Things to do in  Antiparos

More than 400 steps lead down to Antiparos Cave, an otherworldly cave on Antiparos’ southern peninsula. Those who make the long trek down are rewarded with sights of historic stalagmites and stalactites—one is believed to be around 45 million years old—plus ancient inscriptions, believed to date back to the Neolithic period, and incredible views of the Aegean sea below and across the water to Paros.

The tiny uninhabited island of Despotiko, southwest of Antiparos, is home to a fascinating set of ancient Greek ruins that once formed a sanctuary devoted to Apollo. For the archaeologists who continue excavating it, the site is a veritable treasure trove of finds; for everyday visitors, it’s a quieter alternative to the better-known relics on Delos, and a place to discover lesser-seen beaches like Livaldi.

If you prefer your beaches on the wild side, add Agios Santos Beach (Paralia Sostis) on the southern peninsula of Antiparos island to your itinerary. Unmanaged and unspoiled, the beach itself is a mere dash of golden sand, fronted by a startling turquoise sea with calm water, which is ideal for snorkeling away from the crowds.

Perched at the far end of Antiparos’ southern peninsula is Faneromeni Beach, a slip of sand hemmed in by a rocky cove, which feels truly far away from everything. Thanks to tricky access via a rocky dirt road, the small cove has nothing in the way of facilities, making it a great pick for travelers who are content with sea, sand, sun, and little else.

Also known as Vathis Valos, Agios Georgios Beach is a sheltered crescent of coarse golden sand, which typically has sunbeds and parasols for hire come summer. Located on the southwest side of Antiparos, it boasts great views of the island of Despotiko across the water, and its sanctuary of Apollo archaeological site.