Antiparos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands I’ve ever visited. Sat adjacent to the island of Paros, this charming destination is favoured by celebrities seeking calm and privacy this island can offer, it is ideal for those looking for a quieter authentic Greek experience.
It may be small but It also offers the oldest cave in Greece, stunning sunsets and a slower pace – which if that sounds like you then you may want to stay longer! I know I did. However most visitors opt for a day trip whilst staying on Paros but if you really want unplug and recharge then stay longer.
What you need to know about visiting Antiparos
How do I get to Antiparos?
There is one main way to get to this idyllic island and that is by ferry from Paros. Read options for getting to Paros here. On Paros there are two ports serving Antiparos. The main port at Pariki and Pounda, a smaller port, west of the island.
If you are taking your car over – and I would advise you do, then Pounda is the ferry for you. Ferries operate frequently, and reservations aren’t necessary. Simply arrive and you will find a ferry departing shortly. You will need good reversing skills as they wave you on board backwards! Any passengers have to get out and enter by foot.
The cost was 10.50 Euros for 2 and the car – one way. Then just 7 minutes later you arrive! If you come on foot from Parikia then it is longer. Upon docking, it’s just a short 10-minute stroll into town. If you brought the car then you can pop into a spare space (there’s plenty around the port) or drive off to explore the island first!
How long should I go to Anti Paros for?
This will depend on your time but even a half day is worth the effort. I would suggest a full day coming back after sunset, if you don’t want to be lugging luggage over and staying. If you are travelling light then I would do 2 nights to fully emerge yourself but it is small and much quieter than other islands so depends what you want to experience.
How to get round Antiparos?
As this is a tiny island you can actually walk it in a few hours/ half a day! Plenty of great stops to hydrate and refuel. Though most people won’t be planning that in the high season of heat!
So I would advise a car or hiring a moped or scooter or even a bike if you want to explore at your own control and leave the town. In shoulder / summer season the bus system will take you to the caves and some of the beaches but waiting in that heat is a challenge.
What do to do on Anti Paros?
It is a small island, so this escape is more about recharging and drinking all the rose! But that doesn’t mean you will be bored but it also is why you can see the islands highlights in a day.
Visit the town of AntiParos (Chora)
When you get off the ferry it’s just a 5/10 minute walk into the the most beautiful Bougainville filled Greek town. Popping with pink, greens and red these colourful streets are aesthetically embodying that picture perfect version of a Greek island.
Head for Saint Nicholas Central Square, here you will have a mix of taverna and ruins of Antiparos Castle. If you go out of summer then most places closed during the day – even the beginning of June! This was a real shame and why I wished I’d stayed a least a night to see it come alive then.
Have a cocktail, coffee or lunch at Taverna Klimataria
Bursting with pink blossom and all the Greek feels, this restaurant is a must for at least a drink and to take all the photos in. Based in the town, tucked down a side street it is the perfect start to your Antiparos adventures.
Visit the Oldest Caves in Greece
The Caves of Antiparos are famed for being the only vertical cave, their age and their 400 odd steps down therefore also up – 85 meters deep! And so no, I did not do that. We did drive up to see the enormous stalagmite at the entrance that is 45 million years old, known as the huge central column. There are inscriptions from names from history, including Alexandra the Great and there is the cutest chapel to pose by!
If caves aren’t your thing then I would still make the 15 minute drive from the port for the views over Anti Paros. they are stunning. One tip – it was quiet when we went and we arrived to a gravel car park and felt we were in the wrong place. If this happens to you, just park up, walk up the steps and an unassuming entrance awaits.
Have lunch at Captain Pipinos Taverna
Looking for a Greek taverna on the water with the freshest sea food then Captain Pipinos Taverna is a must!
They are pretty old school, I couldn’t make a reservation despite emailing – no one replied, so had to wing it and fortunately it was quiet. But for those water front tables – get there when it opens as it fills up.
Visit the Beaches on Antiparos
With its crystal-clear waters, Paros offers about 20 beaches, perfect for spending a day soaking up the sun. If you’re traveling on foot then there are two beautiful beaches, Paralia Sifneiko and Paralia Psaraliki within walking distance of the town. Bring a towel, or if you prefer, you can rent plastic sunbeds to avoid the sand.
For those seeking a more boujee beach club experience, venture south to Paralia Soros, where you’ll find Soros Beach Club. Here you have everything you could desire for a luxurious day by the sea, including Verve champagne being a staple. Whilst the staff were all lovely it was quite ‘computer says no’ culture. We arrived as they opened. The place was empty but we couldn’t sit at a table as that was for lunch only.
Watch Sunset on Anti Paros
Up at Sifneiko Beach Cafe is one of the best sunsets in Greece, sadly I had to chose between lunch and getting back to Paros or staying for sunset and risking winds cancelling the ferry back! I am sure it would have been fine but it would have been an expensive sunset if it hadn’t!
Where are the Rooftop Bars on Antiparos?
Despite being small, it is mighty when it comes to food, bars and even dancing! If you like small town feel then this island is for you. As yes it even this small island has a couple of rooftop bars, sadly for me they were closed in the day. But I had marked then out so you can check them out for me: The Frog Bar, The Poet and The Windmill Dancing Club – that was one I was definitely interested in. Ill be back!
Final thoughts on visiting Antiparos
Final thoughts are simple, if Tom Hanks deems it worthy of a holiday home when he could opt for anywhere on the globe, I am taking that as validation! My only regret was not going for longer but I can’t regret it as then something else on this trip wouldn’t have been possible, such as all the rooftop bars!
