The Cave of Antiparos is one of the most beautiful and important in the world. Apart from its natural beauty it is also inextricably linked with the history of the place. It is of great archaeological interest because of the findings of the Stone Age that were discovered inside. The engraved inscriptions that "decorate" the cave provide us with an inexhaustible source of narratives and legends. They function as a guestbook whose first page was written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.
Katafygi (= shelter) as the locals call it, is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. It is situated 171 meters above sea level and its temperature in winter is approximately 15 degrees Celsius. It covers an area of about 5,600 square meters. Its maximum depth is 85 meters and the descent is made easy and safe due to a set of 411 steps. There is excellent visibility which will allow you to observe the artistic details of the drawings dating back to the time period of the Parian poet Archilochus (728-650 BC) till the twentieth century.
When you start climbing, you will be amazed by the unique view. The Aegean Sea lies at your feet and you can see Soros and the surrounding coves and the wild beauty of the rocks. You can also see Paros, the “big” neighbor-island of Antiparos. It takes about 1.5 hours to cross the coast of the eastern part of the island and then go higher up to admire the mesmerizing view of the sea sparkling playfully under the summer sun.
Open hours
- Summer (April to October): daily 10: 00-15: 30
- Winter (November to March): winter visits are possible by prior arrangement with the Municipality of Antiparos.
Tickets
- Full fare: 5 €
- Reduced fare: 50% discount for children and adults above the age of 65 (2,5 €)
- For school visits, contact Κ.Ε.Δ.Α. at 22840 28 314.
- Entrance is not allowed to people with respiratory or heart problems because of the high humidity level in the cave.
Access
- By car or bike: From the port of Antiparos. There is a paved road on the left from where the boat of Pounta stops. The parking of the cave is spacious.
- By bus: Near the square of Agia Marina, you will find the bus stop for the municipality bus. There are regular trips to the cave.
- On foot: The walking routes are a magical experience. From Molo (port) you can reach the cave in approximately 1.5 hours. From the small village of Agios Georgios, hiking will last around 2.5 hours and it is ideal for the lovers of nature because of the amazing landscape. Also, this is the path that everyone took in the past when the weather did not allow transport by sea.
