Antiparos

Antiparos and Paros are divided by a narrow channel. The island is notable for its golden, sandy beaches and for its authentic natural beauty. The capital, Antiparos or Kastro, stands around the original nucleus of the medieval castle. Among the principal attractions of Antiparos is the famous cave of stalactites on Agios Ioanis hill. There is a chapel to St John of the Cave (Agios Ioanis Spiliotis) at the mouth of the cavern. Antiparos has a number of beaches with golden sand and blue-green water. Every year, more and more visitors come to Antiparos, and as a result the hotels and limited number of rooms to rent have difficulty in meeting demand at peak periods.

All around Antiparos are scores of tiny islands, like guards posted out at sea, inhabited only by wild rabbits and pigeons.

History

On a small island called Saliagos, between Paros and Antiparos, in 1964 there was found a neolithic village, dated to the end of the 5th millenium B.C. That time, according to the findings, the two islands were connected and the first man on Antiparos showed up in the neolithic age. Excavations on the island of Despotiko have revealed the ruins of tombs dating from the Early Cycladic era.

Places

The main village, Antiparos or Kastro, is built around the mediaeval castle. The island's main attraction is the spectacular Grotto with stalactites on Agios Ioannis hill, with the little church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis at its entrance. There are several beautiful beaches with golden sands and clear blue-green sea. On the north of the island there are the wonderful beaches of Psaraliki (5' from Andiparos) and Sifneikos Gialos (10'). On the south is Ai Giorgis.

Anchorages

Antiparos: Poor shelter; Anchored off; No fuel or water; Tavernas