Antiparos’ Cave is the most famous sightseeing in the island.
Huge stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to create, impress with their strange shapes. But apart from the natural interest, the cave’s history is equally important.
The Cave is located in the southeast part of the island, on the hill of Agios Ioannis. In its entrance is the church dedicated to Saint Ioannis.
The existence of this cave was known since archaic times. Excavations brought into light findings from prehistoric, geometric and classic times. As most ancient visitor of the Cave is reported Archilohos, a famous lyric poet from Paros.
The Cave became more famous after the 16
th
century. Marcisios De Nonadel, a French ambassador in Constantinople visited Antiparos in 1673 and the priest with him made the Christmas Mass in the Cave. This spot in the Cave is called Agia Trapeza. In 1840, the first king of Greece, Otto visited the Cave and engraved its name on a stalagmite. That’s why a room in the cave is called Royal Room.
The cave due to its size and feature is of big tourist interest and every year gathers many visitors. Stalagmites and stalactites in various sizes and fantastic shapes show the grandiosity of Mother Nature. Especially a huge stalagmite in human shape, a unique natural sculpture attracts the attention of every visitor.
You can reach the cave by car or by boats that tour around the island and anchor in various beaches. From there you can ride a donkey or on foot to climb up to the cave.