AntiparosCyclades · Greece

All About Antiparos

You may have heard of Paros but not its tiny sister island of Antiparos. You will therefore be surprised to know that Hollywood star Tom Hanks and his wife love it so much that they bought a holiday home there. Just one nautical mile from the much larger Paros, this alluring Cycladic island has everything you need for the perfect summer escape, from its traditional whitewashed architecture to lovely sandy beaches and brilliant blue sea. Although only 45 square kilometers in size, there is a lot packed to Antiparos, from its Medieval castle and unique caves to traditional taverns and lively nightlife. With its understated charm and unexpected beauty, it is quite likely that when you arrive on Antiparos, you will have no desire to leave! Taking a ferry to Antiparos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Antiparos

Antiparos has no airport so the only way to get there is from Paros by boat. In the summer months, a passenger ferry connects the main port of Parikia in Paros to Antiparos and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. If the summer winds prevent sailing, there are buses to take you to Pounta (Pounda) Port, from where you can take a small ferry known as a ‘pandofla’ (slipper) for a 7-minute sail across. The ferries leave every 30 minutes so if you miss one, you won’t have to wait long for the next and you can visit Antiparos for the day or stay over for as long as you like. ferry tickets

To reach Paros island, book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail from the Athenian ports of Piraeus or Rafina with Blue Star Ferries or Seajets. You can also sail from the island of Santorini with Minoan Lines, which also stops off at Mykonos along the way. There are regular daily connections from all ports, allowing you to get to Paros very easily, from where you can make your way to Antiparos.

If you are arriving at Athens International Airport and want to reach the port of Piraeus to catch the ferry to Paros, the express bus service (X96) will take you there directly. You can also get to Piraeus from the airport by train or you can enjoy a 40-minute taxi ride from the airport to the port. If you choose to fly to Paros, there are several flights weekly from Athens International Airport, as well as direct charter flights from other European destinations in high season.
 

Ports of Antiparos

There is only one small port on Antiparos which serves the ferries arriving from Paros. The ‘pandofles’ make regular crossings to and from Antiparos and dock near Antiparos town on the northeastern coast. Small boats also leave from here for the nearby islet of Despotiko and for tours of the surrounding beaches and the stunning coastline.
 

Capital & Villages

 The main village is Chora, which is also the port town of Antiparos. Despite the seemingly touristy appearance on arrival, as you explore it you will discover it is a sleepy little settlement with meandering cobbled streets crowned by a lovely traditional square. The Kastro area refers to the ruins of a Venetian castle that once served to protect the inhabitants from pirate attacks, with the houses being built around the remains of the main tower. The tiny town is a labyrinth of narrow romantic alleyways, iconic churches, small cafés, trendy boutiques, and inviting restaurants, making it a truly charming location to reside during your stay on Antiparos. There are no other villages to speak of on the island, just some tiny little settlements like Kambos, with a population of 14 permanent residents.
 

Best Beaches

Many people take the ferry to Antiparos solely for its beaches, which are well known for their pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. Here you will find mostly unorganized beaches that offer solitude and calm in truly idyllic settings, as well as some family beaches that also offer facilities for water sports fans.

Glyfa Beach

The sandy beach of Glyfa can be found on the southern side of Antiparos, just 6 km from the main town. Its location is totally idyllic, with an unspoiled coastline offering lovely views across to Paros. Large pine trees bend down to the water’s edge to offer some shade and it is a tranquil place for the whole family to unwind and enjoy traditional cuisine at the nearby taverns.

Agios Georgios Beach

This is a small beach with fine sand situated in the tiny fishing hamlet of Agios Georgios, which is dominated by a small chapel of the same name. It sits in a sheltered bay with wonderful views across to Despotiko island, making it a favorite for summer swimmers. You can take a boat trip from here to Despotiko or sit back and enjoy some freshly caught fish at its traditional taverns.

Livadia Beach

If you seek total seclusion, then head for Livadia beach, which lies about 17 km from Antiparos town. Its beauty lies in its remoteness, being on one of the most untouched spots on the island, and its sandy waterfront is protected in a small bay. It is ideal for those wanting to get away from it all and to swim in its sapphire waters. There aren’t any amenities nearby so come here prepared with food and refreshments.

Sifneiko Beach

Also known as Sunset Beach, Sifneiko is easily reached on foot from the town of Antiparos and is just perfect for a sunset swim like no other. It is named after Sifnos Island, which you can see in the distance, and offers golden sand and sparkling waters, as well as being a favorite snorkeling spot. But even if you go only to catch the sunset, your visit will remain unforgettable.

Camping Beach

One of the most popular on the island, Camping Beach is located next to the camping site, as its name suggests, just outside of Chora. The long, sandy stretch is popular with all kinds of visitors and it is also an official nudist beach. The camping site itself offers tents for rent, as well as a large area for you to pitch your own, making it ideal for those seeking a carefree holiday.

Psaralyki Beach

The sandy beach of Psaralyki is actually two beaches known as Psaralyki I and Psalariki II, both of which are easily accessible just outside of Chora. The waters are very shallow, making them ideal for children and the pine trees offer some much-needed shade in the heat of the day. Watersports can be enjoyed here, with pedal boats for rent and windsurfing lessons, as well as some taverns and music clubs that are open until the early hours.
 

Things to Do

Explore the Venetian Castle

The castle (or Kastro) is located in the center of Antiparos town and it dates back to 1440 when the Venetians were used to building fortified settlements in the Cyclades. Originally, it had a main tower with houses circling around it, built-in one continuous block. You can still see the base of the tower and the fortification itself was accessed via a south wing, where a Gothic archway stands to this day. Also residing in the castle are small bats which come out at dusk to fly around the tower. Take a ferry to Antiparos to witness this glorious castle on your own.

Visit the Cave of Antiparos

This amazing cave is well worth the visit while on Antiparos as it is full of stalactites and stalagmites that form different shapes, offering a unique spectacle. The cave dates back to the Geometric and Classical Eras and has been used as both a refuge and a place of worship throughout the years. It spreads over several levels, with a maximum depth of 85 meters, and the inscriptions on the walls attest to its extraordinary past. Some famous ‘visitors’ were Alexander the Great, King Otto, the Marquis de Nointe, and the famous poet Archilochus of Paros. The little white 18th century chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis stands at the entrance to welcome you.

Sail to the island of Despotiko

Take a short boat trip to the minuscule islet of Despotiko, once one of the largest ancient sanctuaries in the Cyclades. Although uninhabited now, archaeologists have unearthed the 7th century BCE site of Mandra on a beautiful vantage point that was a cult center up until Roman times, where they have found swords, jewelry, small statues, and other relics. Enjoy a step into the past while soaking up the serene ambiance of this relaxing island.

Discover the sea caves

The appeal of Antiparos lies not only in its quintessential charm but also in its wonderful coastline, which offers visitors a range of activities. You can take a boat trip around the island and check out its array of sea caves on the southern side, once used by smugglers and pirates alike. Not only that, but the emerald waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling and some of the boat excursions include a BBQ lunch after your refreshing swim.

Soak up some culture

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Antiparos (Kiriaki Ragousi – Kontogiorgou) first opened in 2016 to showcase the cultural elements of the area in collaboration with the Municipality of Antiparos. The tiny building houses a collection of interesting paintings, maps, and precious artifacts that shed some light on the colorful heritage of the island and its historical significance in the wider Cyclades, so it is well worth a visit.
 

Transportation Around Antiparos

With Antiparos being such a compact island, it is very easy to get from point A to point B on foot. Nevertheless, if you require transport, the local buses run from Chora to Panagia, Apantima, Soros, and Agios Georgios beaches, as well as towards Antiparos Cave. Taxis and private transfers are also available at the port and around the island while car or motorcycle rental is another option for you to use. Taking a ferry to Antiparos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.