Rhenia Yacht Charter Guide: The Secluded Sanctuary Next to Sacred Delos

Rhenia (also spelled Rinia or Rineia) is the uninhabited sister island to Delos, separated by a narrow channel of just 700 meters. While Delos commands attention for its archaeological significance, Rhenia offers something equally precious for yacht charters: pristine, protected anchorages with crystal-clear turquoise waters and complete solitude. This long, narrow island served as the sacred cemetery for ancient Delos, and today its shores remain blissfully empty except for the occasional visiting yacht.

For sailors exploring the Mykonos-Delos area, Rhenia represents the perfect overnight anchorage after a day spent touring the ruins of Delos. The eastern coast, facing Delos, offers numerous small bays with excellent protection from the prevailing Meltemi winds and spectacular sunset views across to Mykonos. The water clarity is exceptional, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing in one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Cyclades.

Navigating to Rhenia from Mykonos is straightforward, typically taking less than an hour. The channel between Delos and Rhenia should be approached with caution due to shallow patches and rocky outcrops, particularly on the Delos side where ancient harbor structures and ruins extend underwater. The main anchorages on the eastern (Delos-facing) coast are accessed via the northern or southern entrances to the channel. When approaching the southern bays, give a wide berth to the southern cape of Rhenia, which features submerged rocks and reefs. The western coast of Rhenia is completely exposed to the open Aegean and should only be approached in very settled conditions.

Rhenia offers some of the finest protected anchorages in the Cyclades, particularly along its eastern shore facing Delos. The most popular overnight anchorage is in Abelaki Bay (also called Glyfada or Ambelia), located at the southern end of the island. This large bay provides excellent all-weather protection from the Meltemi, with superb holding in sand (5-10 meters) and room for numerous yachts to anchor comfortably. Further north, Skhoinousa Bay offers similar protection in a more intimate setting. Both bays feature stunning beaches with powdery sand and electric-blue waters. The narrow channel between Delos and Rhenia also provides several smaller coves suitable for anchoring, though these can be busy with day boats from Mykonos.

In ancient times, Rhenia served a sacred function as the purification site and cemetery for Delos. When the Athenians purified Delos in 426 BCE, all graves were exhumed and reburied on Rhenia, and thereafter, no one was allowed to be born or die on sacred Delos itself. Archaeologists have discovered numerous ancient tombs and ruins scattered across the island, though they are far less extensive or accessible than those on Delos.

Today, Rhenia remains completely uninhabited and undeveloped, with no facilities, tavernas, or structures beyond a few old stone ruins and a small lighthouse on the southern cape. This makes it an exceptionally peaceful overnight anchorage where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional call of seabirds. Visiting yachts should be completely self-sufficient, bringing all provisions, water, and waste management. The beaches are pristine and the waters are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and experiencing the Cyclades in their most natural state. Many sailors consider a night anchored in Rhenia, watching the sunset over Delos and Mykonos, to be one of the highlights of their Cyclades charter.