With their whitewashed circular walls, topped by cone-shaped grass-covered roofs, the windmills of Mykonos are among the island’s most famous attractions. Although they are no longer used for their original purpose of grinding grain, they remain standing as a symbol of the island’s history and culture, adding to the picturesque surroundings that make Mykonos a top tourism destination.

 

 

 

There were at least sixteen windmills on the island in the early 19th century. Grain was brought to the island where it was ground, baked into bread and rusks in the town and then supplied to ships that stopped at Mykonos to replenish their supplies. Today, the most photographed of the remaining windmills are found at Chora and Alefkandra.

The iconic windmills can be seen from virtually any point in Mykonos Town and are an eye-catching feature on the hill when approaching the island by sea. Some of the windmills have been made into museums, such as the Bonis windmill overlooking the town center, which also offers a great vantage point for enjoying a spectacular sunset.