Windmill of Oia, Santorini

The windmills of Oia were originally part of the island’s agricultural infrastructure, built to harness the strong winds for grinding grain. In this western section of the village, often referred to as “Two Mill Oia”, two historic windmills stand side by side, both of which have been restored and adapted for private accommodation. Their distinctive silhouettes and exposed position along the caldera rim have made them closely associated with sunset viewing, although interior access is limited to guests when occupied.

Inside, the former industrial spaces have been reconfigured for residential use, with rooms arranged vertically and linked by narrow stone staircases that follow the original cylindrical form of the mills. While the interiors remain private, the large exterior terraces are a defining feature. These elevated decks provide a secluded vantage point for watching the sunset.

Santorini’s persistent winds once supported the widespread use of windmills across the island. Around 60 to 70 windmills are known to have operated historically, primarily for grinding grain into flour. The earliest examples date to the late medieval period, with most surviving structures built between the 17th and 19th centuries. Often connected to local bakeries, these windmills played a central role in everyday food production before industrial milling gradually rendered them obsolete.