Written on : 13 May 2021 By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Only 35 square km in size, Antiparos is a small island in the Cyclades and a true haven of peace. As opposed to the cosmopolitan Paros island, Antiparos is quiet and calm, making it the ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing family holiday. You will find cobbled streets, blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses with bougainvillaea everywhere, pristine natural sceneries and endless sandy beaches.
If you're wondering what things to do in Antiparos with your family and children, read on and discover its best attractions to visit.
In Antiparos capital, also known as Chora or Kastro, sits a 15th-century Venetian castle built to defend the island from pirate invasions. Now in ruins, it towers up in the heart of the Chora, square-shaped and with quaint Cycladic houses encircling the ancient settlement. The circular base of the castle was once the residence of the Venetian governor and is the only well-preserved area that survives today. Exploring its peaceful and quiet streets and admire its ancient architecture with many details in every nook and cranny will be one of the best things to do in Antiparos.
Antiparos Cave
Antiparos Cave is one of the most famous attractions on the island-- a place where you'll find otherworldly stalagmites and stalactites.
Located on Agios Ioannis, you'll descend 100 metres down its 411 steps, whose end will reward you with magnificent spectacles. At the entrance, you'll find a 45 million-year-old stalagmite, known as the oldest in Europe. You will also find the white chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis, dating to the 18th-century.
The cave has a long history and was an important place of worship. In 1673, the French ambassador of Constantinople explored the cave with his crew and adorned it with candles, then performed a Christmas Mass on top of a stalagmite. Macedonian soldiers also used the cave as a retreat after their collusion against Alexander the Great.
You need to book a guided tour to see the cave. It opens every day from 10:00 to 15:00.
Trip to Despotiko Island
Currently uninhabited, the tiny island of Despotiko is a must-visit that your family and children will love. Located only 700 metres from the coastal village of Agios, it is home to an archaeological site dating to the 7th century BC, which used to be the largest sanctuary in the Cyclades Islands. You can go on a boat tour with your family from Antiparos village and stop at the midpoint to plunge into its calm emerald-blue-shaded waters and snorkel near the sea caves. Steeped in silence, Despotiko boasts paradise beaches -- its most famous one is Livadi Beach.
Explore Sea Caves and Coves on a Boat Tour
Many boat tours setting off from Antiparos Port will take you to discover its many sea caves and secret coves. The captain will make some stops, where you'll get the chance to swim and snorkel. You can explore its seabed and take great photographs in pristine settings.
Visit its Beautiful Beaches
Antiparos is blessed with endless sandy beaches to explore. The best beach for families is Theologos, boasting calm and shallow emerald waters resembling a lagoon, making it ideal for toddlers and small children. With its many trees providing shade, you can enjoy a family picnic, and your children can have fun making sandcastles.
Another great beach is Agios Giorgios, which is reachable by boat. It stands out by its unusual volcanic formations and caves-- a unique place to explore natural wonders. Other lovely family beaches include Panagia beach and Camping beach.
