Antiparos | Cyclades
37.035742° N, 25.077802° E
Once the boho alternative to the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Paros, the tiny island of Antiparos has become over the last few years the best kept secret of the world's rich and famous. And understandably so, with sophisticated bars, chic restaurants and uber-stylish boutiques seamlessly blending in with the established pretty shops and authentic tavernas.
Small, but perfectly formed, low-key, offering the perfect summer-vibe, yet cheerfully lively - this unassuming yet stunning island offers a hip interpretation of the traditional Cycladic style, and a truly lovely holiday experience, with a hint of the exclusive, but with a welcoming smile.
The slightly more touristy waterfront and main street give way to a winding maze of white-washed alleys decorated beautifully by the stunning colours of the bougainvillea. The ambience is easy-going and intimate, the beaches are beautiful and unspoilt, and the shopping surprisingly good for an island of this size.
The island is ideal for those who value privacy, an authentically Greek experience and beautiful unspoilt surroundings, but don't want to give up on the comfort, luxury and convenience usually offered by an established destination. The island boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a fascinating cave with stalactites and stalagmites and three nearby uninhabited islets that are perfect for daily excursions.
The town
Antiparos is a small island so you can find almost anything you will need within walking distance. The island’s town offers plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars, with new ones opening every year.Agios Georgios
If you want to escape the peak season crowds, though, you can head to the beach of Agios Georgios, about 10km from the town, home of the traditional Pipinos taverna, one of the island's best kept secrets.The cave
On the south-east part of the island, tucked in the hill of Agios Ioannis, you will find the cave of Antiparos, where you can climb down the 400 or so steps to see the impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites.Despotiko
A tiny uninhabited islet off the coast of Antiparos, Despotiko is an unknown gem with spectacular beaches and an archaeological site of great interest. The islet was once an important place of worship for ancient Parians, with temples and artefacts dedicated to Apollo and his sister Artemis.
The island's town is a traditional Cycladic settlement with cobbled streets, white-washed houses and colorful geraniums and bougainvillea around every corner. The main street features a number of shops and boutiques that are surprisingly stylish and feature Greek and international chic brands. There are also some great dining options and a surprisingly lively nightlife.
If you are a sports enthusiast, the stretch between Paros and Antiparos is a well-known wind-surfing and kite-surfing spot favoured by locals and foreigners alike. Last but not least, if you are in a cosmopolitan mood, Paros is only a 10minute boat ride away and the ferries that connect the two islands leave every half hour.
To get to Antiparos, you have to first go to Paros and then catch a boat to Antiparos. The ride lasts 10 minutes and the boats leave every 30 minutes. You can get to Paros either by plane from Athens or by ferry from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. The flight takes about 20 minutes while the ferry ride from Piraeus is 4hrs 15min and the ferry from Rafina is 3hrs 30min.
Although small and ideal for alternative vacationing, Antiparos boasts a fine selection of holiday villas to rent dispersed throughout its extend. Mostly adequate for two couples, a family or a small group friends the luxurious private villas with pool found on the island of Antiparos offer the utmost of comfort in their refined interior and exterior spaces perfectly attuned with the wild nature around them.
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