Hotel Anatolia
Ano Mera - Áno Merá Mykonos
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In the heart of Mykonos, just 8 kilometres from the bustling capital, lies a corner of authentic Greece that seems to exist in a different time dimension. Ano Mera represents the traditional soul of the Cyclades, where mass tourism has not yet managed to completely erase the local character of the most famous island in the Aegean.
The second largest village after Mykonos Town, Ano Mera retains the charm of Cycladic architecture with its whitewashed houses, blue shutters and flower-decked balconies. Here, the pace of life still follows the times of Greek tradition, offering visitors a completely different experience compared to the mundane beaches and trendy clubs of the harbour.
The village has developed around the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, the spiritual heart of the island, maintaining a central square surrounded by traditional taverns where one can enjoy authentic dishes at honest prices. Its strategic location in the centre of the island makes Ano Mera the ideal starting point for exploring the eastern beaches of Mykonos, such as Elia and Kalafatis.
The large central square of Ano Mera is the hub of the village’s social life, a place where time seems to flow according to the rhythms of Greek tradition. Surrounded by four traditional tavernas, the square offers a completely different atmosphere from the sophisticated venues of the Mykonos harbour.
During summer evenings, the square comes alive with an authentic life that makes one forget that one is on the island of the international jet set. The tavernas serve genuine Cycladic cuisine: kopanisti (a spicy local cheese), louza (a salami similar to bresaola), fresh fish of the day and Greek specialities prepared according to traditional recipes.
The relaxed atmosphere and honest prices are a stark contrast to the cost of downtown Mykonos, making the square in Ano Mera an oasis for those seeking authenticity without sacrificing quality. In the evening, seated at one of the outdoor tables, one can enjoy an authentic Greek dinner under the stars, accompanied by the discreet sound of local conversation.
The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is undoubtedly the main attraction of Ano Mera and the most important place of worship on the entire island. Founded in 1542 by monks from the Katapoliani Monastery of Paros, this religious complex is dedicated to the patron saint of Mykonos.
The history of the monastery is linked to a fascinating legend: an icon of the Virgin Mary was found floating in the sea in the nearby region of Tourlos in the 16th century. This miraculous event led to the dedication of the monastery to Panagia Tourliani and a restoration that gave it its current appearance.
The architecture of the monastery perfectly reflects the Cycladic style with its snow-white façade and distinctive red dome. A distinctive feature is the late 17th century marble façade of the church and the marble tower, added in the 19th century. The ornate bell tower with three bells dominates the structure, while in the courtyard outside, a beautiful marble fountain welcomes visitors.
Inside, the intimate but richly decorated interior impresses with its magnificent collection of Byzantine icons and the impressive carved wooden iconostasis made in 1775 by Florentine artists. The crystal chandeliers, gilded pulpit and sacred vestments testify to the artistic richness of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
The monastery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with free admission. It also includes a small ecclesiastical museum with embroideries, vestments, sacred icons and the monastery’s first bells, which can be visited for only 2 euro.
North of the village, on a scenic hill, stands the Paleokastro Monastery, another spiritual jewel that is definitely worth a visit. Dating back to the 18th century, this women’s convent is a typical example of Cycladic monastic architecture.
The name ‘Paleokastro’ comes from the nearby hill that houses the remains of a medieval castle of Byzantine origin. The monastery was built on the remains of an ancient fortress and this area is considered one of the two largest settlements on the island in ancient times.
The location of the monastery offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mykonos countryside and is one of the greenest and most peaceful places on the island. Also nearby is the picturesque little church of Agios Vlassis, characterised by its red roof and blue door, as well as the remains of buildings that housed the castle guards during the Venetian period.
A visit to the Paleokastro Monastery allows visitors to immerse themselves in the millennial history of Mykonos, contemplating the archaeological remains that testify to the continuity of human settlement in this area. Visitors to Santorini or Paros will appreciate the architectural and spiritual similarity of these sacred Cycladic sites.
Ano Mera’s strategic location in the centre of the island makes it an ideal base for exploring some of the most beautiful beaches on the east and north coasts of Mykonos. From here it is easy to reach the island’s quieter beaches, far from the hustle and bustle of the famous Paradise and Super Paradise.
Elia Beach, just 7 km from the village, is one of the longest beaches on Mykonos, famous for its fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Well-equipped but less chaotic than the beaches in the south, Elia offers the perfect balance of comfort and tranquillity.
Kalo Livadi, 4 kilometres from Ano Mera, perfectly combines free areas and well-equipped lidos, allowing all types of visitors to find their ideal spot. The calm waters and soft sand make it particularly suitable for families.
Kalafatis, famous for water sports and windsurfing, is about 6 kilometres away and can be easily reached by car or local buses. The beach maintains a more sporty and less mundane atmosphere than its southern competitors.
The north coast offers even wilder beaches such as Ftelia, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and Agios Sostis, one of the few completely free beaches left in Mykonos.
Ano Mera offers several accommodation options for those seeking an authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour. Two luxury hotels provide high-level services while maintaining the traditional character of Cycladic architecture.
Numerous studios and flats for rent allow you to live like locals, with the option of cooking local produce bought at the village market. These accommodations, often run by local families, offer excellent value for money by Mykonos standards.
The tranquillity of Ano Mera guarantees quiet nights, a rare luxury in Mykonos, making the village an ideal choice for families and couples who prefer relaxation to nightlife.
Ano Mera is easily accessible from Mykonos Town via several transport options. Public buses depart regularly from the Fabrika and Porto Vecchio stations, taking about 20 minutes to cover the 8-kilometre distance. The service is frequent during the summer season, running every 30-60 minutes.
By car or scooter, one travels along the island’s main road through the Cycladic countryside, offering panoramic views along the way. The journey takes about 15 minutes and allows maximum flexibility to also explore the surrounding areas and nearby beaches.
For those arriving from Mykonos Airport, Ano Mera is located on the same main road, making it possible to reach the village directly without passing through the port. The distance from the airport is approximately 5 kilometres.
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