Mykonos as Mykonians live it, ten minutes from the beach-club coast
Ano Mera is the second settlement on the island and the only one not on the coast. Its centre is a square shaded by trees and ringed by tavernas that serve grilled meat and local cheese to families rather than tourists, and above it stands the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, whose carved marble bell tower and gilded interior are the island's most important religious site.
The village is the crossroads of the east: roads run from here to Elia and Kalafatis in the south, to Panormos and Fokos in the north, and back to town in the west. Jeep and island tours almost always stop here, and it is the obvious lunch stop on a day exploring the north coast.
Staying in Ano Mera means good value and quiet nights, at the cost of driving to every beach. It suits people with a car who want Mykonos without the volume.
Beach
No beach in the village; Elia, Kalafatis, Kalo Livadi and the northern beaches are all a short drive.
Nights
Tavernas on the square, busiest on summer evenings and on the feast of the Dormition in mid-August.
Getting around
Buses from the Old Port station in Mykonos Town; most beach routes to the east pass through. A car or scooter is the realistic way to stay here.
Season
The feast of Panagia Tourliani on 15 August fills the village with music, food and pilgrims — worth planning around, or avoiding, depending on your taste.
