More of Chora

The windmills: function first, then the view

Mykonos’s windmills existed to grind grain, using the island’s near-constant wind as their power source — the postcard silhouette is a side effect of that function. Understanding the mechanism changes how the row at Kato Myli reads.

Why the mills are here

  • Mykonos’s strong, consistent winds made wind-powered grain milling practical in a way it wasn’t on more sheltered islands.
  • The mills sit on a ridge above the harbor, positioned to catch wind from multiple directions and to serve the settlement below.

How they worked

  • Canvas-sailed rotating blades turned an internal grinding mechanism, converting wind energy directly into milling power for local grain.

Kato Myli group

  • The row of mills above the harbor is the island’s best-known cluster, forming the classic ridge-line silhouette visible from Little Venice and the waterfront.
  • Current interior access and restoration status vary by individual mill and should be checked before a visit if entry matters to you.

Boni’s windmill

  • A separately preserved mill linked to the island’s agricultural heritage, with connections to the Agricultural Museum’s broader story of grain and food production on Mykonos.

Respectful photography

  • The mills sit within a residential and commercial area; be mindful of private property lines and nearby businesses when photographing.

Practical information

Greek state museums generally follow a national pattern: shorter winter hours (roughly 08:30–15:30, November–March) and extended summer hours (roughly 09:00–16:00 or later, April–October), with most closed one day a week and free admission on specific national dates. Confirm this museum’s exact current hours, weekly closure day and ticket price on the Ministry of Culture’s own listing rather than assuming the general pattern applies exactly.

Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports · Last checked: 12 July 2026. Schedules and access arrangements change during the season — confirm before setting out.

FAQ

Were the Mykonos windmills built by the Venetians?

This is a widely repeated claim without a clearly sourced basis. Treat specific construction attributions with caution until confirmed by a reliable source.

Can I go inside the windmills?

Interior access varies by mill and changes with restoration status. Check current access directly rather than assuming entry is available.