Antiparos

The islet of Antíparos, lying southwest of Paros, is ideal for a relaxed and serene holiday and can easily be reached from Pounda or Parikia on Paros by boat.

The ancient name of Antíparos was Oliaros. A major Neolithic settlement has been unearthed at the neighbouring islet of Saliagos and it is considered to be the oldest in Cyclades.

The main town of Antiparos, Hora, has been built around a 15th century Venetian castle. The stone-paved streets, the whitewashed alleys, the houses decorated with thriving pink and purple bougainvillaea and the central square with its shadowy eucalyptus trees create an enchanting atmosphere.

The famous cave of Antíparos is located on Agios Ioannis Hill, and it is known for its marvellous stalagmite and stalactite formations; here, you will find the oldest stalagmite in Europe! According to an ancient inscription, one of the cave’s visitors was Archilochus the Parian, a great lyric poet of antiquity. The cave is 90m deep, 50m wide and 40m high, and consists of three chambers. The chapel of Ai Giannis Spiliotis welcomes the visitor at the cave’s entrance.

Enjoy the beaches along the island’s beautiful coastline and activities such as diving or canoe kayaking on Agios Georgios beach. West of Antíparos there are three uninhabited islets – Despotiko, Tsimintiri and Strongylo – that used to be significant cultural centres of Cycladic civilisation. Excavations have revealed important ancient finds, which are now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Paros. The islets can be accessed by small tourist boats departing from Agios Georgios.

Source: GNTO

Website: www.antiparos.gr

Soros Beach