Ano Mera is Mykonos's only inland village, about 8 km east of Mykonos Town, and it feels like a completely different island. A traditional square with tavernas under plane trees, a 16th-century monastery, local bakeries, and almost no tourists. If Mykonos Town is the party, Ano Mera is the morning after -- quiet, unhurried, and genuinely Greek.
In this guide
Most visitors to Mykonos never leave the orbit of Chora and the south coast beaches. Ano Mera rewards those who do. It's a working village of about 1,500 people, with a proper plateia (village square) where locals sit over coffee, a monastery that's one of the most important on the island, and tavernas that serve real food at prices that don't require a second mortgage.
It takes 15 minutes to drive here from Mykonos Town, and once you arrive, the pace drops by about 80%.
How Do You Get There?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Mykonos Town | About 8 km (5 miles) east |
| By bus | Regular KTEL service from Mykonos Town, ~15-20 minutes |
| By taxi | About 10-12 EUR, 15 minutes |
| By car/ATV | Straightforward drive on the main road, parking is easy |
| On foot | Walkable (~1.5 hours), but not particularly scenic along the main road |
The bus from Mykonos Town is the easiest option for a quick visit. Buses run regularly and drop you right in the village square.
What Can You See and Do?
Monastery of Panagia Tourliani
The centrepiece of the village. This 16th-century monastery sits on the main square and is one of the most important religious buildings on Mykonos. The marble fountain in the courtyard, the ornate wooden iconostasis inside the church, and the small museum of religious artefacts make it worth 30 minutes of your time.
The monastery is free to enter (modest dress required -- cover shoulders and knees). It's a functioning monastery, not just a museum, so be respectful.
The Village Square
The plateia is the social heart of Ano Mera. A handful of tavernas and cafes surround a paved square shaded by trees. This is where locals gather for coffee, conversation, and long lunches. It's the kind of scene that Mykonos Town lost to tourism decades ago.
Sit at a taverna, order a Greek coffee and a cheese pie from the bakery, and watch village life happen at its own pace.
Traditional Tavernas
Ano Mera's tavernas specialise in meat dishes rather than the seafood that dominates the coastal restaurants. Grilled lamb, pork, and chicken, plus traditional meze -- loukanika (sausages), local cheeses, and fresh salads. Prices are significantly lower than Mykonos Town.
Lunch in Ano Mera is one of the best-value meals on the island. The same quality food that costs 40-50 EUR in Chora costs 20-30 EUR here.
Monastery of Paleokastro
A short drive or walk from the village, this white-washed Cycladic monastery sits on a hilltop with panoramic views. It's less visited than Panagia Tourliani and more atmospheric for it -- just you, the building, and the Mykonos landscape stretching out below.
Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
Near Ano Mera, this organic farm offers guided tours where you can see traditional farming methods, taste local produce, and learn about Mykonos's agricultural side (which most visitors don't know exists). Private tours are available through local operators.
Bakeries
The village bakeries produce traditional Mykonian pastries and breads. Look for kopanisti (the local peppery cheese spread), amygdalota (almond cookies), and loukoumades (honey puffs). They're fresher and cheaper than anything in Mykonos Town.
How Long Should You Spend?
| Visit Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Quick stop (monastery + coffee) | 1-1.5 hours |
| Village lunch + exploration | 2-3 hours |
| Full half-day (village + farm + Paleokastro) | 4-5 hours |
For most visitors, a 2-3 hour visit covering the monastery, a walk around the square, and a long taverna lunch is the right pace. Ano Mera isn't about ticking off sights -- it's about slowing down.
A Half-Day Itinerary
- 10:00 -- Bus or drive from Mykonos Town to Ano Mera
- 10:20 -- Visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani
- 10:50 -- Coffee at a square-side cafe, bakery pastries
- 11:30 -- Walk to the Monastery of Paleokastro (if you have transport) or explore the village lanes
- 12:30 -- Long lunch at a traditional taverna on the square
- 14:00 -- Browse the bakeries, buy local cheese and cookies
- 14:30 -- Bus back to Mykonos Town, or continue to Elia Beach (~10 minutes away)
Combining Ano Mera with Elia Beach is one of the best half-day plans on Mykonos -- culture and food in the morning, swimming in the afternoon.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Dress modestly for the monastery. Cover shoulders and knees. This is a functioning religious site, not a museum.
- Bring cash. Some bakeries and smaller tavernas may not take cards.
- The village is genuinely quiet. If you're looking for shops, nightlife, or tourist infrastructure, Ano Mera doesn't have it. That's the point.
- Hotels in Ano Mera are significantly cheaper than in Mykonos Town or on the coast. From around 60 EUR per night. It's a viable budget base if you don't mind being away from the action.
- The bus schedule is your friend. Check return times before you settle into that long lunch.
- Guided tours are available (van tours, Range Rover tours) that include Ano Mera as part of a wider island circuit. These typically run 4 hours and cover several stops. Good if you want to see the village without worrying about transport.
- Parking is easy. Unlike Mykonos Town and Oia, Ano Mera has no parking problem. Pull up, park, walk to the square.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Any time of year. Ano Mera is less seasonal than the beaches and party spots. The village is lived-in year-round, the monastery is always open, and the tavernas serve lunch regardless of whether tourists show up.
Spring (April-May) is particularly pleasant -- the countryside around the village is green and wildflowers dot the landscape.
Ano Mera is 8 km east of Mykonos Town. Mykonos's only inland village. Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, traditional square, excellent tavernas at lower prices. Bus from Mykonos Town takes 15-20 minutes. Combine with a visit to Elia Beach.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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