General Information on Antiparos

Antiparos is a small island southwest of Paros in the Cyclades cluster, and becomes quite busy during summertime. The surface area is 44km² and has about 900 inhabitants. Antiparos is famous for the beaches, the nightlife and the impressive landscape.

History of Antiparos

Between Paros and Andiparos, on the small island Saliagos, a neolithic village was found in 1964, dating back to the end of the 5th millenium B.C. The findings suggest the two islands were connected at that time. Excavations on the island of Despotiko have also revealed ruins of tombs dating to the Early Cycladic era.

Antiparos is first mentioned with its contemporary name during the 13th century A.D., despite the name being ancient; mythical Antiparos was one of the 50 sons of Aegyptos. Its history is marked by constant pirate raids since the Byzantine era. In 1537, the island was conquered by the Ottomans; in 1821, the inhabitants were among the first active participants in the War for Independence. The island was officially annexed to Greece in 1832.

Towns & Villages in Antiparos

The main village, Antiparos or Kastro, is built around the original nucleus of the medieval castle. The main attraction is a spectacular stalactite cavern on the hill of Agios Ioannis; the church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis lies at the cavern entrance.

Beaches in Antiparos

There are plenty of beaches on the island. From Antiparos town, at least five beaches can be reached on a ten-minute walk.

Psaraliki 1 & 2: The two beaches with the same name are the largest and most popular. Located on the eastern side of the island, five minutes away from the main town, they are protected from high waves. The waters are shallow and they both offer organised facilities.

Panagia: Ten minutes away from Psaraliki, Panagia is a sandy beach, full of trees; it is also very quiet.

Antiparos Camping: North of the main town, along the quay, you will reach Antiparos Camping. Just below the camp site, there is a very good sandy beach with deep blue waters.

Official Naturist Beach: East of the Antiparos Camping, there is a small sandy beach called Naturist Beach. The name of the beach has a literal meaning, as this is the official naturist beach of the island.

Sifneiko Beach: This is a long sandy beach exposed to winds and can be reached on a 15-minute walk. The strong winds make it ideal for windsurfing. The view of the sunset is amazing.

Top Things to Do in Antiparos

1. The cave: The largest tourist attraction and most remarkable feature of Antiparos is a stalactite cave on the south coast. The cave lies about 13km from the main town and almost at the top of a 200-meter hill. Nowadays, access to the cave is easy. There is a bus from Antiparos town every hour that stops just 100 meters away from the entrance. The cave itself shows many remarkable examples of stalactite formations and dazzling incrustations.

2. The Castle of Antiparos Island: Piracy, present in the area from the Middle Ages to 1821, kept the inhabitants in a state of high alert. Settlements were built on naturally fortified sites or around castles, even inside confined spaces. As soon as you pass through the old castle gate, the atmosphere of the past surrounds you.

How to Reach Antiparos

You can reach Antiparos via Paros. There are daily itineraries to the island from Pounda or Parikia.

Getting Around in Antiparos

The only bus service in Antiparos reaches the cave at the centre of the island. During the summer, the bus continues to Soros and Agios Georgios.

Weather in Antiparos

The climate in Antiparos is similar to the rest of the Cyclades. It is sunny and hot in the summer months and particularly mild in the winter. In the evenings it can get cool and humid. During July and August, meltemi winds are particularly strong, due to its central location in the Cyclades complex.

Top 10 Destinations in Antiparos

Photos are copyrighted by their owners

All Destinations in Antiparos

Bay: Despotiko
Island: Agios Spyridon
Island complexes: Fira :: Pandieronissia
Isolated islands: Despotiko :: Glaronissi :: Kato Fira :: Magrines :: Pano Fira :: Saliagos :: Strongyli :: Tigani :: Toyrlos
Port: Antiparos
Rocky island: Preza
Settlements: Agios Georgios :: Kambos :: Revmatonissi :: Soros
Small island: Panteronissi

Map of Antiparos

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