Antiparos island

General info
Antiparos belongs to the Cyclades island cluster and it is found southwester to the island of Paros. It is a small delightful island covering 38 square km and having a population of 1,050 residents approximately.

Antiparos has been characterized as “a small paradise forgotten to earth”, due to its exquisite natural beauty, its peaceful environment, but also for its archaeological interest.
ts relief is intense, with interesting morphological alternations, composed by mountains and smooth hills covered by scarce vegetation and cedars, dentelated smooth beaches with crystal blue-green clear waters especially on its eastern part,   and remote, rocky ones on its western side. Traditional villages, charming white chapels, cobbled narrow streets and picturesque squares, the remains of a Venetian castle and a famous cave with extraordinary stalagmites and stalactites are only some features of Antiparos’ enchanted charm. 

The island has started to develop its tourist industry only the last few decades and thus facilities are not providing in abundance, however its untouched- from the massive tourism- environment each year attracts more visitors, who wish to spend their holidays on an authentic Greek island.

Located near to Paros’ island, which is famous for its cosmopolitan air and its intense nightlife, Antiparos is an ideal destination for escaping and relaxing in a peaceful environment.
Via   its daily connection with the port of Paros, Antiparos is connected to the most of the Cycladic islands as well as with the islands of Dodecanese and Sporades, Crete and Skiathos

Historical profile
Early indications of inhabitation of the island date back to   the Stone Age and according to historians the first inhabitants were the Phoenicians.  The whole ancient history is Antiparos -which in antiquity was called Oliaros and took its present name in the 13th century during its Byzantine domination- is indissolubly connected with this of Paros.
Throughout centuries, Antiparos was suffered al lot by the frequent raid of pirates and it was submitted under Venetian and Ottoman rule.
Its residents were among the first who responded to the call of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and in 1832 the island was integrated to the Greek State.
The island was also served as base for the allies during World War II and it was strongly resisted to the German occupation and gained its freedom   in 1943.

Villages
Chora (Hora), is both the capital and the port of Antiparos with a population of 980 residents.

Built around a Venetian castle, the highlight of Antiparos, the capital offers a magnificent view to the sea.  Its central pedestrian street where small shops, cosy coffee-bars and taverns are found is a gathering attractive spot for all ages. Chora offers several accommodation facilities and choices for entertainment but without sacrificing its traditional character.
Take a stroll to the narrow paved streets of Chora, pass under its beautiful arches, admire its white and blue traditional houses and let the scent of the flowers that spread from the  yards fills your senses, and you will definitely understand why this tiny island is so “a small paradise forgotten to earth”.
Don’t fail also to visit the old Venetian Castle found in Chora, which was built in 14th century and consists a fine example of medieval architecture.  Just 9 km north to Chora and on the hill of Agios Ioannis, is located the famous Cave on Antiparos, probably the most renowned place of interest on the island. In its interior there are impressive stalagmites which count million of years according to experts, and are considered to be the oldest in the whole Europe.
The inscriptions and carvings found here are dating back to Geometric and Archaic period witness the cave’s long history and also its importance for the ancient residents.

At a distance of about 11 km southwest to Chora lies Agios Georgios, a small picturesque settlement from which you can enjoy a magnificent sunset. The settlement has its own homonymous sandy beach known for its clear waters. Some amazing sea caves  are found in this area.

Beaches
Antiparos has several excellent beaches with fine golden sand and crystal clear and emerald waters.
On the eastern part the most famous beaches are  Psaralikes, which in fact are  two separate beaches both of which are sandy and organized and  Agios Georgios which is also a sandy beach yet more peaceful.
On the southern part, are distinguished the beaches of Soros a sandy beach with crystalline waters and the beach of Panagia with golden sand, crystal clear waters and tree shadow.

Access
You can reach Antiparos via Paros’s two main ports, Paroikia and Pounta (Punta) both of which have regular trips particularly during high season to Antiparos.

Alternatively, you can go by plane to Paros airport and from there you can get the local boat to Antiparos.