Antiparos

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Antiparos

A small cosmopolitan gem — sea caves and golden beaches

  • Chora
  • 3–5 (via Paros)h from Piraeus
  • Profitis Ilias (300m)
  • Beaches
  • Relaxation
  • Cosmopolitan
Culture

History & heritage

Antiparos (ancient Oliaros, a name possibly of Phoenician origin) has always been closely linked to neighboring Paros, from which it is separated by a narrow, shallow strait. As early as the 3rd millennium BC the wider area experienced the Cycladic Civilization, while the famous Cave was known and visited since antiquity, as attested by the inscriptions carved into its walls.

Nearby Despotiko emerged as an important religious center: there, at the site of Mandra, a large sanctuary dedicated to Apollo operated during the archaic period (7th–6th century BC), which is being revealed today by excavations — one of the most significant archaeological projects in the Cyclades.

After the Roman and Byzantine periods, the island passed to the Venetians with the Duchy of the Aegean. In the 16th century the Loredano family (and later the Sommaripa) fortified Chora by building the distinctive Kastro, with houses arranged in a circle around a central tower, as protection against frequent pirate raids.

Under Ottoman rule Antiparos remained a small agricultural and fishing island. In 1673 the French ambassador Nointel organized the legendary Christmas mass inside the Cave, an event that made it known throughout Europe and attracted travelers. Incorporated into the Greek state after the 1821 Revolution, Antiparos retained its quiet character until recent decades, when tourism turned it into a cosmopolitan yet understated destination.

Explore

Sights & Trails

Monasteries, castles, ancient towns and hiking routes.

Antiparos Cave

One of the oldest and most impressive caves in the world, on the hill of Ai-Giannis at an altitude of about 170 m. Descending the steps reveals huge stalactites and stalagmites, while inscriptions left by ancient visitors can be seen on the walls — inside, on Christmas Eve 1673, the French ambassador Nointel held a midnight Christmas mass attended by hundreds.

Kastro

The Venetian fortified settlement of Chora, built in the 16th century by the Loredano/Sommaripa family for protection against pirates, with houses arranged in a circular pattern around a central defensive tower.

Despotiko

An uninhabited islet opposite Agios Georgios, where systematic excavation is bringing to light a large archaic sanctuary of Apollo (7th–6th century BC), with temples and buildings of Parian marble being gradually restored.

Agios Ioannis Spiliotis

The small chapel at the mouth of the Cave, which gave its name to the hill of Ai-Giannis and welcomes visitors before the descent into the cave.

Agios Nikolaos (Kastro)

The main church within the Kastro settlement, the heart of Chora's religious life.

Church of the Evangelismos of the Theotokos

The main church of Chora near the Kastro, with characteristic Cycladic architecture.

Folklore Museum

In Chora, with traditional objects, tools and mementos of the island's everyday life.

Old Olive Presses

Scattered around the island, the old stone olive presses and windmills recall Antiparos's agricultural tradition before tourism.

Faneromeni Lighthouse

At the southern tip of the island, the isolated lighthouse and the chapel of Faneromeni offer wild views over the open Aegean.

Local flavour

The cuisine of Antiparos is based on the sea and local farm products, with simple, authentic flavors closely tied to the culinary tradition of Paros.

Businesses

Find what you need

Accommodation, restaurants, activities and local products of the island.

Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.

KASTRO Accommodation

KASTRO

Antiparos
Απολαύστε τις διακοπές σας στο Kastro και γευθείτε θερμή φιλοξενία σε μια μοναδική ατμόσφαιρα! Το Kastro είναι ένα παραδοσιακό κυκλαδικό…
Antiparos Luxury Apartments Accommodation

Antiparos Luxury Apartments

Antiparos
Σχετικά με εμάς   Είμαστε μια οικογένεια που έχει καταφέρει να δημιουργήσει με προσωπική προσπάθεια, ένα ιδιαίτερο, ζεστό και διακεκριμένο…
STUDIOS HIPPOCAMPUS Accommodation

STUDIOS HIPPOCAMPUS

Antiparos
Στην όμορφη Αντίπαρο, στο μικρό αλλά μαγευτικό κυκλαδονήσι, 100 μόλις μέτρα από το γραφικό λιμάνι της βρίσκονται τα διαμερίσματα Ιππόκαμπος…
YIANNIS MARIA ROOMS AND APARTMENTS Accommodation

ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΜΑΡΙΑ ROOMS AND APARTMENTS

Antiparos
Τα Yannis Maria Rooms βρίσκονται 100 μέτρα από τον κεντρικό πεζόδρομο της Αντιπάρου, που συνδέει το λιμάνι με την πλατεία…
MARIAS GARDEN Accommodation

MARIAS GARDEN

Antiparos
Το Maria’s Garden είναι μια παλιά οικογενειακή επιχείριση με ενοικιαζόμενα διαμερίσματα που βρίσκεται πολύ κοντά στο λιμάνι και σχεδόν δίπλα…
ROCCO'S STUDIOS Accommodation

ROCCO'S

Antiparos
Στο λιμανάκι της Αντιπάρου μπροστά στη θάλασσα και με θέα το νησί της Πάρου, δημιουργήσαμε για σας τα rocco's studios.…
LAGADIA VILLAGE Accommodation

LAGADIA VILLAGE

Antiparos
Lagadia Village Antiparos Το Lagadia Village είναι ένα σύγχρονο συγκρότημα κατοικιών χτισμένο σε ύψωμα που χαρίζει στον επισκέπτη πανοραμική θέα…
AEGEO INN Accommodation

AEGEO INN

Antiparos
Τα δωμάτια και τα στούντιο του Aegeo Inn χτίστηκαν στο χωριό της Αντιπάρου με τα παραδοσιακό χρώματα του νησιού που…
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Getting here

Access & transport

How to get there

Antiparos has no airport; you reach it by a small ferry from Pounta Parou in about 7 minutes, with very frequent departures all day, or by the regular boat from the port of Paroikia — from Paros there is a connection to Piraeus (4–5 hours) and the other Cyclades islands.

Getting around the island

The island is small and distances are short — a local bus connects Chora with the Cave and the southern beaches (Agios Georgios), while bicycles and motorbike or car rentals are popular; Chora is easily explored on foot.

Useful phone numbers

Island hopping

Nearby islands

Combine Antiparos with the neighbouring Cyclades.

Cyclades aiTripPlanner

Ready for Antiparos?

Plan your own trip to Antiparos, day by day, tailored to you — with the help of the aiTripPlanner.