Those interested in Ano Meria can explore its former rural way of life through the Themónes and discover a history of changing uses in the Ecomuseum buildings. A walk to the Aspropounta Lighthouse can also be planned as a specific hike; in July, the island festival adds a cultural dimension. You can tailor your stay to the village’s history, the landscape or the seasonal programme.

Rural Life and Historic Buildings

The Themónes of Ano Meria were small, self-contained agricultural units with livestock. They were part of a self-sufficient rural economy that shaped village life until just a few years before this account was written. What matters for the area’s history is precisely this connection: the Themónes were independent units, yet belonged to a self-contained rural economic system.

The largest of the three buildings in the Folegandros Ecomuseum served as a family home until the 19th century. Towards the end of the century, a new home was built within the same Thimonia. The older building was then used as a cellar for storing the harvest. Large storage jars and other earthenware vessels held the stored produce. The adjoining building housed an olive press and a dairy. This sequence shows a shift from family living to harvest storage; the neighbouring building was used for processing.

Island Trails and a Hiking Destination

On Folegandros, a 20-kilometre network of selected, well-preserved old paved roads and footpaths forms the “Footpaths of Historical and Cultural Interest”. It crosses large parts of the island and leads to destinations of particular historical, cultural or ecological significance. This offers a perspective on the island that extends beyond the history of individual buildings in Ano Meria.

The Aspropounta Lighthouse is about a 60-minute walk from Ano Meria. The two figures refer to different things: 20 kilometres describes the island-wide trail network, while about 60 minutes is the approximate walking time to the lighthouse. If you plan this outing, check the trail conditions before setting out.

July Festival and Landscape

Every July, the Folegandros Feasts (Giortes Folegandrou), the island’s summer festival, bring activity to Ano Meria, among other places. The programme includes theatre performances, films, and concerts featuring classical and Greek music. As programmes can vary from year to year, it is worth checking the dates for your chosen year before travelling. If the cultural programme is a deciding factor in your choice, July offers a specific seasonal point of reference.

Ano Meria’s windy, dry landscape comes with challenging weather conditions. Nevertheless, most households remain largely self-sufficient in agricultural produce and livestock products. Alongside the historic use of individual buildings, this brings into focus the continuing connection between households, agriculture and livestock farming.

Discover more destinations: Éxo Goniá, Anafi, Megalochori, Psathi, Vothonas, Perissa, Manganari Ios, Kamari

For the broader travel overview: Santorini.