Windmill-Watermills Tour at Aristaios

In the fertile ravine of Mylopotamos on the island of Kea, also called Tzia, our family cultivates and produces a large variety of delicious handmade products using traditional recipes. At the Aristaios store customers will find fresh fruit and vegetables from our gardens, wild capers, and caper leaves, local olive oil and olives, the local wine of mavroudi variety and tsipouro, as well as handmade trahana and pasta from acorn flour. You will also find a variety of traditional liqueurs such as the liqueur of basil, as well as many kinds of fruit in syrup and marmalades. Do not miss the ‘on-the-spoon sweets’, especially the one made with “ampourkouna” figs. Also not to be missed are our sun-dried tomatoes and sun-dried figs, wild island herbs, spatholado, and its wax cream (for burns and injuries) and, of course, thyme honey and pasteli. You can also find local cheeses like kopanisti, xerotyri, and xinotiri, handmade sausages, and louza, fresh wood-oven baked paximadia and pita, as well as books about the island’s history and folklore.Embark on a captivating journey through time and tradition as you explore the ancient landmarks that shaped the essence of Kea. This medium difficulty route takes you on an enchanting adventure, immersing you in the rich agricultural heritage of the island, where watermills and windmills once reigned supreme.

Your exploration begins in the picturesque settlement of Mylopotamos, nestled in the heart of Kea. Here, you’ll discover the captivating center of watermills, which owes its prominence to the bountiful spring of Flea. In days gone by, the rhythmic flow of Flea River hosted a remarkable sight—eleven active watermills, each a testament to the agricultural life that thrived in this fertile land.

But the allure doesn’t end there. As you venture towards Paliomylos, perched atop the capital Ioulida, a mesmerizing sight awaits. Here lies the grandest complex of windmills in the Cyclades, a majestic display of engineering marvels harnessed by the meltemia, the energetic north wind of the Aegean that blesses the island during the summer months. Imagine standing amidst these towering giants, feeling the power of the wind as it breathes life into the sails, and experiencing the legacy of Kea’s agricultural past.

Windmills & Watermills Walking Tour with Aristaios

• Guided Heritage Walk: Trek through the fertile Mylopotamos ravine discovering historic windmills, watermills, and the traditional architecture of Kea’s farming past
• Milling History: Learn how these ancient structures ground grain, pressed olives, and powered the island’s food production for centuries
• Farm Tasting: Return to Aristaios’s estate for a tasting of handmade island products crafted using the same ingredients these mills once processed

As you traverse this unique route, you’ll be surrounded by a typical agricultural landscape, a tapestry of rolling hills, fertile fields, and fragrant orchards. The harmonious combination of “water” and the “north wind” creates an extraordinary atmosphere, where the elements blend seamlessly with the island’s traditional way of life.

But this journey is more than just a physical adventure. It’s an opportunity to connect with the spirit of Kea, to immerse yourself in the stories and traditions that have shaped the island’s identity. As you tread upon the path of the watermills and windmills, you’ll unravel the tapestry of Kea’s agricultural past, feeling the echoes of generations who toiled in harmony with nature.