Situated on a major trade route between Venice and Asia, Mykonos was once a significant grain-producing region. Sixteen of the spherical whitewashed towers with their traditional pointed wooden roofs were in operation, harnessing the famous Cycladic winds and grinding wheat for export. They were an important source of income for Mykonians.

Most of the mills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century when they ruled over the island, but more were constructed over the years leading up to the early 20th century. By the middle of the 20th century they were no longer in use.