The Windmills (Kato Milli)

The Windmills of Kato Milli are some of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the Greek island of Mykonos. Located on the northern side of the island, these windmills have been an integral part of the island’s culture and history since the 17th century and have served as a scenic backdrop of the harbor of Mykonos. These majestic windmills, built with large cylindrical stones, dominated the Mykonian skyline with their size and height until the 1960s. Since then, the windmills have become an important part of the island’s tourist attractions and a major part of its postcard-perfect view.

There is currently a total of seven windmills situated on the top of a hill, just above the town of Chora, overlooking the old harbor. These windmills were used for the production of flour since there were no conventional methods available for milling. In the past, every house had its own mill but, as the industry increased, it became more efficient to concentrate the production into only a few large ones. The strong Cycladic wind made the windmills a good choice and they now stand as a silent reminder of the past.

The windmills have an interesting architecture, made out of a combination of stone and wood. With horizontal skylights and windows, the white stone walls create a natural stone frame for the two-stage floor plan. Inside, the mill was equipped with large storage rooms for the flour, and their gears were used to direct the movement of the blades.

The view from the windmills is spectacular, with the harbor, the sea, the town and the island of Delos all in front of you. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Mykonos, attracting visitors from all around the world. Wanderers, photographers and painters alike can all enjoy the amazing sights that these windmills offer.

These windmills of Kato Milli, this magical view towards the Mediterranean, the traditional architecture and the importance they carry on the history and culture of the island have made them landmarks of Mykonos. From the top of the hill, visitors can admire the whole sight of Mykonos and immerse in its history and culture while enjoying the beauty.