Santorini is a destination of sun-drenched calderas and cliffside elegance — but beneath its luxury and beauty lies an extraordinary past. At the heart of this past, just a short journey from Athina Luxury Suites, is one of the island’s most captivating mysteries: the blue monkeys of Akrotiri.
These vivid creatures, painted on the walls of a Bronze Age town preserved by volcanic ash, have fascinated archaeologists and art lovers for decades. But why were the monkeys blue? What do they tell us about the ancient world — and how can your stay in Santorini connect you to a story 3,600 years in the making?
Akrotiri Frescoes: Santorini’s Window into the Bronze Age
In the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, frescoes dating back to around 1600 BC have survived almost intact. Among them, a scene shows monkeys — painted with graceful motion, expressive faces, and fur as blue as the Aegean sky. It’s a striking image, and one that leaves visitors with a question: Why blue?
According to Dr. Andreas Vlachopoulos, one of the leading experts on the Thira frescoes, the answer lies in a blend of artistic freedom, religious symbolism, and global trade.
Why Are the Monkeys Blue?
- Artistic & Cultural Expression:
Blue wasn’t meant to be literal — it was symbolic. Inspired by Egyptian art, Minoan artists used blue to suggest the exotic, the divine, or the sacred. The monkeys weren’t local to Santorini; they were likely langurs or vervet monkeys, animals known through trade with Africa and possibly India.
- Pigments from the Earth:
The Minoans had access to mineral-based colors, such as Egyptian blue and azurite. These pigments made the frescoes visually vibrant, helping the monkeys stand out in scenes of ritual or movement — even being chased by dogs across rocky terrain.
- Religious Meaning:
Monkeys appear in shrine and ceremonial contexts across Minoan art. Their color may suggest something sacred — part of a larger symbolic world where animals, humans, and nature were intertwined.
- Aesthetic Brilliance:
The Thira frescoes reflect a sophisticated sense of style and emotional storytelling. The blue monkeys may have simply enhanced the dreamlike nature of the scene — where art, myth, and reality blended freely.
Stay Where History Breathes – Athina Luxury Suites
From the ancient walls of Akrotiri to the luxurious terraces of Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini is a bridge between worlds. Located in the heart of Fira with sweeping caldera views, our suites place you just a short drive from Akrotiri’s archaeological site — and even closer to the spirit of timeless wonder.
Whether you’re gazing at the volcano with a glass of Santorini wine or reflecting on the mysteries of the Aegean civilizations, your journey here is more than just a holiday — it’s an immersion in history, beauty, and the power of imagination.
Make Santorini Your Story
Athina Luxury Suites invites you to experience Santorini beyond the postcard. Discover the secrets of the blue monkeys. Wander through volcanic landscapes. Let ancient art shape your modern escape.
Book your stay and let luxury meet legacy.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.