Harnessing the power of the wind for energy is hardly a new concept. As early as the 12th-century, various and unique types of windmills were functioning throughout Europe—not just in Spain, Greece and the Netherlands, but in France, Germany, and England as well. Relatively few of these original machines exist today, but those that do, as historic icons, add to the romance and attraction of Europe.
No two historic windmills are alike. Each, like a ship, has a name. This summer, in Don Quixote’s ancient stomping grounds around Spain’s sunny La Mancha, three of the original windmills—dating back past the time of Cervantes—were recently restored to working order and christened, “Sardinero,” “Burleta,” and “Infanto.” Locals hope the three 16th-century mills, currently grinding flour to be donated to the poor, will become a cultural heritage site. Drive through La Mancha on our Spain, Morocco & Portugal Tour or The Best of Spain.
Tulips and Windmills
Nothing seems more quintessentially Dutch than historic windmills. In fact, the majority of the best-preserved historic windmills are found in the Netherlands where wind power was used not just to grind grains but to pump water as well. The Dutch expanded plans a bit, building many of their windmills on multi-story towers and adding levers to change the direction of the sails to the prevailing wind. On our favorite spring river cruise, Tulips and Windmills, travelers enjoy a visit to Kinderdijk, to see 19 astonishingly well preserved windmills, dating back to the 16th-century.
Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes
It was the Greek engineer, Hero, who first described a pipe organ operated by a windwheel in the 1st-century AD. Later, especially along the beautiful archipelago of Greek islands, an extraordinary number of scenic, sail-rotor windmills were built to pump water for crops and livestock. Many of these beautiful windmills can still be seen today. Very few currently function as mills; instead, many are used today as historic residences and shops. See these charming, often white-washed icons as you sail through stunning islands on our Greece and Turkey Cruise.
If you are looking for a unique, historical experience, be sure to visit Europe’s Historical Windmills on your next vacation to Europe.
