Cycladia Travel Guides

Antiparos is a very small island endowed with striking natural beauty, golden sandy beaches, crystalline emerald waters and other natural wonders. Despite its small size though, the island of Antiparos has a lot to offer to discerning travellers seeking a relaxing escape combined with thrilling outdoor adventures. Some of the places worth visiting while on the island follow.

The Cave of Agios Ioannis
Situated 8 km from Chora the Cave of Agios Ioannis is the number one attraction of Antiparos. It is the only vertical cave in all of Europe with a depth of approximately 85 meters. Dating back to the Neolithic period the cave has been visited by many prominent individuals as dictated by inscriptions on the walls, such as Alexander the Great, King Otto, the marquis de Nointe, the lyric poet Archilochus of Paros as well as the ambassador of France.

Originally the cave was used for shelter, pottery and later on as a worship place for the goddess Artemis. Adorned with some of the most exquisite stalactites and stalagmites this enchanting grotto is one of the finest in Greece also considered a natural museum.

There are hourly bus routes from the port to the cave but it can also be reached with a traditional donkey ride. In order to discover the greatness of this natural marvel you will have to go down approximately 400 steps but it is honestly worth the trouble. The cave features the oldest stalactite in Europe estimated to be 45 million years old.

The Sea Caves
Antiparos is filled with enchanting sea caves and emerald waters were travellers can enjoy a relaxing swim in the most intimate of settings.

Chora (Kastro)
Chora, also known as Kastro (castle), is the main town and port of Antiparos. The central square of Chora is the most vibrant spot of the island filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. The imposing Venetian castle is also located in Chora featuring 4 churches within its square walls, the churches of Christos, Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis and Agios Nikolaos.

Glyfa
Glyfa is a picturesque settlement 6 km from Chora with a beautiful beach with tranquil waters and hotels and taverns in the surrounding area.

Agios Georgios Settlement
On the south-western side of Antiparos the Agios Georgios settlement is a gem of tranquillity with a gorgeous beach, translucent waters and a few taverns where swimmers can enjoy scrumptious local specialties and fresh fish. From the village of Agios Georgios you can enjoy the most amazing view to the azure of the sea and the islet of Despotiko.

Soros Settlement
Situated on the west coast of Antiparos, Soros is a quaint little settlement with a golden sandy beach, a family tavern and many houses for rent ideal for those seeking a relaxing summer escape.

Situated in Chora the Venetian castle, now in ruins, was built in the beginning of 1440 for the protection of the island's inhabitants from pirate raids. Square in shape, the castle is fortified with the houses surrounding it and it now consists of 4 churches and a circular tower that used to be the residence of the archon. It is an impressive architectural acomplishment that became well known from the awarded film Mandalena.

Church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis
The magnificent church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis is situated right at the entrance of the famous cave of Antiparos dating back to the 18th century.

Church of Agios Nikolaos
Situated between Chora and the cave of Antiparos this picturesque little church has played a significant role in the history of the island since it was used as a shelter for the British that were heading to the Middle East.

Panagia Faneromeni
The chapel of the revealed blessed virgin is situated on the southern tip of the island. It is a very picturesque chapel set in a gorgeous setting within a bay ideal for swimming and diving.

Dating back to the 7th century the island of Despotiko is an island of great historical interest. Through major excavations that have been conducted through the years, two cemeteries from the primary Cycladic era, remains of pre-historic settlements, parts of a Dorian temple, a temple dedicated to Apollo and a big idol of a female goddess named Isthmia, verifying the existence of an Isthmos (connecting canal), have been discovered. Excavations still continue so as to turn the unspoiled uninhabited island of Despotiko into a live walking-through museum.

The islets of Tsimintiri and Strongylo are also of historical interest and there are three more beautiful islets surrounding Antiparos that are worth visiting: Diplo, Revmatonisi and Saliagos.

The Cycladic Art Museum of Antiparos hosts exhibits from excavations on different parts of the island as well as replicas from the Goulandri museum in Athens and famous statues made from Parian marble as well as from opsiolianos.