There is no more iconic postcard of Greece than the magnificent windmills of Mykonos; however, windmills are almost on every Cycladic island and were active and functioning until the early 20th century.

On the Aegean islands, the windmills took advantage of the northern wind, the Meltemi, to grind barley, wheat and other cereals produced locally. On Mykonos, the resulting flour was either given back to the farmers, who baked their own bread, or sold to local bakers. Some of that resulting flour was also shipped to other areas of Greece and often abroad.

Tradition wants the windmill to be a heavy three-story building, circular in shape and made of stone. Many of them with very small windows and a pointed roof, often made of wood. The inhabitants painted these three-story structures in white to fit in with the rest of the island houses. When you observe the appearance of these windmills against the blue sea and clear skies, you can easily understand its beauty.

History tells us that there were over 25 windmills on Mykonos. Now, sixteen windmills survive in the island. You can visit them mainly found at Kato Myloi on the upper part of Mykonos Town. In this way, you will have the chance to take pictures of them and enjoy the amazing views from above. Some windmills act as museums, as they include the recent history of Mykonos.

Explore the magnificence of one of the finest landmarks of Mykonos, visiting the imposing windmills and seeing from up close how the locals managed to overcome the hardships and come up with an effective method to process agricultural ingredients.

For those visiting Mykonos in the first days of September, they can participate in the local Harvest Festival, and will be treated to local specialities and drinks while listening to local music!

In one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, inspired by the volcanic environment and boasting minimalistic Cycladic design, these homes will take relaxing to the next level! A private pool with each villa completes a picture that seems as impossible to create as it is perfect to experience!

1.Villa Karma, Fira

Magically hanging from the cliff of the Caldera, villa Karma encapsulates the essence of high-end luxury in Fira town! As a precious landmark built by one of the most prestigious personalities back in the day, this luxury villa in Fira was fully renovated in 2016 by a well-known architect, combining the Cycladic tradition with the latest trends in architecture to reach new heights in hospitality. Featuring a breadth of upscale facilities as well as an awe-inspiring Caldera view and unobstructed sea view, this luxury villa in Fira takes holidays to a whole new level of indulgence.

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2.Villa Aveline, Imerovigli

A newly renovated spacious and exclusive romantic accommodation on the west side of the island in Imerovigli village. The villa is ideally located on the highest point of the Caldera offering absolutely breathtaking panoramic views across the Aegean Sea and the magnificent Santorini sunset experience. The tranquil scenery from the villa is calming and peaceful, captivating you with the empowering energy of the island that will invigorate and recharge and at the same time offering an “at home”, welcome atmosphere during your stay.

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3.Villa Angelica, Oia

Villa Angelica, perched over the Oia caldera, offers amazing views of the famous Oia sunset. This is a unique villa over the cliff, easily approached by car, and with a private parking. It occupies an area of 150 square meters, in a two storey construction, joined with stairs and elevator. All the premises are equipped with air conditioning system for cold and warm. The villa has autonomy for each level and separate facilities.

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4.Danica Estate, Pyrgos

Danica Estate Santorini is a complex of 3 villas built within a 5.500 m² land of olive trees, cypresses, pomegranate trees, herbs and gardens with organic local vegetables. This whitewashed estate is located in the famous medieval region of Pyrgos Kallistis, a beautiful settlement of the island, just a few steps away from the main village of Pyrgos and the castle. Elegantly designed and bathed in the bright Cycladic light, the estate is spacious enough to accommodate up to 16 guests in all three villas. The villas feature separate entrances and all the comforts of home to meet the needs of every guest. The private pools and outdoor sitting areas offer striking views of the island and the blue Aegean Sea.

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5.Villa Kalmia, Firostefani

When you walk in villa Kalmia, you’re so dazzled by the beauty that you’re unsure whether the vision before you has just risen foam-flecked from the sea or wafted in on the air. In fact, the building stands firmly on the black Theran land, flirting with the salt air and caressing the sky. Sulphur, salt, water. Elements with the power of alchemy join in the exciting game of transmutation that its owner knows so well.

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6.Villa Danae, Caldera

Villa Danae is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath cliff side paradise with a swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi, located directly on the Santorini caldera, half way between the towns of Imerovigli and Oia so it’s convenient to both, but far enough away from “civilization” to be startlingly peaceful and quiet.The villa can accommodate up to six guests very comfortably, making it perfect or: Family gatherings, Santorini wedding guests, special milestone birthdays, anniversaries and other festive events, or even as just a spacious and very romantic hideaway for two!

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7.Villa Aster, Akrotiri

Villa Aster, precious like a fine artwork, is a brand new accommodation proposal in Santorini which combines the unparalleled beauty of the island with all modern and luxurious amenities and facilities. This  modern, luxurious villa,is created in an area of 1000 sq.m. Villa Aster is built on levels around the old stone windmill (built 200 years ago) and with respect to the traditional architecture of the island. Villa Aster is located on a unique point on the caldera of Akrotiri and offers beautiful views from the private terrace of the 400 square meters, the garden and the pool area.

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Mediterranean Climate
Due to its privileged geographical position in the Mediterranean, Crete is characterized by mild climate, with rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The sunshine lasts almost the whole year while warm weather is enjoyed for nine months of the year from April to November and winter are just December to March. The hottest months are July and August but generally because of the sea breeze and the effect of the etesian winds, the summer is relatively cool and makes your stay at the island really pleasant!

Crystal Clear Water
Located between the southern side of Aegean Sea and the northern side of Libyan Sea, with a coastline of 1,046 m, Crete offers an amazing variety of beautiful beaches. Whether you’re into watersports, skinny dipping or good old-fashioned sunbathing, the island almost certainly has a stretch of sand to suit your tastes.

From west to east, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete:

Among the most exotic beaches are Balos, a wonderful place with crystal Caribbean-like water, Elafonissi on the westernmost sport of the island, as well as the sandy beach of Falassarna, all of which are located in Chania. In Rethymno, you will find the 9km long wide sandy beach of Georgioupolis, Plakias beach on the south coast which sits on a beautiful wide bay surrounded by mountains, the hidden tropical paradise of Preveli beach, and more. Do not miss Matala beach in Heraklio region, once known for its cave-dwelling hippy community, which is a very beautiful beach with unusual rock formation and plenty of history and Keratokambos beach, a wild remote beach, where you can escape and find the wind in your hair. If you are a windsurfing lover, Kouremenos beach, in Lassithi, is one of Crete’s top windsurfing spots, long sand-and-pebble beach. Vai Palm beach, a sandy paradise, is one of the most unusual beaches in Europe, home to picturesque and unique palm forest and crystal clear waters.

Nature
Apart from the gorgeous beaches, the island offers rocky summits, steep slopes, alpine zones, verdant mountains, dry lands, gurgling rivers, scenic ponds, Mediterranean woods, wetlands, fertile meadows, vineyards and olive groves. It hosts the largest number of gorges in Greece, numerous caves, and natural parks – natural sceneries ready to explore by foot, boat or car.

Activities
Crete offers a very wide range of options for experiences that will follow you forever, most of which are related to nature. There are hundreds of villages and other small towns which offer different activities. There are truly individual and unique places – any mood, any pace, any style or setting exists here. There are walks, climbs, drives and rides that take you across stunning plateaux, dramatic mountain and seascapes.

The activities include cycling, trekking  and climbing, off-road explorations, golf, diving, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking and more.

History
The Crete history is long and marked by many historical periods. The island has been inhabitted since Neolithic times  but for most people its history begins with the Minoan civilization.The island has many archeological sites of note which include Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyn, all with significant architectural remains as compelling evidence of Crete’s long and varied history.

Culture
Crete has a people noted for and conspicuous in their hospitality and tradition of welcoming visitors. The traditions and culture offered in art, food and crafts play a large part in this picture. It combines European ways with the uniquely local. There is also a long and rich musical tradition with deep roots in antiquity, strongly influenced by the Byzantine music and enriched by the musical culture of the wider eastern Mediterranean.

Cretan Cuisine
If you’re a foodie, you will be in heaven in Crete, where ‘locavore’ is not a trend but a way of life. Rural taverns often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki – strong spirit made from grapes – and wine, and catch their own seafood. Follow a gourmet trail across the landscape and you’ll delight in distinctive herbs and greens gathered from each hillside, cheeses made fresh with unique village- or household-specific recipes, and honey flavored by mountain herbs. The Cretan diet is among the healthiest in the world. Pair your meal with excellent local wine, and cap it off with a fiery shot of raki.

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