Where is Antiparos?
It’s probably no surprise to learn that ‘Anti’ means ‘opposite’ in Greek and is where the English word comes from. Antiparos is an island in the Cyclades group of islands in the middle of the Aegean Sea and is only 1 nautical mile west of, or opposite, the island of Paros.
It is 45 square kilometres in size and has a population of around 1200 people. There is one main town called Antiparos Town.
The main attractions on the island are its famous cave and its excellent beaches whilst fishing, tourism and farming are its primary industries.
In ancient times the island was called Oliaros.
How to get to Antiparos, Greece
Antiparos island is located one nautical mile southwest of Paros island.There is no airport on Antiparos and the only island that connects to it by ferry is Paros.
Paros to Antiparos from Pounta
Buses depart frequently from the main Paros port, Parikia, as well as the most popular villages around the island. From there, travellers can take the vehicular ferry over to Antiparos which takes 7 minutes. You can take your car or just leave it in the carpark in Pounta and ride as a walk-on passenger.
In 2022 the Antiparos – Paros ferry tickets cost €2.00 per passenger and €7.30 per car. Children ride for free and all tickets are one way. Tickets are only sold inside the boat and cannot be pre-booked. You can only pay in cash and only in euros. Credit cards are not accepted.
Ferries run daily Monday to Sunday all year around. (depending on the wind.) During peak season you may not get on the first ferry you want and might have to wait for the next.
In 2023 the ferry will run from Pounta every 20 to 30 minutes between 7:15 am and 11:30pm on Weekends or 7:30 pm on weekdays. The return ferry from Antiparos to Pounta will run every 20 to 30 minutes between 7:00am and 11:15pm weekends or 7:15pm weekdays.
Ferry to Antiparos from Parikia, Paros
There is also a small boat operating daily between the main port of Paros, Parikia, and Antiparos that only takes passengers and no vehicles.
The service usually operates from Greek Easter (usually April or May) until October.The trip takes 30 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 5 euros.
In 2022 the ferry ran between 9:15am from Antirparos every 45 minutes until 19:30 from Parikia.
Sailing Trips from Paros
There are also some fantastic boat trips you can do from Paros to Antiparos. These are full-day excursions that include swimming and exploring sea caves and coves and beaches. Doing one of these with a bunch of friends remains one of our favourite things to do on Paros, ever!
Where to stay on Antiparos
For couples : Artemis Hotel has lovely sea views from the rooms as well as a rooftop terrace and a plunge pool. The decor is modern and chic and yet the hotel is surprisingly affordable. In 2021 the island welcomed its first 5 star hotel and in fact it is a highly regarded and sought after ‘wellness’ hotel with an award winning Chef and a focus on local produce and sustainability. There are only 17 villas at The Rooster and it has quickly become a dining-destination for people staying on Paros and Mykonos.
For families and groups: Kastro Antiparos is one of the few places on Antiparos that has a swimming pool. They have 2 bedroom apartments and put on a huge breakfast spread. It’s an easy walk into town and close to everything.
Solo: Nicolas Studios are in town but in a quiet spot. The rooms are basic but spotlessly clean and have a small kitchen. You can walk to most things including the local tavernas and shops.
Where to eat on Antiparos
Lunch: In town Anargyros and Nautica both have excellent food and service and are right on the waterfront near the ferry dock. A bit further along is Soulatsowho do great Italian food as well as Greek. Along ‘pedestrian street’ ( the main street into the village) you have many great choices including Cafe Babel Metaxa and the aptly named, Bougainvilles who also do great breakfasts.
If you are driving around the island or heading over to Despotiko you can enjoy a lovely meal down at Captain Pipinos on the water, where they dry their fish, as well as octopus, each day.
Dinner: Sapou is serving up some of the best and most inventive food on the island and is right on the waterfront. Great atmosphere at night. The main square, at the end of Pedestrian street, has a number of bars and tavernas, some of which play live music at night time.
Drinks : Head to the Sifneikos Gialos(seashore) behind the main town for amazing sunsets at Sifneiko Cafe.
Things to do on Antiparos
Antiparos beaches
With acoastlineof 57 kilometres, Antiparos has some incredible beaches. On the east side facing Paros, the island has tranquil waters and sandy beaches whilst on the west side, there are limestone cliffs and sea caves.
During summer you can take the bus to some of the most popular Antiparos beaches or go on a boat trip to some of the more beautiful remote spots.
- Agios Georgios Beach is popular with small tour boats
- Glyfa Beach is wide and shallow and popular with families
- Apantima Beach is protected from the wind
- Psaraliki Beach is great for water sports
- Sunset Beach ( Sifneiko) and Agios Sostis have magical sunsets
- Camping Beach is the official nudist beach on the island
Kite surfers between Antiparos and Paros
Things to do on Antiparos cont/
Antiparos Kastro
The castle ( Kastro) on Antiparos must have once been quite something for this small island. Located in the center of Antiparos Town it was built in the mid-15th century by the Venetians as a single, residential unit and fortified tower. Antiparos was often plundered by pirates due to its isolation and exposure, so the Kastro was an important addition to the island and its inhabitants.
Shopping on Antiparos
There are some really lovely shops on Antiparos. I was quite surprised by this as it’s such a small, low key island but I was really impressed by the quality and selection at some of the boutiques along Pedestrian Street in particular. Plus super friendly and helpful staff.
I didn’t go there to shop but I certainly ended up with a few souvenirs!
