We all know of Paros, the island in the Cyclades archipelago, perhaps not as much promoted as the famous “sisters” Santorini and Mykonos but sufficiently visited and adored by tourists. Well, a short ferry ride from Paros, just ten minutes away, is Antiparos. It’s a little gem, not very well known, but on the list of favorites among the world’s celebrities, if we think that Tom Hanks himself often visits it, calling it “home” when it comes to holidays.
Antiparos is sought after mainly for its beautiful beaches, many of which are close to the capital of the same name. But those who wish to explore its territory in more detail will be in for some nice surprises. These include the Venetian castle and the Antiparos cave. Let’s see which are the most beautiful tourist attractions of Antiparos Island, in Greece.
- What to see and do on Antiparos Island, Greece
- Map with the best tourist attractions on Antiparos Island (zoom for details)
- Antiparos, the capital of the island… Antiparos
- Antiparos Cave
- Despotiko Island
- The beaches of Antiparos
- Best hotels in Antiparos
- Best restaurants in Antiparos Island
- How to get to Antiparos
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What to see and do on Antiparos Island, Greece
Map with the best tourist attractions on Antiparos Island (zoom for details)
Antiparos, the capital of the island… Antiparos
The winding streets of Antiparos (Chora), the capital of Antiparos Island, instantly turn into Instagrammable places, filled with charming cafes, tavernas and boutiques. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with them and want something else, head to Kastro, the castle on the hill. Kastro is an old Venetian castle, largely in ruins, but with a circular tower left to watch over the town and its surroundings.
The castle is a typical example of a fortified building from the Cyclades area, 13th-16th century period. It was built in 1440, when the Venetian Giovanni Loredano married Maria Sommaripa of Antiparos. Scholars say it is the most interesting medieval structure in the Aegean.
The original version of the castle had a main tower in the center, with houses built around it. The base of that tower can still be seen today. The houses were built as a continuous block, their outer walls (3 meters thick) also forming the castle’s defensive wall. The only entrance was on the south side, near the Antiparos square – a Gothic-style entrance that has survived to the present day. As a matter of fact, the filming of the 1960 film Madalena, a famous Greek musical, took place here.
Antiparos Cave
The Antiparos Cave is arguably the most famous tourist attraction of this Cycladic island. Located in the south-eastern part of the island, the cave has a long and storied history. Originally used as a place of worship for the gods, the Macedonian generals of the 4th century BC took refuge to conspire against Alexander the Great. It has become known thanks to the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that surround it, which come in various shapes and sizes.
The cave’s interior began to be explored in the 15th century, and in 1673, a French ambassador performed a Christian service on the surface of a stalagmite leading to an altar. Since then, this stalagmite has been called the Holy Mass, and there is an inscription commemorating the event.
And speaking of stalagmites, the oldest stalagmite in the cave is located near the entrance and is estimated to be 45 million years old, making it the oldest stalagmite in Europe. At the entrance to the cave is the chapel of St. Ioannis Spiliotis, built in the 18th century. Every year on 7 May, a festival is held here in honor of this saint.
Despotiko Island
One of the things you can do when in Antiparos is to visit the beautiful nearby Despotiko Island, where there is an archaeological site from the Archaic period. Here you’ll discover a Doric temple, the ruins of at least 12 buildings, figurines, and inscriptions related to the god Apollo. The finds are well preserved, so Despotiko is a fascinating place for those interested in Ancient Greek history.
The beaches of Antiparos
A holiday in Antiparos is primarily about the beaches. Among the beaches of this small island, Panagia, Psaralyki, and Glifa stand out.
Panagia Beach
Located 3km from the capital, Panagia is a perfect beach for bathing and enjoys a peaceful atmosphere, making it a good alternative for those looking to escape the crowds at the two Psaraliki beaches. There is also a taverna on this beach where you can eat excellent Greek food. Sometimes you may even be lucky enough to find Panagia deserted.
Psaraliki Beach
There are two beaches with the same name, about 1 km from Chora. The beaches are shaded by trees growing right on the sand and are well equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. Other facilities (on Psaraliki II) include a spacious tavern with plenty of seating and two clubs, open until the morning. Psaraliki beaches are usually very crowded.
Glifa Beach
Located in the south of the island, Glifa is a generally quiet beach, ideal for families with children. Situated in a rural area, Glifa is quite long (6 km), with the coastline of the neighboring island of Paros visible from the sand. There are trees offering shade in the hot afternoon hours on its southern side.
Other beaches in Antiparos
Other beautiful beaches on Antiparos island that you can visit during your holiday here are: Camping beach, Agios Spiridonas beach, Livadia beach, Vathis Volos beach, Sifneikos beach, Soros beach.
