Antiparos Greece: An Idyllic Island Guide 

Set in the heart of the Aegean, Antiparos is a chic, under-the-radar Greek island known for its relaxed pace and collection of unspoiled beaches. Just a seven-minute ferry from Paros, the small Cycladic escape revolves around a single town—Antiparos Chora. Comprised of whitewashed facades with blue accents, the inviting village is centered around a 15^thcentury Venetian Castle, Kastro. Its streets are lined with charming boutiques and authentically good restaurants. Venture outside of Antiparos Chora and you’ll find serene beaches tucked away in quiet coves and unique history. Antiparos is easily one of Greece’s most quietly captivating islands and well worth a visit—Just ask Tom Hanks!

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Know Before You Go

• How Long to Stay: Although Antiparos is often visited as a day trip from Paros, the island is best enjoyed over a several night stay. Plan to stay a couple nights (2-4) to fully relax, explore the island’s beaches, enjoy the charming town, and book a leisurely boat day without feeling rushed.  
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Antiparos is June through September with July and August being the busiest and warmest months. For more comfortable temperatures and crowds, consider visiting either in June or September. Many businesses close during the winter months (mid-October through April).  
• How to Get Around: To get around Antiparos, rent a car or quad on the island. Antiparos’ best beaches are on the southern tip of the island (about 20 minutes from Chora) and are accessed via unpaved roads. Rent a quad or car from Dimitris Antiparos.
• Currency: Euros. Be sure to carry some cash as some places are cash-only.  

How to Get to Antiparos 

To reach Antiparos, take a ferry from its sister island Paros. Paros has two ports—Pounta and the main port of Parikia—both of which connect to Antiparos. Passenger ferries from Parikia only operate seasonally, while the smaller port of Pounta offers daily, year-round service. 

Located just 10 minutes from Paros Airport, Pounta runs frequent trips between the two islands. Tickets for the Pounta-Antiparos must be purchased on board and cannot be purchased in advance. If you’re flying into Paros, take a short taxi to the port of Pounta and hop on the 7-minute ferry to Antiparos. If you’re staying near Paros’ main port of Parikia, opt for this ferry to get between the islands. 

Where to Stay on Antiparos 

Most of Antiparos’ restaurants and shops are concentrated in the main town of Chora, making it the most convenient place to stay.  A rental property booked through Airbnb or online booking platform is typically the best option in town as there are only a handful of small hotels on the outskirts of town. We stayed at this lovely Airbnb, and its location could not have been better. For total off-the-grid relaxation, stay at The Rooster. The luxury hotel is a serene wellness-focused retreat about 10 minutes outside the main town Chora. Or rent a villa outside of town. 

Restaurants & Bars

Antiparos has a wonderful food scene with many of the restaurants located in the main town, Chora. Breakfast at MAS Antiparos was so good we spent several mornings here—get the yogurt bowl. Sunset drinks at The Rooster Antiparos is a must. After spending my fair share of time visiting various Greek Islands, the best gyro I’ve ever had was on Antiparos at Tο πιάτο του Βασίλη (Billy’s Plate). For delicious seafood and a change of location, visit Captain Pipinos Seafood Taverna in Agios Georgios. At the end of the evening for some late-night fun, head to Hora Club Antiparos or Disco La Luna. There are many wonderful restaurants in Antiparos Chora—it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. 

Beaches

Antiparos is known for its beautiful and unspoiled beaches. Unlike more popular Greek Islands, Antiparos is more under-the-radar, and its beaches are ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil uncrowded swimming spot. The southern end of the island is home to many of the best beaches—think quiet coves perfect for relaxing and swimming. The secluded beaches offer authentic charm and lack onsite amenities—make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and towels. Some of the best beaches on the southern end of the island are Faneromeni Beach and Saugar Beach. If you’re looking for a beach with more amenities, visit Fanari Beach. Located just outside of the main town, Fanari Beach offers sunbeds and food service. For a beach club vibe, visit Soros Beach Club on Soros Beach. For a more in-depth list, read the Best Beaches of Antiparos, coming soon.

Cave of Antiparos 

The Cave of Antiparos is one of the island’s most remarkable landmarks known for its long history and geological wonder. It has been a source of refuge and exploration for thousands of years with archaeological finds and inscriptions dating back to the Stone Age, around 4000 BC. At the cave’s entrance stands the oldest known stalagmite in Europe—estimated to be 45 million years old. The earliest recorded visitor was a poet from Paros who visited in the 7^th century BC. In the 4^th century BC, Macedonians used the cave as a hideout while plotting against Alexander the Great. Later visitors included kings and nobles. As a good mid-day activity to escape the heat, descend the 411 steps into the cave and witness the intricate stalagmites and stalactites steeped in history. 

Explore Antiparos Chora 

Antiparos Chora is the island’s main town and port as well as the center of daily life on Antiparos. The classic Cycladic village is a lively center of cafes, tavernas, and small shops. All ferries to and from the island arrive here so it’s usually the first introduction to Antiparos. The village is referred to by several names—Chora, Antiparos Town, and Kastro. Antiparos Chora is built around a 15^th century Venetian castle known as Kastro, which was once a fortress designed to protect residents from pirates. Buildings reside in and around the castle walls making it hard to distinguish between the Kastro and the town itself. There is no museum or clearly marked ruins; however, a small section of the original structure is visible on the west side of town. The charming, whitewashed town is best explored on foot and is a great base to stay when visiting Antiparos. 

Boat Day & Visit Despotiko 

There’s no better way to experience Greece than by sea. The Greek Islands, especially the Cyclades across the Aegean, are surrounded by incredibly clear and beautiful blue waters. A boat day gives you a different perspective of the islands and access to hidden coves and caves. Antiparos is the perfect island to rent a boat thanks to its generally calm waters and nearby neighboring islands. Less than half a mile from Antiparos separated by a calm and shallow strait, Despotiko is a small island with rich history and beaches. Although currently uninhabited, present-day excavations indicate Despotiko was a strategic naval hub and religious sanctuary dating back to the 7^th century BC. 

The best place to start your boat day is in the town of Agios Georgios. From here, head to Apollo Boat Rental and rent a small boat—no license required. Pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks and spend the day cruising and swimming in the sparkling waters of the Aegean.