We would say that our excursion to Methana was a pleasant surprise for our little family. And it all started when we decided to make a little trip to get in the mood for the summer vacation, and not only did we succeed, but as soon as we saw the magical view of the Saronic Gulf from our balcony, we felt that our summer vacation had just begun.
Let’s get to know Methana a little better
Many people think that Methana is an island. And of course it is, because you will often hear it mentioned among the islands of the Saronic Gulf. In fact, Methana is a peninsula and is connected to the Peloponnese by a strip of land of one (1) kilometer. They are 180km by road from Athens, but are also connected by ferry to Piraeus with frequent routes.
The history of Methana begins in the depths of the Stone Age. From ancient times to the present, Methana is known for its hot springs and the volcano in the village of Kameni Chora. It is a rich rural area with a long history, many archaeological sites and impressive archaeological findings.
Find the best accommodation for your stay in Methana from this link
But Methana is a place unknown to many of us. And certainly compared to the popular destinations of the Saronic Gulf, we would say that it is the least popular. But once upon a time it was one of the most popular places for a short summer vacation. And you don’t have to read it anywhere.
Just take a walk around the settlement of Loutropolis and you will see it with your own eyes. Several abandoned hotel buildings, with an aesthetic of other eras, reminiscent of the time when Methana was a magnet for its famous baths. Spots that remind us of our childhood vacations. As you can understand, a trip to Methana was a must in the 70s and 80s..
Excursion to Methana: What to do
There are several things you can do to fill your time. Of course, we chose to spend more time strolling around the huge pedestrian area of Methana, besides being on the beach all day. We loved the palm trees that dominate the entire length of this huge seaside street where all the taverns and cafes of the village are located.
A nice place for a walk is the island of Agioi Anargyroi, where the chapel of the same name is located. The island is located between the marina and the thermal baths. At this place the colors of the water are very impressive. All the shades of blue blend so beautifully, creating a unique palette that the result is truly impressive.
Book a ferry Boat ticket to/from Methana from this link
For us personally, a walk to the picturesque harbor of Vathi is very rewarding. It is only 21 km from Loutropolis. It is a small picturesque fishing village built on a creek with a few taverns and cafes.
Finally, we should mention that Methana is a volcanic place. In the northern part of Methana there is a village called Kammeni Chora. At the entrance of the village there are signs leading to one of the craters of the volcano. This is the easiest way to visit the crater, as the route does not exceed half an hour of walking. We started the trail, but due to the high temperatures that day we didn’t finish it, as it was definitely not for our little one.
Beaches in Methana
We think that a trip to Methana means that you will enjoy swimming. There are several beaches where you can swim in peace and quiet. Some are sandy, but most have black volcanic pebbles.
The most beautiful beach of Methana is Limnionas beach. It is only 2 km away from the resort and is located in a small bay surrounded by trees. It is largely organized, but it also has secluded spots. It is sandy outside and pebble and sand inside. The water is clear and turquoise.
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There are also several diving spots in the area of the resort town of Methana. Such as the organized beach of Agioi Anargyroi near the islet and Karastamatis Beach, which is located at the other end of the Saronic Gulf coast. Outside the beach is sandy and inside there are large pebbles.
And of course, those who want to can dive in some places in the bay at the entrance of Loutropolis. The colors of the water are milky due to the thermal springs that flow in this place. However, your stay in the water should not exceed 25 minutes because of the fumes.
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Another beach quite nice for swimming when the wind blows from the side of Loutropoli is in Paleokastro on the beach of the same name. With sand outside and pebbles inside. It faces the bay of Epidaurus and is not organized. There is also the acropolis of ancient Methana, dating back to the Peloponnesian War.
We didn’t like Varathra beach very much because we found it in a bad condition. This was probably due to the abandonment of some of the facilities that were there.
Where to go in Methana for your night out
You will find many simple things in Loutropolis. Several fish taverns and souvlaki restaurants. As well as simple cafes that serve ice cream, pizza, waffles and club sandwiches in the evenings.
The main beach road is closed in the late afternoon to make walking more comfortable. Especially for those with children, I think it’s especially nice for stroller, scooter and bike rides.
The people who visit the area are mainly older people, as well as some families looking for some quality peace and quiet. Of course, this means that you’ll see fewer young people. Methana is a quiet destination, ideal for those looking for a few days of relaxation.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t attract alternative tourism enthusiasts. In Kammeni Chora you can enjoy several hiking trails. We believe that in a few years, Methana will become a popular destination again. In what way we don’t know. But a place like Methana, abandoned and degraded in this way, will not remain unused for long.
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