Buildings that used to be a necessity, in the technologically “poor” past, that have been depicted on canvas for posteriority by great painters, like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Constable, that have been portrayed in great literature like Don Quixote by Cervantes, that are considered melancholic or romantic, windmills were bound to be part of the tourism industry.
Today, the emblematic role of these cylindrical, winged buildings – in Greece, a familiar image, especially in the Cyclades – is changing. Now, instead of just featuring on postcards, an increasing number of windmills are becoming vital parts of the hospitality industry.
Of the about 170 windmills on the short-stay platforms around the world, 40 are located in Greece. Their prices per stay range between 90 and 1.000 euros per stay, depending on the type of windmill, the time of year, and the number of nights. The amenities on offer vary, as there are windmills for every occasion: simple windmills for spartan holidays, “cottage” windmills with vegetable gardens ideal for agritourism, windmills with all amenities for romantic nights, and “5 star” windmills with a pool and an endless view of the blue of the sea and sky, ideal for a honeymoon.
Crete, Kos, Lefkada, Galaxidi, Volimes, Lambiri, Koufonisia, Syros, Santorini, Mykonos, Kea, Sifnos, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Serifos and Kythera are some of the areas were renovated windmills function as lodgings, with Santorini being the lead both in terms of numbers and in terms of design and structure.
For example, the windmill El Viento in Megalohori in Santorini, probably the oldest stone windmill to be completely transformed, is equipped with everything a couple can desire. With a view of the whole Caldera, it could be described as a 5-star-miniature, being a very special choice among the available windmills.
While the 17th century windmill in Kythera, with the beautifully designed surrounding grounds, can host up to four people, a group of friends or a family, who want to share a rare lodging experience.
Holland, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, England and New Zealand are other countries in which windmills-works of art have been transformed into lodgings. Most of them are in Holland and indeed resemble a painting. Some windmills have wide sails, like those in Holland, others, like those in England, have thin sails, while the windmills in Portugal are colourful, and all of the European windmills provide a special option for travellers in search of a different experience accommodation-wise.
Windmill stays in Greece
Traditional windmill in Paxi
This two-storey stone windmill , that has been renovated, is in the Mougelatika area of Paxi, near the scenic Lakka bay. It’s a quiet refuge for two, and includes a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom with two single beds.
Iconic Windmill in Mykonos
This windmill is located in the Kato Mili area, south of the Hora of Mykonos and has been recently renovated. It’s in a central location, just a few minutes’ walk from shops, restaurants and nightclubs. It has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a dining room, a garden and a balcony with a view of “Little Venice”, of the port and of the town of Mykonos.
Windmill in Tinos
This windmill is a one-minute walk away from the beach Stavros in Tinos. It’s has three levels, on the ground floor there is the living room, the kitchen and a bathroom. On the first floor there is a bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom, and on the second floor there is a bedroom with a double bed and a living room. Its balcony has a great view and is ideal for long hours of relaxation.
Anemos traditional windmill
This windmill is located in Imerovigli and has three levels. The kitchen and bathroom are on the ground floor, and the first and second floor have a bedroom each. The windows offer views of the sea and all areas are bathed in natural light.
