Relaxation doesn’t get much easier than lazing on the remotely-strung beaches of sleepy Antiparos. Antiparos has an off-the-shoulder elegance. Quieter than its neighbor, Paros, this island has a slow pace but a big reputation. After really beginning to accrue attention in the 70s (in particular with naturist groups seeking serene and private spots on the Cyclades), Antiparos has continued on an effortless trajectory. Its approximate 60 km of coastline hides some beautiful beaches — the biggest question is how to narrow them down.
Picking beaches plays a big part in figuring out what to do in Antiparos; its coastal culture is huge. This guide contains the most scenic and sought-after spots for travelers to soak up the sun. From sunset-famous Sifneiko to windy Livadia, these are the eight best beaches in Antiparos.
Top 8 Beaches In Antiparos For Every Traveler
The Antiparos coastline doesn’t require much introduction. The island is best known for its circumference of beautiful beaches — suitable for couples, families, and off-the-beaten-track wanderers alike. For anyone still weighing up the “Why visit Antiparos” debate, these sections of shoreline speak confidently for themselves.
1. Sifneiko
Location: < 1km from Antiparos Town
Seeking the prettiest sunset on the island? Sifneiko Beach is the spot to be. A slight wind trap (creating choppier waters best suited to strong swimmers), it’s beautifully enjoyed from the sands on clear evenings. Think romantic picnics with a significant other; just be prepared to share the beach with those who’ve had the same idea.
2. Glyfa
Location: 4.3km from Antiparos Town
Glyfa is a family-friendly paradise thanks to ample opportunities to shelter under the rows of trees scattered just back from the waterfront. This section of the headland is fairly protected from the harshest winds, with large hills on either side of the beach. A little rocky as you enter the water, it’s otherwise a quiet sandy escape. Consider a taxi or car rental; the hour’s walk might be too excessive for little legs.
3. Panagia
Location: 1km from Antiparos Town
Panagia is another naturally shaded spot. The long sandy beach is backed by overhanging trees that provide respite from the midday heat. It has peaceful waters and is relatively accessible. Beach-goers walk just 30 minutes to reach Panagia, but that buffer zone thins out the tourist crowds — offering a quieter appeal than the likes of Sifneiko.
4. Vathis Volos
Location: 13km from Antiparos Town
Much more isolated than other Antiparos beaches, Vathis Volos is strung on the southwest coastline of the island. An expanse of sand with calm, shallow waters, it’s a peaceful place for a beach day. This spot is regularly incorporated into tour operator itineraries, but otherwise, it’s an approximate 20-minute drive from Antiparos Town.
5. Psaralyki
Location: <1km from Antiparos Town
Psaralyki Beach is a family-friendly and convenient option for those in Antiparos Town. Just a 10-minute stroll from the town center, it’s inherently accessible with reliable conditions to match. As an east-facing beach, it has shallow waters that dodge the worst northerly winds.
Technically speaking, it is split into two separate beaches (uncreatively called Psaralyki I and Psaralyki II). Psaralyki I is the optimal choice for facilities, with watersports and plenty of trees for midday shade. Psaralyki II has a more party-forward atmosphere, with beach clubs and occasional nudity.
6. Agios Spiridonas
Location: <1km from Antiparos Town
Prefer your beaches organized and accessible? Agios Spiridonas has sunbeds and bars in plenty, all just a 10-minute walk from Antiparos Town center. Sandy and shallow, it’s easy to quickly dart out from your hotel to enjoy a brief swim or sunbathe.
7. Livadia
Location: 4.8km from Antiparos Town
The west coast of Antiparos is notoriously undeveloped, and that’s how many tourists like it. Livadia’s northwest location guarantees regular big waves — whispers of a windy forecast have surfers flocking like bees to honey. Only a 10-minute drive by car, Livadia is a beautiful spot to unplug.
8. Soros
Location: 9.1km from Antiparos Town
Happy to pay premium prices? Soros Beach comes to life in summer, with sunbeds and the party atmosphere of Soros Beach Club whirring into sociable action. A 15-minute car ride, it’s located at the southeast end of the island. Best for those confident in deep waters (and with equally deep pockets), it’s a popular option amongst adult visitors.
Best Activities to Enjoy at Antiparos Beaches
Everyone has their own strategy when planning a beach day. Antiparos might have a reputation as a quiet beach destination in the Cyclades, but you won’t struggle for coastal itineraries.
Whether snorkeling, surfing, sunbathing, fulfilling an insatiable desire to dig holes, or embracing your inner bibliophile, time spent on beaches comes with individual flair. These experiences are exciting enough to warrant straying from even the most beautiful Antiparos villas and their pools.
1. Watersports
We spoke briefly of the wind-trapped beaches, like Livadia; windsurfing and surfing are strong entertainment options — forecast allowing. Psaralyki also has pedal boats if you’re craving something more sedate, while Glyfa is stunning for snorkeling.
Check the conditions ahead of time and consider bringing or renting water sports equipment to enjoy on Antiparos beaches.
2. Beach Clubs
Antiparos is sleepy but not entirely asleep. It jolts into action across many of its beaches with seasonal beach clubs; just take Soros, for example. Those who appreciate dabbles into party culture and nightlife can still unwind with DJ sets and flowing cocktails.
3. Hiking
Antiparos has a stunning coastline that is best enjoyed slowly. Why not lace up the old hiking boots for scenic walks you won’t fast forget? The Antiparos North Coast hike is a prime example. Dawdle a gentle 5km loop or challenge yourself with a 9km extended version. The latter involves sections of ‘aqua hiking,’ perfect for adventurous walkers.
How to Get to Antiparos Beaches
Fortunately, many of the Antiparos beaches are highly accessible on foot. If visitors base themselves in or around the island’s capital, Antiparos Town then spots like Sifneiko and Psaralyki are just 10-minute jaunts away. A gentle walk to the beach is the perfect way to wake up and appreciate the temperate Mediterranean climate.
The more remote-lying sections of the coastline are best accessed by car: choose a rental or a reliable taxi service. The far-flung beaches, like Livadia and Vathis Volos, are just too far to comfortably reach on foot, especially in the summer heat. Research suitable transfers and contact your accommodation for situation-specific recommendations. Scooter rentals can be fun. Another alternative is bike hire; why not invest in speedier transport while still increasing your heart rate?
Beaches aside, it’s worth noting that Antiparos is an airport-free island. Visitors will most likely hop on the short (between 7 and 30-minute) ferry service to Antiparos Town after flying into neighboring Paros. Perhaps prioritize some of the more urbanized beaches on your first couple of days; nobody wants to start a ‘relaxing’ holiday feeling shuttled pillar to post.
Best Time to Visit Antiparos Beaches
Timing an Antiparos beach holiday to perfection is a slightly double-edged sword. Do you want to enjoy facilities like beach clubs, embracing a more lively side to the island? Or are you craving its unplugged atmosphere, seeking minimal crowds with the best possible weather? As Antiparos is such a quiet destination that it becomes a fine balance to tread.
When visiting Antiparos, Greece beaches are shone in their finest light during moderately hot weather with minimal rainfall. July to August is the peak season to remember. These months have temperatures reaching 24°C and 26°C, with waters hovering at around 25°C. Great for sunbathing and swimming, these are fun times to embrace the island’s beaches at their best — albeit while rubbing shoulders with some of its heaviest tourist crowds. Of course, the benefit of this is better nightlife and socializing; Antiparos’ limited beach clubs whir enthusiastically into action.
For those desperate to avoid anything moderately resembling a crowd (understandable, don’t worry), shoulder seasons are preferable. June or September are the slightly quieter months, with September just securing the title as the ‘hottest alternative.’ With highs of 24°C, visitors still get that lingering sizzle of summer.
Essential Tips for Visiting Antiparos Beaches
With its illustrious history and remote sections of coastline, Antiparos really does have a reputation that precedes itself. This guide has covered everything you need to know about visiting Antiparos beaches — at least, almost. Its more low-key personality means that not all the best tips and tricks are shouted from rooftops.
Consider these essential tips to get even more relaxation from your Antiparos beach experiences.
- If in doubt, ask for advice on the best beaches once you arrive. Hotel staff will be able to advise more fluidly on the best options for different weather conditions.
- Understand the importance of hydration, especially on the more remote-lying beaches.
- Know which beaches are ‘clothing optional’ ahead of time. No matter your stance on the nudist lifestyle, it’s important to both play by the rules and avoid stark surprises.
- Consider bicycle hire instead of expensive taxis.
- Don’t forget to research day trips to other Cycladic islands; it’s a waste to just stick to one island with so many nearby beaches at your fingertips.