Greece: Kastro (Antiparos)

Antiparos, Greece: view from outside the cave
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From Tinos I took the ferry to Paros, another beautiful Cycladic island that I had visited in 2002.  Paros was not exactly my destination.  Instead I intended to visit the tiny, neighboring island of Antiparos, situated only 1.5 miles away across the straight.

I booked a room in Paroikia, the largest city in Paros, because I wanted to be near the ferry for the following morning.  It didn't hurt that Paros also has a better nightlife scene.

A Mini Heaven

Antiparos, Greece: approaching the main town
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After a quick stroll through Paroikia, I boarded the small ferry to Antiparos for a quick twenty-five minute ride.  The first thing I noticed with Antiparos was the incredible water - a bright green that I've rarely seen.

The entire island has about 900 residents, most of whom live in Kastro, where the ferry docks.  I had heard about a brilliant cave in the middle of the island that is the big tourist attraction, so I boarded a bus for the forty-five minute ride.

We drove by beautiful sandy beaches and more green-tinted water as we ascended a small mountain to reach the cave.  Apparently an ambassador to Louis XIV was the first to discover the cave in the 1600s.  There was even a large mass held inside the cave on Christmas day, 1673.

Antiparos, Greece: coast of antiparos
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It didn't take long for me to descend to the bottom of the cave, where it was quite cool and damp.  The stalactites were impressive and the view to the top was pretty amazing.  Due to its relatively small size and short walking route, it only took about a half hour to discover the entire cave.

The view from the entrance was remarkable, looking out over the coast towards neighboring islands.  Upon my return from the cave, I strolled through town, admiring the slow pace of the village.

Antiparos, Greece: stunning water
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There didn't seem to be much going on, and I suppose that's how everyone likes it.  I could definitely spend an extended amount of time here.  There are no chains or large hotels, just whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches, and that killer cave.

Recently, Antiparos has been the hotspot for several celebrities.  Tom Hanks,  Rita Wilson, Prince Albert of Monaco, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have all visited the island recently.  It's really no wonder why.  A perfect place to relax.

Antiparos, Greece: kastro harbor
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I took a leisurely walk around to the closest town beach, a beautiful spot.  Since I wasn't prepared for the beach, I walked back into town, hung out for a while, and jumped on the ferry back to Paroikia.

I will definitely be back on Antiparos someday.