We discovered Antiparos last summer, and it has forever changed how we think about Greek island vacations. This small island is in the Cyclades, next to its bigger sibling, Paros.
But don't let its size fool you - Antiparos packs all the magic of Greece without the crowds that swarm other islands.
For our group of friends who want to enjoy quiet moments and fun adventures, Antiparos hits all the right notes. It's the perfect blend of chill vibes, adventure, and exciting activities that keep everyone happy.
Getting to Antiparos is surprisingly easy, which matters greatly when traveling with friends, family, or a large group.
First, you fly or take a ferry to Paros (many direct flights from Athens take just 40 minutes). Then, a quick 10-minute ferry ride brings you to Antiparos. The ferries run frequently throughout the day, so scheduling is hassle-free.
We loved that we could split our time between two islands without long travel days. Some mornings, we hopped back to Paros to explore, then returned to our quieter Antiparos retreat by evening. You could also stay at villas like the https://www.brightbluevillas.com/
This two-for-one island experience made our trip even better.
The best thing about Antiparos?
It's a laid-back feel that instantly puts everyone at ease.
Chora, the main village, features narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and blue doors—the classic Greek island look we all dream about.
Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, we could stroll through town without fighting through crowds. Our evenings often began with relaxed walks through Chora, stopping at small shops and taking photos of the beautiful buildings.
We found the pace here perfect for group trips. Nobody feels rushed, there's space to breathe, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages real conversations and shared moments.
The beaches offer something for everyone in your group:
No matter what mood different members of our group were in, we found a beach spot that worked for everyone.
What makes Antiparos special for groups is how it balances relaxation with adventure.
We never heard "I'm bored" from anyone.
The highlight of our trip was a full-day boat tour around Antiparos and nearby uninhabited Despotiko Island.
The boats are perfect for groups, with:
Our captain took us to the famous "Blue Lagoon" area, where the water was so clear we could see fish swimming around our feet. Even our friend who usually hates boats had an amazing time.
When we needed a break from the beach, Antiparos offered plenty:
The strait between Antiparos and Paros creates perfect conditions for:
Four of us tried windsurfing for the first time, while others in our group relaxed on the beach watching (and taking funny videos of our wipeouts).
For those seeking a truly special group experience, consider booking a private villa through brightbluevillas.com. Their carefully curated collection includes spacious, stylish properties on Antiparos and across the Cyclades, ideal for groups who want privacy, comfort, and a touch of luxury.
Many of their villas are within walking distance of beaches and Chora, making it easy to enjoy the island’s best spots together.
The island has:
For meals, we found the food scene fantastic for groups. Tables at tavernas are easy to push together, and most restaurants are used to accommodating larger parties.
We loved:
Staff everywhere welcomed our sometimes loud group with genuine Greek hospitality. We often found ourselves chatting with owners who shared stories about the island.
When traveling as a group, safety matters.
Antiparos feels incredibly secure and well-organized:
We particularly appreciated how easy it was to get around. Many places are walkable, and rental cars, ATVs, and bicycle rentals are widely available for longer distances.
After visiting many Greek islands over the years, we're convinced that Antiparos offers something special for group travelers. It's small enough to feel intimate yet big enough to keep everyone entertained.
The blend of accessibility, authentic Greek charm, outdoor activities, and peaceful atmosphere creates the perfect setting for making memories together. Whether your group wants to party, relax, explore nature, or experience Greek culture, Antiparos delivers without the hassles of more famous islands.
We found ourselves planning our return trip before we even left. For groups looking for that perfect balance of fun and relaxation in Greece, Antiparos should be at the top of your list.
