ANTIPAROS
A LE COLLECTIONIST DESTINATION GUIDE

One of the smaller islands in the Cyclades, Antiparos is a relatively unknown treasure trove of uniquely Greek experiences. Beyond its golden shores, discover our essential stops for idyllic holidays in Antiparos.

Discover the small and historic island of Despotiko, housing ancient artefacts from the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Frankish periods. After sailing across the blue Aegean off the southern coast of Antiparos, drop your anchor on the rocky shores of Despotiko, and set off to explore the important historical ruins like the sanctuary of Apollo. From Agios Georgios, a five-minute caïque ride lands you on the uninhabited islet, where the restored columns of the Archaic sanctuary rise above the scrub; archaeologists are still at work here each summer.

The Cave of Antiparos is completely unique in Europe. A vertical cave plunging 85 metres into the earth, its centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites are truly breathtaking and make for an utterly otherworldly and unexpected experience. Originally used for shelter, it later became a place of worship for the goddess Artemis. 

Today it still bears the marks of its long history, from Neolithic traces to the names of illustrious visitors, Lord Byron among them, said to be carved into its walls. Some 411 steps lead you around 85 metres down; the cave is open daily from spring to the end of October, 10am to 4pm (tickets €6, including the island's folklore museum).

After long days visiting the island and its many sights, there’s nothing quite like stopping in a local taverna, or better yet an outdoor beach bar, and watching the sunset paint the whitewashed villages and water in all shades of gold, red, orange, pink, and purple before the night sky takes over. With a cocktail in hand and a sensational show before you, you’ll have a perfect end to any day.

With fine white sand and the azure blue Aegean Sea stretching out as far as the eye can see, nothing beats a day lounging on the beach in Antiparos. Plant your parasol in the soft sand, lay your towel down, and spend the afternoon tanning under the sun, splashing in the warm water, or building sandcastles with your children. See our roundup of the best beaches in Antiparos further down in this guide.

Winding cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, and fuchsia flowers: the small villages that make up Antiparos abound with local charm. Take an evening stroll, stopping in at traditional artisanal boutiques and shopping for mataki jewellery, leather accessories, or worry beads. As the day ends, stop in at a local restaurant and enjoy the catch of the day fresh on your plate!

As the island begins to reopen, spring is the most pleasant time to visit Antiparos: between April and May, the crowds are thin and the lanes overflow with pink and purple wildflowers, though the sea is still bracing (around 17-19°C). For warm swims, come from late June to early October, when the water sits at 22-25°C.

In summer, Antiparos is in full swing! The most popular tourist season, the months of June to August, promises a lively atmosphere, long sunny days, and plenty of events.

When the cooler autumn air blows onto the shores of Antiparos, crowds thin out and leave the island yours for the taking. Still benefiting from balmy weather, you can lay your towel down at a deserted beach and enjoy having the island all to yourself.

Planning an autumn escape? Read our guide to Greece in October.

Winter is the low season in Antiparos. The weather is cooler, many shops and restaurants are closed, tourists are scarce, and prices are low. If you’re after a holiday of tranquil relaxation in your luxury villa, this is a great time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that takes over the island.

Soros is one of the most spectacular beaches of Antiparos. Its waters are among the deepest on the island, so we recommend steering clear of this beach when travelling with little ones. However, if you are a good swimmer and enjoy scuba diving, Soros has everything for you. There are also many taverns along the shore serving freshly cooked specialties, each one more delicious than the last.

Sifneiko Beach, affectionately referred to as Sunset Beach, unsurprisingly offers some of the most incredible sunsets on the island over crystal-clear waters and golden sand. This beach is a fantastic place for adventurers as it offers multiple opportunities for snorkelling or any other water activity. In addition, there are many fine restaurants and taverns nearby serving up exquisite specialties with a side of an exceptional sunset.

Glyfa beach is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. With its unspoiled environment, and beautiful waters, this spectacular sand and pebble beach is a must-see in Antiparos. Gather your whole family to sit under the shade of a tree on this quiet and pristine beach, before venturing out into the fantastic tavernas nearby serving delicious specialties.

For the ultimate quiet beach experience in Antiparos, Ag Georgios Beach is the place to be. Well sheltered in a beautiful bay, it’s a truly spectacular oasis where you can escape the crowds. Much less known to tourists than most of the other beaches on the island, make sure you come prepared with your own food and drinks!

This beach is divided in two distinct stretches of sand: Psaralyki I and II. Both are well equipped and perfect for families: the first rents kayaks, windsurfs and paddleboards, while the second is home to the island's water-ski and wakeboard centre. Not only can you go for a swim or sunbathe under the warm Cyclades sun, there are many bars and restaurants lining the beach where you can take a break from an afternoon on the water.

Incredibly picturesque and beautiful, Apantima is a magical pebble beach. It’s an absolutely unique and unforgettable setting perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or reading a good book. Food lovers rejoice: you’ll find a multitude of incredible taverns, bars and restaurants right along the sand. Apantima lies just past the turn-off for the Cave of Antiparos, so the two pair beautifully in a single afternoon.

Beautiful views / East coast

Sapou first opened in 2015 right by the sea at the Antiparos port, where chef-patron Yannis Sapountzis serves a menu blending his own culinary perspective with multinational influences. In winter, he moves to a sister address in Athens; from June to September, the island table is the one to book.

On the sheltered bay of Apantima, Beach House is an eight-room hideaway with one of the island's best beach bars and Cookoovaya, the seaside outpost of chef Pericles Koskinas's Athens restaurant. Settle onto a shaded deckchair, book a treatment and stay for a long lunch with your feet in the sand. Both chic and relaxed, Beach House embodies the style of Antiparos.

Under the straw parasols on Soros Beach, this club is the perfect place to enjoy seafood and sushi with a clear view of the beach and the translucent waters of Antiparos. There’s no better spot for seaside cocktails with the sand under your feet.

Massage and yoga at the villa

Watch the sunset from Sifneiko Beach