The island of Despotico is a small uninhabited island at a short distance south of Antiparos island in the Greek Cyclades group. Geographically seen it is as good as in the middle of all the Cycladic islands (and so Delos is arguably named the "centre of the Cyclades"). The old "centre of the Cyclades" and the real centre have much in common. Both of the islands are relatively small and both Delos and Despotiko were heavily populated in ancient times. Though less impressive than on Delos also on Despotiko houses and a sanctuary have been excavated. On Despotiko the excavations are still in progress. The only inhabitant of the island, a goat shepherd, had to leave the island and his house because it was placed on top of the sanctuary. Now the island of Despotico is an oasis of peace and quiet and along its coast there are many small coves with sandy beaches you can choose from. The largest sandbeach, Livadi, which is situated in the north of the island opposite the island of Strogili, can only be reached when the wind comes from the north (which does not happen very often).
The island of Despotico lies at a distance of 0.7 kilmeter of Antiparos. Because of its safe bay (the sea between Antiparos and Despotico) it played an important role in the maritime history. Despotico Bay offered safe anchorage to the ships. Trade took place with the mainland of Greece, other parts of the Mediteranean and northen Africa. On Despotico remains from all kinds of periods have been excavated, including Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and later date. In the Archeological Museum in Parikia (the capital of the nearby island Paros) some of the nicest artifacts that have been found are exhibited.
See the majestic sea caves of Antiparos, make the walk up the hill to the sanctuary and the rest of the excavations and then be dropped off at your own private beach, wonder around the island and feel like Robinson Cruso� for a couple of hours. Captain Marianos and his wooden boat the Sargos 1 can be found in the village of Agios Georgios, in the Antiparos, next to the three sea front tavernas. Marianos will take you anywhere you want and he will galantly help you to get off and on the boat. You tell him when you want to be picked up and he is there in time! This excursion is quite different from all the other (commercial) boat excursions you will find, really extra ordinairy, I would say: a must. It will be a day that you will always remember and treasure. Marianos is friendly and strong, his traditional wooden boat is fast, and the sea caves and island of Despotiko are unforgettable. In high season he has a time schedule that is fixed (I think) leaving at 10.30 in the morning when the bus from Antiparos Town gets there. On other times you can call him at 0031 6973 794876.
There is more to Antiparos than the village and the cave. Unfortunately, most tourists never discover this, and so miss out on a great experience. In my opinion no stay in Antiparos is complete without a visit to St Georgios, 12 km from the port, lunch at Captain Pipinos at the water's edge, and a boat trip with Captain SARGOS.
Captain SARGOS with his fast-going boat SARGOS I can offer you an unforgettable trip, taking in a visit to the archeological site on Despotico, the cave of the Epitaphios, which is such a tight fit for the boat you are sure it cannot possibly get through ,where you can swim from the boat, and then the Captain will leave you on a beautiful sandy beach on the deserted island of Despotico and return to get you at an agreed time. The boat trip takes around 2 hours, not counting time spent on the beach. You can call the Captain on +30 9673 79 48 76 or just turn up at St Georgios. You will find him on the boat or in the taverna. You cannot miss him, he is the one with the bandana round his head, looking like a pirate!
During High Season, the boat departs at 11 am and then every 2 hours until quite late. During Low Season, ie April,May, September and October, trips run on demand.
