Antiparos Cave, located in Ai Yiannis, is the island’s most famous landmark to visit. This beautiful natural cave is covered in different-shaped stalagmites and stalactites that intrigue the eye. The cave is open everyday from 10.00-16.00, and the last entrance is at 15.30. You will need about 1hr at the cave to explore. It takes approximately 30-40minutes to walk down and up again, then you can wait for the next bus.
To get there, buy a ticket at the classical Red Bus which is located at the port for €8 return per person. Stay refreshed on the way with the air-conditioned bus, enjoy the ride with some classical Greek music and look at the picturesque scenery of the island. You will see windmills, typical Greek Blue and White Churches, Villas and the Greek land. You will definitely be in for a joyful journey. It takes approximately 10min to get there. After you go up the mountain a little bit, you will then arrive at the stop of the cave. There is a 50meter walk to the entrance.
As you enter the gate you will see a little Greek church on the right and then, you can start to make your way into the mysterious cave, 100m down into the earth!
Upon entrance, feel the nice and cool temperature and see the beautiful rock formations. Be mesmerized by the different shades of brown, black, grey and cream, while you look at the diverse formations of the natural rocks. There are also carvings on the rocks from a while ago (more details about this in the brochure).
On the inside they have lights that shine on the rocks so that you can see them in detail. Be prepared to see one most ancient stalagmites in Europe, named “Peloria Kentriki Kolona” [Huge Central Column] (45 m. years). The cave has a long history of exploration, dating back to ancient times. In the 17th century, it was visited by the French explorer Marquis de Nointel, who left his mark on the cave’s walls. It gained further attention in the 19th century when it was explored by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, famous for his excavations at Troy.
You can also stop at different places on the way down to take photos, and maybe have a little chat with some other tourists on the way. Finally, when you have walked 400 steps down to the bottom it will be time to make your way up again. Be prepared for a little bit of exercise walking back up to the top.
You can then catch the next red bus that will come. It will go to Soros beach and then take you back to the port where you started from.
Overall, the Antiparos Cave is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Greece’s natural landscapes.
