If your dream Greek Island has excellent sandy beaches, a picturesque main town, a hippie-chic atmosphere with a bit of nudism thrown in, a discreet nightlife, and a rugged, wild landscape, then Antiparos fits your bill. The smaller sister isle to Paros, Antiparos was once a well kept secret, but thanks to celebrity inhabitants Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, the island is now on the Hollywood radar with more stars visiting every year. Developing rapidly, it is still on the right side of traditional although prices are getting higher, the shops a little more chi-chi, and the restaurants more gourmet.

In the 1980’s visitors would have gone to the hamlet of Pounda, made their way to the church and opened the door as a signal for a fishing boat to cross over. Nowadays, car ferries chug across the channel every 45 minutes for the 7 minute journey, and many daytrippers come from Paros to visit the famous cave, explore the town or head to the beach. Those in the know stay longer, better to enjoy the low key delights of Antiparos, a little gem.