Delos · Beaches
Be clear about this before you pack a towel: Delos has no beaches you can use. The whole island is an archaeological site from the jetty to the far shore, and you come to walk it, not to swim. The swimming on a Delos day happens on Rhenia, the larger, empty island across a strait about a kilometre wide, where some Mykonos cruises anchor in sandy coves before or after the stop at the sanctuary. There is nothing on Rhenia: no road, no village, no bar. Bring water, shade and food, or go with a cruise that serves lunch on board.
Our favourites
SandWild
A bay with a strip of sand and a small landing on Rhenia, its shallow water turning from turquoise to deep blue. With no houses and no road, the only sounds are the boats that anchor off it in summer.
Only by boat: on a Delos and Rhenia cruise from Mykonos, or a private boat
Rhenia is a Natura 2000 protected area. Take everything back with you.
RheniaStay in Rhenia
Sand & pebblesWild
Rhenia's coastline is about 43 km of bays and headlands round two hills joined by a narrow isthmus, and the cruise boats choose a sheltered cove on the day according to the wind. Expect sand or pebbles, empty hills behind and Delos low on the horizon.
By cruise boat from Mykonos; some cruises put you ashore by tender, others let you swim off the boat
Ask before you book whether the cruise lands at the Delos site as well, and for how long: two hours is the bare minimum for the sanctuary.
RheniaStay in Rhenia
Pick your kind of day
Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.
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