Explore Antiparos
The island of Antiparos, laying southwest of Paros...
The island of Antiparos, laying southwest of Paros, is ideal for a relaxed and serene holiday and can easily be reached from Pounda or Parikia by boat. The ancient name of Antiparos was Oliaros. A major Neolithic settlement has been unearthed at the neighbouring islet of Saliagos and it is considered to be the oldest in Cyclades.
Hora (Town) of Antiparos has been built around a 15th century Venetian castle. The stone-paved streets, the whitewashed alleys, the houses decorated with thriving pink and purple bougainvilleas and the central square with its shadowy eucalyptus trees create an enchanting atmosphere.
Antiparos Island is a popular diving location, it maintains a traditional, calm, and off-the-beaten-track vibe; the perfect destination for either a short or a longer relaxing holiday by the sea.
Sightseeing
The cave of Antiparos is located on Agios Ioannis Hill, and it is famous for its marvellous stalagmite and stalactite formations; here, you will find the oldest stalagmite in Europe! According to an ancient inscription, one of the cave’s visitors was Archilochos the Parian, a great lyric poet of the antiquity. The cave is 90 m. deep, 50 m. wide and 40 m. high, and consists of three chambers. The chapel of Ai Giannis Spiliotis “welcomes” the visitor at the cave’s entrance.
Enjoy the sunshine in beaches along the island’s beautiful coastline. Practice activities such as diving or canoe kayaking on Agios Georgios beach! West of Antíparos there are three uninhabited islets that once used to be significant cultural centres of the Cycladic civilisation: Despotiko, Tsimintiri (between Antíparos and Despotiko) and Strongylo (west of Despotiko). Excavations keep revealing important ancient treasures, which are now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Paros. The islets can be accessed by small tourist boats departing from Agios Georgios.
