10 Nail Art Designs Inspired by Greece’s Santorini Blues
The island of Santorini, Greece, a world-famous destination dotted with stunning blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings and crystal-clear Aegean waters.
Santorini’s signature blue and white palette has lured travelers for years, and now, it’s luring nail art fans, too.
Whether you’re heading out to Greece or simply reflecting on a trip you took there last summer, or if you just love the vibey beauty that is pair of beaches, Santorini nail designs are a fabulous way to bring a bit of the island home.
In this guide, we introduce you to ten creative Santorini-inspired nail designs that capture the essence of Greece on our fingertips.
From elaborate Greek designs to deep ocean colors, we dive into Greece-inspired blue-and-white nails inspired by one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
1. Stripes Blue And White: Classic Nautical
“Nothing says Santorini like blue and white stripes, a style that draws from both Greek sailing culture and the island’s architecture.
Make it two: Alternate stripes of blue and white on each nail for a nautical effect. Combine thick and thin stripes for an unexpected pop.
Make it perfect: A glossy top coat will provide a shiny, polished finish that mirrors the surface of the Aegean Sea when the sun shines above it.
Why It Works: Sleek but dramatic, this look embodies the essence of Santorini’s coastal feel.
2. Buildings with Whitewashed Blue Domes
The signature blue-domed churches of Santorini are the most photographed view on the island, and you can get this look on your nails.
Design Idea: All white base, then blue polish or nail art pens to create small, dome shapes either along the top or bottom of each nail.
Add Detail: You could outline each dome with a thin line of gold, for a bit of opulence, like the sunlight dancing across the rooftops in Santorini.
Why It Works: Immediately recognizable and a gorgeous tribute to Santaorini’s iconic architecture.
3. Greek Key Pattern: A Respect to Custom
The Greek key, or meander, is a very old symbol of infinity and unity frequently featured in Greek art and architecture.
For those of you who love to get a little bit traditional this pattern is an easiest way to get a bit of tradition in your nail art.
For this you could paint your nails in solid blue or white For white nails, use a nail art pen or a stencil to add the Greek key pattern in the opposite color (blue on white or white on blue).
Understated Chic: Use the Greek key design on only one or two nails — this will keep it looking contemporary and balanced.
Why It Works: This classic pattern adds an elegant, vintage feel to your hands.
4. Ombre Ocean Blues
For a style inspired by the infinitely varying hues of blue in the Aegean Sea, an ombre effect with gradations from pale through deep blue is a chic option.
Design Idea: Gradation of light blue on base of nails to dark blue at tip Then you can blend the colors together with a sponge.
Extra Detail: Add a fine, sparkly silver line to the edge of each nail in order to create the illusion of sunlight flickering on the water.
Why It Works: Ombre nails are super-versatile and eye-catching, making them ideal for anyone who wants a more subtle, beachy vibe.
5. Warm and Cool Contrast: Santorini Sunset
Santorini is known for all its blues, but sunsets are some of its best.
Add daubs of pink and orange and purple to evoke that magical moment between day and night, when the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
Design Concept: Start with a soft pink base, and then mix in shades of orange, purple and blue to give your nails a gradient effect that emulates the essence of a Santorini sunset.
More Shine: Use glitter or gold foil to reflect the last golden rays of the sun.
Why It Works: This look incorporates both warm and cool shades for a unique take on the classic Santorini-inspired nails.
6. Aqua Fit: A Blue Jelly Manicure
A jelly manicure with a clear blue polish is the ideal choice for a design inspired by Santorini’s crystal-clear waters.
(via Aurora — Encoder) Design Idea: Add two or three coats of a sheer, jelly-ish blue polish. This look has to do with translucency, so make it light!
Beachy Vibes: Use small silver or iridescent bits to mimic sunlight shimmering on the surface of the water.
Why It Works: The jelly manicure trend makes your nails look soft — like they’re submerged underwater — but in a way that feels modern and refreshing.
7. Sophisticated, yet Natural: White Marble with Blue Veins
These natural touches give this design an elegant but not superficial look, which delicate stonework reflects and which is inspired by the white marble buildings of Greece.
Diy Idea: a white coat serves as a base layer, and finish with light blue veins (use a fine brush/nail art pen to work a marble effect).
Sprinkle Gold: Having a splash of gold in its veins gives it a more royal touch, elevating its premium look.
Why It Works: This marble design is tasteful and versatile, for any day of the week.
8. Seafoam Sparkles: Glittering Aqua and Teal
Reflect the beauty of Santorini’s bright seafoam through this shimmering, aqua-hued design.
Look: A fine glitter polish over an aqua or teal base polish. You can even use micro rhinestones to create the impression of bubbles in the water.
Try Accent Nails: For a more subtle approach, try applying glitter only to one or two accent nails.
Why It Works: Fun and glamorous, this look is for anyone who wants a bit of sparkle.
9. Abstract Blue Waves
This guided meditation is brought to you by Aegean, an abstract range inspired by light ripples in the Aegean Sea.
Design Idea: Use a soft blue as a base coat, then paint abstract wave shapes on each nail with darker blue shades. These waves don’t need to be uniform—let them flow naturally.
Accent Colors: A little silver or white in some waves could add some dimension.
Why It Works: This look is creative and individual, a perfect option if you have an artistic spirit and want something new.
10. Seaside Shells and Starfish
Bring a beachy vibe to your Santorini-adjacent nails with little shell and starfish embellishments.
Design Idea: Use a pale, ocean-blue or sandy-beige background. Next, apply small decals or hand-paint shells, starfish or other beach icons.
TOP COAT – and finish off with a top coat to seal it all in – for a glossy finish that resembles water.
Why It Works: Okay, this design is great for beach lovers, so if you have a friend who wishes they could take the beach with them on the road, and this design is perfect!
Conclusion
Santorini is Timeless, and so are these nail art designs, they make any day feel like a Greek holiday!
From traditional blue-and-white motifs to chic marble and sea-inspired looks, each captures the spirit of this iconic destination.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a trip to Santorini or just want to add a pang of Greek-inspired magic to your day to day, here, the best nail designs inspired by greek islands.
Try these Santorini-inspired designs to give your nails a hit of Mediterranean magic, and let them remind you of sun-scorched days, impenetrably blue seas and whitewashed buildings sitting high on a hill.
