Antiparos: The Complete Travel Guide 

Antiparos travel guide

Discover the best things to do in Antiparos, from beautiful beaches and boat trips to standout restaurants, bars and local experiences.

Once a quiet neighbour to Paros, Antiparos has evolved into one of the Cyclades’ most sought-after destinations, attracting everyone from international celebrities and yacht owners to families and couples who return summer after summer.

Yet Antiparos has never lost sight of what made people fall in love with it in the first place. The island remains refreshingly small, as you can cross it in little more than ten minutes, spend the morning swimming on one side of the island and be back in Chora in time for lunch. There is no need for elaborate planning, long drives or rushing from one attraction to the next. 

Most of the days are spent wandering around the island’s charming Chora, one of the most charming in the Cyclades. In the morning its narrow streets remain relatively quiet, while after sunset they fill with visitors moving between boutiques, bars and restaurants tucked behind whitewashed walls. 

There are many beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, boat trips to nearby Despotiko and enough to keep visitors exploring for days, but the real appeal of Antiparos is how the island allows you to unwind and feel as though you are worlds away from city life. 

What to See and Do in Antiparos

Explore the Cave of Antiparos– One of the island’s most remarkable natural attractions, the Cave of Antiparos has been drawing visitors for centuries. Located in the south of the island, the cave is filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, including formations believed to be among the oldest in Europe. Historical inscriptions left by visitors over the centuries add another layer of intrigue, while the small chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis beside the entrance is worth a visit in its own right.

Take a Boat Trip to Despotiko– A short boat ride from Antiparos, the uninhabited island of Despotiko is one of the highlights of the Cyclades. Known for its crystal-clear waters and significant archaeological site, the island was once home to an important sanctuary dedicated to Apollo. Today, visitors come to swim in secluded coves, explore the ongoing excavations and experience one of the region’s most fascinating historical sites.

Visit the Venetian Castle– Tucked within the heart of Chora, the 15th-century Venetian Castle offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Built as a fortified settlement to protect residents from pirate raids, it remains one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Cycladic architecture and is easily explored while wandering through town.

Visit Agrilia Estate– For a different perspective on island life, head to Agrilia Estate, a family-run organic olive grove where visitors can learn about olive oil production and sample some of the island’s finest products. Surrounded by ancient olive trees, it offers a quieter and more authentic experience away from the beaches.   

Wander Through Chora– Spend an afternoon exploring the narrow laneways, browsing independent boutiques, stopping for coffee in shaded courtyards and discovering the hidden corners that sit beyond the main street. As evening approaches, the town takes on a different vibe, as visitors and locals gather for aperitivo before dinner.

Best Beaches in Antiparos

Soros Beach- One of the island’s most popular beaches, Soros is known for its clear turquoise water and lively atmosphere. Spend the day swimming before settling in for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants or bars overlooking the sea.

Sifneiko Beach- Located on the western side of the island, Sifneiko is best known as one of the finest sunset spots in Antiparos. 

Glyfa Beach- A peaceful stretch of sand and pebbles, Glyfa is a favourite for those seeking a quieter beach day, with the calm setting and shallow water making it a popular choice for families.

Agios Georgios Beach- Overlooking Despotiko, Agios Georgios offers beautiful views and a more relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for a swim before lunch at one of the nearby tavernas along the waterfront.

Paralia Sostis- For those looking to escape the crowds, Paralia Sostis offers a wilder and more untouched side of Antiparos. Surrounded by rugged natural scenery, it remains one of the island’s most peaceful places to swim.

Apantima Beach- Set within a sheltered bay on the island’s western coast, Apantima is a picturesque pebble beach with remarkably clear water with a dramatic setting and excellent beachside restaurant. 

Best Beach Clubs in Antiparos 

Beach House- One of the island’s best-known beach clubs, Beach House combines a relaxed atmosphere with good food, cocktails and a beautiful stretch of coastline. Spend the day moving between the beach, restaurant and bar, or join one of the yoga sessions held throughout the summer.

Soros Beach Club- Set directly on Soros Beach, the club is the ideal spot for a long lunch or afternoon cocktails by the sea. Expect fresh seafood, sushi and uninterrupted views across the turquoise waters.

Fanari- Located on the southern side of the island, Fanari pairs a laid-back beach setting and is the kind of place where lunch easily stretches well into the afternoon.

Where to Eat in Antiparos

Planeftra- One of the island’s most exciting new openings of 2026, Planeftra offers a thoughtful take on Greek cuisine, with traditional recipes reimagined through a contemporary lens. Opened by four friends, it feels deeply personal, from the carefully crafted menu to the family photographs woven throughout the dining experience.

YAPA- Housed within the former Antiparos Folklore Museum, Milan’s YAPA has now opened a seasonal eatery in Antiparos, combining a beautiful setting with a menu shaped by travel, memory and a deep respect for ingredients. The experience flows from dinner into cocktails, making it one of the island’s most distinctive dining destinations.

Cookoovaya- Located directly on the waterfront, the restaurant combines exceptional ingredients, thoughtful cooking and a relaxed island setting, making it one of the most exciting fine dining addresses on the island.

Sapou- What began as a small seaside restaurant by the port has grown into one of the island’s most popular dining addresses. Expect creative dishes that draw inspiration from both Greek and international cuisines, served in a stylish yet relaxed setting.

The Secret Garden- Hidden within The Rooster, The Secret Garden offers one of the most beautiful dining experiences on Antiparos. Surrounded by nature and beneath a canopy of stars, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients in a tranquil setting.

Captain Pipinos- Located on the waterfront at Agios Georgios, Captain Pipinos is a long-standing favourite known for its ultra-fresh seafood and uninterrupted views towards Despotiko. Order whatever has come in fresh that day, although the grilled octopus is always a winner. 

Sifneiko Café- Few restaurants enjoy a better sunset position than Sifneiko Café. Overlooking Sifneikos Gialos, it is the perfect place to settle in for dinner as the sun disappears into the Aegean.

Taverna Peramataki- Simple, authentic and consistently good, Taverna Peramataki is the place locals and returning visitors continue to seek out. Be sure to order the meatballs in rich tomato sauce, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

Where to Go for Coffee, Brunch and Something Sweet

Afros Sip & Bites- Perched above the harbour, Afros Sip & Bites is a favourite for specialty coffee, generous brunch plates and sweeping views across the island. 

M.Eros- One of the island’s most popular breakfast and brunch spots, M.Eros serves everything from traditional loukoumades to fresh acai bowls, eggs and seasonal dishes. 

10AM Apotheke- Part café, part concept store, 10AM Apotheke from Athens has a pop-up store on Antiparos and this year it will feature at Beach House Antiparos. Alongside excellent coffee and brunch, expect fresh bread, incense and herbs, blurring the line between what you can eat, and what you can take home.

Vicky’s Ice Cream- No visit to Antiparos is complete without a stop at Vicky’s. Known for its homemade ice cream and gelato, it has become something of an island institution and, if you’re lucky, you may find yourself queuing alongside a famous face or two.

Where to Drink in Antiparos

Sunset Antiparos- Perched above a secluded bay on the island’s western coast, Sunset Antiparos is one of the best places to end the day. Come for a cocktail and stay for the spectacular sunset views across the Aegean towards Sifnos.

Citron Antiparos- Part café, part cocktail bar and part concept store, Citron captures the laid-back charm that defines Antiparos. Tucked away in one of Chora’s picturesque laneways, it is equally suited to a morning coffee or evening drink.

Bardót- One of the island’s most stylish new openings, Bardót combines a carefully curated wine list with a sophisticated atmosphere and an excellent soundtrack. Whether you stop by for an aperitivo before dinner or a late-night glass of wine, it is a place people tend to linger.

Boogaloo Cocktail Bar- A long-time favourite on the island, Boogaloo is known for its lively atmosphere and creative cocktails infused with fresh herbs and local ingredients. 

Where to Stay in Antiparos

The Rooster- One of the island’s most sought-after stays, The Rooster combines understated luxury with a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and slow living. Set across a sprawling coastal property, guests can expect beautifully designed accommodation, farm-to-table dining and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

Beach House Antiparos- Located on the shores of Apantima Bay, Beach House Antiparos offers a relaxed beachfront escape with direct access to one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. Its laid-back atmosphere, sea-facing rooms and popular beach club make it a favourite among returning visitors.

Sunset Studios- Perched above the sea on the island’s western coast, Sunset Studios enjoys one of the most enviable positions in Antiparos. Simple, comfortable and perfectly placed for sunset views, it offers a more traditional island stay within easy reach of beaches and Chora.

Poema Antiparos- Located just a short walk from the heart of Chora, Poema Antiparos offers a collection of elegant apartments designed for travellers seeking both privacy and comfort. Each residence features contemporary interiors, generous living spaces and a private pool. 

Where to Shop in Antiparos

VOLTO Concept Space- More than just a boutique, VOLTO is a creative hub dedicated to contemporary Greek design and craftsmanship. The space brings together ceramics, art prints, handcrafted objects and rotating exhibitions, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in art, interiors and independent makers.

ZÀLI- A carefully curated collection of clothing, accessories and lifestyle pieces inspired by island living. Whether you are looking for resortwear or a unique souvenir, it is worth setting aside time for a browse.

Oyster- One of Antiparos’ go-to boutiques for contemporary fashion and beautifully crafted artisan pieces. Expect a thoughtful mix of resortwear, accessories and design-led finds that perfectly suit the island’s relaxed aesthetic.

MoreThanThis- Housed within a historic Venetian-style castle in the heart of Chora, MoreThanThis is one of the island’s most distinctive concept stores. Curated by interior designer Elena Xanthopoulou, the boutique brings together jewellery, ceramics, furniture, art and carefully sourced objects from Greece and beyond.

Getting to Antiparos

By Plane

The quickest way to reach Antiparos from Athens is to fly into Paros. From Paros Airport, it is around a 10-minute drive to Pounta, where regular ferries depart for Antiparos. The crossing takes approximately seven minutes.

By Ferry

Ferries operate daily between Athens and Paros from Piraeus Port, with journey times ranging from around three to five hours depending on the service. Upon arrival in Parikia, visitors can either take a taxi or bus to Pounta before boarding the short ferry to Antiparos.

Alternatively, during the summer season, passenger ferries also operate directly between Parikia and Antiparos, offering a convenient connection without the need to travel via Pounta.

You can book your ferry tickets here. 

Main image by Sunset Studios 

 

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Stylish Escape at Meli Suites

Imagine for a moment that you are soaking in the warm rays of the Greek sun in your own private swimming pool overlooking the sea. It feels nourishing and healing- as all your aches and pains just fade away. Welcome to Meli Suites in Skala Potamia, a little piece of paradise!

We visited the Meli Suites Isle before and loved every single bit of our stay. Having chatted with the staff it sounded like we shouldn’t leave the island without taking a look at the Meli Suites, the original hotel of the Meli Suites hotel collection.

Meli Suites is mainly comprised of stylish suites embracing a mixture of Scandinavian and Aegean architecture with private swimming pools and sea views. Inside the suites, the luxury brief is taken seriously with eye-popping decor and details that recall the famous, white-washed Cycladic islands.

Lavish interiors aside, Meli Suites is located in Skala Potamias centre, right next to the busy seafront with a number of bars and restaurants, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring the village on foot. It didn’t take much to persuade my husband that we had to extend our stay on the island. Thankfully, the idea was equally appealing to him, too.

We stayed at the Superior Suite and our time here can only be described as indelible!

With a private balcony that featured our very own swimming pool, big, comfy sunbeds and spectacular sea views, we didn’t see any need to leave the hotel and travel further afield. In the morning, we would indulge in our homemade breakfast by the main swimming pool, then sunbathe on our private balcony and would only leave to take a quick dip in the sea before lunch. At night, we would drop into one of the seafront bars and enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the sea.

But enough with the words, let the pictures speak for themselves!

If you are thinking of visiting the verdant green island of Thassos, then Skala Potamia is a good place to start. From here you can embark on daily trips to the nearby villages of Panagia and Limenaria, and explore beaches like the Giola Lagoon with its crystal emerald waters. Beyond this, Meli Suites is the most luxurious and stylish hotel in the area so book your stay in one of their luxurious suites and let the positive vibes of this unique hotel work wonders for your mind and body.

Images by: Alexandros Iconomidis ©
Architecture design: BMMB Architects 

Greece’s Tourist Season 2022 to Begin on April 1 

Greece plans on extending its tourist season in 2022, as it will officially kick off on the 1st of April, announced Greece’s Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Friday, during the annual general assembly of the Rhodes Hoteliers Association.

“We must be ready by the end of March, as in any case, the new tourist season will commence on April 1st,” said Minister Kikilias, during his speech. 

“The Greek government’s aim is to extend the tourist season. And what we seek is quality in tourism, as well as higher hotel occupancy numbers,” he stressed.

According to the latest reports, Greece welcomed more than two million international visitors in the months of July and August 2021 alone- the highest of any other European nation- with the country looking towards a very optimistic 2022. 

The minister added that the contacts he made at the International French Travel Market, during his recent visit to Paris were very positive, with Greece being a favourite destination for the French this year. More than 450,000 French tourists visited the Greek islands this summer and according to the latest travel agent bookings, those numbers are expected to increase in 2022. 

Minister Kikilias went on to thank the hoteliers of Rhodes and the Association’s President Manolis Markopoulos, for supporting not only the Dodecanese island but the Greek tourism industry in general by operating quarantine hotels and for increasing the salaries of the employees during the challenging last two years. 

Exploring Santorini’s Active Volcano

Greece’s romantic island of Santorini is on top of the list on many bucket lists; seeing the breathtaking Caldera, magical sunsets, charming blue-domed churches, and the village of Oia. But one thing that shouldn’t be missed is getting up close to Santorini’s active volcano. 

One of the greatest attractions of Santorini and of utmost importance to the island is the
 volcano, whose former intense activity gave the island its current shape and morphology. Before the several volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the years, the size and the shape of Santorini were quite different. It was a much larger, round island, which is why its name used to be Strogili, which means circular.

History of the Volcano

The Minoan eruption that sunk most of Ancient Strogili date back to 1613-1614 BC. The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri was buried under tons of lava, every island within a 60km range was burned to the ground and a massive tsunami swept everything in its path, even reaching the coast of Crete. That is when Caldera was formed, a sea basin with a diameter of 10km. Later, over the centuries, the volcano islands of Aspronisi, Therasia, Palea, and New Palea also emerged. 

Insights Greece - Exploring Santorini's Active Volcano

Santorini’s Active Volcano 

One of the best-known volcanoes in Europe, it is a cluster of five islands in the southern Aegean Sea and lies about 100 kilometres north of Crete. The main islands of Thira and Thirasia trace out the edges of the Caldera, which formed during the major explosive eruptions. This lively volcanic past is spectacularly exposed in the multi-coloured layers of volcanic rocks that form the cliffs that mark the edge of the caldera.

The Five Islands Surrounding the Volcano

Today the result of these eruptions is the creation of five separate islands, Santorini, Therasia; an uninhabited island called Aspronisi, and the volcanic islands of Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kammeni. They compose a nice sight across the Aegean Sea, facing Santorini, and the great thing is you can visit all of them. The existence of the volcano is visible all over the island of Santorini, especially on beaches that are covered in black sand and pebbles made of solidified lava; the red volcanic rocks at Red beach are one of the most popular spots for international visitors. 

Insights Greece - Exploring Santorini's Active Volcano

The Caldera

The formation of the volcanic caldera that covers a great part of the island is what makes Santorini such an exceptionally beautiful island today, as the settlements that are built on the caldera cliffs offer a wild beauty and a stunning view. You can enjoy your time gazing at this natural beauty and the volcano that lies in the sea opposite the romantic isle. 

Exploring the Volcano 

At present, it is an underwater active volcano but you can wander on the two residual islands of black lava. There you can explore the volcano, see its crater, touch the lava rocks and feel the steaming volcano underneath your feet.

On the island of Palaia Kammeni there are hot springs known for their beneficial and therapeutic effects. The waters there contain sulfur and here you can enjoy an alternative mud bath. It is essential to swim in these waters if you wish to take your experience to a whole new level. From here you can take in the breathtaking caldera from a different point of view.

Insights Greece - Exploring Santorini's Active Volcano

Daily Boat Tours to Santorini’s Volcano 

There are daily boat tours to the volcano where visitors are able to get out and step on it, swim in the springs, and learn more facts about the volcanic activity. The boats depart either from the port of Athinios or from the old port in Fira. There is a variety of tour packages, from short excursions to more complete full-day boat trips that even transfer you to the nearby island of Therasia,  the second-largest island in the archipelago, and at the hot springs on Palea Kameni, where boats moor at Erinia and you can swim to the springs beneath the tiny church of Agios Nikolaos. Boat trips can get crowded in high season, so opt for a small-group guided tour or catamaran tour if you would prefer a more personal experience.

Tips

Wear hiking-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunscreen, and water bottles. Visiting the volcano requires about 30 minutes of uphill hiking, so may not be suitable for young children or those who are not strong walkers.