Despotiko View

The idyllic island of Antiparos is small in size, but big in reputation (partly because of its inherent beauty, and partly because Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks owns a villa on the island).

The villa is located in the quaint town of Agios Giorgos, known for its pristine sandy beaches. The town is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and a cute little port where you can embark on boat tours of the island and its surrounds.

The island’s beaches are very good and always close at hand. The villa is not only close to the beaches of Agios Giorgos, but nearby Soros Beach boasts one of the island’s two beach clubs.

Across the narrow channel from the villa and within full view from the terrace is the sacred island of Despotiko (hence the villa’s name). The island is home to an ancient sanctuary, second only in size among the Cyclades to the sanctuary on Delos Island. The island has no permanent residents but boat tours take visitors to some of the island’s archeological sites and stunning beaches. 

Antiparos Town (17-minute drive), also known as Chora, is the island’s main port, boasting many eateries, cafes, boutique shops, whitewashed alleys, and the bustling main square. The Castle of Antiparos was built by the Venetians in 1440 to protect the island against pirate invaders. The castle has been partially commandeered by the town over the years, meaning it is as much a living district as a historical fortress.

An attraction you’ll be sure not to miss is Antiparos Cave, which descends 85m below the earth and boasts spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. After climbing up and down the cave’s approximately 400 steps, you’ll certainly have an appetite. Head to one of the town’s traditional tavernas, such as Pavlo’s, which serves homemade dishes and wine.

Antiparos Town is also home to the island’s nightlife. Head to the main square where clubs play mainstream music and the adjacent streets offer quieter cocktail bars. One place you won’t want to miss is Disca La luna, a legendary disco that opened in 1981 and hasn’t changed much since. This disco only opens its doors at 2 am, and while it’s located on the outskirts of town, there is a direct path leading from the main square. The dancing doesn’t stop here until well after the sun has risen.

Read more about Antiparos

This small island in the Cyclades is an off-the-beaten-track summer destination for visitors seeking a laidback holiday with glorious beaches and beautiful scenery.

Boats sail into the island from neighbouring Paros - car ferries from Pounda to Antiparos Chora take less than ten minutes. From Paros’ capital you can catch connecting ferries towards Athens, Santorini and Mykonos or fly from Paros Airport to Greece’s capital city.

The island’s main village, Antiparos Chora, is set up for day trippers with its taverna terraces and little boutiques alongside a bustling main square and a warren of winding lanes leading towards the ruins of the 15th century Venetian castle. As evening approaches and visitors from Paros are ferried home, wander around the quieter bougainvillea-clad lanes admiring white-washed houses, old churches and arched pathways before dining out in one of the town’s restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes.  

Visitors also flock to the fascinating Cave of Antiparos in the centre of the island with its ancient stalagmites. Alternatively, hop on a boat to tour the sea caves - some trips offer you the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear sea as you explore.

The island’s coastline is wonderful for beach hoppers whether you are seeking little seaside settlements with pretty tavernas by the waterside or more remote spots with isolated bays and turquoise-coloured sea.

Dip into the shallow waters around Theologos Bay near Chora or discover the long stretch of coastline on the other side of the village at Paralia Psaraliki backed by trees for a little shade. Come across watersports, tavernas and beach bars a little further along as well as the crystal-clear Aegean for paddling and swimming. A little further afield, Soros Beach is the place to go for cocktails at its exclusive beach club.

In the south-west of Antiparos, Agios Georgios is slowly developing into a small seaside resort with a small handful of tavernas and attractive beaches. From the port, boat trips sail to Despotiko, an uninhabited Greek island with a rich heritage alongside roaming goats, hidden bays and idyllic shores. The archaeological site on the island is incredible – check to see if it is open during your stay, if not then admire the ancient Greek temple ruins from afar as you pass by boat.

Back to Antiparos, more isolated spots include Paralia Sostis with its untouched beauty and Faneromeni Beach, a true hidden gem – both reached via off-road tracks on the southern tip. Heading further north is Paralia Monastiria surrounded by cliffs and the more accessible Livadia Beach, popular with surfers and families alike, a stunning place to watch the sun set on the western coast of the island.