Cyclades
Antiparos
Paros's quieter little sibling — with a famous stalactite cave and celebrity fans.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Antiparos
Antiparos has an unlikely star in its cave — a 30-metre-deep stalactite and stalagmite cavern that has been visited since antiquity and remains one of the finest in the Aegean, with inscriptions from ancient and modern visitors scratched into its walls going back centuries. The island also carries a celebrity geography: Tom Hanks has a home here, which has attracted various followers over the years, though the island retains a bohemian rather than exclusive atmosphere. The main village is charming and walkable; the beaches, including Agios Sostis and Livadia, are good; and the short ferry hop to Paros makes the two islands easy to combine. The ruined ancient sanctuary on the nearby uninhabited island of Despotiko, currently being excavated, is accessible by boat and adds an archaeological dimension to a visit.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Small enough to exhaust in 3 days. Best combined with a stop on Paros.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Antiparos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Antiparos? +
- The best months to visit Antiparos are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Antiparos from Athens? +
- Antiparos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Antiparos good for couples? +
- Antiparos is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Antiparos good for families with kids? +
- Antiparos is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Antiparos expensive? +
- Antiparos is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Antiparos? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Antiparos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Antiparos? +
- Small enough to exhaust in 3 days. Best combined with a stop on Paros.