Antiparos: guide to the small island next to Paros
A small, relaxed island ten minutes by boat from Paros, with one white village, lovely beaches and a stalactite cave.
- From Paros: a passenger boat from Parikia roughly hourly in season, or a short car ferry from Pounta, about 10 minutes.
- The island has one main village with a small 15th-century Venetian castle, and a famous stalactite cave.
- It works as a day trip from Paros, but a night or two lets you feel the calm.
From Paros, Antiparos is an easy half or full day out. For a quieter island holiday it offers a small village, beaches and a laid-back feel, though prices are not low.
Where is Antiparos?
A small Cycladic island just off the west coast of Paros. Most visitors come from Paros for a day or a few nights. The single main village, also called Antiparos, has a main street, square, restaurants and cafés.
Getting there
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Parikia (Paros main port) | Passenger boat, roughly hourly in season | About 30 min |
| Pounta (south-west Paros) | Small car ferry, foot passengers too | About 10 min |
A local bus runs from Parikia to Pounta. With a hire car, take the Pounta ferry. Timetables vary by season. See ferry Athens to Paros and flights from Israel to Paros.
What to do
Antiparos Cave: the island's famous sight, a large cave with stalactites and stalagmites reached by many steps, in the south of the island. Wear good shoes and check opening hours.
The village and castle: a small 15th-century Venetian castle, really a cluster of houses around an inner courtyard. Lovely in the evening.
Beaches: Faneromeni in the north, Agios Georgios in the south-west facing Despotiko, and Psaralyki near the village, good for families. On windy days pick the sheltered side.
How long?
| Style | Time |
|---|---|
| Day trip from Paros | Village, cave and one beach |
| One night | A calm evening in the village |
| 2–3 nights | Quiet, beaches and restaurants |
Cost
Antiparos has become fashionable, and some restaurants and hotels are expensive. On a tighter budget, stay in Paros and visit for the day.
When to go
June to September; July and August are busier and in winter most businesses close. See Greece weather and our complete Paros guide.
Kosher
No kosher food on Antiparos; plan deliveries from Athens or bring supplies. See kosher hotels in Greece.
FAQ
How do I get from Paros to Antiparos? By passenger boat from Parikia, roughly hourly in season, or by the short car ferry from Pounta, about 10 minutes.
Can I visit Antiparos as a day trip? Yes, one day covers the village, the cave and a beach.
Do I need a car in Antiparos? Not essential: the village is small and there is a seasonal bus. A car or quad helps for far beaches.
When is the best time to visit Antiparos? June and September: warm, a pleasant sea and fewer crowds than July and August.
