Kato Mili ('lower mills') is the row of whitewashed stone windmills standing on a low hill above Mykonos Town (Hora). Built during the Venetian era from the 16th–17th centuries, they used the strong north wind (Meltemi) to grind grain into flour and ship's rusks that supplied passing vessels. The island once had roughly 28 windmills; the seven that survive here have become an icon of Cycladic architecture, and together with Little Venice (Mikri Venetia) — the line of colorful former merchants' and sea captains' houses at the water's edge just below — they form one of the most photographed scenes in Greece. The windmills were restored in 2024 and draw large crowds, especially at sunset. It is a free, open-air site with no ticket, best enjoyed on foot with a camera.
The seven cylindrical stone windmills with thatched conical roofs lined along the ridge
Little Venice's colorful balconied houses perched right at the sea's edge below the mills
The Aegean sunset that sets both the windmills and Little Venice aglow (golden hour)
Hora's maze of whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea, and blue-painted doors and shutters
The Boni Windmill agricultural/folklore museum, where the original milling machinery survives
Good to know
SafetyThe waterfront walkway in Little Venice gets very slippery as waves wash over the rocks, and people do fall and get hurt. Wear flat, non-slip shoes and watch your footing carefully in the sunset crowds.
SeasonMykonos is windy year-round (the Meltemi), so hats and light items blow away easily. July–August is hot and extremely crowded; come at sunrise or on a weekday if you want calmer photos.
RulesThe seven Kato Mili windmills are preserved monuments with no interior access; the hilltop plaza itself is free and open. Only the separate Boni Windmill museum can be entered, so don't confuse the two.
MannersSea-view bars and restaurants in Little Venice effectively require a reservation at sunset, and many ask for a minimum spend or deposit. Book a few days ahead and confirm the seating terms.
CautionTourist cafés in Little Venice and Hora are very expensive — a single freddo coffee can run €7–9 and quality doesn't always match. Check prices before ordering, and in the packed lanes keep bags and phones in front of you against pickpockets.
SafetyMykonos has a chronic taxi shortage and heavy peak-season traffic. The New Port (Tourlos) is about 3 km north of Hora, so book ferries and transfers ahead and leave plenty of time.
Practical info
From the New Port (Tourlos) reach Hora by Sea Bus water taxi (about €2, roughly every 30 minutes) or bus; the windmill hill is then a 10–15 minute uphill walk on cobblestones from the town center. Viewing the windmill plaza is free; to go inside a mill you must visit the separate Boni Windmill museum (generally open around May–October), so always confirm current opening hours, fees, and ferry times before you go.
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