Antiparos

Antiparos is a small Greek island in the Cyclades group, separated from Paros by a narrow and shallow strait. It has an area of 45 square kilometers with a 57 kilometer coastline. The capital Antiparos is on the north eastern coast, while the other villages Kambos and Agios Georgios are in the mid-west and on the south western coast, respectively. The islands houses just over 1,000 inhabitants.

Antiparos is well recognised for its relaxed, authentic atmosphere. It has many beaches on all sides and offer a nice alternative to the more crowded and hectic islands around it. Like its "parent island" Paros, it is also known for its excellent wind conditions for wind- and kitesurfing.

From the 1970s, Antiparos became a popular tourist destination among nudist lovers, attracted by the remote and sandy beaches of the island. The most frequented by nudists was and still is the campsite on the Teologi beach, to the north, opposite the uninhabited islet of Diplo. The end of the beach of the village is also nudist, as well as that of Perigiali.

Today Antiparos welcomes much more diversified forms of tourism since the times of the hippies. Since the 1990s there has been a constant improvement in the tourist infrastructure which has also attracted families.

Most of the population of Antiparos, and certainly in the tourist business, speak English fairly well.

Being a small island, public transport is scarce. There are however several rental shops by the port that offer bicycles, scooters, ATVs and cars. Note that many of the smaller roads are in poor condition and that the ATV is likely to be the best mean of transport, though all companies offer 50CC quads that are not quite powerful enough to pull two adults up the steepest hills.

The town of Antiparos is best explored by foot, and several beaches are within fifteen minutes of walking from the main street.

• The Cave (12 km (7 mi) south of Antiparos town). 9AM-3PM. The main attraction is undoubtedly the stalagtite grotto in the center of the island. It is an easy 340 steps down, but remember you have to go the same steps back up! Several names and dates going back hundreds of years are painted on the walls of the cave. €3.50. 
• Despotiko: This small island to the south west hides architectural components of a Doric temple built around 500 BC. Excavations have been ongoing since 1997.
• The Castle: A single wall is all that remains of a 1440 venetian castle in the middle of the capital.

There are many beautiful beaches and coves to see and enjoy, though the rarest gems are on the far south or west coast of the island, for instance Sostis Bay, Monastiria and Livadi. Mind that some of the roads are very poor, particularly to Monastiria (only suited for ATVs or tough 4x4 cars - not SUVs).

Blue Islands Divers in the main street offer snorkeling and diving trips/classes, as well as wind- and kitesurfing classes.

Alexandros, Captain Ben and Iason are the names of three wooden boats offering trips around the island including refreshments, barbecue and time for bathing/snorkeling. Captain Antonis of the former offers excellent octopus, sea urchin, tzatziki, local sausage and souvlaki, while being generous with his bottle of Ouzo.

There are many tavernas in the main street and along the port of Antiparos, as well as a few hidden gems in the small alleys. The one thing they have in common is good food; it is virtually impossible to go wrong on Antiparos. There are also fairly good taverns on the larger beaches. Prices differ slightly, but the quality is largely very good and the all serve traditional Greek food such as salads, grilled meat and fish.

• Yanni's Place in the main street has incredible pasta dishes.

The entire town of Antiparos comes to life in the summer evenings.

• Sunset Beach on the north western shore, a five minute walk from the main street, offers drinks and light meals accompanied by one of the world's pretties sunsets.

There are several hotels in Antiparos town and along the port, as well as a camping area on the northern coast, a ten minute walk from the main street.

• Hotel Begleri A family run hotel in the southern area of town. Small but comfortable rooms.

Move on by boat back to Paros and explore the other islands of the Cyclades