Is Ano Mera a good base for a beach holiday in Mykonos?
Ano Mera is a traditional village located in the center of Mykonos, offering a more peaceful and authentic Greek experience compared to the bustling coastal towns. While not directly on the beach, it provides convenient access to several popular and quieter beaches on the southeastern and northern coasts, such as Kalo Livadi, Elia, Kalafatis, Agia Anna, Ftelia, and Fokos. If you prefer a quieter stay away from the main party scene but still want to explore various beaches, Ano Mera can be a good option. However, if your priority is to be steps away from the sea and in the heart of the beach club action, staying directly in a beach town might be more suitable.
How do I get to the beaches from Ano Mera?
From Ano Mera, you can reach the beaches by bus, taxi, or by renting a car or motorbike. The local bus network connects Ano Mera to some beaches like Elia, Kalo Livadi, and Kalafatis, though you might need to change buses in Mykonos Town (Chora) for some routes. Renting a car or motorbike offers the most flexibility for exploring different beaches at your own pace. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive.
Are there family-friendly beaches near Ano Mera?
Yes, several beaches accessible from Ano Mera are suitable for families. Kalo Livadi is known for its long sandy shore and relatively shallow waters, making it a good option for children. Elia Beach, while popular, is also long and offers family-friendly sections. Ornos and Platis Gialos, though a bit further, are also well-regarded for families due to their calm waters and amenities.
What are the quieter, less crowded beaches I can reach from Ano Mera?
If you're looking for more secluded and tranquil beach experiences, Ano Mera provides good access to some of the island's quieter spots. Fokos and Mersini beaches on the northern coast are known for their natural, unspoiled beauty and fewer crowds, though they are unorganized (no sunbeds or facilities). Ftelia Beach, also to the north, is peaceful and popular with windsurfers. Lia Beach is another option for a more relaxed atmosphere. Getting to these often requires a car or motorbike as public transport might be limited.
Are there hotels or accommodations in Ano Mera with easy beach access?
Ano Mera itself is an inland village, so you won't find accommodations directly on the beach there. However, many hotels and villas in and around Ano Mera offer a peaceful retreat and are just a short drive (typically 5-15 minutes) from popular beaches like Kalo Livadi, Elia, and Kalafatis. Some accommodations may also offer shuttle services to the beaches. If beachfront accommodation is a priority, you would need to look at hotels in coastal areas like Platis Gialos, Ornos, or directly at beaches like Elia or Kalo Livadi.
What's the water like at the beaches near Ano Mera? Can you swim?
The beaches accessible from Ano Mera generally boast crystal-clear turquoise waters, typical of the Aegean Sea. Most of these beaches, such as Kalo Livadi, Elia, and Kalafatis, have sandy shores and are excellent for swimming. The water is usually calm, especially on the southern beaches when the prevailing northern winds (Meltemi) are not too strong. Northern beaches like Ftelia can be wavier and are popular for windsurfing.
When is the best time to visit the beaches near Ano Mera considering weather and crowds?
The best time to visit Mykonos beaches, including those near Ano Mera, for good weather and swimming is from late May to early October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with lively beach clubs but also more crowds and higher prices. For a balance of pleasant weather, warm seas, and fewer people, consider visiting in May, June, or September. The Meltemi wind is strongest in July and August, which can make some northern beaches very windy, but southern beaches are generally more sheltered.
Which is better for a quieter day: Kalo Livadi or Elia Beach?
Both Kalo Livadi and Elia are popular, long sandy beaches accessible from Ano Mera. Generally, Kalo Livadi might offer a slightly quieter experience, especially on certain parts of the beach, and is often noted for its more laid-back atmosphere compared to the sometimes busier Elia. Kalo Livadi also has some areas with free space to lay your towel. Elia is Mykonos's longest beach and while it can be busy and has many organized sections, its size means you might still find quieter spots. Both have beach clubs and facilities. For a truly quiet day, unorganized beaches like Fokos or Lia would be better choices.
Are there any beaches near Ano Mera good for watersports like windsurfing?
Yes, Ftelia Beach, located north of Ano Mera, is renowned for being ideal for windsurfing due to the strong northern winds it often experiences. Korfos Beach is another spot popular with windsurfers. Kalafatis Beach on the southeastern coast also offers various watersports, including windsurfing and jet skiing.
What's the vibe like at the beaches accessible from Ano Mera? Is it all party beaches?
The beaches accessible from Ano Mera offer a diverse range of atmospheres. While Mykonos is famous for its party beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise (which are further from Ano Mera and typically reached from Mykonos Town or by water taxi from southern beaches), the beaches closer to Ano Mera, such as Kalo Livadi, Elia, and Lia, tend to have a more relaxed, chic, or family-friendly vibe. They have organized sections with sunbeds and restaurants, some with music, but are generally not the intense, all-day party scenes found elsewhere. For very tranquil, natural experiences, beaches like Fokos and Agios Sostis offer a complete escape from the party atmosphere.
Are there any 'secret' or less-known beaches near Ano Mera worth exploring?
Yes, Mykonos has several less-commercialized beaches that offer a more 'off-the-beaten-path' experience, accessible from Ano Mera, especially if you have a car or scooter. Fokos Beach and the adjacent Mersini Beach are prime examples, known for their wild, natural beauty and tranquility. Lia Beach, while somewhat organized, is generally considered quieter than the main southern beaches. Tigani Beach is another very secluded option. These beaches usually have minimal to no facilities, so it's advisable to bring your own supplies.
How far is Ano Mera from the famous party beaches like Paradise or Super Paradise?
Ano Mera is located inland, about 7-8 km from Mykonos Town. The famous party beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise are on the south coast, also roughly 6-7 km from Mykonos Town but in a different direction from Ano Mera. To reach them from Ano Mera, you would typically drive towards Mykonos Town and then follow signs, or take a bus to Mykonos Town (Fabrika station) and then another bus or a water taxi from Platis Gialos to these party beaches. The journey can take around 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Can I walk to any beaches from Ano Mera village?
Ano Mera is an inland village, and while it's relatively close to several beaches by car or bus (e.g., Kalo Livadi is about 2-3 km away, Elia about 3-4 km), walking to these beaches would involve a considerable trek along roads that may not always have sidewalks and can be hilly. It's generally not recommended as the primary way to access beaches from Ano Mera, especially in the summer heat. Renting a scooter, ATV, or car, or using the bus service, is more practical.
Are the beaches near Ano Mera affected by the Meltemi wind?
Yes, like all of Mykonos, the beaches near Ano Mera can be affected by the Meltemi, a strong northern wind that blows mainly in July and August. Beaches on the northern coast, such as Ftelia and Panormos, will be more exposed and can be very windy, making them popular for windsurfing but sometimes less ideal for sunbathing or calm swimming. The southern coast beaches (like Kalo Livadi, Elia, Kalafatis), although they can still experience some wind, are generally more sheltered from the full force of the Meltemi. It's always a good idea to check the wind forecast before heading to a specific beach.
Are there nudist-friendly beaches accessible from Ano Mera?
Mykonos has a generally relaxed attitude towards nudity on some of its beaches. While not officially designated, parts of Elia Beach are known to be popular with naturists. Agios Sostis and Fokos, being more remote and unorganized, are also beaches where naturism is commonly practiced. Super Paradise, though more of a party beach, also has sections that are historically nudist-friendly. These beaches are all accessible from Ano Mera, typically by car or scooter.
