The Methana Peninsula, attached to Northeastern Peloponnese by an isthmus in the Saronic Gulf, features two steep volcanic slopes and is a volcano that emerged from the sea 3-6 million years ago. Visitor can explore a stunning volcanic landscape with dense vegetation, coastal villages, and diverse flora and fauna. The establishment of the spa complex in 1870 transformed it into a popular destination, attracting mainly senior citizens from across Europe. A stroll along the wide coastal promenade of Methana town, lined with palm trees, reveals valuable remnants of its glorious past. In those days, Athens’ high society spent their holidays here, walking the same path during their leisurely evenings (cover photo).
The peninsula is home to around 32 volcanoes, with the most recent eruption occurring near present-day Kameni Chora in the 3rd century BC. Prominent writers like Ovid, Strabo, and Pausanias documented this last volcanic event in Methana. Situated at the northwesternmost point of the Aegean island arc, it is part of the active volcanic regions, including Milos, Santorini, and Nisyros.
With its dense vegetation, rich history, and fascinating geology, Methana is an ideal destination for explorers and adventure seekers. The volcanic landscape offers excellent opportunities for hiking in nature or relaxation in the thermal baths. Methana is an unexpected wellness destination, among the 2023 New York Times’ list of places to explore.
The Ancient Methana Acropolis on Paleokastro Hill (Source: methana.gr)
On the hill of Paleokastro, near Vathy village, lie the ruins of the Acropolis of ancient Methana, featuring well-preserved volcanic stone walls and a gate built during the 4th to 3rd centuries BC. Methana, part of Troezen’s territory, is mentioned in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War. Evidence suggests the area was first inhabited in the Neolithic era (around 5,000 BC). Excavations at the Acropolis of Paleokastro uncovered fragments of Mycenaean vases. Visible ruins of ancient buildings, including the pier of the ancient port, are found underwater. Among these submerged ruins are Byzantine churches, indicating settlement during the early AD years. Archaeologists estimate that the ancient city of Methana had about 700 houses. Artifacts from the site are displayed in the museums of Poros Island and Piraeus.
The Stavrologos Valley, located in the center of the peninsula, is named for the intersection of its main paths. It features one of the peninsula’s oldest volcanic craters and, within the olive grove, the well-preserved 4th-century BC Ancient Tower, built with carved volcanic stones and an impressive gate (Source: methane.gr)
In the Hellenistic period, Methana was known as Arsinoe and served as a Ptolemaic base. Pausanias described a temple of Isis and statues in the 2nd century. There are no references to Methana in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, but ruins from the 6th-7th centuries and churches from the 13th century remain. During the Greek War of Independence, Methana’s population grew as refugees sought refuge. Charles Fabvier built a fortress in 1826-27.
The Fabvier Fortress in Methana, located on the Methana Strait hill. It has four small turrets and was constructed on the ruins of 5th-century BC fortifications built by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War (Source: methana.gr)
The central traditional building of the Methana Thermal Baths, constructed in 1917, was designed by the renowned architect Ziller (Source: visitgrece.gr)
The thermal springs of Methana, a result of volcanic activity, have been renowned for thousands of years for their beneficial effects on health and beauty. The thermal waters are rich in valuable ingredients, making them therapeutically significant. This unique combination justifies their special place in the history of thermal springs, both in Greece and Europe. The waters contain precious trace elements, metals, and minerals that offer therapeutic properties for treating various ailments and promoting rejuvenation at any age. There are currently three hot springs on the peninsula: two near Methana Town on the eastern side and a third on the northern coast, near the small village of Agios Nikolaos. Each spring has distinct water properties and healing benefits.
Natural healing springs in Agios Nikolaos known as the Pausanias baths and located remotely next to the sea (Source: www.troizinia-methana.gr)
Climbing to the largest crater of the Methana volcano is a truly challenging experience as the visitor walks on solidified red lava flows and take in views of a dramatic landscape of black, red, and green crags and sharp abysses. The path begins in Kameni Chora, with a 25-minute climb leading to the rim of the volcano.
Lava mass on Mavri Petra, near Kameni Chora (left), The main crater of the Kameni Chora volcano (right) (Source: topoguide.gr)
The Peristera Cave, 2.5 million years old and 250 meters long, consists of three chambers on the western side of the peninsula (Source: methana.gr)
Hiking offers visitors the chance to explore the Methana Peninsula via a 60-kilometer network of marked trails, known for their historical significance and natural beauty. The terrain, shaped by volcanic origins, creates a lush environment of hills, valleys, and plateaus. The area features ancient stone paths, volcanic craters, terraces, cisterns, abandoned settlements, and charming Byzantine churches. It attracts alternative tourism enthusiasts interested in hiking, studying local flora, and visiting the 30 volcanic craters, archaeological sites, and traditional villages. This form of tourism is especially popular in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder, though it is not limited to the summer months.
Hiking the Methana Peninsula (Source: methana.gr, Photos: C, Papanikolaou)
Last but not least, the visitor can soak up the atmosphere along the island’s volcanic beaches with crystal clear, blue waters.
Palaiokastro pebble beach (Source: methana.gr)
The beach of Agios Nikolaos, located near the Baths of Methana, in front of the homonymous thermal chlorinated sodium springs and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos (Source: methana.gr)
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