Windmills

The Windmills towering over the sea southeast of the capital are the most well-known Mykonos landmarks, and their photograph has traveled around the world countless times. The windmills are three storey cylindrical constructions with small windows and cone-shaped wooden roofs turning with the direction of the winds. These whitewashed, straw-capped windmills once contributed to the island’s economy. During the 19th century, there were about 28 windmills on the island, constituting its leading small industry.

Nowadays, the few remaining windmills are a popular background for visitors to the island. Boni’s mill was restored and operates as a museum, while some of the lower mills have been refurbished and are currently lived in!