Patmos Windmills

Location: Chora

On the northeastern part of Chora, about 700 meters east of the Monastery of Saint John, lie three impressive windmills. Located atop a verdant hill, they overlook the beautiful capital of the island on one side and the glistening waters of the sea on the other. Two windmills date back to 1588, while the third was built in 1863.

The windmills remained in use until around the 1950s, when flour production was moved to larger, steam-powered factories. The windmills were abandoned soon after and became dilapidated, lying in ruins for around 60 decades. It wasn’t until 2010 that they were restored, thanks to financial backing from Swiss banker Charles Pictet. The restoration project was made possible thanks to the contributions of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, along with a team of Swiss and Greek architects and engineers, including famed Greek architect Daphne Becket.

Today, one of the windmills is fully operational, grinding small quantities of wheat and serving as a museum that showcases traditional agricultural techniques. The second windmill has been refurbished with modern equipment that facilitates the generation of electricity from wind power, while the third is used for water pumping. However, despite the modern touches, all three windmills maintain their traditional character and stone-built exteriors.

Those interested in visiting can make the short hike up to the windmills and experience first-hand their rustic beauty and timeless charm. At the same time, they can enjoy some moments of relaxation amidst a serene natural environment, taking in stunning panoramic views of the island. The sunset seen from here is also one of the most gorgeous in all of Patmos.