A brief history of the whitewashed windmills of Mykonos
by Penny Mafouni
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!
7 top villas with private pool in Santorini!
Looking for a luxury villa with a pool in Santorini?
by Penny Mafouni
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Looking for a special place for your wedding in Greece?
Vanilla Estate in Corfu offers the perfect setting for an intimate wedding venue!
by Kelly Karamani
Villa Jamesia in Corfu offers the perfect setting for an intimate wedding venue!
This unique estate is splendidly situated in a prominent position 40 metres above the sea offering beautiful panoramic views looking southeast over the Ionian Sea and famous Pondikonissi. The 10 acre estate has beach frontage and beautifully tended gardens filled with shrubs and flowers, and shaded by hundreds of olive and cypresses trees, with bougainvillea, wisteria, plumbago and jasmine. The sun drenched terraces, and breathtaking views over the vast, turquoise-blue sea, and the wonderfully calming swishing of the trees, all fuse together to make this a truly spectacular home while its private church, built around 1920, is beautifully and naturally situated in the forest.
Villa Jamesia offers complete privacy for clients seeking to relax and rejuvenate, with a dedicated team of staff creating a magical experience for you and your loved ones.
View more here: Villa Jamesia Would you like more wedding villas in Corfu or in other destination? Contact us and we will be happy to help you find the ideal place for your wedding.
Choose to stay in a Villa or a Hotel?
Top reasons to rent a holiday villa rather than stay in a hotel room
by Vasso Athanassaki
Top reasons to rent a holiday villa rather than stay in a hotel room
A luxury villa is more spacious and comfortable. Think about the difference between a tiny hotel room and an actual home with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living and dining areas, as well as outdoor areas including lounging areas, swimming pools, verandas and even private gyms or other facilities. It offers space to share and space to be yourself add up to a relaxing holiday.
Luxury, privacy and exclusivity! In your villa, you will swim in your own swimming pool, enjoy existing amenities and comforts, with your loved ones alone! Sleep at any time of day or night without being disturbed by other guests passing your hotel door. Enjoy the freedom to do what you want, whenever, wherever and however you want it!
When you have family or friends coming to visit you, it would be great to have them in a villa instead of a hotel. It is much easier for you to spend time together!
A luxury villa can even prove to be more value for money for family or group vacations, over multiple hotel suites. It is suitable and practical accommodation choice for families, friends, reunions, small parties, small conferences, destination weddings, and generally for any group of people who want to stay together during their holidays.
Apart from the above, a luxury villa comes with a dedicated team of experienced staff, housekeeping service at the time of your convenience or private chef services, to cater to your needs and make your holiday experience truly unforgettable.
Luxury villas are family friendly and young children can play safely. Most owners can provide cots, highchairs, safety gates, inflatable toys and more.
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