These picturesque mills once drove the island's economy; now they're the perfect place to watch the sun set over Mykonos.
Mykonos is famous for its emblematic white windmills. Perched on the cliffs next to Mykonos Town, these 400-year-old structures dominate the island skyline. Seven of the 16 original mills remain, and one is now a small but charming museum. From the 16th until the 20th century however, and thanks to Mykonos' famous winds, these mills were the engines behind the island's global flour export industry.The best time to visit the windmills is as the sun is setting. From Mykonos harbour head south through the town's narrow streets, then ascend the hills that loom over the town. The entire walk will only take a few minutes. The freshly painted and restored white mills are picture-postcard perfect against the blue of the Aegean Sea and the orange of the setting sun. Take a few photos and just enjoy the view. This is a popular time to visit the windmills, but the expansive hillside never gets too crowded.Mykonos was once an important stop on a number of major trade routes that passed through the Aegean. Learn about its former trading glory at the museum located in the Boni windmill. Find out about the windmills' construction and admire photographs of the mills in their working days. This small museum is a must see for any history buffs, and provides information in both Greek and English.It's free to visit the windmills and the museum, and both are open to the public every day. If you don't fancy walking, a bus service stops nearby and there is a car park.
