March 23, 2025

Things to Do in Ano Mera, Mykonos – A Hidden Gem of the Island

Ano Mera, Mykonos — Quiet Traditions, Real Flavor

Skip the scene. In the island’s heart, Ano Mera serves monasteries, stone lanes, farmhouse tastings, and tavern tables locals actually use.

Where

~8 km from Mykonos Town (Chora); easiest by car/taxi or direct bus.

Best time

Morning for monasteries; late afternoon → dinner on the square.

Dress code

Monasteries: shoulders covered; be respectful inside churches.

Good to know

ATMs & bakeries on the square; parking behind the plaza.

1) Panagia Tourliani Monastery — 16th-century Icon

HeritageMuseumPhotography

Whitewashed walls, ornate wood-carved iconostasis, and a slender bell tower anchor Ano Mera’s identity. Step quietly; it’s an active monastery with a small ecclesiastical museum.

Open in Maps Learn more

Tip: Dress modestly; avoid flash photography inside.

2) Gyzi Castle & Paleokastro — Short Hike, Big Views

Scenic hikeVenetian era

Scramble up to the hilltop ruins of Gyzi Castle above Ano Mera for island-wide panoramas. Nearby sits the 18th-century Paleokastro nunnery. Wear decent shoes; trail is rocky and exposed.

Gyzi Castle — Maps About Paleokastro

3) Eat on the Square — Honest, Greek, Unrushed

Local foodFamilies

Classic grills, braises, and salads under bougainvillea. Two reliable anchors:

To Steki tou Proedrou — old-school taverna favorites; friendly service. Maps • Instagram
Taverna Vangelis 1953 — grills, stews, and Mykonian meze since, well, 1953. Maps • Listing

Tip: Order what’s braised or slow-cooked; ask what came fresh that day.

4) Ftelia Beach — Wild & Windy (5-min drive)

NaturalWindsurf

Open bay with constant breeze; fewer crowds, more space. Great for a salty walk or windsurf day. For food/drink, the boho landmark Alemagou sits at the south end.

Ftelia — Maps Alemagou — Official

5) Farm Visits — Wine, Cheese, Real Island Life

TastingsWorkshops

Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm & Vineyard — low-key tastings, meze, and vineyard strolls tied to the historic Maou monastery lands. Book ahead in peak months.

Vioma — Official Open in Maps

Also worth it: Mykonian Spiti runs cooking classes and farm experiences near Ano Mera.

Getting There & Useful Info

Bus: Direct KTEL routes connect Old Port/Fabrika ⇄ Ano Mera (timetables update seasonally). Official bus site
Parking: Public parking behind the square; avoid blocking lanes used by buses/delivery vans.
Cash & cards: Cards widely accepted, but carry some cash for bakeries/smaller kiosks.

Suggested Half-Day

10:00 Panagia Tourliani (museum after).
11:15 Walk up to Gyzi Castle & Paleokastro (water, hat, shoes).
13:00 Taverna lunch on the square (braised specials + Greek salad).
15:30 Vioma for tasting or Ftelia for a breezy beach hour.

Open Ano Mera in Maps Bus Timetables Book Vioma Farm Book Alemagou

Reality check: Church hours, bus times, and farm availability change with the season. Confirm same-day details before you go.

Ano Mera Coffee Crawl — 60 Minutes, Zero Fuss

Three stops around the square: a proper freddo, a warm pastry, and a plant-based treat. Go early, then roll on to Tourliani or the Gyzi Castle hike.

1) Coffee Island — Square Pick-Up Point

Freddo espressoTo-goDelivery

Fast, consistent, and friendly. Grab a freddo espresso or cappuccino to start your loop.

Hours: typically 07:00–21:00 (seasonal shifts).
Delivery: available via Wolt across Mykonos.

Coffee Island — Info Order on Wolt Open in Maps

Pro tip: Ask for “sketo” (no sugar) if you like it dry.

2) Koutsothanasis Bakery — Local Favorite

BakeryGreek sweetsEarly open

Classic Cycladic bakery: koulouri, spanakopita, baklava, orange cake. Budget-friendly, early hours.

Opens: as early as ~05:30 (check same-day).
Grab: koulouri Thessalonikis + sesame, or warm cheese pie.

Bakery — Instagram Open in Maps Reviews

Pro tip: Buy extra for the Gyzi hike—light, salty, perfect.

3) Koukoumi Vegan — Slow Coffee & Brunch

Plant-basedHotel caféRelaxed

Greece’s first 5★ vegan hotel. Unwind with specialty coffee or a light brunch before moving on.

Good for: almond/oat cappuccinos, light plates, calm courtyard vibes.
Booking: handy in peak months; menus online.

Koukoumi — Restaurant Menus Open in Maps

Pro tip: If you’re heading to Tourliani, this is your cool-down stop after the monastery.

Bonus: O Palios o Fournos — “Back in the Day” Bakery

TraditionalOn the square

Old-school bakery right by the plaza; simple breads and classic sweets when you want something unfussy.

Listing Open in Maps

Pro tip: Carry cash—some tiny bakeries still prefer it.

Heads-up: Hours and offerings shift with the season. Check same-day on IG or call if you’re timing a tight itinerary.