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• About Antiparos

Visit Santorini & Mykonos

Cruises to delos, amorgos, koufinisia and iraklia are also available., explore the mysteries of cyclades, with one-day cruises to neighboring islands, send booking request.

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Pick a destination Delos - Mykonos Santorini Koufonisi Amorgos Iraklia - Koufonisi Mykonos

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Enjoy a full day cruise in neighboring islands!

We can organize for you to go on one day cruise to neighbor islands Delos and Mykonos or Santorini or small Cyclades islands Koufonisia and Amorgos.

Transportation from and to the cruise ships is included.

You can also visit other neighboring islands (Naxos, Serifos, Sifnos, Tinos, Schinousa, Ios, Donousa) for one day with normal boats. For more information about the timetable, the price and the tickets, visit our office Oliaros Tours

Cruise to Delos - Mykonos

Cruise to santorini, cruise to koufonisi, cruise to iraklia - koufonisi, cruise to mykonos, cruises to other islands.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (until 07/10)

Price: Adults 60 € / Child 30 € (5-10 years)

Departure 09:30 from Paros (Naousa). Arrival at Delos 10:30 (Stay 3 hours) Departure 13:30. Arrival at Mykonos 13:45 (Stay 3 ½ hours) Departure 17:00. Arrival at Paros (Naousa) 18:10

Note: The entrance to the archaelogical site of Delos costs 8 € (not included in the ticket)

Price: Adults 75 € / Child 45 € 

Every Tuesday (until 26/09) & Wednesday (until 04/10)

Departure 08:30 from Paros (Piso Livadi). Arrival at Santorini (Athinio) 10:45 (Stay 6 hours) Departure 17:00. Arrival at Paros (Piso Livadi) 19:10

Note: The ticket price includes a bus tour with escort to the most beautiful places of Santorini (Oia & Fira). The tour is in Greek, English, French and Italian language.

Every Monday, Friday  (until 15/09)

Price: Adults 40 € / Child 20 € (5-10 years)

Departure 10:00. Arrival at Koufonisi 11:15 (Stay 6 hours) Departure 17:15. Arrival at Paros (Piso Livadi) 18:30

Every Sunday (until 03/09) 

Departure 09:00. Arrival at Koufonisi 10:15 (Stay 7 ½ hours) Departure 18:00. Arrival at Paros (Piso Livadi) 19:15

Price: Adults 50 € / Child 25 €  (6-12 years)

Every Thursday (until 28/09)  

Departure 10:00. Arrival at Iraklia 10:45 (Stay 1 ½ hours) Departure 12:15. Arrival at Koufonisi 12:45 (Stay 4 ½ hours) Departure 17:15. Arrival at Paros (Piso Livadi) 18:30

Price: Adults 60 € / Child 30 €  (6-12 years)

Every Monday, Wednesday & Sunday (until 04/10)

Departure 09:30 from Paros (Naousa). Arrival at Mykonos 11:00 (Stay 6 hours) Departure 17:00. Arrival at Paros (Naousa) 18:10

SCHINOUSSA 

TUESDAY – THURSDAY – SUNDAY 40,00€ (STAY 7 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 11:10  ARRIVAL AT SCHINOUSSA 13:30

DEPARTURE 20:40  ARRIVAL AT PAROS 23:15

TUESDAY – SUNDAY 9,00€ (STAY 5 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 08:45  ARRIVAL AT SIFNOS 11:45

DEPARTURE 16:45  ARRIVAL AT PAROS 19:45

TUESDAY – SUNDAY  16,00€ (STAY 7 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 08:45  ARRIVAL AT SERIFOS 10:45

DEPARTURE 17:45  ARRIVAL AT PAROS 19:45

EVERYDAY  89,40€ (STAY 5 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 10:05  ARRIVAL AT TINOS 11:20

DEPARTURE 16:35  ARRIVAL AT PAROS 18:35

EVERYDAY  119,40€ (STAY 6 ½ HOURS)

DEPARTURE 10:00 ARRIVAL AT MYKONOS 10:45

DEPARTURE 17:10 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 18:35

MONDAY – WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY – SATURDAY 48,00€  (STAY 6 ½ HOURS)

DEPARTURE 11:20 ARRIVAL AT DONOUSA 13:30

DEPARTURE 20:50 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 23:15

TUESDAY – THURSDAY 58,00€ / 71,00€   (STAY 5 HOURS / 8 HOURS )

DEPARTURE 13:50 ARRIVAL AT SYROS 15:35 / DEPARTURE 11:35 ARRIVAL AT SYROS 13:20

DEPARTURE 21:25 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 22:30

TUESDAY – THURSDAY – SUNDAY 48,00€ (STAY 8 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 11:20 ARRIVAL AT IRAKLIA 13:10

DEPARTURE 21:00 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 23:15

TUESDAY – THURSDAY 103,70€ / 96,00€   (STAY 7 ½ HOURS / 6 HOURS )

DEPARTURE 09:55 ARRIVAL AT KOUFONISSI 12:40 / DEPARTURE 12:20 ARRIVAL AT KOUFONISSI 14:00

DEPARTURE 20:15 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 21:55

EVERYDAY 30,00€ (STAY 5 HOURS)

DEPARTURE 11:55 ARRIVAL AT NAXOS 12:45

DEPARTURE 18:00 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 18:50

AMORGOS (KATAPOLA) (from 2/7)

TUESDAY – THURSDAY – SUNDAY 78,50€ (STAY 5 ½ HOURS)

DEPARTURE 12:20 ARRIVAL AT KATAPOLA 14:40

DEPARTURE 19:00 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 23:15

AMORGOS (AEGIALI)

MONDAY – WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY – SATURDAY 61,00€ (STAY 5½ HOURS)

DEPARTURE 11:20 ARRIVAL AT AEGIALI 14:30

DEPARTURE 19:50 ARRIVAL AT PAROS 23:15

Dreams come alive in the Cyclades

• AMORGOS ANAFI ANDROS ANTIPAROS DONOUSA IRAKLIA THIRASIA IOS KEA KIMOLOS KOUFONISIA KYTHNOS MILOS MYKONOS NAXOS PAROS SANTORINI SERIFOS SIKINOS SIFNOS SYROS SCHINOUSA TINOS FOLEGANDROS
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OLIAROS TOURS

ANTIPAROS (CHORA)

• info@antiparostravel.com
•  Phone: +30 2284061231 , +30 6946550584

VILLAS & APARTMENTS

Rooms & studios, rent a boat/helicopter, about antiparos, special characteristics.

The travel agency Oliaros Tours in Antiparos island offers all travel services:

• Boat and airoplane tickets for Greece and abroad
• 24 hours banking A.T.M.
• Internet services
• Villas and apartments in Antiparos island
• Rooms and studios in Antiparos island
• Accommodation services all over Greece
• Transportation Services in Antiparos, rent a boat or a helicopter
• All travel & tourism arrangements
• Charter flights, air taxi
• Excursions around Antiparos island, cruises to other islands of Cyclades
• Car, moto, bicycles rental
• Bus to the cave
• Special group fares
• Bus and taxi service 6970624750

Villas and apartments in Antiparos island  which we collaborate, choose the ideal accommodation type for your holidays at the enchanting island of Antiparos.

Studios, apartments, hotels and pensions in Antiparos island which we collaborate. Choose the ideal type of accommodation for your holidays at the enchanting island of Antiparos .

• Robinson 44, eurocopter
• Augusta bell 

Rent a Speed Boat or a Cruise Boat:  

• Rent a Yacht boat of 23 metres long hosts 8+2 persons (1 Master, 1 VIP, 2 Guests cabins) and travels with 28 knots cruise speed.
• Rent a Speed boat of 7 metres long which requires to have a license . There are also two more speed boats , one at 6,50 metres with an engine of 150 Hp for 8 persons and one 5,80 metres with an engine of 115 for 6 persons.
• Cruise Boat of 10 metres long with capacity pf 10 persons is offeres with captain. It has 2 engines of 250 Hp each one and travels with 22 k nots cruise speed. This is appropriate for travelling around Cyclades when the weather is appropriate .  

In the middle of the island, upon a hill, you will find one of the greatest and oldest cave of the world. Well preserved, it offers its visitors many surprises.

To the west of Antiparos lie three uninhabited islets that are of great archaeological interest - Despotiko , Tsimintiri (which lies between Antiparos and Despotiko) and Strongylo, which is located to the west of Despotiko.

The island of Antiparos is becoming well known between 17th and 19th century, when foreign travelers visit it and then publish their impressions and sketches of the cave and the rest archaeological sites. Today thousands of tourists visit the island, not only to admire the historical monuments but also to become part of the islands natural beauties. Breathtaking views, amazing sandy beaches, picturesque paths, traditional Greek delicacies, joyful bars & discos, warmth and hospitality ... parts of Antiparos ... parts of an unforgettable journey.

Antiparos is also easy to access. It will take you only 30 min. by boat from Parikia (Paros' main port) or 6 min. if you take the small ferry from Pounda.

All the information – company’s presentation and profile – is provided and stated by the company’s owner or manager who is fully responsible.

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About Antiparos

Feel the magic.

The small island of Antiparos is a holiday paradise that is full of beautiful golden beaches and blue-green crystal waters. Feel free to explore it!

the Antiparos town

Antiparos or Oliaros (meaning wooden place) as it was called in ancient times is located in the centre of the Cycladic complex and in close distance (1 n.m) from Paros. An Island that maintains its traditional color and still remains unspoilt of mass tourism is waiting to be discovered.

The village (port) called “Kastro” owes its name to the ruins of a14th century castle located near the central square. Small shops with souvenirs and restaurants are located on the main street of the island and at the beach of the harbor, on the street leading to the village square with bars for a drink in the evening.

There are two banks on the island site and two travel agencies located by the port.

the Antiparos beaches

Whether you’re looking for a serviced beach, a secluded spot for a quiet day by the water, or a nudist-friendly area, Antiparos has something to suit everyone’s preferences. Its evolution into a premier destination is a testament to the island’s natural beauty and resources, and it’s no wonder it now attracts such a high-profile crowd.

Enjoy a wide range of stunning beaches, from secluded coves to wide expanses of sand!

the Antiparos cave

On the hill of Saint John, at an altitude of 177 meters from the sea level,there is the famous cave of Antiparos, with an impressive dome in the entrance and a wealth of the most ancient of Europe’s’“stalactites” and many morphological features .

The inscriptions found in the cave indicate that it was known since antiquity. Coming out of the cave is the church of St. John“Spiliotis” where a festival takes place on the eve of the Saint’s feast every year.

Despotiko island

Despotiko island is located opposite the south west coast of Antiparos facing the community of Agios Georgios. It is an uninhabited island where the archaeological spade has brought to light one of the most significant ancient sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo.

The ancient name of Despotiko is Prepesinthos. In antiquity the northeastern edge, where the sanctuary of Apollo is located, was consolidated with Tsimintiri, the tiny flat islet close to Aghios Georgios, where walls of buildings and four graves of the Early Cycladic Age have been discovered, almost covered by water. It is estimated that the level of the sea is at least one and a half meter higher than in antiquity, as everywhere in Cyclades.

During the summer a boat makes daily trips from Agios Georgios to the bay Livadi on the south coast of Despotiko, for those who want to spend a few hours in a spectacular sandy beach enjoying the absolute calm of the solitary Cycladic landscape.

making memories special

We make you feel better than at home. check our rates and availability, we share a passion for hospitality.

St George, 84007 Antiparos

info[at]oliaros.gr

+30 2284025305

+30 6973403231

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Antiparos island

Your Antiparos yachting holiday. Read all necessary information and a brief tour guide…

Explore Antiparos

Antiparos island (also known as Oliaros, its ancient Greek name) is one of the most “recently discovered” jewels of the Cyclades group. It retains its traditional colour and charms, which makes it an ideal holiday destination for many tourists.

Getting to Antiparos from Naxos is fairly easy with our motor yachts. It will take you approximately 60 minutes , depending on the yacht load and weather conditions. If you are a fan of “off the beaten track” holidays, then you will simply adore Antiparos, especially if you visit it during low and mid seasons. You will love its traditional seaside taverns, its Cycladic architecture and its unspoilt scenery, all of which give the island a truly unique character.

What to see & do in Antiparos

A walk in Antiparos Town is an absolute must. Grab a bite of the fabulous local food in one of the traditional tavernas, swim in idyllic beaches, make an island tour and visit the nearby small islands (Panteronisi, Tigani, Despotiko and Strogyli). While at Despotiko, you may also visit the island’s Ancient Sanctuary, located right across Ag. Georgios beach of Antiparos.

Antiparos island photos

A short photo gallery of Antiparos island, the beaches and its most popular tourist attractions. More photos to be added soon.

Time to get there from Naxos Town : 1 hour Places of Interest : The islets of Panteronisi, Tigani, Despotiko, Strogyli, Kavouras and Diplo

Departure from : 8:30 Arrival : 19:00

All values for distances, trip duration times and fuel consumption are approximate. The actual values depend on average speed, number of passengers, weather conditions and on-time fuel cost. For more details, please read our Terms of Service.

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Guide to Greece & Greek Islands

Stunning Antiparos – a Secret Hideaway, Minutes Away from Paros

The small and charming island of Antiparos lies offshore from Paros. Only a short ferry ride away from Paros you can cross over on a day trip or stay a few days. As soon as you cross over you feel a distinct slowing down in the pace of things. Antiparos boasts stunning beaches and a crystal-clear sea perfect for scuba diving with reefs, wrecks, and caverns.

Where is Antiparos Greece?

Paros and antiparos map, how big is antiparos, how to reach antiparos, what does “antiparos” mean, why to visit antiparos, antiparos beach guide, antiparos – what to see, cave of antiparos, villages in antiparos, antiparos – what to do, cultural festivals in antiparos, weather and climate in antiparos, archaeology in antiparos, saliangos islet.

Having left the main village and port, called Antiparos you will find a quiet countryside with several good beaches, Psaralyki near town and to the south Glyfa and Soros. It is also in the southern part of Antiparos you will find one of the most celebrated caves in Greece. For millennia, the island has been inhabited by humans – Greeks, pirates, Venetians, and Turks. In recent years Antiparos has acquired a “secret getaway” factor for those who do not want to be disturbed. Hollywood stars, royalty, and rock stars spend days in a laidback atmosphere on Antiparos.

Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, less than one nautical mile (1.9 km) from Paros island, Antiparos belongs to the Cyclades archipelagos. Antiparos has less visitors than its neighbor Paros with a laidback holiday style. The port of Antiparos is interconnected with Paros by a local ferry. In the strait between Antiparos and Paros you find Saliangos island which has the most ancient settlement in the Cyclades and southwest of Antiparos you find Despotiko, an uninhabited island and a place of great archaeological importance.

Paros Tours

TICKETS & THINGS TO DO:

How big is Antiparos?

The island of Antiparos is lying 0.8 nautical miles southwest of Paros. The ferry port abstains from the main port of Parikia by 4.8 nautical miles. In the past, Antiparos was united with Paros; now it is separated from it by the Strait of Antiparos, known as Amfigeio, 500-1000 m wide and 4.5 m deep. The maximum length of the island is 7 miles in a direction North-south, while the maximum width reaches 2.8 miles.

The economy of Antiparos is based on tourism, fishing, farming and less on agriculture in the plains. It is known for its distinctive Cycladic beauty with white houses, cobbled streets and beautiful flowers that thrive in the yards. It is a popular tourist resort in the summer for Greeks and European visitors, as well as land investors from the United States.

Geology of Antiparos

Antiparos is a volcanic rock, with a dry climate and high humidity, and the morphology favors the development of strong winds. The flowers which thrive in the region are mainly bougainvillea that adorn the gardens, houses, and shops. The morphology of Antiparos is essentially flat, with many small hilly peaks, while the vegetation of the island is low.

How to reach Antiparos?

Being a rather small island Antiparos is only accessible by ferry from Paros. You therefore need to reach Paros first and then travel to Antiparos by ferry from Pounda port. The trip lasts only ten minutes and tickets are booked on the location. The ferries transfers passengers as well as private vehicles. The nearest airport is Paros National Airport which is connected with Athens , Thessaloniki and Heraklion , Crete . During summer it receives flights directly from different destinations in Europe. Staying in Paros you can choose to go on a day trip to Antiparos.

The name “Antiparos” means “opposite Paros” referring to the close distance to the bigger island of Paros. In ancient years Antiparos had the name “Oliaros”, a word probably of Phoenician origin, meaning “wooded mountain”.

Why to visit Antiparos?

Antiparos is famous for its beaches, so swimming and snorkeling is some of the best activities in Antiparos. Most of the beaches are within walking distance from Chora, the capital and port of Antiparos, boasting soft sand and crystal-clear waters.

The beaches on Antiparos all have clean water and a peaceful environment. Go swimming or diving in the transparent waters, all beaches can be accessed on foot from Chora. You can also take the town bus during the day hours.

Partly organized beaches

• Glifa Beach – Sandy, family friendly – located 4 km south of Chora
• Psaralyki Beach – Sandy, nudism friendly – located 1 km south of Chora
• Camping Beach – Sandy, nudism friendly – located 100 metres from Chora
• Agios Spiridonas Beach – Sandy, family friendly – located in a walking distance from Chora
• Kako Rema Beach – Pebbled – located 12 km south of Chora

Non-organized beaches

• Panagia Beach – Sandy – located 3 km south of Chora
• Soros Beach – Sandy, nudism friendly – located 10 km south of Chora
• Vathis Volos Beach – Pebbled – located 12 km southwest of Chora
• Livadia Beach – Pebbled, secluded, nudism friendly – located 17 km southwest of Chora

Antiparos – What to see?

Antiparos Cave is the most impressive sight on the small island. You will find it on the southern side of Antiparos, stunningly beautiful full of stalactites and stalagmites. In Chora Antiparos you can see the Venetian castle and fortress of the island and have a walk among the charming, traditional Cycladic houses.

At the center of the island at the foot of the mountain of Antiparos is the famous Cave of Antiparos to be found. It is one of the most beautiful and mysterious caves in the world. The area of the cave was used as a natural shelter from the Neolithic period and onwards. The place was also used for pottery and for worshipping of the goddess Artemis. At the entrance of the site a simple but charming church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis was erected.

Cyclades Tours

A cave full of history

During the German occupation, a part of the cave was destroyed. One of the oldest references to the historic cave is that of the poet Archilochus of Paros in the 7th century BC. Signs and scratches on the stalactites and stalagmites attest to the passers, as the inscription on the altar of the generals of Alexander the Great and King Otto. The cave was fully exploited in the second part of the 20th century with funds from the CSF by erecting barriers, building adequate steps, together with installation of lighting, security cameras and loudspeakers to inform visitors.

Chora Antiparos, the main settlement on the island, lies at the north-eastern tip of the island with Pounda on the other side of the channel on Paros, where ferries sail for Antiparos harbour. The historical centre is in the Venetian castle of Antiparos, which is connected through the shopping streets in the picturesque coastal street. Another village is the famous resort of St. George on the southwest coast.

Antiparos – What to do?

Diving in antiparos.

Blue Island Divers invite you to dive and explore the idyllic island of Antiparos. Here you will enjoy diving into a colorful underwater world, discovering hidden treasures and experiencing the endless blue. The island is well known for its golden beaches, crystal clear waters, friendly atmosphere, and rich marine life. Find Blue Island Divers here

Windsurfing in Antiparos

The Meltemia, the strong summer winds are roaming through the sea strait between Paros and Antiparos making it the perfect spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing . Most organized windsurfing centers are to be found at the side of Paros, but a few are also making their appearance on the beaches of Antiparos. Specially, Psaralyki and Glyfa beaches have good windsurfing possibilities in Antiparos. Spot One on Psaralyki Beach

Cultural festivals in Antiparos

Bonfire night.

Bonfire Night takes place at midsummer night on June 23rd where all garlands hung by the locals over their front door are collected and piled up at the port of Antiparos in the sand along the waterfront. The tradition is to set fire to the garlands and enjoy the huge bonfire.

Summer Festival

This is the greatest summer event in Antiparos and the celebrations last for three days. Activities like sports, concerts and parties are going on until the early morning hours.

Weather and climate in Antiparos

Like most of the other Cyclades Antiparos has a warm and sunny weather most of the year, only cooling down a little during the winter season. The winter is mild lasting only from January to March with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 13°C. During spring from primo April till ultimo May the temperatures are ranging from 14-16°C to 20-22°C. Summer is the high season for tourism where great temperatures ranging from 25-32°C – perfect for relaxing under the sun. Like in most of the Cyclades during July and August the “Meltemia” winds blow strongly cooling down the hot midsummer days. September and October the weather remains beautiful until the months of November and December where temperatures start dropping. Antiparos has only extraordinarily little rainfall during the year.

Archaeological significance of Antiparos

The island of Antiparos is surrounded by many small uninhabited islands with great historical and archaeological interest, such as Kimitiri, Strongylo, the Diplo, Kavoura, Revmatonisi, and the Red and Black Tourlos. Particularly well known internationally is Despotiko, an uninhabited island west of Antiparos, which in recent years carried out excavations of great archaeological value.

Archaeological finds

The Isle of Despotiko is identified with ancient Prepesintho, according to the writings of Strabo and Pliny. The first excavations at Despotiko made in 1889 by Christos Tsountas revealed Cycladic cemeteries. In 1959 Nikos Zafiropoulos began excavations at Zoumparia and Mantra, on the northeast coast, where they were architectural Doric temple from the ancient times, dating to 500 BC. The 1997 excavations at Mantra by archaeologist Giannos Couragio, brought to light a large portion of the auxiliary space of a sanctuary. The findings of the excavation include an elongated complex, consisting of five consecutive parallel rooms. In the southern room important findings identified to be of archaic materials East-Ionian, Rhodian, Cypriot and Egyptian origin.

Saliangos islet

Saliangos is a tiny island on which an archaeological site was discovered (by the same name) and which might be the oldest settlement in the Cyclades. The islet is not even 500 m² and is in the northern cluster of Antiparos islands, north of the small strait between Paros and Antiparos. In antiquity and up to Byzantine times the sea level was lower, and more land was above sea level. The settlement was discovered in 1964-1965 by British archaeologists of the Archaeological Institute in Athens and excavations were conducted and an archaeological study was undertaken. The settlement dates to Neolithic times and in accordance with the method of radiocarbon it was inhabited between 4300 – 3700 BC.

In the ruins of the ancient village many ceramic fragments was found. Nearly 3.5 tons of ceramic material was studied by archaeologists, who managed to assemble 60 clay pots and utensils in whole or in part. The culture of the village on Saliangos islet is unique and an isolated example in the Neolithic era. In the surrounding areas there has not been found similar settlements, nor does it seem that the traditions of this settlement have been disseminated in the subsequent seasons. On the nearby islands only little evidence of human activity has been found, eg. a few ceramics on Naxos. Saliangos is the only island in the Aegean practicing farming in those times.

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ANTIPAROS, GREECE – A GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD’S FAVOURITE GREEK ISLAND

Like all Greek Islands Antiparos is a magical shimmering jewel shining in the aegean sea. Only 7 minutes by ferry from Paros  yet visited by few, it is one of those true Greek island hidden gems and it’s easy to see why Hollywood royalty like Tom Hanks call it home in summer.To inspire you to include it on your trip to Greece and to help you best plan your visit, we’ve put together this complete guide to ensure you get the most out of Antiparos,Greece.

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travelers!

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When to visit Antiparos

The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.

Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots . The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere. Antiparos has a number of stunning beaches so it is a great place to be in summer when lazy lunches and dips in the sea are daily events.

Best beach and swimming weather: June to September

Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October

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.

The Rooster

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 Soulatso  who 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 a coastline of 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  

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!  

Antiparos Cave

Antiparos Cave is the most popular attraction on the island and is situated just 8 km from Antiparos town (Chora). It is also called the Cave of Agios Ioannis church.

Antiparos Cave is the biggest vertical cave in Europe and has a depth of approximately 100 meters. The cave showcases the most exquisite stalactites and stalagmites including the oldest stalactite in Europe estimated to be 45 million years old! 

The view from the Cave is quite wonderful. You can clearly see Paros in the distance with various beaches and islets close by. The sheer size and height of the cave will leave you speechless. A number of famous people have inscribed their names in the cave wall over the centuries including King Otto of Greece and Lord Byron.

You can visit Antiparos Cave by car, motorcycle or bicycle. The paved road that leads to the Cave begins where the ferries dock in the Port area of Antiparos and there is ample parking. You can also walk from the town which takes about 90 minutes. If you do this in summer please make sure you take plenty of water!

In 2022 Antiparos Cave was open from April through October and its opening hours were daily from 10:00 to 16:00.

Tickets cost 6.00 euros which include entry to the Folklore Museum. Children under 6 are free and children 6-12 are half-price.

Antiparos is also known for having a number of stunning seacaves, not disimilar to those your see on islands like Milos . If you fly into Paros make sure you sit on the left hand side of the plane as you will get a birdseye view of some of them.

Many boat tours from Paros come over specifically to sail around the coves and beaches that house these sea caves and its a great day out exploring them and swimming around in the crystal clear azure waters at their entries. 

Visit Despotiko island

The island of Despotiko (Despotico) is a small island that sits at the southern end of Antiparos. Ιn ancient times it was believed to be heavily populated but today no-one lives there.

There has been extensive restoration work and excavations are ongoing at the ancient Mantra Sanctuary, believed to date back to the 7th century BC.

Despotiko was identified as the ancient island of Presepinthos by the Ancient Greek historian and geographer Strabo, and by Pliny the Elder , the Roman historian and philosopher.

The island has a number of beautiful beaches sea saves. The best beach is called Livadi and it has magnificent silver sand.

Despotiko can be reached by a private boat or one of the many daily trips across from Saint George village or Antiparos town.

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Oliaros Studios

Oliaros is a small charming lodge located in Agios Georgios south-west of Antiparos Village in one of the most picturesque corners with ideal orientation offering a breathtaking view overlooking the bay of Despotiko Island.

Respecting the Greek hospitality in Oliaros we are making an effort to offer you quality accommodations and services. The lodge has been in our family for year and it is with patience and devotion that it was preserved and refurbished in its contemporary look. The dominant feature of all rooms is the real Cycladic decoration. Unique hand crafted furniture and paintings have been collected over teh years from different places of Greece to decorate the rooms.

Arrangements can be made for transfers to and from the hotel along with rentals of a car, motorbike and bicycles. All options provide unique ways to experience the island of Antiparos.

Oliaros is a beautiful seaside hotel located next to the sea on the south west of Antiparos in Agios Georgios, the most picturesque corner of the island's coast, offering breathtaking views to the light blue Aegean sea and the bay of Despotiko island. Oliaros has been in our family for decades and it is with patience and devotion that was built , preserved and refurbished in its contemporary look. Nowadays, Vasilis and Zafeiria with a team of lovely people run the lodge with a smile and real respect to the Greek hospitality. They will welcome you in the morning, prepare and serve the Greek homemade breakfast and in the evening you might listen to them playing classical or jazz music with their instruments. We believe that you will love our place and we will make our best to offer you beautiful holidays!

Services We can arrange a taxi transfer to Oliaros.  Always a prior booking is preferable with the exact time and type of transportation that you arrive on the island.

We can help you on any travel and flight arrangements, car and bike rentals and provide you with information about other islands and inland destinations.

Wi-Fi available in the rooms and in public areas (please note that since you are in a remote area, the internet signal might not always be efficient).

A map of Antiparos is always available for you with a lot of tips, places with amazing natural beauty, places to swim, sea caves, paths to hike.

Our homemade breakfast is served from 8.30 to 11.00 in the outer area of the lodge.  If you have special preferences or you are in a special diet, please let us know on arrival.

The rooms are cleaned daily and the sheets and towels are changed every 3 days.

Beach towels are available on request.

Yoga sessions are organized with minimum 4 participants.

We are sure that you will love our place and you will have wonderful holidays, please let us know anything that might be important to you during your holidays!!

Comments (1)

Dear sirs My name is Nancy Schuman. I am a travel agent with ALTOUR International in Los Angeles. My client, Ms Francesca Keck is attending a wedding in Hydra, and would like to stay at your lodge from July 04 – July 11, 2022 for one week. Please advise rated and availability for that time. Also do you pay travel agent commissions? Also, what is the best way for her to reach Antiparos from Hydra and then return to .Athens? Thank you so much for your time and help. Kind regards, Nancy Schuman ALTOUR [email protected] 818 956-5833

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Antiparos, an upscale antidote to overcrowded Greek islands

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Mark Ellwood

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

It’s a startling contrast after such a short journey, stepping off the five-minute ferry from Paros to the tiny island of Antiparos next door. Some elements are familiar, such as the whitewashed town near the harbour, a Cyclades cliché filled with those sugar-cube buildings.

But scan the scrubby, rocky landscape that comprises much of the rest of the island and there is something noticeably different about the place: it’s dotted with luxurious modern homes. In the sunshine there’s a glint of glass from one hilltop mansion; another huge home seems to be embedded in the rock as if hibernating; the curved walls of another have a mid-century modishness. 

“Barack Obama was here this summer,” the taxi driver tells me, proudly and unprompted, as we drive from the port. “Matthew McConaughey visited a while ago, too, and he was very nice.”

In the past 20 years, Antiparos has quietly emerged as one of the priciest places to buy a home anywhere in Greece: one estate here recently sold for €16mn, and more than 140 large new houses have been built here in the past two decades. 

Certainly, there’s star wattage here: Tom Hanks and his Greek-American wife Rita Wilson are longtime homeowners. But it would be wrong to think of the 35 sq km island as a mini Mykonos, says Ileana von Hirsch, whose company Five Star Greece handles seasonal rentals for many of the owners here as well as elsewhere in the country.

“Antiparos is the closest thing Greece has to Mustique,” she says, referring to the exclusive private island in the Caribbean. “One [client] had a beautiful house and specified the kind of [renters] he wanted: ‘Art Basel types,’ he said. No owner on Mykonos is going to say that to you.”

Adria Stamou runs a medical business with her family, and used to spend summers in Santorini nearby — now, thanks to cruise ships and Instagram, she barely uses their second home there. About 20 years ago some of her friends started snapping up plots in Antiparos and she followed their lead. She recently resolved to build on the 8 acres she owns and is working with architect Julie Spartinou Patroni on the final designs of a property that will include a main house and a guest cottage, which is primed for her 14-year-old son to use as a crash pad for his friends. She hopes to be using it by summer 2025.

We liked that the buildings here weren’t the very traditional-looking houses, which gives you the option for more creativity

Homes here are already fetching the same per square metre as luxury homes on Mykonos or Santorini, starting at around €7,000, according to Ifigeneia Diamantidou of Barnes International. Transaction data is not publicly available in Greece but the impact of rising interest rates has not had a major impact, agents report. “None of the sales we have made in the past year were financed — they were all cash,” says Yannis Ploumis, managing director of Ploumis-Sotiropoulos, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real estate.

Marina Manolopoulou, the Athens-based founder of Kultia Jewels, is another new-home builder. Hers is being designed by Babis Ioannou of architectural practice ISV. “We liked that the buildings here weren’t the very traditional-looking houses . . . which gives you the option for more creativity,” she says.

Both Manolopoulou and Stamou credit one man with driving interest in the island among wealthy would-be homeowners: Iasson Tsakonas. The 51-year-old property developer says he stumbled upon Antiparos 20 years ago after earmarking $3mn to buy an island summer home. “I was looking for sunsets, always dreaming of sunsets,” he says. So, he built a hilltop home on the island. “I’m quite a social person, so when I completed my house, I wanted to have fun with my friends. There were no grand plans,” he claims now, after finishing 55 projects in the past two decades under the banner of his company Oliaros (the ancient name for Antiparos).

New homes have been designed by the likes of Atelier Bow-Wow, AREA and Camilo Rebelo, a roster of architects that combines up-and-coming talents with established names.

“Buyers here like big houses, to have guests, or big pieces of land for privacy and to protect the island from development,” says Diamantidou — something that planning laws are almost perfectly suited to facilitate.

More than half of the island’s landmass is a protected preserve, and local lawmakers passed an edict in the 1990s intended to keep development at low density — unlike most other islands, where the minimum plot for development is 4,000 sq m, or around 1 acre, they doubled that requirement here. The proportion of their plots that developers can build on is smaller on Antiparos too.  

A recent change in Greek laws that intended to constrain development across the country is also having an impact on Antiparos, says Athens-based architect Martha Giannakopoulou. It requires new homes to sit on land that connects to a public road; and in Antiparos, there were few official tracks mapped out when the country started documenting them a century ago. “It means many plots [on the island] are in limbo right now, because they’re on undeclared streets,” she says. 

If you can get permission, though, it is often easier to create grand statement homes on largely rural islands such as Antiparos because, she says, unlike in settlements, there isn’t the same pressure to build in a way that is aesthetically consistent with your surroundings.

Many of the island’s wealthy homeowners are glad of the constraints: most that I talk to want to avoid the fate of a nearby island, one that they mention with shuddering unwillingness.

“What we all want to avoid is turning into Mykonos,” says Athanasia Comninos, a shipping heiress who owns and operates an upscale hotel, The Rooster. She arrived in the wake of a bad divorce and wanted a new island to use as her summer base. A wealthy friend had built two homes here; Comninos bought a swath of land on the west coast to turn into her resort.

Overdevelopment is still a pressing concern, however. “The Cyclades have a very fragile ecosystem,” says 50-year-old Constantinos Lambadarios, who’s been visiting here since he was a child and whose family first bought a house here in the 1980s. As the island’s population increases, he cites concerns around waste management and water — there’s no island-wide municipal supply, and digging wells is expensive, so many homeowners rely instead on deliveries by truck.

Antiparos locals all have this underlying sense of how special and powerful a place this is. People don’t want to see that change

There are hints the island is becoming a little more like Mykonos: take Soros beach club, for example, where one decorative element is an insouciant trash pile of empty Veuve Clicquot bottles and lunch is served to a clubby soundtrack. One new opening this summer was Bardot, a bar in the centre of the town operated by the same team as Alemagou nightclub on Mykonos.

These concerns didn’t deter Slater Bradley. The San Francisco-born artist first stumbled on the island where he would build a second home in the summer of 2016, after decamping from the US to live in Berlin a few years earlier. He was pinballing around the Greek islands and credits a “cosmic pull” for drawing him to the southern tip of Antiparos, where a patch of 700 or so plots had been laid out. “There were jaw-dropping views of the sea and the sunset,” he recalls. Within three days, he’d bought the land he was shown. He bought the plot next door a year later, too.  

Bradley is also working with the architect Julie Spartinou Patroni, though cost increases in the wake of the pandemic have delayed his construction. He hopes to create more than a home here, but rather a wellness centre, inspired in part by the energies he feels coursing through the island thanks to its quartz bedrock. Antiparos locals “all have this underlying sense of how special and powerful a place this is”, he adds. “People don’t want to see that change.”

At a glance

Antiparos is only accessible by ferry from Paros; flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Paros are regularly scheduled.

Luxury waterfront homes in Antiparos can fetch €10,000 per sq m, according to estate agents Ploumis-Sotiropoulos.

On the market

Waterfront villa complex, €3.1mn

A brand new nine-bedroom, nine-bathroom home in the south of the island, overlooking Despotiko island. The property consists of three standalone homes, each with their own pool, to use independently or together. Available through Christie’s International Real Estate .

Contemporary hilltop home, €7.5mn

A six-bedroom house that looks like an idling spaceship sitting in the hills. It’s known as Lemonia, or the Lemon Tree, and was designed by Athens-based architects Deca. The circular home has more than 800 sq m of space. Available through Barnes International. (Also available to rent through Five Star Greece.)

Villa complex, €20mn

A collection of three stone-built villas in the south of the island, comprising a total of 12 en-suite bedrooms, three swimming pools and a tennis court. There is more than 1,600 sq m of living space built on a 16,000 sq m plot. Available through Barnes International .

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Cliffhanger

• Theme: Secluded, Sunset View
• Minimum stay: 7 days/one week

Perched on a steep slope and looking over the Antiparos’ west coast, Cliffhanger more than lives up to its name. Enjoying magnificent views over the Aegean and the Cycladic archipelago, guests will enjoy spectacular crimson skies at (...) Read more

Perched on a steep slope and looking over the Antiparos’ west coast, Cliffhanger more than lives up to its name. Enjoying magnificent views over the Aegean and the Cycladic archipelago, guests will enjoy spectacular crimson skies at sunset. Flexibly designed to suit different activities and times of day, the house has a rooftop lounge and pool terrace, a dedicated BBQ area and six bedrooms split across different levels — and a detached guest house — for maximum privacy.

Nearest beach: 2 km Beach House Antiparos: 9 km Closest village/port: 1 km Closest airport: 25′ Distance from port: 15′

Amenities & Features

• Swimming pool
• Private parking
• Spacious outdoor areas
• Antiparos, Greece
• 5 Bathrooms
• Building 420 m²
• Land 13520 m²
• Swimming pool 11 x 5

Antiparos is a splendid island, a tranquil star belonging to the cosmos of the Small Cyclades.

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OLIAROS is a responsible residential developer, defined by a passion for architecture and inspired by the unique values of Greek living. We design high quality and innovative properties that are symbiotic with the environment and help build new communities.

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