History of windmills on Agios Ioannis beach
The old windmills were built on a spit of sand that starts from the causeway beginning just after the floating bridge of Lefkas. On this stripe of sand rural families of the island built in 1760 approximately, twelve windmills to produce and trade their flour. Later on, during the Russians’ occupation of the island from 1800 to 1807 the locals gave Russian names to them like Orlof, Majikef, and Moskva. Later in 1810, the whole place became a battlefield between French and British Armies.
Finally, the British Army conquered all the Ionian islands and the UK established the United States of Ionian Islands from 1815 to 1864 with the latter to be the year of reunion with Greece.
Windmills that Worth a Thousand Pictures
Nowadays only the remnants of five of them have been left to decorate the picturesque surrounding area of Lefkas lagoon. And unfortunately only one, the “Orlof” has been renovated with private funds from its owners. The rest of them stand alone on the sand offering their shade or a good photo shoot to passing tourists in the summer. Without a doubt, all of them are a treasure of beautiful summer memories and good stuff for professional photographers !!
Windmills Beach: A Kite Surfers Spot
In conclusion, the local community has abandoned the windmills of Agios Ioannis beach. However, they have company every summer. In particular, the beach in front of them is a hidden gem for international kite surfers. Each summer hundreds of kites surround them and altogether make a picturesque scenery. In other words, the spot is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing as a thermal northwest wind blows every day at the same hours.Â
So this summer come to discover an unspoiled place and treasure with your camera some of your best vacation memories. Come to visit Lefkas island. The watersports island and the island of turquoise waters !!