This windmill is located at the edge of the lively agricultural town Neapolis. It has been sensitively converted into a home. The mechanisms are all intact in the space which is compact and cosy. There are two balconies and a stone staircase to a large garden. There are many popular and also wild beaches within 20 minutes’ drive through beautiful countryside. Crete forms a significant part of the cultural heritage of Greece and so there are many places of interest in Neapolis Town and Lasithi area.
The Space
The windmill is on two floors totalling 51 sq. m. There is a 150 sq.m private garden. This mill is small but perfectly functional and comfortably accommodates two people. The two single beds lock together to make a double bed. There is a small sofa-bed in the living area downstairs. Please note the sofa-bed needs to be closed during the day to make space.
There are places designed for all necessary activities. Cooking, breakfasting and dining, sofa slouching and sofa sleeping, laptop use desk. There is a spiral staircase and a stone staircase to the upper floor. The double bed can be easily separated to make two single beds or sofas. The balcony has stone stairs outside down to the garden and bathroom. The view is of the town streets combined with mountains and hills.
Guest Access
There are many beaches within 20 minutes’ drive. The fishing village Plaka and the island of Spinalonga are great places to visit. Another fishing village Elounda is just along the coast from Plaka where one can cross over the sea causeway to rocky private coves and sandy family beaches. Mirabello Bay (also Gulf of Mirabello) is an embayment of the Sea of Crete. It is the largest bay of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea.
In the direction of Vlichadia there are many wild beaches where one can be alone. Swimming with turtles and shoals of fish make excellent company for the nature seekers. There are many hiking trails and gorges to explore.
The Neighborhood
Neapolis is a small town and a former municipality in Lasithi, eastern Crete. There is a lively Greek community who frequent the countless cafes and tavernas. It is located 12 kilometres (7 miles) west from Agios Nikolaos in the green valley of Mirabello Bay where there are many beaches.
The main road does not run through the middle like most towns in Crete. The surrounding area is mountainous and is surrounded by olive trees. Olives and olive oil are a very important part of the local agricultural economy. Neapolis has traditional narrow streets and cobbled roads. The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (Megali Panagia) is located on the central square.
Getting Around
The windmill is walking distance to several cafes (Kafeneon) and tavernas. Neapolis nights are lively and authentically Greek. The windmill is twenty minutes drive to many wild and popular beaches. Plaka and Elounda are small fishing villages of Lasithi, which overlook the island of Spinalonga and the Kolikithia Peninsulaon. They are close to the historical island of Spinalonga. Tourist boats depart from Plaka to Spinalonga on a daily basis.
By Car:
Heraklion Airport: 50min
Local villages Fourni, Kasteli, Voulismeni, Latsida, Limnes plus Dories within 10 min drive
Agios Nicolaos: 15min
Malia: 15min
Elounda: 20min
Lerapetra: 40min
Sitia : 1h:15m
Other Things to Note
Windmill History
The windmill was in fact a gristmill or flour mill. In the past the gristmill turned grain into flour. The millstones themselves turned at around 120 rpm and were laid one on top of the other. The bottom stone, called the bed was fixed to the floor, while the top stone, the runner, was mounted on a separate spindle, driven by the main shaft which is still intact. A wheel called the stone nut connected the runner's spindle to the main shaft. The distance between the stones could be varied to produce the grade of flour required; moving the stones closer together produces finer flour.
Crete to view local activities:
Cretan music and dancing, archaeology bird watching, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, hiking in landmark places of beauty, for example a trip to the Venetian fort and old leper colony at Spinalonga Island opposite the local beach of Plaka. Exploring gorges, canyons and caves such as the local Kritsa ravine, church and monastery visits, swimming and snorkelling, cooking, eating and drinking, Greek lessons for useful phrases, museums, spa and health options, wildlife and fauna, wine tour, olive picking and olive oil production for winter visitors.
