Antiparos

Situated on completely flat land at the end of the village of Antiparos, the Kastro was built in 1440 by a nobleman called Loredano. Its architecture is completely different from the other fortified castles built at the same time on the other islands in this part of the Mediterranean.
The Kastro constituted an autonomous complex in its own right that was built around a courtyard, in the centre of which was a tower. All that remains today is its foundation. The perimeter of this courtyard is made up of twenty four two-floor houses and a continuous three-metre thick wall, with no balconies or windows, thus forming the rampart. Access to the houses is through a single entrance made in the south of the wall, which goes on to become a little alley leading to the dwellings.
Another typical feature is that the houses, which are made of the local stone, have a ground floor lower than the actual ground level and two floors which are accessible by outside staircases. The stairs leading to the 1st floor are made out of stone whilst those leading to the 2nd floor are made out of wood.
Thereafter, twenty four other two-floor houses were built outside the wall, thus creating a new neighbourhood. Inside the enclosure are several chapels. The small town has continued to develop around the Kastro.

The cave is located almost in the middle of the island's east coast, on the Agios Ioannis hill. This vantage point gives a superb view over the island of Paros. At the entrance is a picturesque chapel dating back to the 18th century which probably stood as a guard post.
Known from ancient times, as several inscriptions prove, it served for a long time as a refuge for the inhabitants, and was vandalised several times over the years. But on 24 December 1673, the Marquis de Nointel, then the ambassador of France in Constantinople, paid a visit there in the company of more than 500 people. He was filled with wonder at the natural beauty of a giant stalagmite eighteen metres in circumference and eight metres high. He decided at once to have his priest celebrate Christmas mass. Ever since, the stalagmite has been called "the Altar" in memory of this event. A Latin inscription tells the story.

In the southernmost part of the island, opposite the small island of Despotico is Agios Giorgios, one of the nicest places on the island.
Very well sheltered from the winds, it is an excellent stopping-off point for yachtsmen.
The landscape is serene, in spite of a certain level of "urbanization". Surrounded by hills that are furrowed by a network of routes that run parallel for the most part, Agios Giorgos has not lost its charm. Several hotels and apartments for rent can be found on the seafront there, as well as some luxurious villas built by Athenians. Still, the place remains unspoilt.
On the water's edge, two very nice taverns offer freshly caught fish. A little further away, at the end of a sandy creek, a "picture-postcard" chapel surrounded by colourful caïques makes this lovely landscape complete.

Despotico bay is well protected from the winds.
Don't hesitate to take a ride in a caïque to see the wonderful landscape of "sculpted rocks" and the underwater cave of Epitafio. The water there is an extraordinary shade of emerald green.
The small island of Despotico is fringed by a superb beach of fine sand. It is deserted save for one building -- a chapel of course!
You can enquire at the Agios Giorgios taverns for caïque rides.

Situated at the centre of the island, this is the region with the greatest amount of cultivation. On leaving the Kastro, you will immediately find a crossroads on the right after the service station, which you should take. The route is partly asphalted, crossing beautiful, pastoral countryside dotted by farms and herds of goats. There are several trails that will appeal to hikers. After about six kilometres this route forks out.
Veer to the right for Livadi, situated below on the west coast, and go for a swim in the turquoise waters of the superb lagoon you will find there. Unfortunately you won't be alone - the beach is more and more popular.
Go left at the fork for Monastiria, a very beautiful and nearly deserted beach on the west coast. A reasonably good track will take you there across some hilly scenery.
Don't forget to take along water and provisions.

Antiparos : Overview - Where to stay? - Excursions - Photo gallery