As tourists flock to Mykonos and Santorini in high season, there is a lesser-known gem of a Greek island that remains a well-kept secret, quietly transforming into a haven for those wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle.

Situated 51km southwest of Mykonos, the island of Antiparos is emerging as a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea. 

Antiparos, with its crystal-clear blue waters, historic caves, vibrant bars, and budget-friendly local dishes, offers the allure of Greece’s famed destinations at a fraction of the price.

With summer temperatures averaging 30°C and traditional gyros available for just €4 (£3.40), some claim this island puts its renowned neighbors to shame.

In a recent review, Metro travel writer Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma described her experience visiting the island on a tight €150 (£129) budget.

Remarkably, the amount covered eight days’ worth of supermarket groceries, handmade souvenirs, and frequent taverna trips.

She wrote: ‘On the ferry from Athens, my stomach was in knots imagining the throngs of tourists I’d find at my final destination.

‘But on the last leg of my journey, a short boat ride from Pounta to Antiparos, I realised I’d stumbled across a place few foreigners visit.’

Ferries from nearby Paros cost as little as €1.50, and accommodations like the family-run Kastro House – which overlooks a 15th-century Venetian castle – offer stays from just £60 per night.

From €3 smoothie breakfasts at Blender to daily visits to To Ntopio Grillhouse for €4 gyros, Lillie-Rose was impressed by both the quality and affordability of Antiparos’ food options. 

Tavernas, like Klimataria, serve up generous portions of traditional dishes including moussaka, dolmades and grilled seafood. 

For dessert, the travel writer recommended Vicky’s Ice Cream, with 40 flavours, keeps things cool without the high prices found on other islands. 

Unlike overdeveloped resorts across Greece, Antiparos has largely resisted short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. 

The majority of stays are in small hotels or family-run homes, which helps preserve community and hospitality.

Antiparos offers a variety of activities for visitors, from exploring its Cave of Antiparos, relaxing on beaches like Agios Georgios or Soros, and taking boat trips around the island.

In Chora, the island’s main town, bougainvillea plants and independent shops line the streets, with various merchants offering locally sourced food, handmade jewellery, pottery, and woven goods from local artisans.

Travellers from the UK can reach Antiparos in under a day – but visitors are warned to prepare for a staggered journey.

The first leg of the trip involves taking a direct flight from London to Athens, which takes around four hours.

From Athens, a €10 train connects to Piraeus port in about an hour, and from there, ferries to Paros start at €40, followed by a short €2–€5 boat ride to Antiparos.

For a quicker hop, the nearby Pounta port offers €1.50 crossings and a faster 10-minute ferry journey.