Description of the attraction
Antiparos is a small inhabited island in the southern part of the Aegean Sea in the center of the Cyclades archipelago. It is located directly opposite the island of Paros (the narrow strait is less than 2 km away) and has a ferry service to the port of Parikia.
In ancient times, the island had the name "Oliaros", which (presumably from the Phoenician) means "wooded mountain". This small picturesque island has an area of only 37-38 sq. km, and its main settlement is also called Antiparos. A small picturesque town built around an ancient Venetian fortress and has the architecture traditional for the Cycladic islands - typical snow-white buildings with doors and windows painted in blue, immersed in greenery and flowers.
In the center of the island is its main attraction - the famous Antiparos Cave, which is considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious caves in the world. This place has an interesting ancient history and has been used as a natural shelter since the Neolithic era, and today it fascinates travelers with its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Near the cave entrance is the Church of St. John Spiliotis.
The island of Antiparos is surrounded by many uninhabited islets that are of considerable historical and archaeological interest. The most famous among them is the island "Despotico" (west of Antiparos), where in recent years a number of archaeological excavations have been carried out, as a result of which burials of the Early Cycladic era, the foundations of an ancient sanctuary and other buildings, ceramics and much more have been discovered. And on the island of Salyagos, the ruins of a Neolithic settlement were discovered.
The island began to gain popularity as a tourist destination in the 1990s. It is famous for its magnificent golden sandy beaches, clear blue-green waters, unspoiled nature and the special atmosphere of the Cyclades. Today Antiparos is a very popular resort, both among Greeks and tourists from other European countries. Also, in recent years, this heavenly place has been chosen by many world celebrities.
