I bet that everyone knows the popular island of Paros but I am not sure if you are familiar with the wonderful small island next to it: Antiparos.
Probably the number 1 reason why you may have heard it though is because the famous actor, Tom Hanks, owns a villa on the island and spends his summers there. Antiparos is a small Greek island located in the heart of the Aegean Sea in the Cyclades group of islands, next to Paros, from which is the access to the island. Antiparos doesn’t have many villages but a small picturesque town (or Chora) which is the island’s main settlement, full of nice shops, restaurants and bars that I totally recommend spending at least 2-3 days there.
How did I get there?
- I took the ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Paros island (Paroikia port). You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com
- I drove for 15 minutes from Paroikia port to Pounta port in Paros.
- I took the local ferry from Pounta port to Antiparos island. The ferry can also accommodate cars, with regular schedule and quick trips. The duration was 5-10 minutes and I paid (summer 2023) 1,50€ per person & 7,30€ for the car.
Angel’s tip: It is not so common as they cannot carry cars and work mainly during high season but there are also ferries from Paroikia port to Antiparos during peak season. (duration half an hour)
MUST do on the island?
- Stroll in Antiparos town and castle (more like a district in the town) day & night.
- Choose your accommodation (ideally in Antiparos town) in order not to have to drive or use the taxi during the night. Even if you are not at the island for the nightlife, it is truly wonderful to stroll around to have a look in the beautiful shops, have an ice cream, get lost in the alleys, enjoy the vibes…
- Visit Antiparos Cave, one of the island’s top attractions. With a depth of about 85m, it is impressive and home to spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Beaches
Not organized at all
- My absolute favorite: Faneromeni, 30’ drive from the town оn thе sοuthernmost part оf the island. For the last 15 minutes you drive on an easy dirt road.
- Sostis: or Agios Sоstis, is a smаll beach оn thе sοuthernmost part оf the island with transpаrеnt waters in light and dаrk blue colours, shallow waters and sand. The last part of the road tо Agiοs Sostis is dirt but еаsy tо drive οn. The bеach is not оrgаnized and therе are nο shops around tо gеt fοod оr drinks.
With at least a few umbrellas or a canteen to buy something.
- Soros beach. Absolutely cool vibes with the most famous beach bar of the island. Angel’s tip: Please have in mind that it is expensive though, I paid for a set of umbrellas 60 euros and 1 salad 18 euros.
- Agios Georgios with umbrellas & sunbeds. Nice but not something wow!
- Fanari for an option close to the town.
A wonderful excursion
A day trip to Despotiko island. Despotiko is a small, uninhabited Greek island situated west of the island of Antiparos, well known for the ancient Sanctuary. Boats depart often from Agios Georgios and I paid 35€ for transportation & a little tour around. More details here.
Sunset time
For breathtaking sunset, head towards Sifneiko beach. Sifneiko beach (or sunset beach) can be reached on foot from the square in Antiparos town (500m distance), or by car via the ring road. You have 2 options for drinks/coffee in case you don’t want to have it on the road or at the beach. First one is the “Sunset” and the other one is the “Sifneiko” cafeteria.
Restaurants
Despite its small size, Antiparos has great options for delicious lunch/dinner with high quality products. I have some recommendations but there are obviously other restaurants as well.
Angel’s tip: Ideally if you are there during high season, make a reservation some days in advance.
- “Klimataria” & “Argo” restaurants in Antiparos town for local Greek cuisine .
- “Captain Pipinos” in Agios Georgios beach for seafood next to the sea. No reservations accepted.
- “Samano” in Antiparos port & “Vassilenas Blue” in the town for more gourmet dishes and higher prices.
- “Peramataki” restaurant in Soros area.
- “Lollo’s” & “Salerosso” for Italian cuisine .
Brunch
- Yam: My favorite. I enjoyed the location in a beautiful yard in the town and the food 100%.
- Elia: It is very popular for many years already. Great brunch, a bit noisy as it is located on the main pedestrian road.
- Palate: Open 24 hours so it is ideal for late after drinks food.
Ice cream
- Vicky’s : the most famous on the island with an impressive variety of flavours, as per picture below.
- Gelato di Nonna
Nightlife
Nightlife in Antiparos is lovely! There are so many nice bars in Antiparos town. Some examples:
- Lime bar
- The Smile Company Antiparos
- A lo Cubano
- BOOGALOO
- Funky Cedar
After 03:00 am, you have 2 options:
- Disco La Luna which is a disco playing more 80/90s and early 2000s. Entrance fee is 10 euros including a drink and it’s a 10 minute walk from the main square of the town.
- Mylos Club, depending on the party, there might be Greek music or mainstream /techno! Entrance fee including a drink is 10 euros.
Dancing club Mylos
Of course you can visit both with this order like I did. Angel’s tip: Drinks in Disco are not of such good quality, prefer a beer instead.
*For more pictures, check my relevant posts and reels on Instagram*
IG : angeliki.a_