Reaching Antiparos is easier than you might think, and the journey itself is part of the adventure. Whether you're arriving from London, Amsterdam, or anywhere else in Europe, this step-by-step guide will get you to our doorstep without stress.
Getting to Greece
The first leg of your journey begins in Athens. Most of Europe connects easily to Athens International Airport (ATH), with direct flights from nearly every major European city taking between 2 to 4 hours depending on your origin. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer competitive fares, while traditional carriers provide more comfort and flexibility.
If you're travelling in high season (June to September), there's the option of flying directly to Paros Island (PAS) from select European cities including London, Amsterdam, and Paris. However, these flights are seasonal and limited, so check availability well in advance. Most travellers find it simpler and cheaper to route through Athens, which has become a hub for Greek island connections.
Once you've landed in Athens, you're roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away from Antiparos by a combination of ferry travel. This includes the ferry journey from the port and any transit time across Paros. Factor in a meal and a break at Athens airport, and you're looking at a pleasant, manageable day of travel.
Athens to Paros by Ferry
The ferry from Athens to Paros departs from Piraeus Port (Limani Pireous), which is about 20 minutes from Athens airport by metro or taxi. Two main ferry operators serve this route: Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets, both reliable and modern.
The journey time depends on which ferry you choose. SeaJets operates a fast ferry service that covers the distance in approximately 2.5 hours, making it ideal if you want to reach Antiparos quickly. Blue Star Ferries' standard ferry takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes, but it's cheaper and offers a more leisurely experience — many travellers enjoy relaxing on deck with a coffee and watch the Cycladic islands appear on the horizon. If you're flexible with timing, Blue Star also offers overnight ferries, which means you can sleep during the journey and arrive refreshed in the morning.
Book your ferry tickets in advance through directferries.com or ferries.gr. The routes are popular, especially in July and August, so securing your spot early avoids disappointment and often saves money compared to booking at the port.
Paros to Antiparos (the last step)
The final leg is the shortest and perhaps the most charming. There are two ways to cross from Paros to Antiparos, and the easiest is via the small car ferry that runs from Pounta, on the west coast of Paros.
The Pounta ferry is a delightful seven-minute crossing, and boats depart every 20 to 30 minutes during the summer season, running continuously day and night during high season. It's a proper car ferry, so if you've rented a vehicle, you can drive straight on board. The fare is minimal — around 1.50 euros per person. This ferry delivers you almost directly to the heart of Antiparos village, making it the most convenient option for the vast majority of visitors.
If you prefer not to drive or want a slower, more scenic route, there's also a ferry service that departs from Paros Town (Parikia), accessible via a KTEL bus journey from the ferry terminal. This route takes longer and is less frequent, but some travellers enjoy the extra time to soak in the views.
Getting Around Antiparos
Once you've arrived on the island, your best bet for exploring is renting a scooter or small quad bike. Available from rental shops near the village harbour, these cost between 25 and 35 euros per day. A scooter gives you total freedom to discover hidden beaches, villages, and attractions at your own pace.
If you prefer to stay off a scooter, car rentals are available, though you should book in advance during July and August when demand is high. Taxis exist on the island, but there's only one main taxi operator, so have the number saved in your phone for emergencies or late-night trips.
The beauty of Antiparos is its size — the entire island is only about 14 kilometres long. Almost every attraction, beach, and village is within a 20-minute drive from the harbour, making it impossible to feel stranded. Even without a vehicle, the main village is compact and walkable, and most of our guests find that renting a scooter on day one transforms their experience of the island.
Blue Star Ferries fills up quickly in July and August, especially if you're bringing a vehicle. Book at least 2 weeks ahead to guarantee your preferred time slot. Last-minute bookings often result in expensive prices or sold-out departures.
Take the Pounta ferry from Paros' west coast. It accommodates cars and runs frequently throughout the day and night. Much easier and faster than the port ferry, and well worth the tiny extra cost of fuel to get there.