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HOLIDAYMAKERS are missing out on visiting a paradise island whenever they head to a Greek hotspot, according to locals.

Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek island getaways for Brits, but just a stone's throw from the destination is another place that has drawn comparisons to the Maldives because of its clear blue seas.

The whole island is an archaeological site
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The whole island is an archaeological siteCredit: Alamy
The beaches have been compared to those at the Maldives
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The beaches have been compared to those at the MaldivesCredit: Alamy
Getting to the beach is possible by boat, yacht or even helicopter
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Getting to the beach is possible by boat, yacht or even helicopterCredit: Alamy
The island sits not far from the island of Mykonos
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The island sits not far from the island of MykonosCredit: Alamy

Rhenia, or Rinia, island sits just off the coast of Mykonos and is uninhabited, with 60 or so abandoned houses the only evidence that people ever lived there.

Farmers are allowed to work on the island and their goats can be seen running around, but other than that, there's not a huge amount of people that head there on a day-to-day basis.

described it as "a small treasure lying right next to Mykonos" and said that "very few people know of the incredible beauties that are waiting to be discovered here".

Similar information came from one Mykonos local, who recently told Sun Travel that the waters there "are like the Maldives," but said that people often overlook it as a place to visit.

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A relaxing quiet day by the sea is one of the main reasons to visit, with stating that anyone who heads there "will find beautiful, secluded beaches on this islet".

Among the best beaches on the island, the four most popular are said to be Ambelia, Lia, Stena, and Glyfada.

However, there are some equally beautiful stretches of shoreline elsewhere on the island, in some of its more remote locations. 

As well as its "pristine views of the sea and the rest of the Cyclades" King-Like Concierge also recommends heading inland to explore some of the fascinating Greek history that can be found at Rhenia. 

The whole island is a protected archaeological site meaning that no more building can take place there.

The abandoned homes and the ruins are all that remain.

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They continued: "After enjoying the warm Mediterranean sky, you could view the ruins of the ancient Christian churches and the Greek temples, as well as warriors’ burial stones from thousands of years ago.

"You will find no telephones, electricity, or running water on the island, while grazing and farming are strictly limited."

The best way to reach the island is by boat, with private taxi boats heading to the island from Mykonos.

Visitors can also cross the water as part of groups on organised Rhenia boat tours.

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  1. Pasqyra Beach, Albania
  2. Paralia Mpouka, Greece
  3. Kassiopi, Greece
  4. Plage de la Vernette, France
  5. Kaputas Beach, Turkey
  6. Voulisma Beach, Greece
  7. Foki Beach, Greece
  8. Praia do Carvalho, Portugal
  9. Omprogialos, Greece
  10. Los Lances Beach, Spain
  11. Troon Beach, Scotland
  12. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
  13. Ploce Beach, Montenegro
  14. Marina del Cantone, Italy
  15. Cannon Beach, USA
  16. Cala Saona, Spain
  17. Keem Bay, Ireland
  18. Antisamos, Greece
  19. Plaza Kutlesa, Croatia
  20. Štikovica, Croatia
  21. Platja es Tancats, Spain
  22. Platja des Coll Baix, Spain
  23. Dafnoudi Beach, Greece
  24. Paloma Beach, France
  25. Praia de Boneca, Portugal
  26. Cala Figuera, Spain
  27. Milocher Beach, Montenegro
  28. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
  29. Cape Kaliakra, Bulgaria
  30. Playa El Doradillo, Argentina

More affluent tourists can get there via a private helicopter ride or yacht cruise.

A lot of the group tours also offer travellers drinks and meals along with snorkelling or diving. 

Anyone hoping to visit should first fly to Mykonos, which costs around £100 return from the UK.

From there they can book transport onwards to Rhenia.

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Meanwhile, this "secret" Greek island is better and cheaper than Mykonos.

And this Greek holiday island is loved by A-listers.

People who visit the island are offered food, drinks and snorkelling tours
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People who visit the island are offered food, drinks and snorkelling toursCredit: Alamy
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