Perfect Things to Do in Antiparos with Kids

GREECE - ANTIPAROS - BEACHES OF ANTIPAROS

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With so much to discover, and in such a kid-friendly environment, the island of Antiparos is the perfect island for family holidays in Grece! Kids will love all they can see and explore on such a small island: great beaches, crystal clear seas, mysterious caves, and delicious Greek food… let’s see all the fantastic things to do in Antiparos with kids!


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Things to Do in Antiparos with Kids

Island of Antiparos Greece
The island of Antiparos from Agios Ioannis Hill.

Apart from the peace of mind, such a relaxed island brings to parents, not everything looks so quiet to kids’ eyes. Getting lost in the maze of alleys in the chora can be an adventure.

Our kids loved to wander the Kastro, the old fortress in the center of the village. Exploring every single abandoned angle, playing hide and seek, or stopping to look (and caress) every single lonely cat that came across their path.

things to do in antiparos with kids
The tiny Kastro of Antiparos island, Greece.

Pedestrian streets allowed them to go around in total safety, discovering signs (they are learning Greek and every sign to read is a challenge!), colorful trees and flowers, and places where to eat the best gyros… which is always a feast for kids.

Kids walking in the kastro of Antiparos island, Greece
Things to do in Antiparos with kids: Visit the Kastro.

Visit the Beaches of Antiparos with the Kids

Among the things that kids love the most while in Greece are the fantastic beaches of the islands. Well, at least my kids are hard to get out of the sea..!

Many beaches in Antiparos are great for kids, most of them are safe and shallow, with turquoise water and very fine sand.

Near our hotel, they enjoyed two of the most peaceful places. The beach is known as the Camping Beach because it’s near the only camping site you’ll find in Antiparos, and the other one is Theologos, so shallow and calm it look almost like a lagoon. One of the best ones for toddlers and small kids.

I would recommend this beach for families with children. Several trees offer enough shadow and there are no winds in the area.

What’s more, the center of town is barely 10 minutes away, so you do not need to bring supplies to spend your day there.

Theologos Beach, Antiparos island. Greece.
Things to do in Antiparos with kids: Spend a day at Theologos Beach, Antiparos island.

The beach of Sifneikos (thus called as you can see Sifnos in the distance) is a bit rougher for kids. Great for adults and irreplaceable for sunsets!

Sifneiko Beach, Antiparos island.
Sifneiko Beach, Antiparos island.

Best Beaches for Kids in Antiparos

Other beaches relatively close to the chora are Psarailyki A and Psaralyki B, together with Panagia and Glyfa. They are more traditional places.

There, just lying in the sun or a good, long swim in such crystal waters is nothing but the natural thing to do. Their closeness to the village makes them the most popular in high peak months.

The best moments to enjoy these beaches are, obviously, the months of May and September, when the island is at its best.

Beach in the island of Antiparos - Greece
Beaches of Antiparos island.

Going down the road bit further Soros will capture your senses. This beach has become the most exclusive place to be, to be seen, and to see on the island.

We were lucky enough to visit in May and find the beach empty, with a paradise touch to it.

The colors of the water here change during the day provoking amazing combinations of blues and greens. There is a nice bar where to have cold drinks.

Soros Beach

Soros beach, Antiparos island, Greece.
Soros Beach, Antiparos island, Greece.

A lazy day in Soros is one of those little pleasures Antiparos rewards its visitors with. If you are an active type, pack your beach bag at about 7.00 pm to reach Faneromeni. This solitary beach on the Southern tip of the island offers one of the most attractive sunset settings.

Agios Georgios

My favorite beach of all, however, was Agios Georgios, on Despotiko Bay. The magnificent scenery you get from the road that leads there is stunning.

Despite its beauty, people seem to prefer the comfort of the beaches closer to the village, giving this spot solitary magic.

In this area, you can get on a boat and venture yourself to discover the magic colors of Antiparos caves.

Where impressive volcanic formations mix with the emerald color the sun produces when touching the surface of the sea.

For the best swim ever, cross the little bay to reach the island of Despotiko. Apart from the wonders of the archaeological site, there’s a secluded beach with a little church behind it.

Spend there some peaceful hours, until it’s time to get back to Antiparos. Agios Giorgos can be reached by car but also by the local bus.

Octopus hanging on Agios Giorgos beach, Antiparos island. Greece
Octopus hanging on Agios Giorgos Beach, Antiparos island.

On the opposite side of Antiparos, the beaches of Monastiria and Livadia are more solitary and less easy to reach.

Either you need a car or you can rent a bike.

This coast of the island is often affected on windy days. However, being more distant, it’s not rare to find a lonely spot to spend a day in full privacy.

Sail to Despotiko Island

Kids sailing in Antiparos Greece
Kids enjoy sailing in Greece!

If you visit Antiparos there’s no way you miss a day trip to Despotiko island. Captain Sargos took us to Despotiko his trip is perfectly planned to enjoy a bit of everything.

We departed at around eleven with our captain and his friendly sailor retriever. The first stop was an exploration of the caves of Antiparos.

A palette of blues, greens, and turquoise cleverly mixes with the gray shades of the rock formations around you. Curious shapes that allow the boat to venture under natural rock bridges and mysterious angles are difficult to forget.

Caves in the sea, Antiparos island. - Greece
Caves in the sea, Antiparos island.

Then, there’s the actual crossing of the sea to reach the archaeological site. Despotiko is almost in the center of the Cyclades. On clear days it offers spectacular views of Antiparos, Syros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, and Ios.

On the tiny island, the flora is rich and wild. In Spring you will enjoy the colors and perfumes of herbs and daisies.

Discover the Archaeological Site on Despotiko Island

Archaeological site of Despotiko island, Cyclades, Greece.
The archaeological site of Despotiko island, Cyclades, Greece.

Significant archaeological findings give Despotiko similar characteristics to the sacred island of Delos.

Due to its central position, the area played an important role in sea navigation.

Archaeological excavations brought to light an important late Archaic sanctuary.

Pottery fragments, Despotiko island. Greece
Pottery fragments, Despotiko island.

Objects still visible on the different layers of the ground prove the link the island maintained to mainland Greece and part of the Mediterranean during several eras.

Our guide also explained that the still visible sanctuary was probably in honor of Apollo.

If you are interested in seeing some of the objects found there, you will find them exhibited in the archaeological museum of Parikia (Paros), but trust me, my kids had extreme fun discovering pieces of pottery on the ground everywhere.

After the visit to the archaeological site, the boat departs from the close-by dock to take you to the beach of Despotiko. It’s possible to agree with your captain how much time you’d like to spend there.

Go to the Beach in Despotiko

Kids on the beach, Antiparos island, Greece.
Beach in Despotiko.

Captain Sargos will return to take you back when you are ready to leave. This is one of the most beautiful places on Despotiko, with a fantastic view of Antiparos.

For certain, the day trip to Despotiko was among our kids’ favorites while in Antiparos.

Main beach on Despotiko island. Greece
The main beach on Despotiko island.

Discover the Cave of Antiparos

The Cave of Antiparos is located in the center of the island, on the hill of Agios Ioannis. And take your camera with you because the landscapes you will admire going up there are pretty unique.

Without any doubt, this was the kid’s best day in Antiparos. Who could blame them? I think that, so far, the Cave is the most magical place we have ever visited on any Greek island.

Despite the 411 steps down (and, of course, up) you need to endure, the cave rewards you with priceless bizarre views.

Inside the Cave of Antiparos.
Inside the Cave of Antiparos.

In 1673 the French ambassador of Constantinople made it to the cave and explored its interiors. Together with his crew, they went down the caves with ropes and candles.

There, they were amazed (as you will too!) to discover the impressive natural formations still visible inside.

This expedition took place around Christmas time, so the ambassador performed a mass at the top of a stalagmite very similar to an altar. Inscriptions in Latin are still visible.

Many famous people paid a visit to the site, leaving their signatures as a memory of their adventures.

Geological formations cave of Antiparos, greece
Cave of Antiparos.

At the entrance, the first thing you see is a white church in contrast with the color of the rock. It’s the church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis (St John of the Cave).

Right there, there’s a huge stalagmite, probably the oldest in Europe, about 45 million years old.

Church at the entrance of the Cave of Antiparos. Greece
The church at the entrance of the Cave of Antiparos.

Descending the safe stairs to the heart of the cave, it’s difficult to decide where to look at. Which angle looks weirder, where nature has left a breathtaking trace?

Unfortunately, some of the most spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites were mutilated by earlier visitors. Yet, the panorama remains one of a kind. One curious fact: it takes 80 to 120 years to create one cm of stalagmite.

Cave of Antiparos, Greece
Cave of Antiparos.

More About the Cave of Antiparos

It’s located 8km from the Chora and opens every day from 10.00 to 15.00. The last public bus departs at about 15.15, but do check the local bus schedule here.

In Summer there is a difference in temperature from outside to inside. Take a light coat.
Photos allowed inside, without flash only.

Entrance is restricted to people with heart diseases, breathing problems, special needs, and pregnant women.
Entrance fee: € 5,00 – kids € 2,50

You might enjoy: Holidays in Antiparos.

Pin this Gude to the Best Things to Do in Antiparos with Kids for your next Greek Escape!

KIDS LOVE ANTIPAROS

About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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16 thoughts on “Perfect Things to Do in Antiparos with Kids

  1. Akashdeep says:

    This place looks so calm and serene. Thanks for sharing a place which i never heard off, on my bucket list now??

    • Gabi A. says:

      These kinds of comments make me happy. I love showing people places they’ve never heard of, because… in the end, that’s the ultimate scope of a travel blog! Helping people discover great places. Thanks for leaving you comments on it. And do visit, you won’t regret it!

  2. Ami Bhat says:

    Beaches, nature and caving. What is there not to like? I loved the pics here. Those caves are quite deep as I can see. And those rock formations are fantastic. Did you boat go under them?

  3. Blair Villanueva says:

    I couldn’t help admiring the clear blue waters, and the cave! Very interesting and I wonder if someone have lived there years ago. I love reading your post.

  4. Tom @ Adventurous Travels says:

    Greek Islands are beautiful – I’ve been to a few of them and I’d love to return 🙂 Have you also tried Albania? It’s just like Greece but way cheaper, without tourists and with lovely locals 🙂

  5. My Travelogue by Bhushavali says:

    Everytime I come across an article on Greece I feel so bad coz I missed Greece when I was in Europe, coz the flight tickets were sky rocketing!!!
    Antiparos looks so gorgeous! Is that freshly caught octopus??? OMG!!!
    The cave with all its Stalactites and Stalagmites, its just awesome!

    • Gabi A. says:

      Yes, fresh octopus is everywhere… ready to be grilled for you! And the caves was indeed such a fantastic experience! I hope you can make it to Greece sooner or later, it’s really a gorgeous place to visit!

  6. Kevin Wagar says:

    You grabbed my interest with the views and the beach, but you won me over with the cave! That is like icing on the cake.

    • Gabi A. says:

      Hi, Veronica, the octopus is drying under the sun, locals said that it is then easier to cook… To be honest, I don’t know if it’s easier, but it is really tastier!

  7. Maria Theresa says:

    Thanks for sharing this! Antiparos looks so peaceful. And those caves… is it possible to swim? I mean literally jump from the boat??

  8. Claire says:

    What a comprehensive post!! There’s so much useful information in it! My husband an I where thinking about Antiparos for Summer but we were reluctant and thought that Paros could be a better destination. These photos might make us change our minds. Regards from Manchester.
    Claire

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