In this guide
Antiparos is the island many visitors discover by chance on a day trip, and then come back to for a whole holiday. It's small, laid-back and a little bohemian, with a car-free main street, beach bars under the tamarisk trees and a famous cave full of stalactites.
The best part? It's incredibly easy to reach from Paros. Here's how to plan the perfect day.
How to get to Antiparos
There are two ways to cross from Paros:
| Route | Crossing | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pounta → Antiparos | ~10 min | Frequent car ferry, all year round |
| Parikia → Antiparos | ~30 min | Passenger boats, mainly in summer |
Pounta is a small port on the west coast of Paros, about 15 minutes by car south of Parikia. The ferry runs back and forth all day, so you rarely need to wait long. Tickets are bought at the port.
Transfer to Pounta port
Your driver takes you to the ferry and picks you up on your return. Fixed price per vehicle.
What to do in Antiparos
The village (Chora)
Bohemian, car-free and charmingThe main street leads up from the port through bougainvillea, little shops, cafés and bars to the square and the old Venetian castle (Kastro), where houses were built right into the castle walls.
The Cave of Antiparos
An underground world of stalactitesOne of the most impressive caves in Greece. Hundreds of steps lead down into huge chambers decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, visited by travelers for centuries.
Swim at the beaches
Clear, calm waterAntiparos is surrounded by lovely beaches, from sandy bays near the village with beach bars to quieter coves in the south. The water is famously clear and often calm.
Boat trip to Despotiko
An ancient sanctuary on an empty islandJust off the south coast lies the uninhabited islet of Despotiko, with the remains of an ancient sanctuary of Apollo and some of the most turquoise water you'll ever see. Small boats run there in summer.
Sunset & dinner
The perfect end to the dayStay for the sunset and dinner by the sea before taking one of the last ferries back to Paros. The village is at its most magical in the evening.
A perfect day in Antiparos
Transfer to Pounta
Leave your hotel after breakfast. Pounta is about 15 minutes from Parikia and around 30 from Naoussa.
Ferry to Antiparos
A short, scenic crossing of about 10 minutes.
Explore the village
Coffee in the square, the main street and the old Kastro.
The Cave
Take the bus or a taxi to the cave and explore the underground chambers.
Lunch by the sea
Fresh fish and meze at a taverna near the water.
Beach time
Swim and relax at one of the beaches, or take a boat to Despotiko.
Sunset in the village
A drink by the water as the sun goes down, then dinner.
Ferry back to Paros
Your driver waits at Pounta to take you back to your hotel.
Key takeaways
- Ferry: from Pounta, about 10 minutes, all day.
- No car needed for a day trip.
- Don't miss: the cave, the village and a swim.
- Check the last ferry before dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Paros to Antiparos?
The easiest way is the car ferry from Pounta, on the west coast of Paros, which takes about 10 minutes and runs frequently all day. In summer, passenger boats also run from Parikia.
Is Antiparos worth a day trip?
Yes. In one day you can explore the village, visit the famous cave, swim at a beautiful beach and stay for sunset.
Do I need a car in Antiparos?
Not for a day trip. The village is walkable, and buses and taxis go to the cave and the main beaches.
Can I stay overnight in Antiparos?
Yes. Antiparos has hotels and villas, and many visitors choose to stay a few nights for a quieter holiday.
