Windmills appeared on Greek territory in the 12th and 13th centuries. Over 600 of them are currently found at the Cycladic archipelago, providing a favorite topic for poets, painters and photographers alike.

Perched on hillsides exposed to northerly winds, they were once used to grind wheat, barley and corn. These days they also offer alternative accomodation, others have been renovated to restaurants and nightclubs.

Mykonos

Mykonos, known as the isle of winds, has the most iconic windmills. Most of them were built by the Venetians in the 16th century, but construction continued into the early 20th century.

Santorini

The windmills of Oia dot the landscape. Accommodation is available within.

Patmos

The 16th windmills of Patmos were build in 1588. They have been restored and stand as an example of conservation.

Amorgos

The stunning windmills of Amorgos.

Chios
The isle of Chios, just across from Turkey, has exquisite stone windmills.

Rhodes

Windmills at Mandraki on the isle of Rhodes, Dodecannese.

Leros
A line of windmills overlooking Hora on the isle of Leros, part of the Dodecanese islands.