Antiparos is a small island in the Cyclades, located just 1 nautical mile southwest of Paros in the central Aegean Sea. It is part of the South Aegean region of Greece and can be reached in just 7 minutes by ferry from Pounta port in Paros.
Antiparos, Greece, is one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets, a small island that combines crystal-clear beaches, a famous stalactite cave, charming Cycladic architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere free from the overcrowding of its more famous neighbours. It attracts everyone from backpackers to celebrities (Tom Hanks famously owns a home here), yet somehow retains its authentic island soul.
General Information
- It belongs to the Cyclades conglomeration.
- The ancient name of the island was “Oliaros,” which means wooded mountain.
- The population of the island is about 1200 inhabitants, based on the latest census
- The island of Antiparos is situated 1 mile southwest of Paros
How to get to Antiparos from Paros
There are two ways to reach Antiparos from Paros:
Option 1 — Pounta Ferry (recommended): The quickest and most popular route. Take a bus from Parikia port to Pounta (€2.00, ~15 minutes, bus #4 runs hourly). From Pounta, a car ferry crosses to Antiparos in just 7 minutes, running every 20–30 minutes in summer and every 30–60 minutes off-season.
- Adult ticket: €1.50–2.00 one-way
- Car/scooter: extra fee
- No booking, just show up and board
- Runs daily all year round (weather permitting), from ~06:15 until ~01:30 (until ~03:30 in August)
Check current timetables and book a ferry ticket on Ferryscanner.
Option 2 — Parikia passenger boat (summer only): A small passenger-only boat runs directly from Parikia (the main port of Paros) to Antiparos in ~30 minutes. Operates late May–October only. Less frequent than the Pounta ferry.
💡 Our tip: Take the Pounta ferry, which is faster, runs all day, and you can bring your scooter or car for the best island exploration experience.
Information on itineraries and prices can be found on the official website for Antiparos ferries.
Transportation
Transportation to the settlements of the island is done by public transport buses (KTEL), the starting point of which is in front of the square of Agia Marina. Respectively, transportation in the center of the island can be done either by bicycle or motorbike, or on foot. The distances are short, and most shops in the center of the square are close by.
Best beaches in Antiparos
Some beaches in Antiparos are centrally located and can be easily reached on foot from the island town. Some are more difficult to reach, and you will need a car or have to go by bus. Finally, there is the possibility of visiting more remote beaches on neighboring islands with a private boat that you can rent on the island. The beaches that we suggest based on experience are the following:
Fanari
These are 2 beaches: Fanari 1 and Fanari 2. They are both organized, but the second is more popular. It has a beach bar, beach volleyball court, and water sports. The beach bar also has a restaurant to eat at reasonable prices. A nice beach and the closest if you’re staying in the center of the island.
The Camping Beach
A sandy beach located next to the camping on the island, and at a distance of only 100 meters from the town of the island. No entrance fee is required for your access to the beach, which is not organized. There is only one canteen for the necessary snacks and refreshments. Nudism is officially allowed on a part of the beach. This beach, as expected, is full of young people.
Beach House
A shop right on the beach. A small and organized beach with clear waters. There is a large crowd on this beach, and if you want to find free sunbeds, it is good to visit it relatively early. It is also possible to book sunbeds. There is also the homonymous beach bar and restaurant, which are relatively expensive.
Soros Beach
It is the largest beach on the island. Sandy and organized, with sunbeds. Not recommended for families with young children, as in many places the waters become really deep. There are also 2 taverns nearby. Just before you approach Megalos Soros, you will see a smaller, pebbled beach called Mikros Soros. This beach is not organized, there is no beach bar, but it has crystal clear waters and is preferred by those who want peace and relaxation.
Agios Georgios
A small beach with fine sand near the homonymous chapel. It is located near the village of Agios Georgios and has an incredible view of the island of Despotiko. The beach is not organized, and many people visit the beach just to eat fish in a small tavern overlooking the sea.
Panagia beach
You definitely need a car to reach this beach, and the road is relatively rough. To find the beach, you have to ask someone who knows how to direct you. The place is a little paradise. It is considered one of the most picturesque beaches of Antiparos. Blue waters, fine golden sand, and large trees that offer shade. An ideal beach for those seeking tranquility and their own ¨private¨ space.
Agios Sostis
The beach is located just before Soros Beach, and the road is relatively inaccessible since it is a dirt road. It has blue and clear waters, but the beach is not organized.
Read our guide for Kythnos
What to do in Antiparos
Antiparos Cave
The Cave of Antiparos is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in all of Greece and the island’s number one attraction. It is the only vertical cave in Europe, descending to a depth of ~85 metres, equivalent to a 28-storey building. Inside, you’ll find breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, including the oldest stalactite in Europe (estimated 45 million years old).
The cave has a remarkable history: Lord Byron visited, King Otto and Queen Amalia signed their names on the walls in 1840, and a French Marquis held a Christmas Mass here in 1673 with 500 guests.
Practical information:
⚠️ ~400 steps down and back up, so you need to wear comfortable shoes
Opening hours: 10:00–16:00 daily (last entry 15:30) — open May through October
Ticket: ~€5–6 adults | reduced for children 6–12 | under 6 free
Includes: admission to the Historical & Folklore Museum of Antiparos
Bus from Antiparos port: runs hourly in summer, €8 return with the same bus that serves the beaches
By car/motorbike: paved road from the port, a large parking area at the cave
Duration: allow 60–90 minutes
⚠️ Not suitable for visitors with heart conditions or respiratory problems (high humidity)
Kastro
The castle in Antiparos is located in the central part of the island. The construction of the castle dates back to the 15th century and is the most interesting medieval construction in the Aegean. From the central tower of the castle, only the base survives now. There is nothing special to see during your visit there, nor do you need to pay for a ticket. Basically, you will just see a settlement.
Camping
For those who are interested, Antiparos has been a famous camping spot for years, and the beach right next to it is very well known. Every summer, this place is flooded with young people who want to experience something different, but also with older people who prefer this way of living. In fact, a part of the beach is famous for its free nudism.
Water sports
On the island, you can find diving centers if you have a diving certificate or if you want to learn how to explore the underwater world. Also, on several organized beaches of the island, you can try various water sports that are available, whether it is kite surfing or something more relaxed, such as renting a pedal boat.
Excursion to Paros
As mentioned above, Antiparos is a stone’s throw from cosmopolitan Paros. So many seek to combine these two islands. Those who live in Antiparos go to Paros either for a day trip or for more days, and the reverse is true for those who have chosen Paros for their stay.
Where to Stay in Antiparos
Antiparos caters to all budgets, from camping to luxury villas:
Antiparos Town (Chora): The best base, everything on foot, restaurants and nightlife at your door. Great range of hotels and studios.
Camping: Antiparos has a legendary campsite next to its famous beach, one of the most popular in the Cyclades.
Luxury Villas: Antiparos has attracted a discreet celebrity crowd (Tom Hanks is perhaps the most famous resident). Several high-end villas and boutique hotels offer exceptional privacy and views.
Browse all accommodation in Antiparos on Booking.com — compare hotels, studios, villas, and apartments.
Food and Beverage
In general, Antiparos offers several options for food, but also for drinks, and is famous for its fresh fish. What we suggest from our own trip to the island is the following:
If you go for a swim on the beach of Soros, we suggest you eat at “PERAMATAKI”. Ask about the dishes of the day and the pie of the day. It has awesome onion pie and mushroom pie.
If you go to Agios Georgios, we recommend eating at “PIPINO”, a fish tavern by the sea. It has fresh fish straight out of the “kaikia”. Ask what the day’s catch is and just buy it by the kilo without a second thought.
Elia Kafenes
This is the first cafe you will see on the right as soon as you enter the square. It is one of the best shops for having brunch and has delicious burgers and pancakes. They serve both lunch and dinner. Mediterranean cuisine and a large selection of healthy fresh juices.
Margarita
Our hangout during our stay on the island. Awesome omelets and breakfast, mostly Italian. One of the most beautiful shops in Antiparos to eat in the evening. Very nice spaghetti and risotto. Their speciality is stuffed candy.
Lollo’s Antiparos
The best pizza on the island. Italians own this place, and it is worth trying their pizza, whether you are a fan or not. The store is almost always flooded with people, so it would be good to make a reservation so as not to wait.
Sapou Restaurant
It is located in the port of the island and is a gourmet restaurant. Delicious Greek recipes. Very friendly environment, excellent and fast service. It is considered one of the best of its kind on the island.
The Family Souvlaki
The most famous souvlaki in Antiparos. Small, not cheap, but delicious. You can’t help but try it.
Sifneiko
It is located on the homonymous beach of the island. Either to eat, or for coffee and drinks. A wonderful shop built on the rock for those who are romantic or would like to be. The best place to see the sunset on the island.
Antiparos is not famous for its intense nightlife. However, we have the following options to suggest:
Boogaloo: This bar is located next to the main square of the island. Many claim that it has the best cocktails you can find in Antiparos. The owner plays deep house.
Lime: This shop has cheap cocktails. It plays both Greek and foreign music.
Rescue: The only place that plays solely Greek music. It is small, but it is the only one available.
All the above shops close at around 3.30 am. There are two options left for night entertainment.
La Luna: Some characterise it as the legend, not only of the island, but of the whole Aegean. The music played is from the 80’s and 90’s.
Milos: It plays Greek and foreign mainstream, but mainly Greek music. Drink and dance into the morning hours.
Useful Sites & apps
In the last few years, we have been travelling we have singled out some applications, which we use in every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are, together with their characteristics.
Booking.com
Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Find available rooms on Booking.com.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation on TripAdvisor.
Ferryscanner
For ferry tickets to all of Greece as well as destinations like Italy, France, Spain, etc. Immediate service and cooperation with the largest services in Greece. For routes and prices, look at Ferryscanner.
Antiparos FAQ — Everything You Need to Know
Antiparos is a small island in the Cyclades, located just 1 nautical mile southwest of Paros in the central Aegean Sea. It is part of the South Aegean region of Greece. The quickest way to reach it is by ferry from Pounta port in Paros, just a 7-minute crossing.
Take bus #4 from Parikia port to Pounta (€2.00, ~15 min), then the car ferry to Antiparos (€1.50–2.00, 7 minutes). Ferries run every 20–30 minutes in summer, all day long. No booking needed. Alternatively, a direct passenger boat runs from Parikia in summer (~30 minutes).
The Cave of Antiparos is the island’s star attraction and one of the most impressive caves in Greece. It is the only vertical cave in Europe, descending 85 metres. It contains the oldest stalactite in Europe (45 million years old) and has been visited by Lord Byron, King Otto, and countless historical figures. Open May–October, 10:00–16:00. Entry ~€5–6 adults. Bus from the port runs hourly (€8 return).
Absolutely, Antiparos offers everything that makes the Cyclades special (crystal seas, Cycladic architecture, excellent food) without the overcrowding of Mykonos or Santorini. It’s a perfect day trip from Paros or a relaxed 3–5 day stay. The cave alone is worth the trip.
