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 3^rd 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 4^th to 3^rd 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 2^nd century. There are no references to Methana in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, but ruins from the 6^th-7^th centuries and churches from the 13^th 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)

Read also: Hiking Greek Islands: explore off-the-beaten track treasures!

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Exploring wellness tourism in Greece: Thermal Springs, thalassotherapy and spas

I.A.

The post Explore Methana: A Volcanic Haven of Hiking Trails, Thermal Springs, and Ancient Charm appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The Cycladic Identity initiative, launched by the Museum of Cycladic Art last year, is an inspiring effort to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the Cyclades, as well as to preserve, restore, and reveal their unique identity. By focusing on Culture, Biodiversity, and Intangible Heritage, it serves as a vital platform for resource allocation to various programs implemented by organizations operating on the islands.

With seven new programs rolling out across five islands— two on Amorgos, one on Antiparos, one on Sikinos, one on Sifnos, one on Syros, and one inter-Cycladic — this initiative transitions into its second phase of funding. Poised to make a lasting impact, it will further enhance the unique identity and resources of the Cyclades, benefiting local communities and preserving their heritage for future generations.

The initiative’s structured approach, involves a Scientific Committee for proposal evaluation and an Advisory Board for strategic decisions, ensures thoughtful support for local organizations. Based on predefined criteria, the following programs were selected for this year:

Photo Fivos Tsavaropoulos © Museum of Cycladic Art

Inter-Cyladic: “Greek Islands Trail – Cyclades”

Organization: Social Co-operative Enterprise of Collective and Social Benefit “Paths of Greece”

The “Greek Islands Trail – Cyclades” is a proposal to connect the best hiking trails of each island in the Cyclades into a unified hiking route. The goal is to create a long-distance trail (estimated to be around 150-200 kilometers) passing through all the islands of the Cyclades. This route will consist of the most "rich" in nature and culture trail of each island. The hiker will be able to experience the nature, biodiversity, geology, and history (both tangible and intangible), as well as have a genuine experience passing through the settlements. The planned activities include: organizing a conference to present the project and engage local stakeholders for support; collaborating with local hiking groups to identify the top trail on each island; launching a photography competition via social media and email, with the top 5 photos per trail showcased on the project website; developing a website featuring detailed trail information and transportation options between islands based on maps from world's largest adventure tourism platform Outdooractive; promoting the trail to tour operators involved in hiking tourism in Greece.

Photo Roberto Cortese © Museum of Cycladic Art

Amorgos: 3^rd Dry Stone (Xerolithia) Workshop  “The Amorgian Craftsmanship”

Organization: The Mitato of Amorgos

The program aims to transmit knowledge of dry-stone walling and raise public awareness of its cultural and environmental significance. The workshop will focus on three main axes: restoration of Kalopotama's retaining walls on Amorgos, an area of exceptional beauty and cultural value, with remarkable dry-stone terraces, once completely cultivated; educational activities for the 20 participants engaging in hands-on restoration and construction of dry-stone structures, supervised by local masters; a theoretical part attended by experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture and members of the dry-stone community from Ireland, discussing efforts to include dry-stone craftsmanship in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Photo Antonis Vekris © Museum of Cycladic Art

Amorgos: “Games through the passage of time”

Organization: Parents & Guardians Association of the Students of the Primary School and Kindergarten of Katapola Amorgos, Cyclades Prefecture

Key Activities include research and documentation of local games inspired by Amorgos' nature and lifestyle and teaching sessions at schools, involving interactions with elders to learn traditional games.

Photo Kostas Platis © Museum of Cycladic Art

Sikinos: “Recording and highlighting the flora of Sikinos”

Organization: Sikinos Union

The proposed study aims to document the island's flora, particularly its aromatic and endemic plants, engaging 22 students in order to raise awareness of the island's biodiversity and encourage them to become future guardians of this natural heritage. Key objectives include: recording a comprehensive inventory of the remaining plant species on Sikinos, covering its 41,000 acres, of which about 4,500 acres have historical cultivation; identification and classification of the collected species; a herbarium exhibition to educate residents and visitors about local flora and biodiversity conservation; a plan for cultivating native aromatic plants that are likely to thrive on the island.

Photo Giannis Kontos © Museum of Cycladic Art

Sifnos:“Digital repository of Sifnian Songs and Carols”

Organization: Cultural Association of Sifnos

The action aims to preserve and revitalize the cultural expressions of Sifnos, focusing on the island's poetic and musical traditions as reflected in three key social events: the Sifnian Traditional Feast, Sifnian Carols, and Sifnian Carnival Dances. The program's specific objectives include: preserving the local linguistic idiom through documentation; providing material for ethnographic and anthropological research; encouraging young students and scholars to engage with the repository. The program will create a comprehensive archive of songs and carols (printed, digitized, and audiovisual), featuring a searchable database and educational resources. The repository will be continually updated, allowing external users to contribute material for evaluation and inclusion.

Photo Inbulb © Museum of Cycladic Art

Syros: “The weavers and their memories”

Organization: Hermoupolis Heritage

The program aims to celebrate and preserve the industrial textile heritage of Hermoupolis, which significantly contributed to the island's economic and cultural development over 140 years. At its peak, Hermoupolis housed 68 factories, including 24 textile factories that primarily employed women. The objectives of the program are: to highlight key aspects of Hermoupolis' identity, showcasing the daily life and professional activities of its working class; to preserve authentic testimonies and experiences of ordinary people, enriching the recorded history; to document important cultural materials for public access via the Hermoupolis Heritage website; to utilize these materials to promote industrial culture; to identify additional individuals who can contribute to the collection of this material.

Photo Goulielmos Orestidis © Museum of Cycladic Art

Antiparos: “Study of Architectural Documentation/Surveying of Antiparos Castle”

Organization: Society for the Protection and Development of Antiparos – Despotiko

The program focuses on the architectural documentation and surveying of the Venetian Castle of Antiparos, a key example of fortified architecture from the Venetian period (13th-16th century). Traditional archaeological research indicates the castle featured a central tower surrounded by three-story buildings, forming an enclosed settlement. However, recent excavations suggest that the tower may predate the settlement. The study aims to: document new findings; create a definitive architectural plan for the castle's protection, restoration, and promotion. The overarching goals are to safeguard the monument, integrate it into the modern social life of Antiparos, and preserve the island’s cultural heritage for future generations.

The call for the 3rd funding phase of the programs for the year 2025-2026 is available on the Initiative's website.

With the aim of raising public awareness, Cycladic Identity a conference titled "Tradition vs Evolution: The Coexistence of the Past with the Future in the Cyclades" was organizing on October 30.

Read more:

“Cycladic Identity: keeping alive the heart of the Cyclades”

“Hiking Greek Islands: explore off-the-beaten track treasures!”

“Cycladic architecture, stunningly blending with the endless blue of the Aegean sea”

I.A.

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