The Lasithi Plateau once contained the largest concentration of windmills in the world, totaling an estimated 10,000 units in the early 20th century.
These windmills are officially known as 'Atherinolakos' style mills, designed with fixed sails rather than rotating tops to capture the plateau's prevailing north winds.
Most of the windmills on the plateau were rendered obsolete by the introduction of diesel and electric water pumps during the 1960s.
The windmills were primarily constructed to supply water to the plateau's potato and vegetable crops, transforming the area into a major agricultural hub for Crete.
The Anemomyloi Lasithiou are a collection of historical stone-built windmills located on the Selakano pass on the Lasithi Plateau in Crete. These structures are distinct from the traditional flour-milling windmills found elsewhere in Greece, as they were specifically designed to pump water from the plateau's basin to irrigate crops. Historically, over 10,000 such mills once occupied the plateau, utilizing the area's consistent winds to support local agriculture. The current site near Psichro serves as a restored cultural landmark showcasing the engineering used for traditional agricultural hydraulic systems. The windmills are characterized by their white, cylindrical stone bases and remain iconic symbols of the plateau's transition to modern farming methods. The site is situated at an elevation of approximately 850 meters above sea level. Visitors can observe the structural remains and the layout of the former irrigation network. The plateau is geologically formed as a karst polje, which necessitates the drainage management historically provided by these mills.
From the access road leading into Psichro, looking across the plateau to capture the windmills with the mountains in the background.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the surrounding terrain on the plateau is uneven and often rocky.
Bring a windbreaker or layers, as the plateau's elevation makes it significantly cooler and windier than the Cretan coast.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Dikteon Cave, located just a short distance away near Psichro.
Avoid attempting to climb the wind-damaged structures, as many are ruins and lack structural integrity.
