Antiparos Yacht Charter Guide

One of the best-kept secrets of the Cyclades, Antiparos is the smaller sister island to Paros and mostly remains off the radar. In the heart of the Aegean sea, for centuries artists and writers have visited its shores for inspiration and respite – Lord Byron and Truman Capote both spent considerable time here, with the former even inscribing his name on an ancient cave.
As there are no direct ferries from Athens, Antiparos is harder to get to for most visitors and therefore remains quietly untouched by mass tourism. The whitewashed buildings with pops of bright blue paint nestled along cobbled streets are like scenes pulled straight from a movie. A haven for yacht charters, the calm blue waters, and shallow beaches make the island well-suited for families with younger children. And as Antiparos lacks the party scene found on other islands, the crowd here tends to enjoy the tranquil simplicity of life.

Best time to visit: Antiparos benefits from a long Mediterranean summer, with May - September offering the best of the warm weather.

Key cruising areas: The larger island of Paros is just a short sail away and is a great destination for a day trip. The coast of Antiparos offers a huge variety of different terrain and areas to explore, from golden sand beaches to remote bays perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island is also a wonderful starting point for a charter through the Cyclades islands. 

Don't miss: Spend the day on nearby Despotiko island to discover the beautiful beaches and a well-preserved archaeological site. For a relaxing evening on the water, set sail on your yacht and drop anchor near the coves of Pantalonisia or Agios Spyridonas.

Best spots for wining and dining: You will find the freshest seafood on the island at Captain Pipino’s charming taverna in Agios Georgios, which is a great spot for a casual lunch. Enjoy a waterfront dinner at Sapou Restaurant (order the baked avocado!) followed by delicious ice cream from Vicky’s.

Best local dish: Grilled octopus and steamed lobster are freshly caught delicacies on the island. Try Briam, a colorful casserole made from eggplant, tomato, peppers, and potatoes, and Xino Mizithra, a local soft goat's cheese that perfectly complements a fresh Greek salad.

Local culture: The peaceful island is best explored by foot and there is very little traffic so soak up the quiet atmosphere and disconnect from the world for a few days. For a touch of history, the capital city of Chora has beautiful traditional Cycladic architecture and is home to a stunning Venetian castle and fortress. 

Best beach: There are so many beaches to choose from on Antiparos but Soros is a lovely option and has an upscale beach club restaurant for an afternoon drink or lunch. Away from the crowds, Livadia Beach is on the southern side of the island and rarely sees a lot of tourists on its shores. 

IYC recommends: The Cave of Antiparos is an intriguing natural wonder full of stalactites and stalagmites. Located on the southeastern part of the island, the cave has a long history as both a place of refuge and worship.