Rhenia is the island most visitors never see, and it is a gentle, rewarding companion to Delos. It lies just across a narrow channel from the sacred island, a long, low, uninhabited stretch of rock and scrub with sandy coves on its sheltered sides. In 426 BC the Athenians purified Delos by digging up its graves and moving them here, and Rhenia became the burial ground for the people of Delos, so the empty hills that look so peaceful today are in fact an ancient necropolis. Today it is best known for its beaches. A sailing cruise to Rhenia sets out from Mykonos under sail or engine, drops anchor in a bay for swimming and snorkelling, serves lunch and drinks on board and, on many versions of the trip, passes close to Delos or includes a guided visit to the ruins. It is a relaxed day on the water, with space on deck for sunbathing, and the crew are used to first-time sailors.
How it works
You book a departure date, meet the crew at the marina or the quay named on your ticket, or are collected by the operator’s transfer if one is offered. A typical day lasts five to six hours and includes a swim, lunch and drinks. Because several versions of this trip exist, read the description carefully before you book.
Some stay on Rhenia for swimming and only view Delos from the water, while others include a guided walk around the ruins, in which case the Delos site ticket may or may not be included in the price. If seeing the ruins matters to you, check this first.
Season and weather
Sailing cruises to Rhenia run in the warm season, from about April to October, with the most departures from June to September. The Delos site itself is closed from 1 December to 31 March, so trips that include a visit to the ruins do not run in winter.
Mykonos is a windy island and the north wind can be strong in July and August. Skippers choose a sheltered bay to suit the day, so the exact route changes, and a trip that cannot sail safely is normally rescheduled or refunded. Morning departures are usually calmer than afternoon ones.
What you will see
From the water you get a different view of Mykonos, with the whitewashed town and windmills on the horizon and the low ridge of Delos across the channel. On Rhenia the interest is the sea itself. The bays are shallow and bright, the water clear enough for snorkelling, and there is almost nothing built on the shore, so it feels like a quiet corner of the Cyclades even in high season.
If your trip lands on Delos, you will see the Terrace of the Lions, the theatre quarter and the mosaic houses, and a guide helps the ruins make sense.
Making the most of it
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and shoes that are easy to take off on deck. If you plan to walk around Delos, add sturdy shoes and water, since there is almost no shade. Eat a light breakfast, take a tablet if you are prone to seasickness, and keep valuables to a minimum.
A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful, and children should wear a lifejacket when the crew asks. Pair the cruise with an evening in Chora or Little Venice, and leave the Archaeological Museum for another day.
What to expect
The experience
A day cruise under sail or engine from Mykonos to Rhenia, with a swimming stop in a sheltered bay, lunch and drinks on board and a view of Delos from the water.
Best time
A morning departure between June and September, when the sea is warm and the wind is usually gentler before the afternoon.
How long
Five to six hours, plus time to reach the meeting point.
Tips
Check whether the trip includes a landing on Delos and whether the Delos site ticket is included, bring a swimsuit, towel, hat and sun cream, and expect the route to change if the wind is strong.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a swim and a sail with a touch of ancient history, without the crowds of the south-coast beaches.
- Families
- Children who can swim and enjoy boats will like it, but it is a long day in the sun, so bring shade, snacks and a lifejacket for small ones.
- Couples
- A relaxed day on deck with a swim and a long lunch, and an evening departure, where one is offered, is the most atmospheric.
- Pair with
- The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, which holds finds from the Rhenia purification pit, and an evening at Little Venice.
- Time needed
- Half a day to most of a day.
Good questions
What is Rhenia?+
Rhenia is the uninhabited island next to Delos. In 426 BC the Athenians moved the graves of Delos here when they purified the sacred island, and today it is known for its quiet bays and clear water.
Does the cruise include a visit to Delos?+
It depends on the version you book. Some trips only view Delos from the water, while others include a guided walk around the ruins, so check the description before you book.
Is the Delos entry ticket included?+
Not always. Check what the price covers, and if it does not include the site ticket, you pay it separately on Delos.
When do the cruises run?+
They run in the warm season, roughly April to October. Trips that include Delos do not run when the site is closed, from 1 December to 31 March.
What if the weather is rough?+
Skippers change the bay or the route to suit the wind, and a trip that cannot sail is normally rescheduled or refunded. Read the cancellation terms when you book.
