Ano Mera is the island’s inland village, a short drive east of Mykonos Town, gathered around a village square and a historic whitewashed monastery. It is the counterweight to the glamour of Chora: slower, quieter, more local. If you want to see how Mykonos lives when it isn’t performing, this is where you go.
Key Takeaways
- Ano Mera is the main village of the island’s interior, an easy drive from Mykonos Town.
- Its centrepiece is the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, one of the island’s most important churches.
- The village square is ringed with traditional tavernas, a favourite for long, unhurried lunches.
- Combine it with the beaches of the island’s east coast for a relaxed day away from the crowds.
Where is Ano Mera and how do I get there?
Ano Mera sits near the centre of the island, a straightforward drive from Mykonos Town along the main cross-island road. By car or ATV it’s a short hop, and local buses also connect the village with town in season. Because it’s inland, many visitors pass it on the way to the eastern beaches, which is part of why it has kept its character.
Getting there is half the pleasure: once you leave the coast, the landscape turns to dry-stone walls, small chapels and farmland, the older, agricultural face of the Cyclades.
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Car or ATV | A short drive along the main cross-island road | Pairing the village with the east coast |
| Local bus | Seasonal buses link the village with Mykonos Town | Visiting without driving |
| Taxi | A quick trip from town, door to door | Direct trips without waiting for a bus |
What is the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani?
The monastery is the village’s heart and one of the island’s most treasured landmarks. Founded centuries ago and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, protector of the island, it presents a classic Cycladic picture: brilliant whitewashed walls, a carved bell tower, a peaceful courtyard and an interior rich with woodcarving and icons.
It remains a living place of worship, so visit respectfully, dressed modestly and speaking quietly. Visiting times change with the season and services; if the gate is closed, the square and its tavernas make waiting easy. Even from the outside, the bell tower against a deep blue sky is one of the finest sights on Mykonos.
Why do people love the village square?
Because it does what village squares are supposed to do. Ano Mera’s plateia is ringed with traditional tavernas whose tables spill into the open air, and it runs at a rhythm Chora abandoned decades ago: long lunches, local families, nobody checking the time. The cooking leans classic, with slow-baked and grilled meats, local cheeses and honest island dishes, the kind of food we explore in our guide to Greek cuisine in Mykonos.
It’s a different register from a polished dinner in town, and that’s the point. Some visitors do both in one day: a lazy village lunch in Ano Mera, then a fine dining evening back in Chora. The contrast is a good introduction to the island’s two speeds.
What else is near Ano Mera?
The village makes a natural base for exploring the island’s quieter east. Within a short drive you’ll find some of Mykonos’ most relaxed coastline, beaches that face away from the busy south-coast scene. The countryside around the village is scattered with chapels and old farmsteads, and the drives themselves are worth taking slowly.
It also slots neatly into a bigger day of exploring: monastery and lunch in Ano Mera, an afternoon swim on the east coast, then back to town for the evening. For the full picture of how to structure days like this, see our local guide to things to do in Mykonos.
How to plan a half day in Ano Mera
A simple half day works well. Start at the monastery and take your time in the courtyard, looking up at the bell tower from a few angles. Then walk to the square for a long lunch, which is the natural high point of the visit. If you still have time, drive to one of the east coast beaches for a swim before heading back to town.
Lunch is when the tavernas on the square are in full swing, so arriving a little before the rush gives you the easiest choice of tables. The village is small, so the whole plan fits comfortably into four or five hours, and it rewards slow pacing more than a checklist. Dinner is best left for Mykonos Town, where the choice of restaurants is far wider.
Practical tips before you go
- Dress modestly for the monastery, with covered shoulders and knees.
- Carry some cash for smaller village tavernas, since not every place takes cards.
- Check bus times locally, because services run mainly in season.
- Bring water and a towel if you plan a swim on the east coast after lunch.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the dry-stone paths and village lanes.
Is Ano Mera worth visiting?
If you value authenticity, absolutely. Ano Mera won’t give you boutiques or beach clubs. It gives you a working village with a beautiful monastery, real tavernas and an unhurried afternoon. On an island famous for spectacle, that has become the rarer experience.
It’s especially worth it for food-minded travellers. Tasting the traditional, village end of Mykonian cooking at lunch gives the seafood and fresh fish of town more meaning. Try them at dinner, like the dishes on our menu at Nautilus. Two ends of one tradition, one delicious day. Reserve the evening half here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the town of Mykonos called?
The main town is called Mykonos Town, and locals often call it Chora. Ano Mera is a village in the interior, a different world from the lanes and waterfront of Chora.
Where do the locals eat in Mykonos, Greece?
Locals often eat in village tavernas like those in Ano Mera, where the food is traditional and lunches run long. The square is a good place to see that rhythm, especially in the afternoon.
How to not be rude in Greece?
Dress modestly when you visit churches and monasteries, and keep your voice down, since many are still places of worship. Greek meals are social occasions, so take your time, and ask for the bill when you are ready.
What to do in Ano Mera?
Ano Mera is a quiet village, so the best way to visit is to slow down. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, take a long lunch at one of the traditional tavernas on the village square, and then, if you have time, head to a nearby east coast beach for a swim.
What are some historical sites to visit in Mykonos?
The best-known historical sites are the windmills above Chora, the old lanes of Chora and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera. Delos, a short boat ride away, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins.
