A walking tour of Antiparos’ quiet and quaint Hora

You can simply stroll around Hora (main town) or take advantage of Antiparos’ flatness and hire a bike to also explore the wider area – either way, you’re in for a treat.

The port 

Your first encounter with Antiparos starts in the port, where you’re greeted by the church of Agia Marina, with its characteristic blue-domed roof, and the windmill immediately behind it. If your visit coincides with it, there’s a two-day St Marina nameday celebration (including local food and drink and sailing races) here on 16-17 July. Boats leave for Despotiko, an island southwest of Antiparos that is popular for its exotic beaches.

Agios Nikolaos Square 

As you stroll down the waterfront, turn left into the pedestrianised main street (Agios Nikolaos), lined with stylish boutiques, tavernas and bars. At the end of the street you reach a distinctive large plane tree that marks your arrival at Agios Nikolaou Square. This is the town’s main meeting point, with more shops and restaurants and a lively atmosphere – cafes for daytime and cocktail bars for night. 

Church of Agios Nikolaos

Ahead of you is Antiparos’ main church, built in 1783 (the date is inscribed above one of the doors). This marks the start of the castle area, in which there are a further three churches (Agios Antonios, Christos, and Agios Ioannis).

Venetian Castle 

Heading through an archway, you’ll enter the Venetian Castle, which dates from the 15th century. It was built to protect the residents from pirate raids and such was its dominance that the entire town is sometimes called Kastro. Strolling around, you’ll see how the houses (some built to three storeys, each with a separate front door and staircase) acted as outer walls to the fortification. 

Folk Museum 

The Folk Museum has gathered an interesting exhibition of traditional artefacts and exhibits – photographs, maps, manuscripts and objects of daily Antiparian life from days gone by. 

The sunset from Sifneikos beach

To finish your walk, continue the road away from town towards the west coast. It’s a simple stroll (500m) and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful sandy beach and the tranquility you’ve been dreaming of. The sunset from here his sublime, dipping into the Aegean. 

Bonus

Not in the main town, but an absolute must see when visiting, is the Antiparos Cave about 15mins away by car (9km). Around 400 steps lead you to the heart of the cave, at a depth of 85m, where you arrive at a chamber of astonishing stalagmites and stalactites. The oldest stalagmite, by the entrance, is estimated at 45 million years old. The cave has been used as a refuge, from the Stone Age (according to archaeological findings and carvings) to the 4th century when Macedonian generals hid here after a failed conspiracy against Alexander the Great.