The Glorious Mykonian Windmills
It is a fact that nobody has ever visited the island of Mykonos and not stared at the majestic pure white windmills in awe and absolute amazement. These magnificent white soldiers, as they are known, have been one of the most recognized landmarks of the Cycladic island of Mykonos, which is also known as the ‘island of wind.’
Windmills at Work
Due to the island’s geographical position, situated on a significant sea-trade route, which in the past joined Venice to Asia and an abundant supply of wind, Mykonos was the perfect location for tired travelers to rest while the islanders refined their grain in the island’s mills for their remaining voyage at sea as early as the 16th century. The majority of the windmills were strategically positioned around the main harbor to provide easy access to the travelers.
Windmills Today
After World War I, with the coming of Industrialization and advancement of technology, sadly the windmills were no longer financially valuable to the islanders. Nonetheless, they remain standing, until this day as one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Cyclades islands and are known all around the world as Mykonos trademark.
Today, they are no longer in operation, as they are not used to grind wheat for passing travelers. However, their importance remains on the island as a reminder and symbol of history. The most renowned are those situated in “Chora,” the capital of Mykonos, and are known as the “Kato Milli” which in Greek means the Lower Mills. The “Kato Milli” are positioned in a row on a hill overlooking the scenic Aegean Sea, as if they are still waiting patiently for the next ship to disembark and be put to work.
They do not seize to amaze and astound every visitor of the island because of their glorious pure white color crowned with wood and straw. At present, samples of the notorious windmills have been restored and function as museums, such as the Bonis Mill or the Windmill of Geronymos, which both are in their best condition and the majority of their equipment has been preserved as a symbol of respect. Others have been renovated and used as dwellings or storage units. Upon visiting the island of Mykonos, you will be immediately stunned by these monuments. You should not let the opportunity pass by and visit these attractions.
Mystifying View of the Windmills
One of the best and most mesmerizing ways to enjoy the mystifying scenic view of the island’s striking Windmills is from one of Mykonos luxury hotels, known as the petite Mykonos Theoxenia boutique hotel. The famous luxury hotel, inspired in the 1960’s and renovated to accommodate you, combines Mykonian history and modern life. It is the ideal location to enjoy the sun and summer breeze while sipping on delicious cocktails by the pool bar, feasting on Greek gourmet dishes or enjoying the refreshing swimming pool and taking pleasure on the breathtaking scenery of the gigantic white windmills characterized as soldiers, overlooking the crystal blue waters and sandy beaches of the Aegean Sea.
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