A small Cycladic island known for its 15th-century Venetian castle and deep stalactite cave. White-sand beaches line the coast near traditional Greek villages.
A small Cycladic island one nautical mile from Paros, Antiparos draws fewer visitors than its neighbors. In the main town, you'll walk through narrow streets where bougainvillea drapes over white cubic houses. The island's limestone Cave of Antiparos descends 85 meters underground, while at Faneromeni Beach, the water is so clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom from the surface.
Getting to Antiparos
You'll need to reach Paros first, as Antiparos has no airport. From Paros, take a 7-minute ferry from Pounda port or a 30-minute boat from Parikia. The Pounda ferry runs year-round and accepts only cash payments in euros - €2 for passengers and €7.30 for cars. In July and August, car queues can stretch up to 30 minutes during peak times (10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm).
Exploring Antiparos Town
A 15th-century Venetian castle stands in the center of the main settlement. The castle served as a fortified residential complex, protecting locals from pirates. Walk through the stone-paved alleys where white houses display blue-painted doors and windows. The main pedestrian street, about 300 meters long, has small boutiques selling locally made jewelry, woven bags, and ceramics.
The Ancient Cave
The Cave of Antiparos sits 200 meters above sea level, with 411 steps taking you 85 meters underground. Names and dates carved into the cave walls date back to the 1600s, including signatures from King Otto of Greece and other European royalty. The three main chambers contain stalactites and stalagmites, with the oldest dating back 45 million years. The "Bishop's Throne" formation at the bottom level resembles a carved stone chair.
Beaches and Swimming
The eastern coast has shallow waters and sandy beaches, while the western shore rises into limestone cliffs and sea caves. At Faneromeni Beach, 200 meters of sand stretch along clear water. Pack water and snacks as there are no shops or restaurants nearby. Agios Georgios Beach extends for 400 meters along a protected bay where the water stays shallow - rarely deeper than 1.5 meters - making it suitable for children.
Day Trip to Despotiko
Small boats depart every hour from Agios Georgios port to Despotiko island between 10am and 4pm. The uninhabited island contains ruins of an Apollo sanctuary, with ongoing archaeological excavations. The channel between the islands has clear water 2-5 meters deep, ideal for snorkeling among small fish and sea urchins.
Getting Around
While Antiparos measures only 7 kilometers from north to south, you'll want a vehicle to reach the remote beaches and the cave. Rent cars or scooters from the three rental agencies near the port in Antiparos Town. The main paved road follows the east coast, with smaller roads leading to western beaches. You can walk across Antiparos Town in about 15 minutes.
