The Traveling Taylors

We all take the iconic Mykonos windmill photo—but how much do we really know about them? During our visit, we got curious and dug into their backstory. What we found made us appreciate them even more. Here are 5 surprising facts about the Mykonos windmills you probably never knew.

1. They Were Built to Outsmart the Wind

The Aegean is known for its powerful “meltemi” winds, and the windmills were perfectly designed to harness them. Their round shapes and pointed rooftops helped reduce wind resistance and maximize grain production.

When visiting famous landmarks like Mykonos Windmills, many travelers like bringing a compact selfie stick tripod like this one so they can easily capture photos without asking strangers.

2. They Date Back to the 16th Century

The Venetians built them when Mykonos was a key maritime stop. At one point, over 20 windmills were operating across the island, making Mykonos a grain-milling powerhouse in the Cyclades.

3. They Were Active Until the Mid-20th Century

Most windmills stopped spinning by the 1950s, but some functioned for centuries. Boni’s Windmill is now a museum, showing how they worked and why they mattered to island life.

If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through iconic locations.

4. They Face the Sea on Purpose

The famous Kato Mili windmills were strategically placed to catch the northern wind coming off the Aegean Sea—perfect placement for consistent wind flow. If you’d like to see them alongside Little Venice and Mykonos Town, you can join a guided half-day highlights tour of the island.

5. One Was Once a Home

Several windmills have been restored and repurposed. At least one has been turned into a private residence with 360° views of Mykonos Town and the sea.

Because long sightseeing days can drain your phone battery quickly, many travelers bring a slim portable power bank like this one to keep their devices charged while exploring.

The Mykonos Windmills, Not Just an Instagram Photo

They’re not just pretty—they’re a piece of history. Next time you’re in Mykonos Chora, take a moment to appreciate the windmills for more than their Instagram appeal.