A great excursion from Mykonos is Antiparos. It’s a little island with a lot of charm.
Excursion from Mykonos: Antiparos
Antiparos is a Cycladic island next to Paros, its larger sister island. Both Paros and Antiparos have the same architectural look as Mykonos. Think whitewashed cubist homes, buildings and churches dotting a rocky landscape.
With just a thousand locals living on Paros, it is a quiet place. It has a different vibe than Mykonos, a more traditional, calm and off-the-beaten-track kind of island destination.
While Mykonos is known for its jet set, Paros is famous for also attracting a posh crowd – namely the Hollywood elite. One of the island’s most popular villa owners is the one and only Tom Hanks!
Here are some highlights when visiting Antiparos from Mykonos.
Venetian Castle
Antiparos has a Venetian castle worth exploring in Antiparos Old Town. In the 15th century it protected the island from pirates of the Aegean. The entrance is a Gothic style gate. There are many houses built within the walls and three Venetian influenced churches.
Cave of Antiparos
If you are fascinated by natural caves head to the Cave of Antiparos on Agios Ioannis Hill which is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is almost vertical at 90 meters deep, 50 meters wide and 40 meters high.
There’s a staircase that will take you through three chambers. At the entrance, you’ll find the quaint chapel of Ai Giannis Spiliotis.
Fish Taverns in Agios Georgios
Agios Giorgos is famous for its charming fish taverns. Try Captain Pipinos for the super fresh seafood and view.
Beaches on Antiparos
Like Mykonos, Antiparos has beautiful beaches to relax all day at. Some of the best are Psaraliki, Glifa, Camping, Livadia and Agios Georgios.
Explore Despotiko
If you are renting a yacht or boat for a day be sure to check out Despotiko. It is an uninhabited island right next to Antiparos which is the home of an important archaeological excavation.
To go to Antiparos, you take the local ferry from Mykonos to Paros. There are boats leaving often from Paros. Combine sightseeing both islands! Check out our earlier post: Day Trip to Paros: Top Things to Do on Paros.
Even better, ask us about renting a yacht or boat for a day or two so you can explore other beautiful islands that neighbor Mykonos at your own leisure.