Windmills of Kato Mili
Iconic 16th-century windmills on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, a quintessential Mykonos photo spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Skip crowds, catch sunrise
Windmills of Kato Mili
Best Time
Skip crowds, catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 16th-century windmills on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, a quintessential Mykonos photo spot.
"Wake up earlier and be there around 6:15 am for sunrise. Not a single person did so and I had a lot of time to change my spots and play with sun."
🎯 Sunrise is Key!
Wake up early for sunrise (around 6:00-6:30 AM) to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
It's a very windy location! Secure hats and tie back hair for comfort and photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Windmill Row
Kato Mili Hill
A picturesque line of 16 historic windmills offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Sunrise Serenity
Kato Mili Hill
Experience the windmills in peaceful solitude before the crowds arrive, with stunning golden hour light.
Proximity to Little Venice
Adjacent to Little Venice
Easily combine your visit with the charming waterfront district for a full Mykonos experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Sunrise Magic
Windy Conditions & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunrise is Key!
Wake up early for sunrise (around 6:00-6:30 AM) to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
It's a very windy location! Secure hats and tie back hair for comfort and photos.
📸 Photogenic Paradise
Incredible photo opportunities, especially with the sea backdrop.
🚶♀️ Walk to Little Venice
Just a short walk from the windmills to the charming Little Venice area.
Mykonos windmills
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunrise is Key!
Wake up early for sunrise (around 6:00-6:30 AM) to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
It's a very windy location! Secure hats and tie back hair for comfort and photos.
📸 Photogenic Paradise
Incredible photo opportunities, especially with the sea backdrop.
🚶♀️ Walk to Little Venice
Just a short walk from the windmills to the charming Little Venice area.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Plenty of shops nearby, but prices can be higher than elsewhere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the iconic beauty and photogenic nature of the Windmills of Kato Mili, especially during sunrise. However, many note the significant crowds and high prices of nearby restaurants and souvenir shops, suggesting exploration of quieter areas for a more authentic experience.
"I would give this more stars if not for the huge tourist crowds and the ridiculous prices of the restaurants. The souvenirs were also more expensive than other tourist destinations. But the island is indeed beautiful and the scenery is definitely very photogenic. It gets quite loud and festive in the evening. Good for those who love bustling and busy atmosphere with breathtaking views. For those who like quieter places you can always steer away from the shore into the alleyways where there a small hidden gems."
JJ F
"One of Mykonos top landmarks, always full of people so I decided to wake up earlier and be there around 6:15 am for sunrise. You can see the results, not a single person did so and I had a lot of time to change my spots and play with sun. Go there between 6:00 and 6:30 and skip the crowds and boring daily photos with tens of other people. I am not a photographer, I just wanted to try my luck to wake up earlier and every day there were not a single individual. And those mills are simply stunning"
Tomáš Németh
"Great views and lovely place to visit. Very big tourist destination and caters to shopping. However, there are some nice bakeries and places to eat scattered throughout. Huge photo opportunities as a traveler."
John Hillyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Windmills of Kato Mili are located on a hill in Mykonos Town (Chora). If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a walk from the port, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the way. Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot from the main town areas.
Parking can be challenging in Mykonos Town due to narrow streets and high traffic. It's often best to walk or use local transport if you're not staying nearby.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the windmills, they are within walking distance of the main bus routes in Mykonos Town.
It's a bit of a walk from the cruise port, but it's a very doable and scenic route with many attractions along the path.
Walking is the best way to explore the windmills and the adjacent Little Venice. This allows you to fully appreciate the views and discover hidden gems.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Windmills of Kato Mili are an outdoor landmark and can be viewed and photographed freely without an entrance fee.
As an outdoor landmark, the windmills are accessible at any time. However, visiting during sunrise or sunset offers the most picturesque experience.
While there aren't specific guided tours solely for the windmills, many general Mykonos town tours will include a stop here. You can also explore independently.
Most of the windmills are private residences or shops. While you can admire them from the outside, access inside is generally not permitted for all of them.
Some sources mention a museum, and if you have a city card like the 'I amsterdam city card' (though this seems to be a misunderstanding as the video is about a different location), you might get free access to workshops and museums. For Kato Mili specifically, entry to the windmill area is free.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are sunrise and sunset. Sunrise offers fewer crowds and beautiful golden light, while sunset provides dramatic colors.
For sunrise/sunset, consider a tripod for stability and a wider aperture for landscape shots. Experiment with different angles to capture the sea and sky.
The hill itself offers panoramic views. For iconic shots, position yourself on the hill looking towards the row of windmills with the sea in the background.
Light, flowy clothing can look great in photos, but remember to secure any hats or scarves due to the strong winds.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone in Mykonos to avoid any issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located near the windmills, particularly as you walk towards Little Venice.
Restaurants in this popular tourist area can be quite expensive, especially those with sea views.
While many places are pricey, you can find some nice bakeries and smaller eateries scattered throughout the alleyways if you venture slightly away from the main tourist path.
You'll find typical Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh seafood being a popular choice.
Some visitors find the prices too high and the atmosphere too crowded. Exploring the side streets might reveal more authentic and affordable options.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the historic windmills, enjoying the panoramic sea views, and taking photos. It's also a great starting point for exploring Little Venice.
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on whether you're just taking photos or also exploring the nearby areas and enjoying a meal.
The hill can be a bit uneven, and while the main paths are paved, navigating can be tricky for those with significant mobility challenges.
In the evenings, the area becomes quite lively and festive, especially with the proximity to bars and restaurants.
The most popular nearby attraction is Little Venice, known for its charming waterfront houses and bars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk to Little Venice, where kids might enjoy watching the waves and the boats. While dining options near the windmills can be pricey, looking for bakeries or casual eateries in the side streets might offer more family-friendly choices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for sunrise to capture the best light and avoid crowds, giving you ample time to set up your shots and experiment with angles. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full sweep of the windmills and the sea. The windy conditions can be a challenge, so a tripod with good stability is recommended, especially for long exposures during sunrise or sunset. Don't forget to explore different perspectives, perhaps from the lower paths looking up, or from the adjacent Little Venice area for a different framing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The main costs will come from food and souvenirs. While restaurants directly overlooking the windmills and Little Venice can be expensive, savvy travelers can find more affordable options by exploring the backstreets and alleyways of Mykonos Town. Consider packing your own snacks and water to save money. The most valuable tip for budget travelers is to visit during off-peak hours, especially sunrise, to enjoy the beauty without the pressure of expensive dining or souvenir shopping.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Windmills
These iconic structures are not just historical relics; they are deeply intertwined with the identity of Mykonos. Their strategic position on the hill overlooking the Aegean Sea offers not only functional advantages for catching the wind but also provides unparalleled panoramic views. This makes them a focal point for visitors seeking to understand the island's heritage and its stunning natural beauty.
While many of the windmills are now private residences or have been converted into shops and cafes, their exteriors remain remarkably preserved. This allows visitors to appreciate their unique architecture and imagine the bustling activity that once took place within their walls. The row of seven windmills on the landmark hill in Chora is particularly famous and a must-see for any visitor.
Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography Tips
When composing your shots, consider the windy conditions. While the wind can add a dynamic element to your photos, it also means securing any loose items like hats or scarves. Experiment with different angles: shoot from the base of the hill looking up, or from higher vantage points for a broader panorama. Including the vibrant blue of the Aegean Sea in your frame is essential for that classic Mykonos look.
+1For those looking to capture the essence of the windmills, think about incorporating elements of the surrounding landscape, such as the charming white-washed buildings of Mykonos Town or the distant islands. Evenings can offer a lively atmosphere with the windmills lit up, providing a different photographic mood. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial views.
Navigating Crowds and Finding Serenity
However, there are effective strategies to mitigate the crowds. The most frequently cited tip is to visit during sunrise. Waking up early allows you to experience the windmills in relative solitude, offering a serene and magical atmosphere.
If a sunrise visit isn't feasible, consider exploring the alleyways and side streets away from the immediate vicinity of the windmills. These quieter spots often hold hidden gems and offer a more authentic glimpse into Mykonos life, providing a peaceful contrast to the busy main tourist areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit