Discover Ano Meria

Ano Meria combines a rich rural history with an annual cultural event and a specific destination for a walk. The Themónes offer insight into former agricultural practices; the historical uses of buildings at the Ecomuseum add to this picture. Also on offer are the Folegandros Feasts in July and the Aspropounta Lighthouse, which is within walking distance of Ano Meria. These different highlights can help you choose a destination and travel time that match your interests.

Rural Character and Landscape

The landscape of Ano Meria is windy and dry. Despite challenging weather conditions, most households continue to be largely self-sufficient in agricultural produce and livestock products. This coexistence of demanding conditions and economic independence is part of the area's character. It brings the households' way of life and livelihood into focus alongside the landscape. The Themónes give this rural character a historical dimension.

Themónes and Former Building Uses

The Themónes were small, self-contained agricultural units with livestock. They served a self-sufficient farming economy that shaped village life until a few years before the time of the original account. The term thus brings together agriculture, livestock farming and the way of life that shaped the village.

The largest of the three buildings of the Folegandros Ecomuseum in Ano Meria served as a family home until the 19th century. Toward the end of the century, a new home was built within the same Thimonia. The former residence was then used as a cellar: the harvest was stored there in large storage jars and other earthenware vessels. The adjoining building housed the olive press and the cheese dairy. Together, these former uses offer a concrete insight into living, storing the harvest and agricultural processing.

The Summer Festival in July

Every July, the Folegandros Feasts (Giortes Folegandrou), the island's summer festival, take place in Ano Meria, among other locations. The program includes theater performances, films and concerts featuring classical and Greek music. The festival's recurring month is a useful point of reference when planning your trip; the specific program may vary from year to year.

Walk to the Lighthouse and Explore the Island's Trails

Aspropounta Lighthouse is about a 60-minute walk from Ano Meria. This is an approximate walking time. Check current trail conditions before setting out and plan the walk as a separate part of your day.

Folegandros also has a 20-kilometer network of selected, well-preserved old paved roads and footpaths, known as the “Footpaths of Historical and Cultural Interest.” It crosses much of the island and leads to destinations of particular historical, cultural or ecological significance. The difference in scale is useful for orientation: the walking time to the lighthouse refers to a single destination from Ano Meria, while the network describes a selection of island-wide routes leading to various destinations.

Discover more destinations: Agios Georgios, Megalochori, Oía, Psathi, Pyrgos, Perissa, Emporio, Vourvoulos

For the main travel overview: Santorini.