Over a small hill southeast of Mykonos town, the Mills complex stands proudly over the water. The Mills, which are by the sea and between the charming Alefcandra and the community of Niohori, awe visitors with their all-white, commanding volumes that face the ocean. Only seven out of ten of the original mills, which have existed here since the early 20th century and used the power of the north wind to grind the local wheat, are still in operation today (there were once more than twenty on the entire island). Because Mykonos was a necessary stop for passing sailing boats to resupply with supplies between the 17th and 19th centuries, its early manufacturing units—the windmills—made a significant contribution to the island’s financial strength.