All life of Hora –the main settlement on the island- unfolds along a single street. Taverns and street vendors, grocery stores and dive shops, a playground and a jewellery shop; everything is located on the large pedestrian street that starts from the port and ends at the square with the cafes, bars and the church. But the island, which has often served as the stage for several -mainly Greek- films, has become a hot destination in recent years with boutique guesthouses, sophisticated restaurants and numerous celebrities, such as Tom Hanks, visiting every year. If you find yourself in Paros, a two-day stay is all you need to get a good taste of this little paradise of an island.
Day 1
10:00
The best spot for socialising is the main pedestrian street, where you can also enjoy perhaps the best breakfasts on the island. Café Margarita serves omelettes, pancakes and delicious sandwiches along with well-brewed coffee.
Info: Café Margarita, Main Pedestrian Street, Antiparos, +30 22840 61491
12:00
Take refuge from the summer heat in the impressive Cave of Antiparos. The latter is 85 metres deep and is one of the few vertical caves in Europe. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes as in order to see it you need to descent and then climb back 411 steps. In its three chambers you will see remarkable stalactites and stalagmites.
Info: Cave of Antiparos, +30 22840 61640, open daily 10:00-16:00, entrance fee: 6€
14:30
Once you have reached this southern part of the island, don’t miss the opportunity to go to Captain Pipinos Seafood Tavern for lunch. Here, on a daily basis, you’ll see freshly caught octopuses drying in the sun and fishing boats bringing in the fresh catch. Enjoy white seabreams, pandoras, and striped red mullets, all masterfully cooked, with a view of the small island of Despotiko.
Info: Agios Georgios beach, Antiparos, +30 22840 21823
18:00
Sifneiko beach, located west of Hora, is famous for its stunning sunset views. Next to the beach, Sifneiko Café enjoys the same view and serves really good coffee.
Sifneiko Café, Sifneiko beach, Antiparos, +30 22840 61093
21:00
Hora’s lights come on and traffic speeds up. Everyone puts on their evening clothes. Before sitting down somewhere, a stroll along the pedestrian street is a must. After the walk, head to Lollo’s Pizzeria, near the port. You might even see Tom Hanks, the American actor who has bought a house on the island. Don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand.
Info: Lollo’s, Antiparos port, +30 22840 61215
00:00
Go to Little Frog Bar to enjoy well-crafted cocktails and great music. On the menu you will find a wide range of spirits, from all-time classic cocktails to Italian aperitivos.
Info: Little Frog, Hora, Antiparos, +30 6971 834905
02:00
It may be a little early to go to La Luna, the island’s legendary disco. With an aesthetic that harkens back to the 80s, it’s the place to be late at night. Don’t be afraid to jump on the circular dance floor located in the centre of the venue. The fun picks up after 4am.
Info: La Luna, on the road from Hora to the campsite
05:00
If you want to be near Hora, choose the minimal and tastefully decorated Asteras rooms and apartments. Located very close to Chef Leonidas Koutsopoulos’ Samano restaurant, Kouros Village is decorated in a modern way and offers beautiful views of the port. Beach House Antiparos, which features nine suites, a bar and a restaurant, is very close to the beach. The Rooster Wellness and Lifestyle Resort stands out for its unique aesthetics, spa centre and restaurant that uses organically grown vegetables from their own farm.
Info: Asteras, Hora, Antiparos, +30 22840 61459, www.asterasantiparos.gr
Kouros Village, Antiparos port, +30 22840 61084, www.ouros-village.gr
Beach House Antiparos, Apantima beach, Antiparos, +30 22840 64000, www.beachhouseantiparos.com
The Rooster Wellness and Lifestyle Resort, Livadia beach, Antiparos, +30 22844 40900, www.theroosterantiparos.com
Day 2
10:00
Zucchini omelette with xynomizithra (traditional Greek whey cheese with a sour taste) and herbs from Antiparos; this is the ultimate Cycladic breakfast and can be enjoyed at Elia Kafenes, where breakfast is served daily from 09:00 to 15:00. Try also their burgers and pancakes.
Info: Elia Kafenes, Hora (on the pedestrian street, near the port), Antiparos, +30 22840 61704
12:00
It’s time to hit the beach! Psaraliki is the closest beach to Hora. It actually consists of two beaches, both sandy with swallow waters. Psaraliki features a beach bar and water sports facilities. Further south is Soros, a long sandy beach with relatively deep waters, sea umbrellas and sunbeds. At the southernmost point of the island, below the chapel of Faneromeni, you will find a small sandy beach with crystal clear waters. It is one of the few on the island that is not serviced.
15:00
Kalokeri offers delicious Greek creative cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try dishes such as sardines wrapped in vine leaf with aioli sauce or fresh sea bass with handmade tagliolini, zucchini, Kozani saffron, chilli and lime.
Info: Kalokeri, Hora, Antiparos, +30 22840 63037
18:00
At Vicky’s, located at the end of the main pedestrian street, you will find freshly made ice cream daily. Instead of pulp or powders, they use whole fruit and fine quality milk locally sourced. They offer a wide variety of flavours, while they also prepare made-to-order cakes.
Info: Vicky’s, Hora, Antiparos, +30 22840 61012
