Welcome to my article on the best things to do in Antiparos! My name is Titi Velopoulou and I grew up in Athens. From a young age, I wanted to explore new places and live out new experiences. Of course, I owe this traveling passion to my parents who have traveled all over the world.
My parents taught me that travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I studied Sociology and Journalism in Athens, and Communication Policy in London. When I returned back to Greece, I worked as an Editor in Chief for the only travel magazine in Greece for more than 15 years.
In the last several years, I have been running my own travel blog called: www.idiscover.gr. I also work as a Social Media Manager for some of the most unique and sophisticated small boutique hotels in all of Greece!
Three Lovely Days in Antiparos
The main reason why I wanted to visit Antiparos this year was because of the opening of a new retreat. It was for the hospitality sector (talk of the island). That is why I included Antiparos as a stop while I was sailing in the Cyclades by catamaran from Naxos, where I have a beach house.
I ended up staying in Antiparos for only three days but I had the chance to do a few different things like visit the beaches (my favorite was Soros), enjoy evening walks in the main village (Chora), shop at the trendy boutiques and of course have some traditional Greek food in the cute restaurants.
The new retreat that I wanted to visit was fully booked at the time I went, so I didn’t have the opportunity to stay in one of the bungalows. However, I did get to enjoy an aperitivo at sunset and a dinner at the restaurant.
5 Best Things To Do in Antiparos
I have been visiting Antiparos since 1997 and back then it wasn’t fashionable. Since then, I have spent a few days in Antiparos every summer as I enjoy the vibe! There are quite a lot of things to do here for such a small place. Below I will outline my favorite 5 activities to enjoy in Antiparos.
1. Wander Down the Alleyways of Chora
My favorite spot in Antiparos is the main street of Chora (the only village on the island). It’s full of cafes, taverns and amazing boutiques. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most Instagrammable alleys in the Cyclades!
2. Explore the Cave of Antiparos
Make sure you visit this one of a kind cave while you are in Antiparos! It’s the only vertical cave in Europe with a depth of 85m. The cave is a natural wonder which showcases the most incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
3. Take a Boat Tour to Despotiko Island
This small island located close to Antiparos is a must-visit for two reasons. Firstly, the archaeological sites are quite incredible. Archaeologists recently discovered a sanctuary of Apollo on the island and the ruins of various other buildings. The other main attraction is the fantastic beach called Livadi Beach with its shimmering turquoise waters and silver sand!
4. Visit the Venetian Castle of Antiparos
The Castle of Antiparos is an example of Cycladic fortifications located a stone’s throw away from the main square. Originally, the castle had a tower in the middle and houses surrounding it, but today all that is left is the base of the tower. It’s still an impressive place to visit and take photos!
5. Enjoy a Sunset or Two at Sifneikos Gialos
The beach here is known as “Sunset Beach” because of the colors showcased at golden hour against a backdrop of clear water. I recommend heading to one of the bars that face the sunset and taking in the view.
Where to Stay in Antiparos
Chora is the most inhabited place on the island where you can find some nice rooms to rent, hotels, and most of the restaurants and bars. But there are also a lot of villas around the island. Another little settlement with some famous fish taverns and luxury villas is Agios Georgios, located 12 kilometers from the main town on the southwest coast of the island.
For those who prefer to be close to the vibrant center, I recommend one of the hotels in Chora. For those who prefer privacy and serenity, there are many villas scattered around the island that you can choose from. The truth, though, is that for many years Antiparos lucked out of luxury hotels.
But that has all changed recently with the introduction of a lot of nice hotels and retreats opening up. For example, this year The Rooster Wellness & Lifestyle Resort opened up – a beautiful place in Livadia Bay.
My Best Memories from Antiparos
Looking back on my trips to Antiparos, there are a couple of moments that stand out. The first was a sunrise I saw when I was returning from the only disco on the island when I was 25 years old. I distinctly remember the colors combining with the silence in the village being simply unforgettable!
And recently, I enjoyed an early morning stroll (at around 8am) in the main streets of Chora when all the cafes and boutiques were closed. Only the bakery was open. This scene reminded me of the authentic Antiparos that I used to visit back in 1997. This moment definitely brought me back in time.
Need to Know Before you Go
- To fully enjoy the island, be sure to rent a small boat for a day.
- Visit Vathis Volos Beach for sunset – the colors are truly beautiful!
- The island is very popular with windsurfers due to the strong winds.
- Three or four days is enough time to experience everything on offer.
- Antiparos also makes for an excellent day trip from Paros for those interested.
- If you are looking for nightlife, there are lots of cool bars at the end of the main street in Chora.
- You don’t need to hire a car in Antiparos but a moto or quad bike would be fun! The island is small and a moto allows you to get around easily.
- There are many quiet beaches with crystal clear water but they don’t offer many facilities. If you are searching for more cosmopolitan vibes, there is Soros Beach which is one of the most famous beaches.
