Paros by boat: Blue Lagoon, Antiparos and Despotiko

You’re going to love Paros and Antiparos

Paros is a Cycladic island in the central Aegean, known for its white marble, its whitewashed villages and the bays of its coast. A short channel, less than two kilometres wide at its narrowest, separates it from its small neighbour Antiparos.

Between the two islands lie the Panteronisia islets, with their shallow turquoise water, and the uninhabited island of Despotiko, with a sanctuary of Apollo. The best way to see all of this is from the water: our private cruise leaves from Alyki, on the south-west coast of Paros.

The 5 best reasons to visit Paros and Antiparos

1. 1

   The Blue LagoonThe Panteronisia islets between Paros and Antiparos have no road access and shallow water over a pale seabed, which gives it its turquoise colour.

2. 2

   Two islands, one channelAntiparos lies a short sail from Paros, so a single day can combine the south coast of one with the beaches and caves of the other.

3. 3

   An ancient sanctuaryDespotiko, uninhabited and protected, hides a sanctuary of Apollo from the 6th century BC that is still being excavated.

4. 4

   Fishing villages and tavernasAlyki and Agios Georgios have small harbours with tavernas where fresh fish is the main dish.

5. 5

   Marble and historyParos has been known since antiquity for its fine white marble, and its old towns and churches show the Cycladic way of building.

What to do in Paros and Antiparos

• Swim and snorkel at the Blue LagoonShallow, clear water around the Panteronisia islets, reached only by boat. Our cruise provides snorkelling equipment.
• Visit the water caves of AntiparosRock cliffs and caves along the coast of Antiparos, to see from the boat and from the water.
• Have lunch in Agios GeorgiosA small seaside village on Antiparos with a sheltered bay and tavernas that serve fresh fish. Lunch is paid for on the spot.
• Swim at DespotikoThe cruise stops at the uninhabited island, with beaches such as Livadi. The sanctuary of Apollo is an excavation site, visited separately with guides.
• Go down the Cave of AntiparosA cave about 85 metres deep, reached by around 411 steps. It is on land and not part of our cruise; check the opening hours and bring water.