, and occasionally bejewelled by a stunning sunset.

Typical blue-domed cathedral in Oia,, Santorini

 

 

Santorini – Typical views from the northern parts of the island

 

Intermittent colour in plain hues  

 

It seems that the islanders have got it right really, keeping existence simple and manageable. In a land of minimal resources, low maintenance counts. Widespread whitewashing even on a fairly regular basis takes little. In the rich volcanic soil, plant growth is optimum, if only protected from scorching sunshine. With little efforts needed, upkeep is easy and desirable.

 

The Greek orthodox church has a strong presence on the island. Even here, there is no over-the-top grand tribute in art and sculpture to the creator and his home. Grandiosity is created by bringing the His explicit exteriors to humbly decorate His interiors, providing simple tribute to His masterpiece, the earth. Church spaces are open, widely using colours that blend into the splendid surroundings of this nature-gifted island. Contrasting shades with specks of shimmer painted to highlight the right parts provide the right finishing touches to blend in church architecture with that on the rest of the island. Like the sea effortlessly merges into the heaven here, man-made structures also blend into the earth and volcanic dust, creating just enough existence for the appreciating eye. Nothing sticks out and everything has its own place, creating an environment that festers positivity and calm.

Fira Cathedral, Santorini

 

Paintedalter at Fira Cathedral, Santorini

 

Fira cathedral – intrinsic painted décor

 

 

Where to stay:

 

Despite being a small island, Santorini is quite varied in topology. So while the island offers varied accommodation. To the naïve tourist, the choice can be confusing and exhausting in terms of making a decision and quite distressing when the choice proves to be wrong! So here are some notes to consider while choosing an accommodation on the island.

 

Like me, if you are smitten by the Santorini you have seen in tourist guides, then be mindful to choose an accommodation in the northern parts of the island. Typically, this includes Fira (capital), Ferostephani, Imiglioveri and Oia, all of which have the typical Santorini-type white cubed accommodation precariously located on the northern cliffs of the island, providing the best views of the volcano and the ever extending sea. Even if you are required to be a bit stingy or cannot afford those exquisite accommodations that tempt you into never returning home, around these parts of the island, it is easy to pop into a café or a restaurant to have a meal with indeed a view at very reasonable costs. Also compared to the southern, more beach-oriented parts of the islands, these parts seem be more cultural and art oriented with good transport links, though this all comes with a price.

 

However, if the beach appeals to you infinitely more, or if you simply are not that step-friendly (which can be quite tiring on a daily basis), southern Santorini should be your pick. It is worth noting that a beach side accommodation might suit you more if you have to keep kids entertained or are on the island for simply spit roasting. Of course, you will always have the option of making day trips to the northern parts of the islands. Also, accommodation here appears to be a lot cheaper than up north, based on the price versus offered services comparison. The only prime loss really is the loss of the typical Santorini views that are easy to catch in most locales in northern Santorini.

Hill top view of Amoudi Bay, Oia, Santorini