Antiparos is a small and rocky island in the southern Aegean sea, in the heart of the Cyclades. In antiquity it was known as "Oliaros", word of Phoenician origin, which probably means "wooded mountain." The place, including the nearby uninhabited islets, has a remarkable history, and archaeological excavations have revealed traces of habitation from the Neolithic era. In fact, archaeological excavations on Saliagko islet, brought to light findings that demonstrate the existence there of the oldest settlement in the Cyclades.
Over the centuries, Antiparos took its current name due to its proximity to the island of Paros; a geographical relationship which still plays an important role in the growth and prosperity of the island. After all, the biggest settlement on the island, the town of Antiparos, is located opposite Pounda of Paros, at the narrowest point between the two islands, where the distance between them is no more than one nautical mile. A few kilometers from the port, you can also see the Venetian castle of Antiparos. Other important settlements are Soros, Kampos, and the church of St. George in the southwest part of the island.
Antiparos used to be an isolated fishing village of Cyclades, but in recent decades it has experienced a significant tourist development. The island became a tourist destination after Finos Film chose it as a place of filming of “Maddalena”. The success of the film made the island known to the Greek public. In the 1970s and 1980s Antiparos became a popular holiday destination and attracted mainly European tourists who chose its remote and sandy beaches for nudism. Today, Antiparos is a favorite holiday destination for Greek and European visitors, and a place of investment for American tourists. For all of them, the small island constitutes a beautiful place where the classic Cycladic landscape with picturesque white villages, cobblestoned streets, blooming bougainvilleas and sandy beaches combines with the local character, traditional food and excellent hospitality.
Access
The access to the island is via Paros.
- From the port of Paros: boats leave for Antiparos, from the month of Easter to October. The journey lasts 30 minutes and the boat does not carry vehicles. The ticket costs 5 euros.
- There are regular buses from Parikia (the bus station is located at the port), but also from other regions of Paros that can take you to the port of Pounda, from where you can take the ferry boat, which will take you to Antiparos in approximately 7 minutes. If you are traveling by car or motorbike, follow the signs towards Aliki – Pounda when you leave the port of Paros. All vehicles can board the ferry.
Information about the ferry boat timetables you can find here.
