The beaches of Antiparos are one of the main draws of the island. In keeping with the island’s laid back atmosphere, most beaches are only partially organised and are known for their peaceful environment. With a coastline of 57 kilometres, the shores are washed by clear seas and the island is ringed by a series of sandy beaches.
There are a handful of beaches near to the town but in summer you can take the bus to some of the more popular beaches or sign up for a boat excursion that lets you swim in the secluded bays of the island. Boat trips are also available to the uninhabited islets of Tsimintiri, Despotiko, and Stroggyli, south of Agios Georgios, for the ultimate castaway experience.
Agios Georgios
Named after the pretty church that sits gazing across to Despotiko and its majestic temple complex, Agios Georgios is small with golden sand on the sheltered south coast. Partly organised with some umbrellas and beds, the beach also has some shade from trees at the rear and a beach bar for refreshments. The water is shallow and it is possible to swim to the uninhabited islet of Tsimintiri only 300 metres away. On the next headland is the secluded spot of Vathis Volos with a similar set up, and both are served by a bus from Antiparos town. There are a couple of well respected fish taverns within walking distance of the beaches.
Agios Spiridonas
Just 200 metres from the main town of Antiparos, Agios Spiridonas is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Sheltered and with shallow waters and shade from tamarisk trees, the beach is a hit with families who love the convenience. Sandy, there are some umbrellas outside the taverns and cafés and the views are across the channel to Paros.
Agios Sostis
On the southeastern peninsula at the end of a rough dirt road, Agios Sostis is completely unserviced. Sandy with some pebbles, the sea is particularly inviting with clear, shallow waters and there is a little shade to the rear. Relatively sheltered, it is best to bring an umbrella and food and water as it can get busy in high season.
Apantima
A small, sheltered cove, Apantima is a charming pebbly beach with clear waters about 7 kilometres from Antiparos town. Organised and spared from the summer winds, it is somewhat dominated by an expensive beach bar-restaurant-resort complex that rents out sunbeds.
Camping Beach
One of the most famous beaches on the island, Camping beach is named after the campsite behind it. Only 100 metres from Antiparos, the long sandy shoreline is the official nudist beach of the island. Sheltered by dunes, the views are across to the uninhabited islet of Diplo which can be waded too as the water is very shallow. Unorganised except for a beach-volley court, the tavernas of town are nearby as are a mini-market and restaurant in the campsite itself.
Fanari
Close to town, Fanari is the nearest organised beach with umbrellas and sun loungers to rent on a small headland between the two Psaraliki beaches.. Small, sandy and relatively sheltered, a small resort has grown up around a beach bar with food and drinks, a beachwear boutique, swimming pool and loud music.
Faneromeni
Small and very picturesque, Faneromeni is considered to be one of the best beaches on the island. White sand and turquoise waters hemmed in by rocky shoulders of coast make it a tiny island paradise. Accessed by a rough track, Faneromeni has no facilities and little shade so come prepared and try to arrive early as, despite its remote location, the beach fills up quickly.
Glyfa
Facing Paros, Glyfa is a good sand and pebble beach about 6 kilometres out of town. Unspoiled and unserviced, there are no facilities but there are trees to the rear for some shade. The water is clear and shelves gently but the wind can whip up small waves and the sand can be blown about. Bring food and drink as there are no tavernas nearby.
Livadia
On the west coast, about a 15 minute drive from Antiparos town, Livadia is a beach for those who want to get away from it all. Facing northwest and exposed to the meltemi, the waves can build up and, indeed, a small surf scene has built up here. Sandy, the beach is completely unorganised so come prepared with an umbrella and some food as there are no dining establishments nearby. Westward-looking, the beach is a great spot to watch the sun disappear below the blue Aegean sea.
Monastiria
The perfect hideaway on the wilder west coast, Monastiria is a hidden wonder, often deserted. Well protected by tall hills on both sides, the beach is sheltered from the worst of the wind. Accessed by a rough dirt road followed by a short walk, Monastiria is a short strip of golden sand with exceptionally clear water and a couple of trees for shade. Completely unorganised, come prepared as there is nothing in the vicinity.
Panagia
Often called Psaraliki 3 as it sits south of Psaraliki 1 and 2, Panagia is a long strand of coarse pebbly sand with shallow clear waters and natural shade from the numerous tamarisk trees. Unorganised, Panagia is fairly well sheltered from the wind and a section. of the beach is favoured by nudists. Generally quieter than its neighbours, it is accessed via a concrete path from the nearby taverna.
Psaraliki
Actually two beaches, they are named Psaraliki 1 and 2 to differentiate between them. A ten minute walk from town, the shallow water and coarse, pebbly sand are favourites with windsurfers who enjoy the blowy conditions on Psaraliki 1, while families tend to congregate on the second beach. Both have good natural shade from trees and there is a good café on the first beach and a beach bar at Fanari for those who like a bit more organisation.
Sifneiko
Named after the isle of Sifnos that can be seen on the horizon, Sifneiko is at the end of a cobbled path from Antiparos town, a 10 minute walk away. Unorganised with soft, clean sand and trees for shade, the beach is not protected from the wind so visit on the days with no breeze.
The beach is also known as Sunset Beach as it faces west, and in the early evening crowds of people walk down to watch the sun disappear beyond distant mountains. There is an elevated vantage point with benches to watch the spectacle from, or take a seat at one of the two bars for a romantic sundowner.
Soros
The longest beach on the island, it is a 15 minute drive from Antiparos town on the southern coast. The beach has coarse sand and the water is clear but the seabed can shelve abruptly in places so families with small children are better served elsewhere. There are trees for shade and some umbrellas outside the beach club. One of the most popular beaches on the island, Soros attracts a young and couple-y crowd who like the loud music and chilled party vibes. North of the main beach is the cove of Mikros Soros with a small shingly beach that is tranquil and seldom visited.
Read also:
The Best Beaches of Antiparos in the Cyclades, Greece
