Antiparos a family affair
Easy to get here from Paros
Antiparos is a small Greek Island, with a family relaxing atmosphere in the Cyclades, near Paros.
I have always choosen the easiest and quickest crossing between Paros and Antiparos from Pounta (Paros) to Antiparos. Frequent ferry service, crossing time less than 10 minutes. Alternative Antiparos ferry from Parikia (Paros) 35-40 minutes.
Arriving to Antiparos charming port with the usual inviting tavernas, cafes, excursion and tour boats. Pleasant village (same village diffrent name Chora, Antiparos or Kastro) main street with many cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. (I hired a car in Parikia, Paros which I used during my short stay on Antiparos) If you decide to stay in Chora there is no need for a car, walking is the name of the game, or
Rent a bike several bike rentals available. Bicycle rental prices in Antiparos (often linked with Paros) typically start around €15-€20 per day for city bikes, moving up to €20-€30+ for mountain bikes, and higher for electric or premium road bikes, with varying rates for longer rentals, but expect to pay roughly €30-€40+ daily for quality E-bikes or performance models
Chora
walking on cobbled stoned-paved streets leading into whitewashed alleys, with houses surrounded by flower beds, I followed the main street to a larger central square with a sizable eucalyptus tree, this is also where we find the Venetian Castle.
The Venetian castle (from year 1440), well hidden in Chora’s village.
The castle had been built around a courtyard in the centre of which there was a three-storeyed tower whose base is the only part remaining today. The houses’ exterior walls are also the walls of the castle. Only a single medieval gate and a tower.
Chora main street almost traffic free (family friendly) walking and cycling is an attractive alternative to travel around here.
Chora offers heaps of good and varied accommodation, all within walking distance to several beaches. For families with young children head for the shallow and sheltered beach, north of the port.
Chora offer a pleasant nightlife, tavernas, bars and restaurants and music entertsinment.
Where to eat
Kalokeri restaurant, located in the center of Chora serving, tasty greek cousine with a modern touch.
Yam restaurant, off the mainstreet in Chora, nice garden, lovely atmosphere, as they say “eat, drink, relax and listen to the sound of happy tunes”.
Anargyros Restaurant, seaside location Chora, fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, mezes to share.
Where to stay
Theologos Beach studios, apartments and double rooms. Next to the beach, with shallow, blue waters, ideal for small kids, only 200m from the port.
Kouros Village and the Island of Paros are all visible from the restaurant and by pool side and seashore.The three sea facing buildings offer all accommodations with balconies and sea view rooms. The Kouros Village has a pool and beautiful surrounding gardens. Just a few minute walk away is the the harbor and the charming village of Chora You can also access many of Antiparos’ beautiful beaches all within walking distance from Kouros Village.
Antiparos Escape Villas coming soon
A few beaches close to Chora
Agios Spiridonas beach (Theologos Beach)
is the shallowest sandy beach on the island, walking distance just to the north of the town Chora (200-250 meters) its a long curving strip of sand, and fringed with Tamarisk trees providing the shade. Sunbeds and umbrellas available. This beach is perfect for younger children, its only about 20-30 cm deep after 30 - 40 meters from the shore. Bars and restaurants are only a short walk away
Camping Beach Antiparos
This lovely beach is probably one of the most popular on the island. It is located next to the camping site, about 100-150 meters on foot from Chora. Long and sandy, the waters are shallow and clean.
Antiparos Camping
offers tents for shade, beautiful shelters and lovely pitches as well as a large space to set up your own tents. The beach is among the places in Antiparos where nudism is officially allowed.In fact, camping and nudism are very popular in Antiparos, so this beach combines both. Reservation available through their website.
Psaraliki beach
a five minutes walk south of the Antiparos port, two beaches next to each other, with the second only a couple of minutes further on. South east facing and sheltered from the northerly winds and therefore big waves are rarely a problem. Shallow beach so it's perfect for families with small children. Shade provided under trees however umbrellas and sunbeds are available.
Beaches by boats from the Port
take your pick
Get your Guide to Boat trips
Antiparos Island
The rest of the Island is still relatively underdeveloped. The tarmac road allowing public transport to run as far as Agios Georgios on the south west coast of the island.
Antiparos has a local bus service (run by Oliaros)
connecting the main port with popular spots like the Cave, Panagia, Glyfa, Apantima, Soros, and Agios Georgios beaches, with routes varying by season and operating primarily during summer. Normally season start around 20 May.
Cave of Antiparos
The famous Cave of Antiparos, is situated 13km South-east from Antiparos town, on the hill of Agios Ioannis. At the entrance to the cave is the little church and an enormous stalagmite.
There is bus route from Antiparos town. in the past the bus stop on a bend in the road halfway up a mountain side, just below the cave.
Cave of Antiparos
At the entrance is the little church of Ayios Ioannis Spilotis.
On my way to Agios Georgios I stoped at a smallish resort settlement Soros. Very nice and long beach. A good family friendly place to stay Soros Beach Club. A number of Holiday homes are also available.
Agios Georgios area
Image from my first visit to Agios Geogios year 2011
As you can see from the image there are some development on its way a system of roads has been laid out in a grid behind the beach anticipating the building of a more villas by a major holiday home developer.
The area of Agios Georgios feels a bit remote, but is worth the effort of getting to. This is what I did during my day visit here.
First a swim from a sandy beach. Walking distance to the tavernas for lunch. Moored at the jetty the boat to the uninhabitated Despotiko Island, pristine beaches and ancient remains that have beem excavated.
Part of the lunch menu sundried octopus and mackerel (genus Scomber), known in various regions as Scumpri or Kolios.
Captain Pepinos taverna by the sea. Lovely lunch, in a glorious relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, brief walk back to the jetty, a short boat trip to uninhabitated Despotiko Island.
Despotiko Island
Ancient name Presepinthos.
2015 excavations at the Archaic (6th C BC) sanctuary site on an Aegean Sea islet revealed new evidence about its size and organization. The sanctuary seems to have been devotet to Apollo. Archaeologists discovered an ornate façade of a structure measuring 35 meters by 15 meters,
Independence
The Antiparians were among the first in the Cyclades to take part in the War of Independence and in 1832 officially became part of the Greek state. During World war II Antiparos was occupied by the Italians.
“Madalena” the movie
Antiparos become known to the wider Greek public in 1960 and through the Greek cinema, where workshops hosted by Finos Films, the movie "Madalena" (YouTube link trailer Madalena).
