Selia Ampelos, Lasithi Plateau

It is the most significant windmill complex still preserved in Crete. It is located at the northern entrance of the Lasithi Plateau and serves as a landmark for the entire region.

Today, 24 windmills are preserved out of the original 26. Of these, 7 are located south of the road leading to the plateau, while the others are built to the north of it.

All the windmills belong to the type of ‘single-bladed’ windmills, meaning those that operate in a fixed position, always moving in one direction, depending on the wind. Windmills of this type exist both in Crete and in Karapathos, but the Cretan ones are distinguished for their more meticulous construction and aesthetics.

The windmill complex has been designated as a work of art since 1986. The windmills belong to private owners; some have been restored, while others remain partially ruined.