Just west of Mykonos lie two islands that belong together in any cruising itinerary: Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, and Rhenia, its quiet, uninhabited neighbour. A private yacht is the ideal way to experience both, linking ancient history with some of the clearest swimming water in the Cyclades.
This itinerary is a favourite for good reason. The crossing is short, the contrast is striking, and the anchorages off Rhenia rank among the most beautiful in the region. Here is how a day combining the two islands typically unfolds, and what makes each of them worth the journey.
The short crossing from Mykonos
Delos and Rhenia sit just a few nautical miles southwest of Mykonos, separated from each other by a narrow, sheltered channel. Departing from the New Port at Tourlos, the cruise across is gentle and quick, leaving the bustle of Mykonos behind within minutes.
The channel between the two islands is the heart of this itinerary. Protected from the open sea, it holds calm, luminous water that shifts from deep blue to pale turquoise over sandy patches, a perfect setting for anchoring and swimming away from the crowds.
Delos, the sacred island
Delos was revered in antiquity as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and it grew into a thriving sanctuary and trading hub. Today the entire island is a protected archaeological site, an open-air museum of temples, mosaics, marble lions and the remains of an ancient city.
Visitors who wish to walk among the ruins do so ashore through the official site, which has its own visiting arrangements and hours. From the water you can appreciate the setting and the scale of the place, and your crew can advise on how best to combine a yacht day with a visit on land.
Rhenia, the wild neighbour
Rhenia, lying immediately west of Delos, is uninhabited and largely untouched. Its indented coastline is a string of sheltered bays with pale sand and remarkably clear water, and because there are no roads or buildings, the anchorages feel wonderfully remote.
This is where many cruises spend the heart of the day. You drop anchor in a quiet cove, swim in glassy water, snorkel along the rocks and enjoy lunch on board with nothing but the sea and the hills around you. On all but the windiest days, Rhenia delivers the finest swimming of the trip.
Reading the wind and timing
The Meltemi, the strong summer wind from the north, shapes this stretch of the Aegean. On breezy days the western bays of Rhenia offer welcome shelter, and an experienced crew will choose the anchorage that keeps you in calm, comfortable water whatever the conditions.
Timing matters too. Setting out in the morning means calmer seas and quieter coves, with the light at its best for swimming. The crew plans the order of stops around the forecast, so the day flows naturally and you are always in the right place at the right time.
Planning your cruise
A Delos and Rhenia day suits couples, families and small groups alike, and it pairs ancient history with pure relaxation in equal measure. If you hope to step ashore at Delos as well as swim off Rhenia, say so when you enquire, as it helps shape the timings of the day.
To arrange your cruise, send a message over WhatsApp with your preferred date and the number of guests. A tailored plan, including the best departure time and the most sheltered anchorages for the day, can then be put together before you arrive.