The Windmills of Mykonos and the legacy of the wind

The windmills on Mykonos are the most famous landmarks in the Aegean Sea. These white towers are on hills all over the island to catch the strong winds from the north. At first, more than twenty-five mills were in use to serve the local people and the ships that came to visit. Today, sixteen of these old buildings are still standing as reminders of a time when farming was very important. They show how hard the people who live there work and how much they love the sea.

Understanding the legacy of the wind and Mykonos maritime history

Most visitors recognize the famous “Kato Mili” complex near the harbor. This group originally included ten mills, but only seven remain standing today. Venetians first constructed them during the 16th century to grind local wheat and barley. These stone buildings feature a round shape and pointed roofs made of wood and straw. Each mill has three floors for storing grain, collecting flour, and housing the heavy grinding machines.

Some of these famous places are now museums or private homes. The Geronymos Mill, for instance, is a private building that was still in use until the 1960s. It still has most of its original grinding tools, and the site is in very good shape. Furthermore, the Boni’s Mill now serves as a fascinating museum for international travelers. These Windmills of Mykonos once produced large quantities of flour to supply sailing ships with double-baked bread. Consequently, this local industry brought great wealth to the island for many centuries.

The best way to see the iconic windmills of Mykonos

However, the hill around the mills becomes extremely crowded during the sunset hours. Thousands of people gather there to take photos, making it hard to enjoy the view. Therefore, viewing the Windmills of Mykonos from the water is a much smarter choice. You can see the full row of white towers perfectly from the comfort of a deck. This perspective allows you to appreciate their size without the noise of the large crowds.

A private boat cruise with Don Blue Yachting offers the best way to see this landmark. You can relax and enjoy the golden colors of the sunset while we sail past Chora. Also, our professional crew will share more historical secrets about the island’s rich naval past. This VIP tour ensures total privacy and the most beautiful photos of your trip. Additionally, you will experience the magic of the island in a truly unique and luxurious way.

Contact our team today to start planning your dream summer vacation in Greece.

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Mykonos icons: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it actually worth visiting the Windmills of Mykonos from a private boat?

Honestly, it’s the only way to really appreciate them without dealing with the tourist chaos. If you go by land, you’re usually walking up dusty paths, dodging hundreds of selfie-sticks, and trying to crop a crowd out of your photos. From the water, the view is completely wide open and clean. We drop anchor right in the bay, giving you a perfect, elevated look at all five mills lined up on the hillside. You get to take in the whole historic postcard scene while chilling on deck with a glass of wine, completely away from the noise on the hill.

When is the best time to cruise past the mills for the perfect photos?

Late afternoon, just as the sun starts to drop and everything turns gold, is the golden window. That’s when the light hits the whitewashed stone of the mills perfectly. We always suggest timing your cruise so you arrive in the bay right before sunset. This gives you plenty of time to get your shots from the water while the sky changes colors behind the structures, and you won’t have to rush through the moment or worry about other people blocking your frame.

Can the boat drop us off nearby if we want to walk up to the mills after our swim?

We can’t land a boat right under the mills because of the rocky shallow waters, but we can get you ashore super easily. Our captains will slip into the sheltered old port or the nearby pier where the water is calm. From there, a tender drops you off smoothly on the waterfront. You can just step off, take a short, beautiful walk through the edges of Chora, and head up to the mills on foot. It’s a great way to combine a relaxed day at sea with a stroll through the town just as the nightlife starts to wake up.

How do your captains handle the strong gusts of wind around that specific hillside?

The wind is exactly what put those mills there in the first place, but it’s nothing our captains can’t handle. That specific ridge gets hit pretty hard by the northern Meltemi winds, which can make the water look a bit wild from the shore. But you won’t have to worry about a rough or bumpy ride. We know the currents and the wind-shadows of the island like the back of our hand. We track the wind patterns before we even untie the lines, picking the smoothest route into the bay so the boat stays perfectly steady while you enjoy the view.