Delos and Rhenia Islands Cruise with BBQ Meal from Mykonos

Agios Ioannis and the south-west coast of Mykonos

The cruise starts from the small pier of Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, on a sheltered bay on the south-west coast of Mykonos, about 15 minutes by road from Mykonos Town. From here Delos and Rhenia lie directly across the water, so the crossing is short and scenic. After boarding, the crew gives a safety briefing, and everyone goes barefoot on deck, as is traditional on wooden boats.

The gulet sails for about 45 minutes along the coast, past rocky headlands and small beaches, before the long, low outline of Delos appears. This is a relaxed alternative to the standard Delos ferry: instead of a crowded boat and a fixed return, you spend the whole day on the same vessel, combining a Delos day trip from Mykonos with swimming and lunch.

Delos: the sacred island of Apollo

Delos was revered in ancient Greece as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and became a great sanctuary and, after 166 BC, a busy free port with merchants from across the Mediterranean. Today the whole island is an open-air archaeological site, listed by UNESCO, with temples, the Terrace of the Lions, marble houses with mosaic floors and an ancient theatre.

The gulet stops long enough for you to land and explore the site at your own pace, or to stay on board and swim in a nearby bay instead. Entrance to the site is not included with the default option and is bought on arrival. Is Delos worth visiting on a cruise? Yes, if you want a first impression; for a full explanation, choose the option with a guided walk, booked in advance.

Rhenia island: quiet bays and clear water

Rhenia lies just west of Delos, separated by a narrow strait, and is much larger yet almost uninhabited. In 426 BC the Athenians purified Delos and decreed that nobody should be born or buried there, so ancient tombs were moved to Rhenia, which became the necropolis of the sacred island. Today its shores are wild, with sandy bays and water so clear you can see the bottom several metres down.

The gulet anchors in a sheltered bay for about two hours. You can swim straight from the boat, snorkel over rocks and sea grass with the gear provided, float on swimming noodles or relax on deck. For many guests this Rhenia island swim stop is the highlight of the day, especially compared with the busy beaches of Mykonos.

Barbecue lunch on deck and the sail back

While you swim, the crew fires up the barbecue on board and prepares a lunch of grilled meat and vegetables, served on deck with the bay around you. Unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea and water are included throughout the cruise, along with towels and sunscreen. Tell us in advance about vegetarian needs or allergies.

In the afternoon the gulet sails back to Agios Ioannis, about an hour and a half along the coast, arriving in the mid-afternoon. The best time for this cruise is from late May to early October, when the sea is warm. In July and August the meltemi wind can make the sea choppy; if conditions are not suitable, you are informed the evening before about route changes or cancellation.