8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANTIPAROS [GREECE]
What to see in Antiparos in 1 day? Best Beaches on the island? Is visiting Antiparos in Greece worth it?
Planning for your next trip to Greece? We highly recommend a visit to Antiparos during your stay. It’s the charming little sister of Paros, one of our favorite places to visit in the Cyclades!
Highlights About a Visit to Antiparos in Greece:
– Antiparos is easily accessible from Paros by a short ferry ride.
– We recommend spending at least 1 full day to see the main things.
– To visit the island, it’s better to bring your vehicle (car, scooter, or at least bicycle).
– Despite its small size, Antiparos is full of surprises.
– Antiparos has amazing beaches!
Here is a glimpse of the island:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANTIPAROS
1. Visit the main village of Antiparos
Once you arrive to Antiparos by ferry, walk through the main village of Antiparos.
We started by walking along the port before going up the main street of the village towards the Kastro. This 15th-century Venetian fortification is quite unique because it is organized around a square courtyard lined with two-story houses with a church in the center.
This organization made it possible to resist pirates while living in isolation.
For the rest of the visit, simply wander in the maze of alleys of Antiparos to explore its shops, restaurants, cafes, and the village full of flowers… The village is a total Gem!
2. Enjoy Antiparos stunning beaches
Like Paros, Antiparos has stunning beaches! If you are looking for transparent water, beautiful yellow sand, and peaceful time away from the crowds then check out the following beaches:
- Agios Georgios
- Glyfa
- Livadi
- Soros
Agios Georgios was our favorite beach! We spent a good part of the day chilling there. There are 2-3 restaurants by the beach, which was perfect for our lunch break.
If you don’t have a vehicle, visit the beaches of Psaralyki and Sifneiko, which are within walking distance of the main village.
3. Be amazed at the Antiparos Cave
One of the best things to do in Antiparos is visit its impressive cave.
The Antipaors cave is one of the oldest caves in Greece. It is nestled 160 meters underground. The interior is impressive and surprisingly large. We were absolutely amazed by it!
There are quite a few stairs to get to the cave… so be prepared for a little workout.
The cave is not accessible on foot from the village of Paros, you will need to drive there.
ADMISSION FEE: €6 for adults; €3 from 6 to 12 years old; Free for children 6 and under.
4. Visit Despotiko island
From Agios Georgios beach, you can hop on a boat to visit the neighboring island called Despotiko. In the Cyclades, you can always discover new islands!
The island of Despotiko, is like a “mini” Delos. It is home to an interesting archaeological site. At the heart of this open-air museum are the remains of the temple of Apollo and Artemis.
To get there you need to contact Captain Sargos. His boat leaves daily at 11:30 – 12:30 – 13:30 – 15:30 – 17:00.
READ ALSO: FULL GUIDE TO DELOS IN GREECE
5. Go on a boat trip around Antiparos
Generally, one of the best things to do in the Cyclades is go on a boat trip. Many boat trips are going around Antiparos, which we highly recommend.
CHECK IT OUT:
6. Explore the underwater during a dive trip
Antiparos is not the most famous diving spot in Greece. However, it has a rich biodiversity, numerous underwater caverns, and a few wrecks.
There are many dive centers in Paros, Blue Islands is one of the most famous ones. More info on the best diving spots in Antiparos here.
7. Cycle around Antiparos
While you will be able to see more of the island by car, cycling around the island is amazing!
Take your time to contemplate the landscapes, stop at the beach, and exchange with locas.
Bicycles are available for rental in the main village on the island, here.
8. Enjoy the sunset view at Sifneiko Beach
For a magical end to your day, head to Sifneiko Beach, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views.
Nestled on the western coast of Antiparos, this spot offers unobstructed vistas of the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in a myriad of hues. It’s an ideal place to unwind and savor the beauty of nature.
The best place to watch the sunset is actually at Sifneiko Beach Cafe.
HOW TO GET TO ANTIPAROS?
To get there, you have 2 options, the public ferry (which allows cars/scooters as well) from Pounda. or by joining a boat tour.
Pounda Port is located 7km from Parikia. From here, catch a short ferry ride to Antiparos. Ferry services run frequently, and the ride takes around 10-15 minutes. It’s not needed to book in advance (first come, first serve).
HERE IS THE TIMETABLE:
In Summer there are also boats living from Parikia. However, it’s not possible to bring your own vehicle and it takes longer. So we recommend taking the ferry from Pounda (LOCATION).
To join a boat trip from Paros or Naxos, check out all your options here.
READ ALSO: FULL GUIDE ON HOW TO GET TO ANTIPAROS
HOW TO GET AROUND ON THE ISLAND?
If you don’t bring your vehicle from Paros, you have a few options to visit Antiparos.
You can rent a bicycle, scooter, or ATV here. The shop is located in the main town, you can walk there straight away once you arrive by ferry.
There are also a few taxis on the island…
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN ANTIPAROS
Spending some days on the island is not a bad idea at all!
Indeed, even Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, own a property on the island of Antiparos in Greece. The couple fell in love with Greece while filming the movie “Mamma Mia!” on the nearby island of Skopelos. They were drawn to the serene beauty and laid-back atmosphere of Antiparos and subsequently purchased a holiday home there.
Their presence on the island has contributed to its popularity among tourists, with many fans occasionally hoping for a glimpse of the Hollywood couple.
HERE WE COMPILED A LIST OF OUR FAVORITE HOTELS:
Lagadia Village
Lagadia Village provides charming Cycladic-style accommodations in Antiparos. The rooms are modern and perfect for a family trip!
Poema Antiparos
Situated near Antiparos Town, Poema offers elegant rooms. It boasts a beautiful courtyard and a swimming pool, providing a tranquil escape within walking distance of the town’s attractions.
FINAL THOUGHTS – IS ANTIPAROS WORTH A VISIT?
Absolutely, without a doubt! Antiparos is unequivocally worth a visit. During our trip to the Cyclades, our stay in Antiparos was one of the most memorable!
We liked that it wasn’t crowded, unlike many other popular islands in Greece. We could relax and enjoy the Greek way of life here. Its unspoiled beauty, rich history, and laid-back ambiance make it a gem in the Aegean Sea.
READ ALSO
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