Rineia Island

Address: Rineia (Rhinia), Cyclades, Greece (near Delos)

Admission: No regular visitor facilities; typically visited by private boat from nearby islands

Rineia (Rinia) is a small, uninhabited island in the Cyclades, located immediately adjacent to the archaeological island of Delos in the central Aegean Sea. The island is part of the South Aegean administrative region of Greece and lies close to Mykonos.

Today Rineia is largely undeveloped and visited for its beaches, coastal scenery and scattered ancient remains. In antiquity the island was closely linked to Delos and was used for activities that the sanctuary on Delos did not permit, including burials and other peripheral uses.

Geographically the island sits just south-west of Delos and north-west of Mykonos, making it a short boat trip from either island for visitors arriving by private or excursion vessel.

• Access and facilities: Day trips and private boats from Mykonos or Delos are the usual ways to reach the island; there are no visitor services on Rineia so bring water and supplies.
• Archaeological remains: The island contains visible archaeological traces and ancient burial grounds associated with nearby Delos, but there are no staffed museums or interpretive centres on the island itself.

Rineia (Rinia) is an uninhabited island in the Cyclades close to Delos and Mykonos. There is no regular car ferry; the usual way to visit is by private boat or by joining a day excursion from Mykonos (small-boat charters and tour operators run short trips that visit Delos and nearby islets). From Mykonos town marina, launches and private charters can reach Rineia in a short crossing.

• Take the earliest boat from Mykonos (or combine with a Delos day trip) to enjoy quieter coves and better light for photography before the main tour-boat crowds arrive.
• Rent or charter a small boat from Mykonos if you want to explore secluded bays and snorkel-many shared day cruises only make brief stops, while a private boat lets you linger at clear swimming spots.
• Walk away from the main landing points to find quieter beaches and seabird colonies; much of Rineia is uninhabited and feels very different from busy Mykonos, so allow extra time to explore.