The time when Antiparos was an unknown corner of the Aegean is long gone, as is the time when Antiparos was the Mecca of alternative tourism. It no longer is in the shadow of Paros, but has become a premium destination, attracting the rich, powerful and famous of the world. One thing that has remained the same is its lovely beaches.
Some beaches are serviced, many are a short distance on foot from the village of Antiparos, others are nudist-friendly – each beach has its own advantages. One thing is certain, when you visit Antiparos you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of great options for swimming and sunbathing on such a small island.
Camping beach
It’s one of the most legendary beaches of the Cyclades, attracting alternative crowds and nudists already since the ‘70s. It’s located next to the camping facilities and is less than a 10-minute-walk from the port and the village of Antiparos. Its waters are shallow and clean, while during the summer there are tents on the beach offering shade that are more-or-less communal.
Opposite the beach there’s an islet that’s easy to swim to. Nowadays it’s a mixed beach, including nudists. It’s worth visiting in the afternoon, to enjoy the sunset.
Soros
Probably the most famous beach of Antiparos, it can be reached by car or by bus. It is a relatively wide sand beach, with water that deepens fast. There is a beach bar with umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach, as well as some tamarisk trees offering natural shade, though not many, so to find a spot you have to be lucky.
There are also taverns on the beach, while just before the bay of Mikros Soros you can enjoy some privacy and quite. In addition, the sea bottom is great so bring your mask.
Psaraliki
You can easily get to this beach on foot from the Antiparos. It’s divided in Psaraliki 1 and Psaraliki 2, both ideal for families with small children as they are protected from the wind and are mostly calm and shallow. There are sunbeds and umbrellas but also quite a few trees underneath which you can sit.
It’s the best beach for water sport lovers as it has facilities, and you can rent paddle boats, ride a “banana”, go windsurfing or play beach tennis. Since it’s so close to the village, it’s the ideal place for an early morning swim.
Sifneiko
One more beach you can reach on foot from the village. The waters are crystal clear and its peace is magical, provided there’s no north wind.
It’s a beach popular among divers and people who love to swim. What makes this beach special is its unique sunset; the best on Antiparos and one of the best in the Cyclades.
Agios Sostis
Don’t be discouraged by the (relatively easy) dirt road; this lovely bay with the bright blue waters, resembling a pool, is worth visiting. The sea is shallow, something that makes it ideal for families, provided you bring your umbrella and necessities as it’s not an organised beach and it doesn’t have many trees.
The island regulars disagree on which is the most beautiful beach in Antiparos, Agios Sostis or Faneromeni.
Faneromeni
An amazing little beach, like Sostis, also on the south part of the island, which means its protected from the north wind. Access, on a dirt road, is not easy, but once you reach it you’ll swim in amazing waters, next to fish, and you can enjoy the great seabed.
It’s not an organised beach so you need to bring your own provisions, or at least a lot of cold water and an umbrella, so that you can enjoy it for a few hours. It’s not a very large beach, so if you’re in Antiparos during high season, make sure you come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to find a spot.
Livadia
At the northwest part of the island, you’ll find this beach that everyone will love. On windless days, you’ll be impressed by its wonderful waters.
But its highlight is probably the days with strong winds and waves, when surfers or advanced swimmers crowd the beach. It’s not a serviced beach but it’s accessible by car.
Despotiko
Antiparos is Paros’ “little sister” and the small uninhabited Despotiko is Antiparos’ “little brother”. You can reach this island by boat, either a rental/private one or catch one from the bay of Agios Georgios.
There are many beaches on Despotiko, but Livadi stands out and is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful ones in all of the Cyclades. Apart from its amazing waters, the large rocks, forming caves, on the beach make it distinct.
Source: travel.gr