Time stands still on this small Cycladic island, with its turquoise waters, tranquil beaches and hushed villages. At just 35km2, Antiparos is a small gem with a big heart, loved by movie stars from around the world and the perfect choice for low-key, luxury living.
Antiparos is an island of stunning luminosity, with its white houses, cobbled streets and colourful gardens bathed in an astonishing, bright sunlight. With no airport, the only way on and off the island is via the small boats weaving between the island and its larger neighbour, Paros. The mesmerising beauty of Antiparos lies in its landscape. Mature olive groves are dotted with luscious fig trees, their sweet, ripe fruits bursting at the seams come August. The scent of rosemary, orange blossoms and and jasmine waft perennially across the island, whilst clusters of cheerful pink bougainvillea are perfectly offset on the whitewashed walls of every traditional house.
An array of picture-perfect beaches blanket the coastline, ranging from golden sands to smooth white rocks, but all providing warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. Windsurfers should head to Spot One Surf Club, who also offer SUP yoga, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the warm waters of Psaralyki Beach.
Chora, the main town, is filled with small boutiques, galleries, excellent restaurants and bustling cafes and bars, but always remains peaceful enough to not feel like a typical tourist destination. Such is the magnetism of Antiparos that Tom Hanks owns a summer house on the island, whilst Hollywood luminaries including Matthew McConaughey, Nia Vardalos and Whoopi Goldberg have been known to visit.
