When it comes to Greek islands, Mykonos and Santorini are almost guaranteed to be on the itinerary. The party-centric playground of the Cyclades and its endlessly photogenic big sibling have endeared themselves to millions of travelers over the years. It also helps that, logistically speaking, both destinations are accessible via ferry and airplane, and make for a good base for hopping around.

But if you’re to explore beyond the well-trodden path and experience a less-touristy side of the Cyclades, consider Antiparos. Despite its proximity to Paros — which is on track to become a hot spot thanks to Instagrammable Naoussa and new hotels such as Andronis Minois and Avant Mar — the small, quiet neighboring island in the Aegean Sea remains something of a best-kept secret. “I really like that it’s devoid of big brands and chains, so everything is still local and unique,” says Caro Favre, co-owner of Casa Fistiki. The vibe here feels relaxed, and you can easily lose track of time while catching rays at the beach and sipping Assyrtiko with friends. Cool in an effortless way, it’s a place where the jet set decamps for a weeklong stay in a whitewashed villa that’s only accessible by a dirt road and in-the-know day trippers come from nearby islands to slow down even further.

Read on for the best things to eat, see, and do on a trip to Antiparos. 

Best Hotels and Resorts

Kameo

Tucked away in the south of Antiparos, Kameo peers over Despotiko and lies just steps from Agios Georgios Beach. A real-life Cyclades sanctuary, it’s replete with whitewashed architecture accented by magenta bougainvilleas, Aegean blue trim, and natural stone. Opt for one of the airy sea-view suites to take advantage of the spectacular surroundings.

The Rooster

For something luxurious yet laid-back, check into The Rooster, a tranquil boutique hotel nestled away on 30 untamed acres. Well-integrated into nature and with a focus on well-being, the property invites guests to recharge with leisure time spent outside, healing spa rituals, and food that celebrates ingredients from the garden. It’s also a stunning spot to catch the sunset.

Another Island

Looking for a little extra quietude? Intimate, serene, and offering lovely views, Another Island sits atop a hill overlooking the bay of St. George and Despotiko. All five traditional Cycladic homes have been lovingly restored with reverence to the past and an eye on the present. Expect whitewashed minimalism, outdoor pools, and panoramic sweeps.

Kouros Village

Prefer to stay within walking distance of restaurants and shops? Kouros Village sits right by the harbor. “It’s a bit more simple, but comfortable with modern decor and an outdoor pool. And it’s really well-located,” notes Favre.

Le Collectionist

“A lot of people come to Antiparos with friends and family,” explains Favre. She suggests browsing Le Collectionist. The portfolio of luxury rentals accommodates groups and comes with VIP perks like transfers and concierge service. A frequently booked favorite, Villa Ray has five bedrooms, an outdoor pool, and sleeps 10 in style.

Best Things to Do

Boat Day

Some of the prettiest parts of Antiparos are best accessed from the water. Chartering a private boat allows for exploring the various bays and having a picnic lunch on some unmarked spit of shore. Alternatively, you can join a small group tour for a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.

Faneromeni Beach

A wildly beautiful option for adventurers and tranquility seekers alike, Faneromeni Beach is a small cove that’s reachable by a rocky, uneven dirt road (about a 20-minute drive from town). It’s without amenities, so be sure to bring drinks, snacks, towels, and umbrellas — basically everything you need for a beach day.

Agios Georgios Beach

Situated in the small village of the same name, Agios Georgios Beach is a sheltered bay with crystalline water and picturesque views of Despotiko. While you won’t find amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, the peaceful and picturesque setting more than makes up for having to BYOS (bring your own shade).

Antiparos Village

This charming harborfront village is small and walkable, though Favre suggests going in the evening when it’s a bit cooler. “Stroll along the main street, do a little shopping, stop somewhere for dinner, and then grab some drinks or gelato,” she adds.

Despotiko

To the southwest of Antiparos, Despotiko, a tiny islet inhabited only by goats, is home to the Ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and sandy beaches. The calm, clear waters beckon travelers to drop anchor and go for a swim.

Related: 20 Best Beaches in Greece With the Bluest Water You’ve Ever Seen

Best Restaurants

Casa Fistiki

Mexico meets the Mediterranean at Casa Fistiki, a stylish eatery with good vibes and sea views. It’s the perfect place to grab a low-slung table, order a cocktail or fresh-pressed juice, and share a few plates of corn ribs, tuna tostadas, and butterfly-grilled fish with friends.

Kalokeri

“The owners of Kalokeri are super-welcoming and really care about service,” says Favre. The dishes taste authentic to the Aegean region, but it’s more upscale than taverna-style food (think: artfully plated red mullet tartare and dolmadakia with wine leaves. The wine list is excellent, too.

Sapou

Lauded as one of the best restaurants on the island, Sapou serves modern Mediterranean cuisine injected with a slight Asian influence. Standouts include the red shrimp tartare with crumbled hazelnut and char siu Greek pork.

Zombos

At Zombos, the focus is on fresh ingredients. Produce plucked from the garden, meat produced on the family farm, and seafood caught by local fishermen go into home-cooked dishes like pappardelle with goat ragu, baked auberge, and Greek salad.

Taverna Yorgis 

Cozy and inviting, Taverna Yorgis is a family-run establishment that treats diners like old friends. The homemade Greek classics like tzatziki, freshly baked moussaka, gigante beans, and chicken souvlaki are complemented by warm hospitality and local wine.

Best Time to Visit

June is a nice time to visit because it’s warm, but not too hot and still relatively quiet. According to Favre, July and August are ideal for travelers who want to have fun and be social. Even during peak months, the island never feels too busy, and it’s still easy to experience serenity and empty beaches. By September, the water has had all summer to warm up and most of the tourists depart, so it’s also a lovely time to visit.

How to Get There

Most people take the ferry from Parikia — the main port on Paros — but it’s actually quicker and cheaper to go from the smaller port of Pounda. The journey lasts about seven minutes and costs one euro per passenger or seven euros for a car. It’s also easy to coordinate a group or private sightseeing tour from Paros that brings you to Antiparos for the day.

How to Get Around

While Antiparos is quite small, things are spread out. If you want to explore the island and access some of the more remote beaches, it’s best to have a car.