INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANTIPAROS

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Antiparos is located in the heart of the Cyclades, just 0.8 nautical miles southwest of Paros. It used to be united with Paros, and now it is separated from it by the Strait of Antiparos, known as the Amphirios. The maximum length of the island is 7 miles, while its maximum width reaches 2.8 miles and the length of its coastline is 57 km.

When you disembark at the picturesque harbor of Antiparos, an enchanting aura will seduce you. White houses with blue brush strokes, paved alleys with bougainvillea and eucalyptus and an overwhelming atmosphere of optimism and positive vibes will welcome you.

It is an island that combines beauty with history and archaeological interest, nightlife with moments of relaxation and peace, intrepid hikes on nature trails of exceptional beauty with water sports. It is a mere stone’s throw away from Paros, where you can get tickets for the ferry that connects the two islands.

With a coastline boasting a wealth of heavenly beaches, dreamlike caves and picturesque coves, a landscape dotted with picturesque chapels and a Venetian castle which forms the main hamlet on the island, Antiparos beckons from the heart of the Cyclades, inviting you to get to know it. Enjoy tours and excursions to places of exceptional beauty, boat rides and diving in the open sea.

Taste the local specialties accompanied by the local tipple, “tsikoudia” ,“souma” and various traditional sweets and cheeses such as “kefalotyri”, “xinomyzhythera” and “toloumoutiri”. Attend cultural events and travel back to more innocent times by joining in with the two types of “ballos” – a traditional Aegean dance. Enjoy the carefree lifestyle in this vibrant little backwater of the Aegean, with its clear, bright atmosphere and customs harking back to simple, unpretentious ways; just the right ingredients, in fact, for that perfect dream holiday. Numbered among its many fans is the Hollywood star, Tom Hanks, who has chosen it as his ideal summer getaway.

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MAIN BEACHES OF ANTIPAROS

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PSARALIKI BEACH - GLIFA BEACH

 The sandy beach of Psaraliki on Antiparos actually consists of two beaches, which are known as Psalariki I and Psalariki II. Both are the most easily accessed on the island. In the case of Psaraliki I, it lies on the east part, and reaching it takes a 10 minutes walk in south direction from the town towards Agios Georgios. It is also possible to get there from town by following the coastal path in south direction as well, for a bit farther than 1 km.

 Regarding Psaliraki II, it can be reached by walking for 2 minutes, also in south direction from the beach number I. The location of these beaches assures them convenient advantages: being so close to Paros, there is not enough time and physical space for the waves to increase before reaching the shore; this is very useful for families with small children, as they can safely play in the shallow waters. The shade coming from the trees is also very convenient.

 Psaraliki I is bigger and chosen by most tourists for swimming. It also has pedal boats for renting, and there is also space for beach tennis and windsurfing. The fact of concentrating most tourists by Psaraliki I, leaves the number II available for nudism, although during some periods it is possible to find non-nudists, as well.

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 The sandy beach of Glifa is on the southern area of Antiparos. It is at 6 km from the main town and close to other important locations that can be taken into account for planning strolls and excursions. The beautiful Glifa Beach is located in a rural setting, which gives it an unspoiled look offering nice views towards the island of Paros. In the close areas there are some creeks as well. The southern beaches also count on great trees that provide shade from the sun in the hours when it gets stronger. Glifa is a tranquil beach, and although it is ideal for families, it does not get as populated as Psaraliki I. Regarding the facilities of this beach, there are some hotels in the area Although it may be useful to take some supplies, the taverns in the surrounding locations, as well as in Glifa itself can fulfil the basic needs, and they are greatly reputed.

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PANAGIA BEACH

Panagia is one of the most picturesque beaches on Antiparos. It is great for swimming, and can be found at approximately 1 km to the south of the main village, after passing the two main beaches of Psaraliki. Among the best features of Panagia beach, we can mention its peaceful atmosphere, which is a good option for those who want to a change of ambience after the crowded Psaraliki I. In fact, Panagia gets almost deserted in the hours when the sun is getting even stronger. However, it has big trees that provide nice shade, and counts on an excellent tavern that offers delicious Greek dishes. The advantage of this beach over Psaraliki II, which also offers some privacy, is its fine and smooth sand, contrary to the stony terrain of the other one.

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SOROS BEACH

Soros is a long sandy beach with fine pebbles located on the southern side of Antiparos Island. This is one of the most popular beaches of the island, especially during high season. The water is crystal clear and after the three meters it gets deeper fast and in some places the seabed is very abrupt. In Soros beach, you will find sunbeds and umbrellas to enjoy a whole day in this wonderful environment with the green trees and the blue waters of the sea. Usually it gets crowded but you can always find a place to lay on the sand. There are two taverns nearby where tourists have the opportunity to taste the best fish dishes. If you continue in the southeast coast through Soros, you will find many coves and sandy beaches to enjoy some privacy.

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KAKO REMA BEACH - VATHIS VOLOS BEACH

 One of the least known and most quiet beaches of Antiparos Cyclades, Kako Rema is located south of Chora. It is a small clean beach with few rooms to rent around. Not organized with sun beds and umbrellas, Kako Rema is a nice alternative to relax in total privacy. It can be reached by bike or by boat, as the distance is pretty far to cover on foot. The bay is protected from strong winds, so it is safe to swim.

This is a lovely sandy beach located in the region of Agios Georgios, about 12 km south west from Chora. This beach concentrates many people during the summer months due to the clean waters and the several taverns which are found there. As Vathis Volos is just opposite the uninhabited islet of Despotiko, with the amazing beaches, Vathis Volos is sometimes a stop for tour boats that go from Paros to Antiparos and Despotiko. Some small hotels and rooms can be found in close distance around this beach, as the region is great for total privacy and relaxation, away from the busy streets of Chora.

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AGIOS SPIRIDONAS BEACH

This is a beautiful windless beach with crystalline waters. Due to its natural beauty and close distance from Chora, only 200m from the capital of Antiparos, this beach gets very popular in summer and can be considered among the most popular beaches of the island. The shallow waters of Agios Spyridonas create an ideal paradise for children. After a great day on the beach, you have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food served by the taverns along the coast. All around this beach, there are many small hotels and rooms to rent for tourists. Agios Spyridonas gives a panoramic view to the neighboring island of Paros.

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BEACH HOUSE BEACH

http://beachhouseantiparos.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgZTRBRDmARIsAJvVWAv1apbuGBZAFRTqannM5wPptXTOAf7yyF4JRTtVfeqXVXcVBFxoLd8aAlHSEALw_wcB

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HISTORY OF antiPAROS

Antiparos was originally known as Oliaros and many historians believed that it was in fact one with Paros at some point in time. The history of Antiparos starts from the neolithic times where remains of an ancient settlement dating back to 4000 B.C were discovered in Saliangos, a small island located between Paros and Antiparos in 1964 by the British School of Archaeology. This further confirmed the theory that the two islands were united back then. The first inhabitants of Oliaros are believed to be Phoenicians from Sidon who came here in the Neolithic Age and were succeeded by various other conquerors. It was probably occupied by Minoan Cretans in the 2nd Millennium B.C. Excavations in the nearby island of Despotiko have also revealed ruins of tombs dating back to the Early Cycladic Era. Oliaros got its present name of Antiparos sometime in the 13th Century A.D. when it came under the Venetian Rule just like many of its neighboring islands. Although the name was new to the island, it had its sources in ancient mythology where Antiparos was one of the fifty sons of Aegyptos and was murdered along with forty of his brothers by his wife Gritomethea, one of the fifty Danaides. It was around this time that the island was frequently attacked by pirates from Algeria, Crete, Kefalonia and other places. The Venetians made Antiparos a part of the Naxos Duchy and built the Kastro in order to protect the island from pirates and invaders. Three hundred years later, in 1537, Antiparos along with the rest of the Cyclades came under the Ottoman rule. For a short period of time between the years 1770 and 1774, Antiparos was also under the Russian domination. This was also when Antiparos started becoming well known and visited frequently by foreign travelers who published their views and impressions about the archaeological sites on the island. The people of Antiparos were among the first in the Cyclades to participate in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. After years of struggle and revolution, it was finally incorporated in the Greek state in 1832. Antiparos also actively participated in the resistance movement against the Germans during World War II and was used as a secret base by the Allies.

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WHAT TO SEE

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THE CAVE

Enchanting and imposing, the Antiparos Cave has been known since the ancient times, as proven by the Stone Age archaeological findings and the carvings in its interior. Perched high above the sea on Ai-Yiannis hill, this huge cave commands a brilliant view of its surroundings and plenty of international fame as well. Having descended the 411 steps to its entrance, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer artistry of nature on view within.

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DESPOTIKO

Just off the south east coast of Antiparos lies a small uninhabited island, Despotiko. Its rocky moonscape, with unspoilt beaches of all sizes, will offer you the chance to while away the hours in absolute serenity. In places, the infinite depth of the sea, gives the water a most vivid blue, casting a spell on every visitor.

As you enjoy your swim, the past is being slowly unearthed nearby. Archaeological excavations of the ancient temple of Apollo and Artemis gradually reveal more and more, bringing long-forgotten mysteries to the sparkling Aegean daylight.

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KASTRO

Kastro, the main hamlet on the island is an architectural marvel, as the two-storey houses themselves form the walls of a fortress. This is a typical example of Venetian style fortification, behind which are enchanting neighborhoods and their local churches.

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