Known for its thermal baths, beautiful beaches and archaeological monuments, Methana is ideal for family-friendly, affordable and relaxing holidays in touch with nature, just two hours from Athens.
Just two hours from Athens and after a beautiful drive through nature, you will find the famed spa town of Methana,one of the oldest resorts of theArgosaronic Gulf. The Methana Peninsula is located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese and is known for its baths and the volcano in the village of Kameni Chora. You can visit it by ferry boat from Piraeus, as well as by road via Corinth-Epidaurus (180 km).
Lush landscapes, settlements with traditional character, archaeological sites, pine forests, beaches with crystal-clear waters, thermal springs,water activities and hiking on the volcano’s trails with panoramic views over the Argosaronic Gulf, are just some of the things you can enjoy in Methana, a destination ideal for those seeking simplicity, serenity, and a connection with nature on their holidays.
Last year, The New York Times recommended Methanaas one of 52 destinations worldwide worth visiting in 2023! It is worth noting, moreover, that it was the only Greek destination on the list. Want even more reasons to add a getaway to Methana to your plans?
Methana: The volcano and the thermal springs
Since antiquity, Methana has been renowned for its thermal springs, which are due to volcanic phenomena. Pausanias’ reference in «Troezenia» to the eruption of the volcano and the appearance of hot springs with healing properties, in the early 3rd century BC, is characteristic. Along with the volcanoes of Milos, Santorini and Nisyros, Methana belongs to the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. Thirty craters have been recorded on the peninsula and the most recent volcanic activity occurred underwater in 1700, in the northern part off Methana. To the northwest, above the village of Kameni Chora, lies the most famous volcanic crater, which is about 50 m deep and 100 m in diameter. This volcano is no longer active.
Methana is famed for its thermal springs and baths. The waters that gush from the springs carry numerous valuable trace elements of metals and minerals that offer unique properties for treating many ailments and for overall rejuvenation of the body. The majestic hydrotherapy edifice, with its azure lake of thermomineral waters, lends a distinctive note to the town of Methana.
What to do in Methana
- Stroll around the town’s harbor and visit the pine-covered islet of Agioi Anargyroi, which is connected to Methana by a narrow strip of land. Its stone-paved road is perfect for afternoon walks. On the islet you’ll find the Church of Agioi Anargyroi and an organized beach.
- Hiking on the Methana volcano is a unique experience. The ascent to Kaimeni Chora (or Kameni Chora), to reach the most famous volcanic crater, following a trail carved into the lava, among pines and holm oaks, will reward you withspectacular panoramic views over the Argosaronic Gulf.
- For relaxation after your hike, visit the thermal baths, famed since antiquity for their beneficial effect on body and soul.
- On the hill of Palaeokastro, near Vathy, lie the ruins of the Acropolis of ancient Methana, with well-preserved walls made of volcanic rock and a well-preserved gate. Visible ruins of ancient dwellings are also preserved in the sea from Methana’s submerged city.
- The Peristera Cave lies along the coastal road, 2.5 km before Vathy. Discovered in 1973, it is 250 m long and consists of 3 chambers covered with water.
- In the Methana Strait stands the imposing medieval Favieros Castle, with four small corner turrets, a listed historic monument. The final stretch to the castle is on foot, along a signed trail. A short distance away, you will also see part of the fortification wall which, according to Thucydides, was built by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War.
- Visit picturesque villages such as Kameni Chora, the fishing village of Vathy, Agioi Theodoroi, Palaia Loutra and Megalochori.
- At the westernmost tip of the peninsula rises Krasopanagia, a chapel which, according to legend, was built from earth and wine upon the rocks.
- You can also take day trips from Methana to the nearby Argosaronic islands of Agistri, Aegina and Poros.
Beaches in Methana
The Methana Peninsula offers a variety of beaches with crystal-clear waters, both lively and secluded, sandy or pebbled, where you can unwind and enjoy water activities. Next to the islet of Agioi Anargyroi lies the sandy beach of Agioi Anargyroi and then the shore that runs through the Spa Town of Methana, which, after about 1.5 km, ends at the peninsula’s largest and most touristic beach, Limniona, an organized beach with sand on the shore and pebbles and sand in the water. On the northern side you will find the beaches of Agioi Theodoroi and Agios Nikolaos with their thermal springs, while on the eastern coastline Almyra beach is ideal for those who avoid the crowds.
