Antiparos

Everything you need to know about Antiparos

Antiparos is often considered the « little brother » of Paros. In Greek, “anti” means “opposite,” and this charming 45 sq km island lies just off Paros’ west coast. Getting there is simple. All you have to do is to take a short ferry ride from Pounda or Parikia.

There’s plenty to see and do in Antiparos. Relax on the stunning beaches of Glyfa and Apantima, explore the famous Cave of Antiparos, and wander through the picturesque streets of Chora.

But is Antiparos truly worth a visit? Let’s find out below!

Ways you can get to Antiparos

Getting to Antiparos is easy and convenient. You can take a small ferry from Pounda, with frequent departures during the summer, or opt for a private sailing boat. For a more luxurious experience, you can also reach Antiparos by yacht charter or even a helicopter from Paros.

Swim at Antiparos majestic beaches

Antiparos boasts some of the most photographed beaches in the Cyclades, featuring white sand and crystal-clear waters that rival the Caribbean. The east coast, facing Paros, has calm waters, while the west side is more rugged. You can reach the nearest beaches with a 10–15 minute walk from the ferry port, take a taxi, rent a car, bicycle, or ATV, or bring your own vehicle from Paros.

What are the must-visit beaches?

Glyfa beach

Glyfa beach is the longest beach on Antiparos, just 4 km from Chora. With its shallow waters, it’s perfect for families and offers plenty of taverns and beach bars for summer fun. Nearby, Panagia Beach, only 3 km from Chora, is quieter but equally stunning.

Apantima beach

Apantima Beach, about 7 km south of Chora, is a scenic pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. Since some areas have a rocky seabed, water shoes are recommended. This charming cove is fully sheltered from summer winds and sits just below the popular Beach House Antiparos bar and restaurant. Definitely it is worth a visit!

Psaraliki beach

Psaraliki Beach, just 1 km south of Chora, is perfect for water sports. It consists of two sandy beaches, with the second one offering natural shade from a long row of trees.

Sifneiko beach

For breathtaking sunsets, head to Sifneiko Beach, also known as « Sunset Beach. » Located just a 15-minute walk from the ferry port, it’s easily accessible through Chora, past the Venetian Castle, leading to the island’s west coast.

Soros beach

Soros Beach, 10 km south of Chora, features crystal-clear waters and natural tree shade. The Soros Beach Bar serves delicious food made from fresh local ingredients, making it the perfect spot to relax with lunch, drinks, and an all-day beach experience.

What else you can see and do in Antiparos

Beyond its stunning beaches, Antiparos offers many unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever. Want to discover more? Just keep reading!

Visit the cave of Antiparos

Located about 10 km from the ferry port, this fascinating cave features ancient stalagmites and rock formations that are millions of years old. For a small entrance fee, you can explore its depths—85 meters down—by descending over 400 steps. The staircase is safe and well-designed. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

Go to Despotiko island

This small, uninhabited island sits near the center of the Cyclades, offering breathtaking views of surrounding islands like Antiparos, Syros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, and Ios on clear days. To visit, you can take a boat trip from Chora or Agios Georgios in the south, just across from Despotiko. For a more luxurious experience, rent a yacht for the day and explore its pristine sandy beaches.

Walk around Chora

Legend has it that Antiparos was a magnet for Aegean Sea pirates due to its strategic location. To protect the island, the Venetians built a castle (Kastro) around 1440 AD, which now lies in ruins within the traditional village. The entrance is next to Agios Nikolaos Church. The island’s local festivals are a must-see, including the Agios Ioannis Festival on June 23–24 inside the castle and the Agia Marina Festival, a three-day celebration starting on July 15.

Taste its gastronomical scene

Greece is famous for its delicious cuisine, and Antiparos is no exception. The island boasts exquisite restaurants serving a variety of flavorful dishes, as well as traditional taverns offering fresh fish and local wine. No matter your taste preferences, you’ll always find expertly crafted recipes made with love and the finest ingredients.

As you can see, Antiparos offers a wealth of experiences—from idyllic beaches and fascinating caves to a charming Chora and delicious food. This little gem, often called the « small brother » of Paros, is definitely worth a visit. 

Rent a car from Chaniotis Car Rental and set off on an adventure to explore the stunning beauty of both Paros and Antiparos!