Rina Cave Traditional Boat Trip from Panermos Naxos

Panermos bay, south-east Naxos

Panermos, also spelled Panormos, is a small sheltered bay on the remote south-east coast of Naxos, with a sandy beach, clear water and just a few houses. On the low hill above it archaeologists uncovered the remains of a small fortified settlement of the Early Cycladic period, around the third millennium BC, a reminder that people have sailed from this cove for thousands of years.

Far from the busy west-coast beaches, Panermos feels peaceful and authentic. It is the starting and finishing point of the trip, so arrive a little early, enjoy the beach and meet the crew at the boat. There are only basic facilities nearby, so bring water and snacks, and plan lunch in a village on your way back.

Rina sea cave

Rina is a sea cave cut by the waves into the cliffs of the south-east coast, a short cruise from Panermos. The boat anchors in front of the entrance, where the water turns deep blue and turquoise as the light reflects off the sandy and rocky seabed. Accompanied by the crew, you swim in through the opening and float in the cool shade of the cave, listening to the echo of the sea.

Is Rina Cave worth visiting? For confident swimmers and families with children using the swimming aids, it is one of the most memorable swims on Naxos, quieter than the famous caves of other islands. The visit to the cave lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, with time to snorkel and take photos at the entrance.

A second bay and snorkelling on the south coast

After Rina the captain chooses one more bay for a swim, based on the wind and the sea that day. The south-east coast is largely without roads, so these coves of pebbles, sand and rock are reached mostly by boat and often have no one else on them. With the snorkelling gear included, you can watch small fish, sea urchins and patterns of light on the rocks below.

There is time to swim, relax on deck and simply enjoy the silence of this wild coastline. The crew share stories of the area, its fishing life and the places they knew as children. The best time to visit Rina Cave is from June to September, when the sea is warmest, with late morning or afternoon light inside the cave.

The traditional boat and the meltemi

The trip runs on a traditional wooden boat of the kind used for generations around the Cyclades, with shade on deck and a ladder for getting in and out of the sea. Groups stay small on the shared trip, and the crew keep a close eye on swimmers throughout, which makes it popular with families.

In July and August the strong northerly meltemi wind often makes the north and west coasts of the Cyclades rough. Panermos and the southern shores are naturally sheltered, so this trip runs on many days when other boat trips are cancelled. Still, the captain may change the route or reschedule if the sea is unsafe, and we always tell you in advance.

How to get to Panermos and combine your day

Wondering how to get to Rina Cave? The boat leaves from Panermos, about one hour and thirty minutes by road from Naxos town, so you need a rental car, a taxi or a transfer, as transport is not included. The road crosses the mountainous heart of the island, passing near villages such as Halki, Filoti and Apeiranthos, with views over terraces of olive trees and stone chapels.

Many travellers turn this into a full day: a morning or afternoon drive through the mountain villages, the boat trip, then a meal of fresh fish or vegetables in a village taverna. Halal options are limited on Naxos, but seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find. Ask our team and we can advise on routes and timings.