In ancient times Antiparos used to be called Oliaros meaning "wooden mountain range". During the 13th century A.D. the island comes under the Venetian domination and the Venetians name it Antiparos most probably due to its proximity to Paros.

The Phoenicians from Sidona were the first to inhabit Antiparos which was later occupied by the Minoan Cretans (2nd Millennium B.C.) as well as many other conquerors in the years after.

Around 1207 A.D. and during the Middle Ages Antiparos becomes a member of the duchy of Naxos under the authority of Marcos Sanoudos. The castle of Antiparos is built in 1440 A.D. by Lorentano, the son in law of K. Somaripas, the Venetian Duke of Paros who offered him the feud of Paros as a wedding gift. Even though the island was flourishing both financially and socially, the continuous pirate attacks and the high taxation they had to pay to the Venetians slowed down the island's development.

In 1537 the island falls into the hands of the Ottomans along with the rest of the Cyclades and the admiral Barbarossa annexes Antiparos to the Ottoman Empire that is now called upon to pay heavy taxation. From 1770 until 1774 Antiparos falls under the Russian domination and the island suffers severe damages by pirates coming from Kefalonia and Mani all the way to 1794. Nevertheless Antiparos is one of the first islands of the Cyclades to take part in the War of Independence against the Turks and becomes a secret base of action. Finally the island becomes part of the Greek state in 1830.

The Greek mythology mentions that Poseidon, the God of the Sea, threw his famous trident and hit a big portion of land that was broken into three pieces, what we know today as the islands of Naxos, Paros and Antiparos. He offered the largest of the three, the island of Naxos to his wife Amphitrite; he adorned the island of Paros with a stunningly beautiful coastline and the island of Antiparos with verdant landscapes for the farmers.
Another myth states that the name of Antiparos derives from one of the fifty sons of Egyptos who was murdered by his mother Kritomithea (one of the fifty Daniades) along with his 48 siblings.

Antiparos is a very small island endowed with striking natural beauty, golden sandy beaches, crystalline emerald waters and other natural wonders. Despite its small size though, the island of Antiparos has a lot to offer to discerning travellers seeking a relaxing escape combined with thrilling outdoor adventures. Some of the places worth visiting while on the island follow.

The Cave of Agios Ioannis
Situated 8 km from Chora the Cave of Agios Ioannis is the number one attraction of Antiparos. It is the only vertical cave in all of Europe with a depth of approximately 85 meters. Dating back to the Neolithic period the cave has been visited by many prominent individuals as dictated by inscriptions on the walls, such as Alexander the Great, King Otto, the marquis de Nointe, the lyric poet Archilochus of Paros as well as the ambassador of France.

Originally the cave was used for shelter, pottery and later on as a worship place for the goddess Artemis. Adorned with some of the most exquisite stalactites and stalagmites this enchanting grotto is one of the finest in Greece also considered a natural museum.

There are hourly bus routes from the port to the cave but it can also be reached with a traditional donkey ride. In order to discover the greatness of this natural marvel you will have to go down approximately 400 steps but it is honestly worth the trouble. The cave features the oldest stalactite in Europe estimated to be 45 million years old.

The Sea Caves
Antiparos is filled with enchanting sea caves and emerald waters were travellers can enjoy a relaxing swim in the most intimate of settings.

Chora (Kastro)
Chora, also known as Kastro (castle), is the main town and port of Antiparos. The central square of Chora is the most vibrant spot of the island filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. The imposing Venetian castle is also located in Chora featuring 4 churches within its square walls, the churches of Christos, Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis and Agios Nikolaos.

Glyfa
Glyfa is a picturesque settlement 6 km from Chora with a beautiful beach with tranquil waters and hotels and taverns in the surrounding area.

Agios Georgios Settlement
On the south-western side of Antiparos the Agios Georgios settlement is a gem of tranquillity with a gorgeous beach, translucent waters and a few taverns where swimmers can enjoy scrumptious local specialties and fresh fish. From the village of Agios Georgios you can enjoy the most amazing view to the azure of the sea and the islet of Despotiko.

Soros Settlement
Situated on the west coast of Antiparos, Soros is a quaint little settlement with a golden sandy beach, a family tavern and many houses for rent ideal for those seeking a relaxing summer escape.

Situated in Chora the Venetian castle, now in ruins, was built in the beginning of 1440 for the protection of the island's inhabitants from pirate raids. Square in shape, the castle is fortified with the houses surrounding it and it now consists of 4 churches and a circular tower that used to be the residence of the archon. It is an impressive architectural acomplishment that became well known from the awarded film Mandalena.

Church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis
The magnificent church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis is situated right at the entrance of the famous cave of Antiparos dating back to the 18th century.

Church of Agios Nikolaos
Situated between Chora and the cave of Antiparos this picturesque little church has played a significant role in the history of the island since it was used as a shelter for the British that were heading to the Middle East.

Panagia Faneromeni
The chapel of the revealed blessed virgin is situated on the southern tip of the island. It is a very picturesque chapel set in a gorgeous setting within a bay ideal for swimming and diving.

Dating back to the 7th century the island of Despotiko is an island of great historical interest. Through major excavations that have been conducted through the years, two cemeteries from the primary Cycladic era, remains of pre-historic settlements, parts of a Dorian temple, a temple dedicated to Apollo and a big idol of a female goddess named Isthmia, verifying the existence of an Isthmos (connecting canal), have been discovered. Excavations still continue so as to turn the unspoiled uninhabited island of Despotiko into a live walking-through museum.

The islets of Tsimintiri and Strongylo are also of historical interest and there are three more beautiful islets surrounding Antiparos that are worth visiting: Diplo, Revmatonisi and Saliagos.

The Cycladic Art Museum of Antiparos hosts exhibits from excavations on different parts of the island as well as replicas from the Goulandri museum in Athens and famous statues made from Parian marble as well as from opsiolianos.

CLIMATE
Like in most Cycladic islands the climate of Antiparos is temperate, with sunny and warm summers and mild winters with hardly any rainfall making the island an ideal holiday destination all year round.

TELEPHONE
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. All numbers in the capital Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210-3227400).
The Area Code for Antiparos is: +30 22840. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialling the other country's national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.

CURRENCY
Euro €
Euro Coins:
1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color)
10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color)
1 euro = 100 cents/centimes
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes

BY AIR
The island of Antiparos doesn't have an airport but you can reach the island by air through the airport of Paros and then board on one of the boats that reach Antiparos . There are daily departures from Athens international airport Eleftherios Venizelos for Paros Island and the duration of the flight takes approximately 35 minutes.

Olympic Airlines
Tel. 801 114 4444, 210 9666666
www.olympicairlines.com

BY BOAT
The island of Paros is connected with the main port of Piraeus, Lavrion as well as the ports of Andros, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Sifnos, Naxos, Ios, Amorgos and Santorini, the Dodecanese islands, Volos, Thessaloniki and Crete with high speed boats or ferry boats. The trip from Piraeus lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by high-speed and 4.5 hours by the Blue Star Line boats. Travelers can also reach the island of Paros with a hydrofoil from Rafina or a ferry from Lavrio.

There are two ways to reach the island of Antiparos from Paros; either by caiques found on the left side of the port of Paroikia, a journey that lasts approximately 30 minutes or by road and ferry. You will have to drive to Punda (or take the local bus or taxi from the port to take you there) and then take a small car ferry to Antiparos. The time of that trip will take approximately 30 minutes as well.

To reach Paros, see below:

Hellenic Seaways
Tel. + 30 210 4199000
www.hellenicseaways.com

Blue Star Ferries
Tel. + 30 210 8910800
www.bluestarferries.gr

If you are travelling from Lavrio Port to Paros:
C-Link ferries
Tel. +30 210 4594096

Antiparos is a relevantly small island on which you can easily get around. Most beaches are within walking distance from Chora and the rest of the places worth visiting can be reached either by rented vehicles, by water taxi or bus.

LOCAL BUSES
There is a bus service connecting Chora with the Cave of Antiparos and continues to the beaches of Soros and Agios Georgios.

TAXI SERVICE
There are no taxis available on the island of Antiparos except from taxis that transfer back and forth from Paros to Antiparos.
Tel.no. for Paros taxi: +30 22840 21500

RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE
The best way to explore the island of Antiparos is with your own vehicle at your own time and convenience. There are quite a few car rental companies at the port where you can rent bicycles, scooters, ATVs and cars.

WATER TAXIS-BOATS-CAIQUES
There are many caiques available on the island that offer the round trip of Antiparos as well as trips to the islets of Despotiko and Saliagas. Those interested should arrange transportation ahead by contacting one of the following numbers.

WATER-TAXI OWNERS ON ANTIPAROS:
Alexandros: (+30) 22840 61273, mobile 6972026585,
Tassos Kouvaras: (+30) 22840 61028, mobile 6972809962

BANKS & ATMS
There are two banks in Antiparos and three ATMs - one at the port and two on the main street.

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE
Antiparos, Antiparos, 84007, KYKLADES
Phone: +30 2284062001

EMPORIKI BANK
Antiparos, Antiparos, 84007, KYKLADES
Phone: +30 2284061691

MONEY EXCHANGE
Currency can be exchanged in many places throughout the island including the banks, post office, travel agents as well as some hotels.

POST OFFICE
The Greek post office is called ELTA and you can find the post office of Antiparos at Antiparos Chora. The post office performs money transactions and cash currency exchange. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW for normal post, usually with 2 slots for INTERNAL POST (meaning inside Greece) and post for ABROAD. REGISTERED mail is always handled and given a receipt for at the POST OFFICE. Post office no: +30 22840 61223

POLICE STATION
Antiparos police station is situated in Chora.
Tel: +30 22840 61202

MUNICIPALITY OF ANTIPAROS
The municipality of Antiparos is off the main street of Chora.
Municipality Tel: +30 22840 61570

• Tourist Police: +30 22840 61202
• Port Authority: +30 22840 61485
• Hellenic National Meteoroligcal Service: +30 210 9699101-3
• Elpa ( Car breakdown tourist information service): 174

INTERNATIONAL PRESS
In Antiparos there are several convenient stores were travellers can find all kinds of international press, newspapers, books and magazines in both Greek and English language.

EMERGENCE NUMBERS
Police: 100
Fire Department: 199
Ambulance: 166

HEALTH
Due to its small size and minor permanent population the island of Antiparos is served by one regional clinic and one pharmacy both situated in Chora.

REGIONAL CLINIC OF ANTIPAROS
Tel: +30 22840 61219

PHARMACY
Tel: +30 22840 61621

Patido
Patido is a dish made with rooster stuffed with sautéed giblets, country bread crumbs, raisins, local kefalotyri cheese (hard & salty cheese), onion, garlic, Mantilaria wine, parsley, salt & pepper, cinnamon and cloves.

Stifado
Wild rabbit and onions stew with whole, small boiler or pearl onions, wine, tomato, cinnamon.

Kolokythokeftedes
Kolokythokeftedes are fried zucchini balls made from grated zucchini, chopped onion, dill, parsley, grated cheese, 3-4 eggs slightly beaten and flour.

Grilled Octopus
Sun dried octopus cooked on the grill and served with olive oil, oregano and vinegar.

Raviolia
Raviolia are crescent shaped pastries filled with sweet cream cheese, honey, sugar and cinnamon 

Bourekakia
Bourekakia are pastries filled with honey, nuts and sesame seeds which are baked and then sprinkled with raki liquor and powdery sugar. 

• Souma: a strong alcoholic beverage made from sycamore trees (figs & almonds).
• Raki: an unsweetened anise flavoured strong alcoholic drink made from grapes.
• Tsipouro: an alcoholic drink similar to pomace brandy.

• Olive oil & Edible Olives: Quality olive oil as well as edible olives are produced on the island of Antiparos and can be found in many local markets and convenient stores.
• Capers: they grow among the rocks of Antiparos and are mostly used as a seasoning in salad.
• Honey: The thyme honey of Antiparos is of exquisite quality and taste.

• Kefalotyri: A hard salty yellow cheese made from sheep or goat milk.
• Ladotyri (Oil-Cheese): Made from sheep or goat milk and stored in olive oil.
• Xinomyzithra: The aged version of Myzithra, made from goat or sheep milk, yeast and salt.
• Touloumotyri: Moist, white goat cheese with a slight sweet taste ripened and stored in the goats hide.

• Ceramic Pottery: locally crafted pottery that can be found in many boutique and souvenir shops throughout the island.
• Fine Leather Products: Fine leather products can be found in many stores of Antiparos including leather clothes, leather artefacts and other leather objects and accessories.
• Gold & Silver Jewellery: Jewellery shops on Antiparos feature exquisite pieces of gold and silver jewellery.

• The Agios Ioannis Spiliotis festival is celebrated on May 7, right at the entrance of the spectacular cave of Antiparos with dancing and delicious local treats offered to all guests.
• The Festival of Ai Giannis on June 23 and 24 in Antiparos Town is held in the Castle and revives the tradition of Klidonas, an old custom where the men of the island gather at the island's square, sit around a fire and sing while the young girls gather around a traditional pot inside which they hide some objects, such as an apple with their names written on it, and sing around the pot while the water is boiling. Later on they leave the house and the male name they hear first after leaving the pot is the name of their future husband according to tradition.
• The 3-day Festival of Agia Marina, the patron saint of the island of Antiparos, on July 15-17 in Antiparos Town, with a sailing competition on the first day and award ceremonies, the continuation of the sailing competition on the second day, the concert of the philharmonic orchestra and a theatrical play on the third day along with the procession of the holy icon of Agia Marina. The competitions continue as well along with other kinds of celebrations, dancing, singing and feasting and all conclude with the nomination of the medals.
• The Festival of Agios Panteleimon on July 27th in the area of Kampos with traditional dancing, singing and treats for the guests
• The celebration of Panagia Faneromeni on September 7; in order to attend you must take a tour boat to the southern part of the island where Panagia Faneromeni is situated.

The sweet summer wind of Antiparos just like in most other Greek islands fools you into thinking that the sun is not really warm or harmful something which is really not true so wherever you are use a sun screen with a high protective factor.

Don't miss a round-the-island boat tour where you can discover some of the island's most stunningly beautiful beaches with crystalline emerald waters, visit the neighbouring unspoiled islands such as Saliago, gaze at the spectacular steep cliffs on the west side of the island and enjoy the unspoiled beauty surrounding you.

Antiparos is a small island so it is best to use a scooter or a bike, there is really no need to rent a car.

The Sifneikos Gialos beach is the ideal spot on the island to enjoy the most spectacular sunset.

Don't miss a swim through the mesmerizing sea caves north of St. George's beach. The best diving spot of the island is the bay of Panagia Faneromeni near the homonymous church where the emerald waters of the sea are engulfed by the rocks and a dive in the crystalline waters feels like jumping in the pool.

The best view on the island of Antiparos is on your way to the chapel of the Cross where you will enjoy astonishing views of Antiparos, Paros as well as the neighbouring islets.

There are many things worth buying from the island of Antiparos, from hand crafted ceramics at the island's ceramic pottery workshops, to leather goods, designer clothing, local products, as well as charming artefacts, jewellery and souvenirs. Some shops worth mentioning are listed below:

The Ox
Situated at the end of the main street right before you reach the central square the Ox is an exceptional store that offers a great selection of handmade leather goods and branded clothing.

Tel: +30 22840 61580

Vicky's Confectionary
This is a lovely shop selling traditional homemade cake and Ice-cream and mouth-watering desserts.

Chorio, Antiparos
Tel: +30 22840 61012, +30 6972 506954
E-mail: [email protected]

Paramythi
This is a beautiful little shop offering handmade creations of glass, wood and ceramic artefacts as well as exceptional silver and gold jewellery. This store is situated at the end of the main shopping street of Chora.

Tel: +30 22840-61735, 6938942346

Blue Island Divers
Situated on the main street of Antiparos this exquisite shop offers a great variety of masks, snorkels, fins, t-shirts, bikinis, shorts and all kinds of scuba diving and water sports equipment as well as diving lessons from diving professionals.

Tel: +30 22840 61767
Mobile: +30 698 3159452
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blueisland-divers.gr