10 Things To Do in Antiparos, The Sister Island of Paros

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Last updated on February 10th, 2026 at 03:09 pm

No matter its small size, there are quite a few great things to do in Antiparos, the quaint island in the Aegean Sea, which even Tom Hanks himself has chosen to call home for the summer.

Probably the number one reason Antiparos is famous worldwide is that everyone’s favourite actor, Tom Hanks, owns a villa on the small Aegean island.

He usually spends his summers there with his family and their fellow Hollywood stars.

That said, stalking Tom and his friends is not among our recommended activities on the island of Antiparos. Not only is it rude, but it’s also unnecessary.

Antiparos is tiny, so chances are you will eventually spot them anyway in the most natural of circumstances. We didn’t, of course.

Yet a friend of ours stumbled upon Matthew McConaughey on his way to the bakery. We can hate him for eternity for that. Our friend, not Matthew.

Seriously, now, there are many fantastic things to see in Antiparos, and this authentic island is perfect for everyone. From families with kids and couples to groups of friends and solo travellers.

So, here’s our complete guide to the best things to do in Antiparos, one of our favourite islands in Greece. Enjoy!

Where Is Antiparos?

Antiparos is a small island in the heart of the Cyclades, a stone’s throw from its super-popular neighbour, the island of Paros.

Antiparos port is the island’s main town, also known as Chora. There are a couple of small villages across the island.

Best Time To Visit Antiparos

When planning a trip to Greece, Antiparos is one of the Greek Islands you should avoid visiting in August. The tiny island is packed in August, but June, July, and September are ideal for spending a few days in Antiparos.

How Many Days in Antiparos?

Antiparos is a popular day trip from Paros; however, there is more to see on the island, allowing visitors to truly embrace its laid-back vibes on the beach or enjoy a night out in Chora.

To tick off the list of things to do in Antiparos, you need just two or three days. We recommend spending more days to enjoy the island vibes and a relaxing holiday by the sea.

If you’re not sure how many days you need to spend on the Greek Islands, book a 60-minute call with us or fill out this form to create the perfect itinerary for your needs.

How To Get To Antiparos

There is no direct ferry service to Antiparos Island. The only way to reach Antiparos is to visit Paros first.

Although Antiparos is not directly connected to the rest of the Cyclades Islands, our complete guide to the best Greek islands to visit will help you plan the perfect island-hopping itinerary.

Paros is accessible by either ferry or plane from Athens Airport.

Once on Paros Island, you can reach Antiparos by ferry, which departs from Pounda Port every 30 minutes. Ferries run from very early in the morning until very late at night. The journey lasts seven minutes.

During the summer months, there is also a ferry that connects Antiparos to the main port of Paros Island (Paroikia). This vessel is for passengers only, as it can’t carry any vehicles. The journey lasts about half an hour.

When there are strong winds blowing, this ferry service is interrupted and you can only get to Antiparos from Pounta Port. There is a frequent bus service from the main port of Paros in Paroikia to Pounta Port.

Check out the Paros to Antiparos ferry schedule and prices here.

You can’t book the ferry tickets online from Paros to Antiparos. You buy tickets on board, only in cash.

To check ferry routes and timetables to and from Paros, as well as to buy Paros ferry tickets online, we recommend Ferryhopper.

How To Get Around Antiparos

Antiparos is very compact with a small road network and short distances, so driving a car is not really worth the trouble. You can explore Antiparos town as well as reach several nearby beautiful beaches on foot.

The island is mostly flat and walkable, making Antiparos one of the best car-free Greek islands.

To visit the attractions outside Antiparos Town, public transportation is quite convenient.

During high season, there is frequent bus service from Chora to Antiparos Cave, Agios Georgios, and a few other pristine beaches, such as Panagia and Soros Beach. See bus routes and schedules here.

Where To Stay in Antiparos

Some of the best hotels to stay in Antiparos are in the main village. With numerous dining and drinking options, Antiparos Chora is the best place to stay.

From Antiparos Town, you have easy access to nearby beaches on foot and other main attractions across the island by public bus.

If you like camping, then you should know that the island is home to one of the oldest and most popular campsites in the Cyclades.

Camping Antiparos welcomed its first guests in the late 1980s, and it’s been synonymous with carefree summer holidays ever since.

It mainly attracts young crowds who are on the island for the party, but it’s also very popular with families.

Where To Eat in Antiparos

The fact that Antiparos is one of the most authentic and unspoilt Greek Islands means that its food is equally so.

For breakfast or brunch, head to Aspronissi Bakery for delicious sweet and savoury treats, or Elia Kafenes serves the fluffiest pancakes. Both places are situated along the town’s main street.

If you feel a sudden craving for Italian food, Lollo’s at the seafront near the port serves delicious handmade pizza and pasta.

A great place for handmade ice cream and other desserts is Vicky’s on Antiparos Town’s main street.

All in all, Antiparos is home to eateries popular for traditional Greek cuisine. However, most restaurants in Antiparos serve some of the typical vegetarian Greek delicacies.

Watch Our YouTube Video About The Best Things To Do in Antiparos

Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Antiparos

10 Amazing Things To Do in Antiparos Greece

1. Mingle With Locals and Fellow Travellers in Chora

Antiparos Town or Chora is the island’s main settlement. Start your walk from the quaint port and then head towards the heart of Antiparos Town by walking along the main pedestrianised street.

The latter is home to many eateries and souvenir shops. Buy some of the best Greek souvenirs to bring back home, grab an ice-cream on hand and explore the small whitewashed town.

2. Wander Around The Enchanting Antiparos Castle

Now, don’t expect to see a full-scale castle, as Kastro (the Greek word for castle) is more of a district within Antiparos Town.

The 15th-century Venetian Castle of Antiparos was built to protect the island from pirate invasions.

There used to be the main tower in the centre of the castle, around which houses were built as a continuous construction. The outer walls of these houses coincided with the defensive walls of this fortified settlement.

Nowadays, all that remains to remind us of a castle is the base of that main tower, as well as a Gothic gateway near the main square.

The castle area is still inhabited. Wandering around its super tranquil streets and admiring the superb island architecture is definitely one of the best things to do in Antiparos.

3. Watch The Sunset at Sifneiko Beach

Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset views at Sifneiko Beach.

The latter looks towards Sifnos Island, hence its name. In order to get to the beach, you have to walk an easy and utterly picturesque path that starts from the main square.

Just follow the signs to Paralia Sifneiko or Sunset Beach.

Once there, you can either hang out on the beach or sit at one of the two cafés. Either way, you will enjoy one of the best sunsets you have ever experienced.

4. Visit Antiparos Cave

The Cave is one of the best places to visit in Antiparos and hands down the island’s top attraction. With a depth of about 85 metres, Antiparos Cave is utterly impressive and home to the oldest stalactite in Europe.

Unfortunately, the cave has been damaged over the centuries, as it has often been used as a shelter or even a place of worship.

Many stalactites and stalagmites have been broken or removed altogether, while others bear scratches or even writings on their surface.

Upon entering the Cave of Antiparos, you will be greeted by a massive column that is 45 million years old and by the quaint Agios Ioannis Church. Then it’s time to descend to the depths of the cave by means of 411 steps.

Keep in mind that you then have to climb those 411 steps back up, so if, for any reason, you don’t think you are strong enough to do so, just hang around at the cave’s entrance instead.

You can visit Antiparos Cave by public bus from Chora. Find information about opening hours and tickets here.

5. Take a Trip To Despotiko Island

Despotiko Island is a tiny uninhabited island just off the southern coast of Antiparos and one of its top attractions.

It is home to an ancient sanctuary that was once the largest on the Cyclades Islands, second only to the world-renowned sanctuary on Delos Island.

The best way to visit Despotiko and some of the island’s remote, golden sandy beaches is by joining a boat tour.

Boat tours depart from Agios Georgios port on the southern end of Antiparos.

6. Explore The Island’s Sea Caves

The southern part of Antiparos Island boasts several spectacular sea caves and secluded coves.

You can explore these and swim in unbelievably emerald waters on the same boat trip that takes you to the island of Despotiko.

There is a full-day boat tour that departs from Antiparos Port, and a half-day tour that departs from the quaint port of Agios Georgios.

If it’s a windy day, we recommend joining the latter from Agios Georgios.

7. Get a Taste of The Antiparos Nightlife

Antiparos Island is the ideal destination for all kinds of travellers. The same is true for the island’s nightlife.

The night scene of Antiparos has something for everyone and is absolutely authentic and irresistibly vintage.

When the night falls, head to the main square of Antiparos Town. Although peaceful and laid-back during the day, the square literally comes to life in the evening.

The clubs on the square play mainstream music, while the quieter bars in the streets around the square are ideal for a cocktail and a chat.

No matter where you choose to start your night out in Antiparos, though, there is only one place to end it. Read on.

8. Dance The Night Away at La Luna

You haven’t been to Antiparos if you haven’t spent a night at Disco La Luna. The legendary disco opened its gates in 1981 and it seems that nothing has changed ever since.

Stepping inside the time capsule that is La Luna, you can’t help but feel that you’ve somehow been teleported to the 80s. Both in terms of decoration and music selections.

During the summer months, La Luna Antiparos opens its doors every night a couple of hours after midnight. However, after 3 am, all roads lead to the picturesque disco just outside town.

To get there, you follow one of the prettiest paths we have ever walked on, which starts from the very heart of Antiparos Town (there is a sign).

The road to the disco is so dark that the stars and the moon in the sky look gorgeous.

Legend has it that the disco owes its name to a German tourist who used to say that to find the disco in the dark, you have to let the moonlight guide you (luna is the Italian word for moon).

Nothing can get more romantic than that. Oh, wait. There is one thing that is actually more romantic than that: the moonlit path itself.

The party at La Luna is in full swing from about 4 am until after the sun is out. The dancing never stops. Not even when the openings in the roof let in broad daylight.

Only when the DJ stops the music do people reluctantly start walking towards the exit door. And, oh God, the beauty that awaits outside as the island wakes up from its sweet sleep.

9. Stay Awake For The Sunrise

We often tell you that, during your travels, it’s worth waking up to see the sunrise at least once. This time, we advise you to do things just a tiny bit differently.

Don’t sleep at all! The best way to enjoy the sunrise on Antiparos Island is to spend a night at La Luna and then walk to the town at dawn.

The path that connects the town to the disco is mesmerisingly beautiful at sunrise. The surrounding countryside takes on a stunning hue of pink and gold, making you feel as if you’re walking in a dream.

Once in the town, things only get better as there is nothing like a short walk around a gorgeous, half-asleep island settlement that seems to have surrendered to absolute peace.

This image of Antiparos Town won’t be easy to forget.

10. Swim in The Waters of The Best Antiparos Beaches

It goes without saying that one of the top things to do in Antiparos (or any other Greek Island for that matter) is swimming and having fun on the beach.

Like all the Cyclades, the island is home to many gorgeous beaches you won’t want to miss.

Apart from the island’s sea caves and the beaches of Despotiko Island, which we talked about earlier, let’s have a look at some of the best beaches in Antiparos.

There are quite a few very good beaches within walking distance of Antiparos Town. These include Psaraliki 1, Psaraliki 2, Panagia, Sifneiko, Theologos and Camping Beach.

The latter, as its name suggests, is the beach that is located next to the island’s camping site (more on that later on) and it’s a nudist beach, probably one of the oldest in Greece.

Sifneiko Beach is often exposed to strong north winds and is therefore not ideal for swimming. That said, this beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunset.

Theologos Beach is ideal for families with young children, as it features calm, shallow waters. Our personal favourite near the town is Panagia Beach, which is sandy and has crystal clear waters.

As for the rest of the island, one of the best Antiparos beaches is Soros, a long, sandy beach with deep blue waters, a short bus ride from the town.

Last but not least, if surfing is your thing, then Livadia Beach is where you’ll find the best waves.

Now you know pretty much everything there is to know in order to plan your own amazing trip to Antiparos Island.

This gorgeous little island in the Aegean Sea is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a quintessentially Greek summer holiday.

With so many amazing things to do in Antiparos, we can safely say that the island is one of the best places to visit in Greece. So, what are you waiting for?

WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina