METHANA - Distance from Ermioni: 65 kms/1.4 hours

Methana is a scenic volcanic peninsula that lies North of Trizina (Ancient Troezen) and North-West of the island of Poros. It is connected to the Peloponnese by a very narrow isthmus.  Famous for its warm healing springs, Methana welcomes hundreds of Greek holidaymakers every year, but still remains distant from foreign visitors.  A new coastal road links the isthmus with the town and port of Methana, on one side of the peninsula.

Travelling by road, the first glimpse of the town and port of Methana is from the roadside as you approach the town from the nearby hills.  In 1912 the first hydrotherapy centre was built in the town, which became popular among many Europeans who visited Greece at that time.  In its place, the famous 1930s spa building now stands at the entrance to the town.  Its characteristic odour of sulphur was used for therapeutic purposes from the late 19th century.  Writing in the second century AD, the ancient Greek traveller Pausanias claimed that these warm springs appeared after a volcanic eruption near Methana in the mid-third century BC.  Opposite the spa building, a favourite spot amongst visitors is the small green islet of Nissaki, linked by a causeway, where luxury yachts are moored alongside the tiny traditional fishing boats.

At the entrance to the Nissaki causeway there are a number of traditional tavernas serving good home-made food and refreshing cool drinks.  On the islet itself there is the church of Agioi Anargyroi and some remains of ancient fortifications from the classical and archaic periods.  Below the church there are traces of Cyclopean walls of the sixth century BC.  Spartan coins from the fourth century BC were also found on this small islet.  A paved walkway around the islet is ideal for relaxing and romantic evening walks.

Today, large ferries sailing from Piraeus, via Aegina, call in to the port of Methana, before continuing to the nearby island of 'peace and romance', Poros.  The ferries then return back from Poros, calling in to Methana, Aegina and finally Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Methana, the name of the peninsula in Greek means 'volcano' and during the ancient Mycenaean and Classical periods the place was associated with Hephaestos, god of fire and volcano's.  The town is located right at the foot of a volcanic mountain, which belongs to the same volcanic line with the volcanos of Milos, Santorini and Nisyros in the Aegean Sea.  According to the historian Pausanias, the thermal springs in the area appeared suddenly and out of nowhere in the middle of the third century BC.  During the Hellenistic period the Nissaki peninsula was also known as Arsinoe. 

Along the cross-country road, 9 kms West from Methana town, lies the dormant volcano.  The volcano last erupted in 283 BC, and with the accompanying earthquakes, resulting in the destruction of Ancient Troezen.  Visitors wanting to climb to the volcano summit can leave their car at the base, where there is an old bus stop and the road ends.  It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk to the summit along a narrow winding path, with trees offering shade during the hot summer months.  You will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands of Aegina, Angistri and Moni.  The volcano 'crater' at the summit is rather disappointing, as you will only see a small cave with a sign above the entrance, however, the walk alone is worth the journey.

Along the same mountain road to the volcano, it is worth stopping at the small coastal fishing village of Vathy for a cool refreshing drink.  Traditional tavernas surround the small bay where the local fishing boats and a few sailing boats come to visit and moor up.  You could be forgiven to think that you have just stepped back 50 years in time, as you relax and see the old men on their donkeys taking their usual route around the bay, with local fishermen sorting their catch and mending their nets.  Near Vathy you can find the earliest know settlement on the island, around 1500-1300 BC with the ancient Acropolis of Palaiokastro (Ancient Methana) located near to the village. The present Acropolis site we see today was built in the late 4th and early 3rd century BC. 

From Ermioni, the best way to get to Methana, via Galatas, is by car, as this will give you the freedom and opportunity to visit the main port and town, the volcano and explore the 'island'.  However, you can also get to Methana by sea.  If you take the AERO Speedline or Flying Cat to Poros, you may then take the ferry that calls in to the port of Methana, on its way to Aegina and Piraeus.

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