Ano Mera Village

Explore another side of Mykonos!

Ano Mera Village in Mykonos is situated at the core of the island and is a quiet little village where you can explore another side of Mykonos.

In a 15-minute drive from Mykonos Town (by your own transportation or by public bus) you can be to the second most populated town on the island which offers a much different feel to it’s visitors. Instead of a warren of lanes highly populated with shops, cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants, Ano Mera village is simple, quiet and centered around a large public square. It isn’t crowded at all and if you come at the right time, you will see what it is like to walk through a typical Cycladic island village.

You can explore around its center to find traditional stone houses, stop by a gift shop or just enjoy a drink at the local cafés. The beautiful and bold bougainvillea against the white painted walls are particularly striking around many of Ano Mera’s corners.

Here are some indicative things you can do while you are in Ano Mera village!

Stop at a Local Tavern

Have a meal at one of the local taverns. There are several Greek taverns lining the square in Ano Mera where you can try local specialties or see what’s on offer.

Have a Greek Coffee at a Café

Ano Mera has several pastry shops serving traditional sweets. Why not try a few here? Stop at a café for a Greek cold or hot coffee and watch as children play in the square and locals go about their daily business.

Visit Panagia Tourliani Monastery

This monastery is also located near the central square and it is a collection of various settlements. Its center is known as the Cloister which was built in traditional Cycladic architecture.

Founded in 1542, this monastery was built in the place where there originally was an old church of The Virgin. From 1757 to 1767, consecrated/ dedicated to the church of The Presentation of the Virgin, it was renovated by the holy monk lgnatio Basoula and achieved its present day form. The marvelous, carved- wood “baroque” rood screen in the three-chambered church, the bishops throne and the ambonas (late 18th century) are said to have been made in Florence, while the beautiful icons on the rood screen are attributed to the icon painter Ioannis “of Korfu”.

The architecture of the complex, by the simplicity of its grandeur, impresses the visitor who will also carefully observe the marble belfry and the water spigot in the courtyard which are elaborately decorated with carvings, typical examples of traditional marble sculpture.

The monastery’s collection include many old tools and utensils, important religious relics, priests’ robes furnishings (old carved wood epitaph, analogia/podium etc), post-Byzantine icons, and various other offerings.

Visit the Monastery of Paleokastro

Located on the opposite hill from Ano Mera you can explore the remains of a Byzantine castle. The road isn’t the easiest one to drive one. If you like hiking, you can also walk to it.

The old castle walls were built on top of an ancient temple. While not much may be left it was once
one of two major settlements of the island in ancient times. There’s an old church called Agios Vlassis, a large dovecote and grave markers. The views are lovely.

Ano Mera is a fantastic traditional village to visit to see another side to Mykonos. You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon and dive into a bit of Mykonian history while you are at it.

Ano Mera, Mykonos, Greece
Ano Mera 846 00
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