Antiparos is a small island located just off the west coast of Paros. Antiparos Cave is the island’s most important natural attraction, and one of the oldest documented caves in Greece, with evidence of human activity stretching back thousands of years.
What is it
Antiparos Cave is the deepest vertical cave in Europe. It has a depth of around 85 metres, reached via a series of platforms and walkways, ending in a cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites that took millions of years to form.
The central feature is a massive limestone column, a stalagmite that geologists date to around 45 million years old, making it the oldest in Europe.
The cave has played many roles throughout history. Ancient inhabitants used it as a shelter and ceremonial site and you can see inscriptions carved into the stone, including one attributed to Makedon, a companion of Alexander the Great. Lord Byron also left his moniker on a wall.
In the 1600s, a French ambassador decided to hold Christmas Mass inside the cave for hundreds of people, who are believed to have left the first graffiti inside.
The descent is steep, but the upper chamber is broad and relatively bright. As you descend, the formations become darker, and everything becomes more intricate and dramatic.
Huge stalactites hang like threads, heavy curtains of stone sweep across the walls, and thick columns rise from the floor.
How to get to Antiparos Cave
Antiparos is connected to Paros by a short ferry ride from Pounda, running every 10 to 15 minutes between May and October. The crossing takes just 7 minutes and drops you right in Antiparos Town. From there, you can reach the cave by road, which is about 15 minutes south of Antiparos Town.
• Driving or hiring a scooter is the most straightforward approach. The road is sealed for most of the journey, signage is clear, and there’s a large parking area at the entrance.
• The local bus runs between Antiparos Town and the cave several times per day in summer, and stops right outside the entrance.
• Taxis are also an alternative, but you will need to pay for the driver to wait if you don’t want to catch the bus back.
- Tours there are some organised tours for Antiparos Cave from both Parikia, on Paros and in Antiparos Town.
Opening hours and admission price
Entry is inexpensive and includes access to the cave and the small whitewashed chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis, located at the entrance.
Prices may change year to year, but the fee is quite modest.
In 2025, the admission prices to Antiparos Cave were:
Adults – €5
Over 65 – €2.50
Children 6 to 12 – €2.50
Under 6 – free
Groups of 15 or more – €4
Opening hours depend heavily on the season.
• May – October 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:30pm)
• Winter: Frequently closed or open only on certain days.
What to expect
Most visitors spend around an hour visiting the cave.
The stairs are metal and well-maintained, but they do collect condensation, so wear shoes with a grip rather than sandals. The railings can also feel a little slimy from the moisture.
The temperature does drop as you get deeper, so a light jacket or cardigan is a good idea if you plan to stay long.
If you’re visiting during July or August, it pays to arrive early. The first hour of the day is quiet, the lighting is gentle, and you get to take in the space without dodging crowds. Afternoons tend to be busier, especially when buses arrive and tour groups arrive from Paros.
There are no night tours and no standard guided sessions unless arranged privately.
