Methana is a volcanic peninsula just off the coast of Argolis, shaped long ago by powerful eruptions. Even today, you can still see signs of its fiery past in the natural hot springs scattered across the area. With its rugged mountains and rolling hills, Methana offers breathtaking views of the sea around every corner. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a stop on your journey through the Peloponnese. In this blog, we’ll share more about our visit to Methana, with a special focus on its unique hot springs.
Recommended Read: Best Places To Visit On The Argolis Peninsula
Where is Methana in Greece?
While Argolis is a peninsula that forms part of the larger Peloponnese peninsula, Methana is yet another, smaller peninsula that branches off from the edge of Argolis. Still with us in this little geography puzzle?
Argolis is the easternmost peninsula of the Peloponnese, a vast and historically rich region in southern Greece. The Peloponnese is often described as having a hand-like shape when viewed on a map, and Argolis is the rightmost ‘finger.’ At the very tip of this long and narrow finger lies another, even smaller peninsula known as Methana. This striking natural feature consists of a rocky outcrop that extends into the sea, creating a bold and dramatic landscape.
Perched on the edge of this rocky land is a small and tranquil village, complete with a charming harbor that adds to the area’s unique character and relaxed atmosphere. The port may be modest in size, but it plays an important role in connecting Methana to the rest of Greece. It offers a direct ferry route to Piraeus, the bustling port of Athens, making Methana surprisingly easy to reach despite its quiet and secluded setting. In addition, the harbor provides connections to several nearby islands, allowing visitors to discover even more of this beautiful region with ease.
The combination of rugged volcanic scenery, peaceful coastal charm, and convenient ferry links makes Methana a truly special destination. It’s a hidden gem well worth visiting as part of your journey through Argolis and the broader Peloponnese.
The Hot Springs of Methana
Methana has long been known as one of Greece’s most notable natural spa destinations. The volcanic peninsula is home to medicinal hot springs that are believed to offer powerful healing benefits for a range of ailments. In the past, the most therapeutic of these springs were brought together in an elegant spa complex, which once attracted visitors from far and wide.
Today, you can still see the remains of this once-thriving spa near the main village on the peninsula. Although the building stands as a reminder of Methana’s spa heyday, it has been closed for many years and is now slowly falling into disrepair. Nature is gradually reclaiming the structure, adding a quiet, melancholic beauty to the site — a glimpse into the past, wrapped in the calm of the present.
What to do on Methana now that the old spa is closed and no longer in operation? Fortunately, the peninsula still offers a variety of wonderful experiences for visitors. You can enjoy scenic hikes across the rugged volcanic landscape, with breathtaking sea views at nearly every turn. And even though the spa is no longer functioning, you can still soak in Methana’s natural thermal waters at several public hot spring spots scattered around the island. Right next to the old spa, for instance, you’ll find a simple staircase that leads straight into the sea. Here, the seawater is gently warmed by volcanic activity beneath the surface, offering a unique and soothing place to bathe.
The most scenic and beautiful hot spring, however, lies on the other side of the peninsula, where a man-made bath has been built into the natural setting. It’s a peaceful and secluded spot, ideal for a relaxing moment surrounded by nature. The location is easy to find on Google Maps if you plan to visit. When we arrived, the pump that usually fills the bath with warm spring water was unfortunately out of order, so we weren’t able to enjoy a proper hot soak that day. Still, the place itself was absolutely worth the visit, and the calm, natural setting made it a memorable stop.
The best part? All three of these hot spring spots are completely free to access. So whether you’re looking for a quick warm dip in the sea or a quiet escape up in the hills, you can enjoy Methana’s geothermal treasures without spending a single euro.
