A Day in Antiparos: What to See and Do on the Island!
Are you looking for the perfect destination in the Cyclades, or simply wondering whether Antiparos, Paros’ little sister, is worth visiting? Together, these two islands undoubtedly offer one of the most memorable experiences in the Greek archipelago. Located just a few minutes by ferry from Paros, Antiparos feels remarkably different from the moment you arrive. Smaller, more peaceful, and particularly enjoyable to explore for a day, the island brings together everything we love about the Cyclades: a charming village lined with whitewashed streets, lovely boutiques, beaches with crystal-clear waters, and plenty of excellent places to stop for a bite to eat.
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1 - HOW TO GET THERE ?
You’ve probably guessed it by now: there is indeed no airport on Antiparos. The easiest way to get there is to make your way to the village of Pounta, on the west coast of Paros. From there, the ferry takes only about 7 minutes to reach Antiparos. In 2026, the published fare is €1.50 per adult each way for foot passengers, plus €7.30 for a car. Depending on the ferry operator, you may pay for your round trip on the way there, while others will charge you for the return journey separately. It is therefore important to keep your receipt (ticket) somewhere safe.
Without a car, getting there is just as easy: you can take a bus from Parikia (the port of Paros) to Pounta and board the same ferry as a foot passenger. The advertised fare in 2026 is €7 each way.
The ferry schedule is also very convenient! The first ferries leave Pounta as early as 6:45 a.m., practically at sunrise, with crossings running every 20 minutes to one hour depending on the time of day. Service continues until after midnight, making it easy to enjoy a truly full day on Antiparos, from early morning until well into the evening, without having to rush back to Paros. Credit and debit cards are accepted on the ferry, so there’s no need to worry about carrying cash.
Should You Bring a Car or Explore on Foot?
If you’re staying on Paros, I highly recommend having a car to fully experience everything the island has to offer. After all, Paros was named the World’s Best Island in 2025 by Travel + Leisure. For a day trip to Antiparos, however, a car isn’t necessary if you simply want to explore the village, browse its boutiques, and wander around the port area — everything is very easy to discover on foot. On the other hand, if you’re planning to follow along to stop No.4 in this article and continue exploring some of the island’s beaches, I strongly recommend taking your car across on the ferry.
Prefer to leave your car on Paros? No problem! Free parking is available at the port of Pounta, just a few steps from the ferry boarding area.
2 - THE PORT OF ENTRY
The ferry drops you off practically in the heart of Chora, the main village of Antiparos. Whether you arrived by car or on foot, the choice is pretty simple: start your day by exploring the village and its many boutiques.
And that’s actually one of the great things about Antiparos! Unlike many destinations in the Cyclades, where shops tend to come alive later in the afternoon and evening, Antiparos’ boutiques generally open fairly early in the morning. Many welcome their first visitors around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m., giving you the chance to do some shopping before the heat becomes too intense and save the afternoon for the beaches.
If you don’t have a car, simply take note of the shops that catch your eye and come back before you leave. Most stay open well after sunset, so you won’t have to carry your purchases around all day.. especially when it’s time to hit the beach.
The Boutiques | A Street Lined with Quality Shops
From the port, you’ll gradually make your way into the charming whitewashed streets so typical of the Cyclades: pristine façades, colorful climbing flowers, inviting little terraces, and, above all, a great selection of independent boutiques. Linen clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor, Greek products, and original souvenirs offer a refreshing alternative to the usual tourist shops.
The main street naturally leads toward the Kastro, the old Venetian castle around which the village developed. In my opinion, you’ll likely stumble upon it naturally while wandering through Chora’s narrow streets and shops. It doesn’t necessarily warrant a special detour on its own; instead, think of it as a small historical discovery to incorporate into your walk through the village.
3 - LET’S GRAB A BITE
At this point in your visit, you’ll probably find yourself at the other end of the main street, near the Kastro. It’s the perfect time to look around and choose a good spot for lunch. There’s no shortage of options: smoothie bars with vegetarian choices, small pizzerias, Greek street food, gyros, and plenty of other great places are scattered throughout the narrow streets of Chora.
Prefer to grab something quick before heading to the beach? You’ll find at least three supermarkets near the port, perfect for picking up a sandwich, some fruit, drinks, or everything you need for a simple picnic.
And on your way back toward the port, be sure to have your camera ready.. you’ll be walking through one of the most photogenic areas of Antiparos!
4 - THE BEACHES OF ANTIPAROS
After exploring Chora, with a full stomach or a picnic in hand, it’s time to hop back in the car and follow the east coast to discover a completely different side of Antiparos. Think beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and the wilder landscapes of the island’s southern coast.
Soros | Where Beach Meets Beach Club
About 8 to 9 km south of the port (a 15–20 minute drive), you’ll find Soros Beach, one of the best-known beaches on Antiparos and, in my opinion, one of the best places to lay down your towel and spend a good part of the afternoon. Expect to drive along a few stretches of unpaved, dusty road along the way. Don’t worry — you’re definitely heading in the right direction! The beach is spacious, with a mix of sand and small pebbles, and beautiful deep-blue water that gets deep fairly quickly.
Access to the beach itself is free, but if you’re looking for a little more comfort, you can settle in at Soros Beach Club, where you’ll find sun loungers, umbrellas, cocktails, and a restaurant right by the sea. Depending on the time of year and the location you choose, expect to pay around €40 to €100 for an umbrella and two sun loungers; some options may also require a minimum spend.
To take the experience one step further, you can even stay right by the beach at… Soros Beach GuestHouse. The property features rooms and suites just steps from the sea, along with a restaurant, beach bar, and its own beachfront facilities. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to spend one or more nights in southern Antiparos rather than making the trip back to Chora or returning to Paros each evening.
BEACHES | Two Alternatives to Soros
For the more adventurous and for a complete change of scenery.. continue all the way to the southern tip of the island to discover Faneromeni Beach. Hidden below the small Faneromeni chapel and reached after a long stretch of rocky, unpaved road, this tiny cove is one of the most secluded beaches on Antiparos. Here, there are no beach clubs, sun loungers, or umbrellas.. just a small beach, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of tranquility. Be sure to bring water, something to eat, and everything else you’ll need for the beach. Getting there requires a little more effort, but that’s precisely what allows Faneromeni to retain its wild and secluded character.
Looking for something easier to reach? Glyfa Beach lets you avoid unpaved roads while still enjoying a beautiful stretch of coastline. Located just 3.5 km from the port, it makes an ideal stop as you head south. You’ll find crystal-clear water, a sandy beach, and an organized section with umbrellas and sun loungers. While Soros Beach remains the main stop on this itinerary, Glyfa is perfect for a quick swim along the way or as a more accessible alternative for enjoying the sea.
5 - DINNER & THE PERFECT END TO THE DAY
After a few hours spent enjoying the beaches along the east coast, it’s time to head back to Chora and end the day right where it began.
As evening approaches, the atmosphere around the port begins to change without losing its lively character. Ferries continue making their way back and forth to Paros, terraces slowly fill up, and the warm golden light of the evening settles over the boats and whitewashed buildings. Around the main street, Chora remains pleasantly lively as locals and visitors make the most of the final hours of the day, often over dinner or a drink.
RESTAURANT | Just Around the Corner
For dinner, I particularly enjoyed stepping away from the lively center after an afternoon spent relaxing on the beaches. Just a five-minute walk is enough to leave the bustle behind and discover a completely different side of Chora.. quieter, more peaceful, and generally more affordable.
Argo Restaurant Antiparos turned out to be a wonderful way to wrap up the day on the island. The restaurant serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a simple, laid-back atmosphere. I especially recommend the zucchini fritters and the chickpea specialty, two simple and delicious vegetarian options that paired perfectly with one last glass of white wine before making our way back to the port.
In short, Antiparos is definitely worth dedicating at least one day to during a trip to the Cyclades or even a few days if you feel like slowing things down and embracing the slow travel experience. The island is easy to explore at your own pace, without ever feeling like you need to rush from one place to the next. There’s just enough variety to fill an entire day… while still leaving you wishing you could stay a little longer.
As the sun slowly sets behind Antiparos, all that’s left to do is make your way back to the port and hop aboard the ferry to Paros, just a few minutes away. A short yet wonderfully scenic crossing that perfectly wraps up a day on one of the Cyclades’ most charming little islands.
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