Methana: Rewarding hikes and thermal baths

Route information

Distance

24 km

Estimated duration

50min

Difficulty level

Moderate

Route type

Road

When to go

Ideal from spring to autumn. In the summer months, when temperatures are high, prefer to plan any hiking activities very early in the morning or avoid them if the weather conditions (heat, humidity) do not allow it.

Visit proposal

The three legs of this route (Methana – Santorini – Nisyros) are not connected by direct ferry services. From Athens you can reach Methana by road (163 km / about 2 hours and 40 minutes) either by car or intercity bus (KTEL), or by ferry from the port of Piraeus (journey time 2-2.5 hours).

Did you know?

Renowned since antiquity for its thermal springs and volcanic activity, Methana is one of the most historic spa towns in Greece. According to one theory, Methana owes its name to methane gas, released during volcanic eruptions.

01
Βuilding of the old bathing facilities
Entering the settlement, admire the monumental building of the old bathing facilities of Methana, designed by the famous architect Ernst Ziller. Nearby, at the entrance to the spa town, sulfurous waters flow into the sea, with their characteristic milky hue and pungent smell, which you will quickly get used to. Go down the stairs, take a dip and enjoy their beneficial properties. The locals have incorporated the thermal baths into their daily routines in winter and in summer!
It is recommended that you check the accessibility of specific sites of interest before your visit by contacting local municipalities and museums.
02
Loutra Agiou Nikolaou
Further north along the shoreline, make a stop at the chlorinated baths of Loutra Agiou Nikolaou (Baths of Agios Nikolaos).
It is recommended that you check the accessibility of specific sites of interest before your visit by contacting local municipalities and museums.
03
Loutra Pausania
Continue to reach Loutra Pausania (Baths of Pausanias) for an unprecedented natural spa experience right beside the sea.
It is recommended that you check the accessibility of specific sites of interest before your visit by contacting local municipalities and museums.
04
The Methana Volcano
Before leaving Methana, don’t miss the chance to hike the volcano. The entire peninsula once emerged from the sea, after successive volcanic eruptions, which shaped the complex terrain you see today. Part of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, the volcano of Methana experienced intense activity from 276 BC to 239 BC. A network of trails of varying difficulty stretches across the peninsula. Experienced hikers can set off from the port and move to the summit of the volcano of Kameni Chora, a beautiful route lasting 5-5.5 hours. Alternatively, for a shorter yet equally memorable experience, start at the volcano and, following a downhill course, walk to Loutra Pausania. Combine hiking with a hot thermal bath and conclude your exploration of Methana in the most ideal way.
Most activities, tours and routes to the volcano require a good level of physical fitness, and accessibility is limited.