Antiparos at a glance
Antiparos is a separate island west of Paros, not a part of it. Most visitors do it as a day trip. The usual way over is the short car and passenger ferry from Pounta on the west coast of Paros. The better-known sights are the stalactite cave, the village beaches and the nearby island of Despotiko with its ancient sanctuary.
Plan the day in three parts: the ferry, the cave and the beach. Each one has its own ticket, so work out the cost per part rather than looking for a combined price.
The Pounta ferry to Antiparos
Timetable periods published by the operator in October 2026. Times change with the season, so check the current timetable before you go.
| Period (2026) | First from Pounta | Last from Pounta | First back | Last back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 20 October | 06:45 | 00:30 | 06:30 | 00:15 |
| 21 to 31 October | – | 23:30 | – | 23:15 |
| 28 October (holiday) | Separate holiday timetable, with gaps of up to 60 minutes during the day | |||
In the 3 to 20 October period the boats run about every 30 minutes during the day and with bigger gaps in the evening. There is no round-the-clock service, so note the last departure before you cross.
Fares listed for 2026 by a travel portal, one way: adult €1.50, child €0.75, car €7.30, scooter or quad €2. The age limits for children are described differently on different pages, so ask at the ticket desk. Tickets are normally sold on board, so carry some cash as well as a card.
Pounta on the west coast, where the ferry leaves, is not the same place as Punda Beach on the east coast. For the beach near the pier, see our Paros beaches guide.
Our picks: Antiparos
A swim cruise, a bus tour with the ferry and a full day on a boat.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Antiparos full-day boat tour with grilled lunch
Seven hours with a light breakfast, a grilled lunch, snacks, fruit and three drinks of your choice. There is no guide on board.
Check availability →
Paros island bus tour with a boat trip to Antiparos
Eight hours in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, pickup and return, and the ferry to Antiparos.
Check availability →
Antiparos and Despotiko swim cruise
A seven-hour cruise with a Parian lunch and fruit. Wine, beer and soft drinks are served with the meal in limited amounts.
Check availability →Antiparos and boat trips from Paros
Boat trips, island visits and cave excursions around Paros and Antiparos, with current prices and availability.
Getting to Pounta
The island bus operator runs a line from Parikia to Pounta and Antiparos. On the timetable valid 19 to 30 October 2026, the airport to Pounta to Parikia bus leaves at 09:05, 11:20, 14:40 and 18:00. Check the current bus timetable, because a bus connection to a particular ferry is not guaranteed. Bus tickets are paid by card only. For fares and the network, read our Athens to Paros guide.
Direct boat from Parikia
The operator's timetable page shows the direct passenger boat from Parikia to Antiparos as returning in summer 2027. Some travel portals still describe a daily boat of about 30 minutes for €7, so do not count on it without checking. The Pounta crossing is the reliable route for now.
Taking a car or scooter over
Cars, scooters and quads can cross from Pounta. If you rent, read the rental terms first. One local rental company requires prior approval and at least 48 hours' notice for ferry travel, and the extra insurance and tickets are paid by the renter.
The cave of Antiparos
The cave reaches a depth of up to about 85 m. A concrete staircase of 411 steps leads down, so it is not step-free, and you climb the same steps back up. The air is humid. There is an asphalt road and a parking area. The municipality also describes a local bus from the harbor area, opposite Agia Marina.
Admission listed for 2026 by a travel portal: €6 for adults, €3 for children 6 to 12 and free under 6. The ticket is also valid for the Historical and Folklore Museum, which has its own opening hours. The cave is listed as open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, last entry 15:30, until the end of October. Winter visits are by arrangement with the municipality.
Do not smoke, use flash, write on the walls or take or damage stalactites. The old inscriptions you can see on some formations are history, not an example to follow.
Beaches and Despotiko
Agios Georgios, Soros and Psaraliki are listed as beaches of Antiparos. They are not the same as places with similar names on other islands, so type the full name into your map.
Despotiko is an uninhabited island west of Antiparos with an archaeological sanctuary of Apollo. The municipality describes strict protection for the excavation and for the vegetation. A boat trip and entry to the excavation are separate things, and a swim stop near Despotiko does not mean you land at the sanctuary. Ask the boat operator whether a visit to the site is included.
South Antiparos and the nearby islets belong to the Natura 2000 bird protection area "Paros Islets and Southern Antiparos". Respect posted rules there.
Antiparos: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Paros to Antiparos?
Take the short ferry from Pounta on the west coast of Paros. The crossing takes about 7 minutes. A bus line from Parikia serves Pounta.
Is the direct boat from Parikia running?
The operator's timetable page shows it returning in summer 2027. Use the Pounta ferry and check the current timetable before you go.
When does the last ferry leave Pounta?
From 3 to 20 October 2026 the last departure from Pounta is at 00:30 and the last return from Antiparos at 00:15. From 21 to 31 October they are 23:30 and 23:15.
How much does the cave cost?
For 2026 a travel portal lists €6 for adults, €3 for children 6 to 12 and free entry under 6. Check the price at the entrance.
Can I visit the cave in winter?
The cave is listed as open daily until the end of October. Winter visits are by arrangement with the municipality.
Can I go ashore on Despotiko?
Only on a visit that includes the archaeological site. A boat trip with a swim stop does not mean a landing at the sanctuary, so ask the operator.