Antiparos

Photo Credits to Oliaros Resort

One of the Tiny Islands

Cycladic Allure, Pristine Beauty and Authentic Colours Reminiscent of Forgotten Eras
Antiparos is a tiny island lying at the heart of the Cyclades just one nautical mile from the island of Paros. The natural terrain of the northwest side of the island is blessed from sceneries of pristine natural beauty and endless sandy beaches. On the other hand, the southeastern part of the island invades to the sea and creates a wild morphology surrounded from cliffs plunging into the sea forming a succession of caves. Hora is the charming capital and harbour of Antiparos that spreads around the Venetian Castle located on at the northeastern part of the island. Antiparos has a distinctive Cycladic beauty ; whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows, scattered picturesque chapels and flowery courtyards with purple and fuchsia boygainvillea! What a blessing! However, the majestic gem of the island is the Cave of Antiparos, a natural wonder with exquisite stalagmites and stalactites that is considered to be one of the oldest caves in Europe. This island is a small dot on the map embellished with the most charming aspects of a Cycladic island. Where beauty exceeds the size, Antiparos has a diversity of stunning seashores with striking natural beauty, golden sandy beaches and secluded coves with emerald waters that create a tranquil atmosphere worth exploring. As expensive perfumes come in small bottles, so little Antiparos is shining intrinsically from the glory of Paros.
 
 

Discover Antiparos

Best of Antiparos

The Capital of Antiparos

The Settlement of Hora is the capital and harbour of Antiparos located on the northeastern side of the island. The beautiful settlement has a distinctive Cycladic beauty with whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows decorated from flowery courtyards of purple bougainvillea and scattered picturesque chapels. The settlement spreads around the castle of Antiparos that is surrounded from a fortress and hosts four old churches including the churches of Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis, Agios Nikolaos and Christos.

The Beach of Sifneikos Gialos

The Beach of Sifneikos Gialos is a long sandy beach with emerald waters located on the northern side of the island. The beach has a delicious seaside tavern and offers fantastic sunset views.

The Cave of Antiparos

The Cave of Antiparos is natural wonder that is considered to be one of the oldest caves in Europe located at the hill of Agios Ioannis the northeast side of the island. It is an impressive cave with rich stalactite and stalagmite formations and great archaeological interest as seen from the engraved inscriptions of the walls of the cave. The cave served as a refugee and a worship center.

The Castle of Antiparos

The Castle of Antiparos is a typical example of the fortified settlements of the Cyclades located on the western side of Hora. The castle was built from the Venetian Giovanni Lorentano during the 15th century. The entire complex of houses was constructed as one continuous block construction arranged around the square courtyard, the place where the central tower used to stand, surrounded from the defensive walls of the fortified settlement.

The Isle of Despotiko

The Isle of Despotiko is one of the surrounding islands of Antiparos with great archaeological interest. Despotiko used to be connected with the small islet of Tsimindiri and form an isthmus as evidenced from the altar of the Goddess of Hestia Isthmia. Excursion boats operate from beach of Agios Georgios.

Archaeological Sites

The Archaeological Site of Despotiko is located on the isle of Despotiko. Despotiko is an impressive archaeological site with twelve buildings and imposing artefacts including figurines and vases, ivory buckles and porcelain statuettes, seal stones from semi precious gem stones, iron and lead objects, swords and agricultural tools that worshipers brought to devote to Apollo and Artemis. Archaeological excavations have identified a Doric temple of the archaic period at the northeastern coast of the island along with an elongated complex consisting of five consecutive parallel rooms in the excavation site of Mandra. The remains of the archaeological site are of excellent condition, especially the remains of the facades of the buildings. Findings from the site are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Paros.

The Archaeological Site of Saliangos is the oldest known settlement in the area of the Cyclades located on the isle of Saliangos. According to archaeologists, the first man who settled in the islands of the Cyclades dates back to the Late Neolithic period on the island of Saliangos. Amongst the most important findings that were found in Saliagos is the Obese Lady of Saliagos, the oldest marble figurine that have been found in the Cyclades up until now. Findings from the site can be admired in the Arhcaeological Museum of Paros.


Castles and Fortresses

The Castle of Antiparos is a typical example of the fortified settlements of the Cyclades located on the western side of Hora. The castle was built from the Venetian Giovanni Lorentano during the 15th century. The entire complex of houses was constructed as one continuous block construction arranged around the square courtyard, the place where the central tower used to stand, surrounded from the defensive walls of the fortified settlement.

Chapels and Churches

The Chapel of Agia Marina is a charming chapel located in Hora. The chapel celebrates in honour of the saint on July 15 until July 17. Numerous cultural and sports events are hosted on the island including regattas, swimming and cycling races, dance performances and folklore music concerts. The majority of the events take place in the square of Agia Marina and the harbour.

The Chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis is a charming chapel located at the entrance of the cave of Antiparos. The chapel celebrates in honour of the saint on May 7 and May 8. The chapel is accessible through a beautiful hiking trail starting from the settlement of Agios Georgios.

The Chapel of Panagia Faneromeni is a charming chapel built on a rocky peninsula on the northern coast of Antiparos.  The chapel is accessible through short boat trips during its annual celebration on the September 7 and September 8.

The Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the Church of Agia Zoni are two wonderful country churches located in the area of Monastiria. The church of Agios Ioannis is a tiny chapel that was built from the people that used to work in the mines of the island. The roof of the church of Agia Zoni used to be supported from old metal tracks of the mines, before its repair.


Museums

The Museum of Cycladic Art exhibits artefacts of the Cycladic civilization and copies of the artefacts displayed in the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. The most important artefacts include the copy of the famous statuettes of the Pregnant Lady and the Seated Man.

Natural Beauties

The Cave of Antiparos is natural wonder that is considered to be one of the oldest caves in Europe located at the hill of Agios Ioannis the northeast side of the island. It is an impressive cave with rich stalactite and stalagmite formations and great archaeological interest as seen from the engraved inscriptions of the walls of the cave. The cave served as a refugee and a worship center.

Promenades & Villages

Hora is the capital and harbour of Antiparos located on the northeastern side of the island. The beautiful settlement has a distinctive Cycladic beauty with whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows decorated from flowery courtyards of purple bougainvillea and scattered picturesque chapels. The settlement spreads around the castle of Antiparos that is surrounded from a fortress and hosts four old churches including the churches of Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis, Agios Nikolaos and Christos.

Sunset Spots

Spot: Beach of Agios Georgios, Northeast Antiparos

Spot: Beach of Sifneikos Gialos, North Antiparos

Spot: Chapel of Prophet Elias, Highest Hill of Antiparos

Excursions

Boat Tour: The tour of the island of Antiparos is a beautiful experience where you will discover the exotic beaches of the isle of Despotiko and the beach of Epitafios. Excursion boats operate from beach of Agios Georgios.

Boat Trip: The Island of Paros is an island whose mysterious shine is rehabilitated from the passage of time. A glimpse of white in the deep blue of the Aegean is the main vestige of the long civilization that influenced the culture of Paros. Five thousands years ago, the island of Paros started to be inhabited remaining vigorous over the centuries. Distinguished for its magnetism, Paros desires to introduce to the travellers her exceptional identity. Characterized as one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, Paros is ready to give you everything you need. The brightest jewel of the Cyclades is one of the most distinctive islands of the Cyclades embellished with whitewashed houses, blue domed chapels, narrow cobblestone labyrinthine alleys, turquoise beaches, mountainous villages and cultural monuments of great history crowned from the warm and hospitable Parians. Beauty and simplicity shines in this island, just like Paros radiates the sunlight of the Aegean reflecting on the magnificence of the deep blue. Touch and feel the energy of this island and you will not regret it! Paros ignites the imagination of the travellers since the prehistoric times; however, no one managed to conquer her! Are you ready, at least, to get to know her?

Activities

Bicycling: The countryside of Antiparos is an ideal place for cycling lovers. There are numerous bicycle rentals on the island where you can rent a bicycle and discover the beaches of the island. It is worth mentioning that the Nautical Club of Antiparos organizes bicycling races in July and September.

Camping: Are you a camping lover? You will find camping sites in the beach of Theologos.

Diving: The varied coastline of Antiparos offers numerous exciting explorations for diving enthusiasts. The incredible rocky formations of the Cathedral, the reef of the Stingray and Barracuda, the underwater canyons of Antiparos, the shipwreck of Salamina and the isle of Panteronissi are some of the most interesting diving spots. Blue Island Divers offer diving experiences.

Kayaking: The opportunity to practice kayak in Antiparos is definitely an unforgettable experience. You will have the chance to admire spectacular rocky formations and the beautiful beaches of the island! The beach of Agios Georgios offers kayak experiences.

Hiking: Antiparos hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. One of the most beautiful routes is the one starting from the harbour of Antiparos and leads of the cave of Antiparos. Discover more information from the Official Website of Antiparos.

Snorkeling: The crystal clear waters of the beach of Monastiria are ideal for snorkeling.

Water Sports: Are you a water sports lover? Do you like skiing? The beach of Psaralikes offers water sport facilities.

Windsurfing: Antiparos is known for its ideal conditions for lovers of windsurfing, as the island gets really windy especially in the summer. The beach of Glyfa is ideal for practising your favourite sport.

Beaches

Agios Georgios consists from three golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters located on the northeast side of the island. The beaches are well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas, water sport facilities and beach bars.

Agios Spiridonas is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters and tamarisk trees located on the northern side of Antiparos. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity and isolation.

Agios Sostis is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the southeast side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Apadima is a small sandy beach with emerald waters located in the eastern side of the island. The beach is organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar.

Diplo is a tiny inhabited island located on the northern side of the island. The island is connected to Antiparos from a narrow strip of land that can be accessed on foot from the beach of Theologos.

Epitafios is a white sandy beach with emerald waters and imposing white cliffs located on the southwest side of the island. The beach is accessible by boat from the harbour of Agios Georgios.

Faneromeni is a scenic beach with crystal clear waters and vertical cliffs located on the southern side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Glyfa is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the eastern side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Antiparos with numerous amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas, windsurfing facilities and a cafeteria.

Monastiria consists from two sandy and pebbled beaches with emerald waters located on the western side of the island. The beaches are secluded ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Psaralikes consist from three successive golden sandy beaches with crystal clean waters located on the northeast side of the island. The beaches are well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, water sport facilities and beach bars.

Sifneikos Gialos is a long sandy beach with emerald waters located on the northern side of the island. The beach has a delicious seaside tavern and offers fantastic sunset views.

Soros is the longest golden sandy beach with turquoise waters of the island located on the southeast side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Antiparos with numerous amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas, water sport facilities and beach bars.

Coffee Corners, Gastronomic Delights and Cocktails Inspirations


Coffee Corners

Babel: Coffee, Hora

Beach House: Coffee, Apantima Beach

Margarita: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora

Papagallos: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora                                                                                        

Sifneiko Cafe: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora        

Vicky’s: Ice Cream, Hora


Gastronomic Delights


Captain Pininos: Seafood, Agios Georgios beach

Klimataria: Greek Cuisine, Hora                                                                                                                

Lollo’s Pizzeria: Italian Cuisine, Hora

Oikogeniako: Souvlaki, Hora

Pantelis: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Peramataki: Greek Cuisine, Soros

Rakidio: Ouzo and Meze, Hora

Soros: Seafood, Soros

Susurada: Greek Cuisine, Hora


Cocktails Inspirations


Boogaloo: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

La Luna: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Loco: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Remember: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Soros Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Soros beach

The Doors: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Local Products & Specialties

The local products of the island include the cheeses of xinomizithra, touloumotiri and ladotyri, the local wine and tsipouro.

The local specialties of the island include braised lamb, wild rabbit stew, grilled octopus and sweet ravioli.

Events & Festivals

Every March and April, Bicycling Trips are organized in Antiparos.

Every 7th of May, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Ioannis takes place at the Chapel of Ai Giannis Spiliotis.

Every 23th and 24th of June, the Festival of Ai Giannis takes place in Hora. The festival hosts the revival of the old tradition of Klidonas, where the local men gather at the square of Hora and sit around a fire and sing traditional songs while the young girls gather and sit around a pot where they hide objects with the names of the men; the name they hear first, is the name of their future husband according to tradition.

Every 15th of July, the traditional three day celebration in honour of Agia Marina takes place in Hora. The festival hosts a sailing competition, a philharmonic orchestra concert and a theatrical play along with various special folklore and traditional events.

Every 27th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Panteleimonas takes place in the area of Kambos.

Every 7th of September, the traditional celebration in honour of Panagia takes place at the Chapel of Panagia Faneromeni.

History & Mythology


Mythology
According to mythology, God Poseidon threw his trident to the land and the islands of Antiparos, Naxos and Paros were formed. Naxos was given to his wife Amphitrite while he gave the beautiful coastline to the island of Paros and the verdant sceneries to the island of Antiparos. The creation of the Cyclades is attributed to God Poseidon. It is said that the god of the sea transformed the Cyclades nymphs into islands, when they angered him.

History
Archaeological findings show that Antiparos was first inhabited from the Phoenicians. In antiquity, the island was known as Oliaros and its historical path is inextricably linked to the island of Paros. During the Byzantine times, Antiparos suffered from pirate raids mainly from Algeria, Crete and Kefalonia while it fell under the Ottoman occupation in 1537. However, the island was amongst the first islands of the Cyclades joining the Greek War of Independence becoming a part of Modern Greek State in 1832.

Travel & Transport

By Boat (4.2 Nautical Miles): Antiparos is accessible from the harbour of Parikia on the island of Paros. Paros is accessible from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts four to five hours. From Parikia, the boat trip to Antiparos usually lasts thirty minutes. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !

Hotels and Resorts

Mysterious Greece Tips

An Excursion to the Isle of Despotiko

Worth visiting island is the island of Despotiko for its heavenly turquoise waters and the impressive rocky formations. One can access the isle by excursion boats that operate from beach of Agios Georgios.

A Wonderful Ride

Grab your keys! It’s time for explorations! Starts from Hora towards Livadi beach, and make a stop at the first chapel on the left for the view! There, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Antiparos and Paros!

Camping in Antiparos

Antiparos is one of the favourite islands of camping lovers! The camping site of Antiparos is located at the beach of Theologos.

Celebration in Honour of Panagia Faneromeni

Built from fishermen, the chapel of Panagia Faneromeni attracts many believers on the eve and the day of her feast on September 7 and 8. Access is possible by fishing boats and the solemn vespers is held in the beautiful chapel on the rocky promontory into the sea.

Discover Antiparos by Scooter

Amongst the most beautiful beaches of Antiparos include the beaches of Monastiria, Psaralikes and Soros. However, it is recommended to explore the whole island, as it is one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades. Rent a scooter or a bike, and discover the hidden beauties of Antiparos!

Diving in the bay of Panagia Faneromeni

The best diving spot of Antiparos is the bay of Panagia Faneromeni close to the homonymous church. The emerald waters engulfed from rocky formations resemble a swimming pool! Don’t miss out visiting this spot!

Driving, Mountain Biking and Walking at Its Best: Highest Spot of Antiparos

On the hishest spot of Antiparos stands the beautiful chapel of Prophet Elias at an altitude of 308 metres.  Due to the location, the locals usually call it the panorama of Antiaparos! Depending on the visibility of the atmoshpere, one will have the opportunity to admire many of the neighbouring islands. The chapel has a charming cobblestone couryard, where you can sit and admire the views! The chapel of Prophet Elias was built from the local residents in 1937. One can reach the highest spot of Antiparos either by jeep, mountain bike and hiking or by the local bus. From the harbour of Antiparos, starts the paved road to Agios Georgios . The dirt road towards Prophet Elias starts from the village Agios Georgios. If you prefer to walk, you can take the bus from the square of Agia Marina in the harbour of Antiparos and get to Agios Georgios. From there, you can continue on foot in the magnificent walking route of four kilometers.

Enjoy your Ice Cream at Vicky’s

You should definitely enjoy your ice cream at Vicky’s!

Explore one of the Biggest Caves in Greece

The Cave of Antiparos is natural wonder that is considered to be one of the oldest caves in Europe located at the hill of Agios Ioannis the northeast side of the island. It is an impressive cave with rich stalactite and stalagmite formations and great archaeological interest as seen from the engraved inscriptions of the walls of the cave. The cave served as a refugee and a worship center.

It’s Sunset Time

It is recommended to visit the Beach of Sifneikos Gialos on the northern side of the island. Sunset hours are the best time to visit the beach offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea!

Movies Under the Stars the Aegean Sky

The open air cinema of Cine Oliaros offer sa relaxed vista under the bright stars of the Aegean. The cinema operates from June until September.

Sailing around Antiparos

Antiparos is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. The circumnavigation of the island as well as the circumnavigation of the isle of Despotiko is really interesting, as they offer magnificent sceneries and pristine beaches with turquoise waters. One of the most intriguing landscapes includes the successive caves of Fokospilies on the southern part of the island. Ideal anchorage points include the harbour of Antiparos that offers protection against all kinds of weather except for the southeastern and southern winds. Other anchorage spots include the beaches of Agios Georgios and Soros.

Rib Voyages at the Blue Lagoon

Antiparos is a paradise for rib voyages! Located between Glaropounta and Tigani islets, you will find the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon! It’s a must!

Photo Credits

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Note: All the images are copyrighted from their owners. Please see Terms & Conditions. You can find the original images at the following links:

Agios Sostis beach: Dimitris Aspriotis by Panoramio

Antiparos cave: Antiparos.gr

Antiparos seashore: Despotiko by Panoramio

Monastiria beach: Dimitris Aspiotis by Panoramio

Soros beach: Andrew Loudon by Flickr

Sunset at the beach of Sifneikos Gialos: Ioannis Papadakis by Panoramio

View from Prophet Elias: Rainer Voegeli by Flickr

Wild Rocks: Shutterstock

Info

Antiparos Official Website can enlighten you!

Quick Facts

Island Complex: Cyclades Islands

Archipelago: Aegean Sea

Geographical Location: South Aegean

Capital: Hora/Kastro

Area: 45,82 km2

Population: 1.190

Did you know?

The name Cyclades refers to the circle around the sacred island of Delos.

During the Second World War, Antiparos served a secret submarine base for the Allied Forces.

Location Map

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