Antiparos Island
Small Cycladic island with sandy beaches and caves
Near Paros, Antiparos is a small Cycladic island prized for sandy coves, the large Antiparos Cave and a compact Chora of whitewashed houses. Visitors enjoy swimming, day trips from Paros and local tavernas.
Antiparos at a Glance#
Address: Antiparos port, South Aegean, Greece
About Antiparos#
Antiparos is a small island in the Cyclades, Greece, located immediately southwest of Paros and known for a quiet, small-scale holiday atmosphere. The island’s principal settlement clusters around a Venetian-era castle in the main town (Chora) and around a small harbour.
A major attraction is the Antiparos Cave, a limestone cave with large chambers and stalactite formations that has been a visitor site since the 17th century. The island also offers sandy beaches, small bays and short walking routes between villages.
Historically Antiparos was held under Venetian influence and later Ottoman and Greek administration; vestiges of layered maritime and island culture remain in local architecture and customs.
Antiparos is reached by a short ferry from Paros and lies in the central Aegean Sea among the Cycladic islands.
- Ferry access: The island is immediately south-west of Paros and is reached by a short ferry crossing from Parikia or Pounta on Paros.
- Cave access: The main cave has a large vaulted interior chamber; access may require a ticket and there are steps to negotiate inside the site.
What to See#
- Antiparos Cave: Antiparos Cave, a large limestone cave near the island’s main town known for dramatic stalactites and a vaulted chamber.
- Chora (Kastro): Chora and Venetian Castle, the island’s principal town built around a 15th-century Venetian-era castle that forms a central square and narrow streets.
How to Get to Antiparos#
Antiparos is reached by frequent ferry from Paros. The short crossing from Pounta (on Paros) to Antiparos port takes about 10 minutes; passenger ferries and car ferries run frequently during summer months.
Tips for Visiting Antiparos#
- Take the short ferry from Paros (Pounta to Antiparos) rather than driving via the longer route - ferries run every 10-30 minutes and the ride is about 10 minutes.
- Visit the Cave of Antiparos early in the morning to avoid crowds and to see the dramatic stalactites with quieter light.
- Walk the castle (Kastro) ramparts at dusk for a view across the harbour and to watch fishing boats return.
Best Time to Visit Antiparos#
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is the prime visiting window; for fewer crowds, visit just before or after high summer.
Weather & Climate near Antiparos#
Antiparos's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 14° | 12° | 71 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 14° | 12° | 64 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 15° | 13° | 54 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 13° - 18° | 16° | 22 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 17° - 22° | 19° | 10 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 3 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 27° | 25° | 1 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 27° | 25° | 2 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 25° | 23° | 6 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 18° - 22° | 20° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 15° - 18° | 16° | 62 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 12° - 15° | 14° | 71 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
