Paros & Antiparos: Galatea Gulet Day Trip with Blue Lagoon & Despotiko

Summary

Sail Piso Livadi to Antiparos wild bays blue lagoon stops lunch

You’ll sail from Paros along Antiparos’ coast on Galatea, stopping for swims in clear bays and a laid-back lunch near ancient ruins on Despotiko. Snorkeling gear is included if you want to try it, plus unlimited drinks and local stories from your guide. If you’re craving sun-warmed decks and quiet turquoise water, this day trip might stick with you long after you rinse off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Galatea to feel so much like someone’s summer house—just floating. We boarded at Piso Livadi, shoes off, sun already sneaking up over the harbor. Our guide (I think her name was Eleni?) handed out coffees and grinned when I asked about the big wooden wheel—she said it’s mostly for show now but let me touch it anyway. There’s something about that old wood under your palm, you know? The boat smelled faintly of varnish and seaweed, not bad at all.

The first stop was somewhere off Antiparos—Sostis or Faneromeni beach, I honestly lost track because the water was so clear it looked fake. Everyone just sort of slid into the sea. A couple from Athens showed me how to use the snorkel gear (I’m still not great at it; swallowed half the Aegean). You could hear nothing underwater except your own bubbles and this distant clinking from someone opening a beer back on deck. The sun felt sharp but not mean yet.

We drifted towards Despotiko after that. The island looked wild—no shops, just rocks and a flash of white ruins in the distance. Lunch happened in a cove near Livadi beach: Greek salads, something with eggplant I can’t pronounce, ouzo if you wanted it (I did). Eleni pointed out where Apollo’s temple used to stand across the water. She told us locals still come here for picnics, even though there’s no shade except what you make yourself. I liked that detail.

The last stop was Blue Lagoon by Panteronisi—honestly, I thought “lagoon” was an exaggeration but nope: turquoise everywhere and these little rocky islets like stepping stones. Someone played music quietly on their phone; nobody minded. They brought out fresh fruit and more wine—I dropped my peach in the sea but ate it anyway (tasted fine). On the way back to Paros I lay on a sunbed watching salt dry on my arms and thinking how weirdly peaceful everything felt out there between islands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour around Paros and Antiparos

• Depart from Piso Livadi port at 10:00 am
• Sail along east coast of Paros
• Stop at Sostis or Faneromeni beach for swimming and snorkeling
• Stop at Despotiko island for sightseeing and buffet lunch
• Stop at Blue Lagoon for fresh fruit and local spirits
• Return to Piso Livadi port at 6:00 pm

Top questions

How long is the Paros to Antiparos day trip?

The tour lasts about 8 hours, departing at 10:00 am from Piso Livadi port and returning around 6:00 pm.

Is lunch included on the Galatea gulet cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch with Greek specialties is included during a stop near Despotiko island.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Unlimited drinks are included—national beers, local wine, ouzo, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and bottled water.

Can I use snorkeling equipment on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available for guest use at swim stops like Sostis or Faneromeni beach.

What are the main stops on this cruise?

The boat stops along Paros’ east coast bays south of Antiparos, Despotiko island (including Livadi beach), and Blue Lagoon near Panteronisi.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart directly from Piso Livadi port.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the boat allows prams or strollers onboard.

Is there shade available on Galatea?

The boat features shaded seating areas at the stern as well as open sundecks at bow and deckhouse.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Piso Livadi port aboard Galatea with all fuel covered; buffet lunch featuring Greek specialties; unlimited national beers, local wine, ouzo, soft drinks; snacks; bottled water; coffee or tea; use of snorkeling equipment throughout all swim stops before returning by evening.