The Methana Peninsula in the Peloponnese, Greece

In May 2025, I went on a family trip to Greece with my three siblings. Each of us came from a different place: my brother from the United States, me from Cyprus, and my sisters from Israel. The flight times to Greece were convenient for all of us, and we managed to find a date that worked for everyone. None of us had ever been to the Peloponnese, and we thought it could be a great region to explore together. We wanted to combine history, nature, Greek food and relaxation. One place that especially surprised us was Methana, a small peninsula.

We didn’t plan anything; I just marked a few interesting-looking places on Google Maps. However, our hotel owner in Epidaurus, at Yialasi Hotel, recommended Methana because it’s his favourite spot. It sounded like something we would enjoy too. He said it’s an authentic and untouristy destination with hiking trails, small villages, and seaside tavernas.

Table of content hide

1 A bit about Methana

2 When to visit

3 How to get there

4 Hiking trail to the volcano

5 Coffee and snacks by the sea

6 Small thermal pool

7 Lunch at a fish taverna

8 Beaches in Methana

9 Peristeri Cave

10 Castle Favierou

11 Pin below to save on Pinterest

A bit about Methana

Methana is a mountainous peninsula with dormant volcanic activity, located in the northeastern Peloponnese and connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge. It’s a relatively quiet area, with few tourists, volcanic landscapes, thermal waters, waterfront tavernas and small villages. There are hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, hot springs and interesting geological sites.

When to visit

The most pleasant weather is between April and June or September to October. Summer is very hot and winter can be rainy. May was a great time for us to visit, with warm and comfortable weather.

How to get there

We arrived by rental car, which we picked up in Athens through Europcar, using the Paapm Paapm search engine. We drove to Methana in the morning from our hotel in Epidaurus, the Yialasi Hotel. It’s about a one-hour drive south, across a narrow bridge connecting it to the mainland. There is no proper public transportation, but by car, it’s very simple.

If you’re coming directly from Athens, the drive is around three hours.

Hiking trail to the volcano

One of the first things we did in Methana was hike to the volcano. The trail starts in the village of Kameni Chora and follows a gentle uphill path for 4 kilometers. The dark volcanic rocks reflect the region’s geological past and the views gradually open up as you go.

The climb isn’t too difficult, but it does require some attention. We completed the round-trip in just over an hour. The summit itself doesn’t have a spectacular viewpoint, but the walk is beautiful all along the way. It’s recommended to bring a water bottle and keep your hands free, since you’ll occasionally need them to balance or hold onto rocks. Directions.

Coffee and snacks by the sea

After the hike, we stopped at a small beachside taverna called Ο Κάβος του Παυσανία. The owner was very friendly and when we went inside to find the bathroom, we discovered that she also knits and sells her handmade items like scarves and hats. My sister and I bought a headband that also warms the ears.

We ordered tzatziki, tomatoes with feta, frappé (Greek iced coffee) and black coffee. Places like this by the water feel magical to me, especially when we’re the only ones there.

Small thermal pool

Just a 2-minute drive from the taverna is a small thermal pool called the thermal bath of Pausanias. It’s a warm pool that fills with water at the press of a button. The water is around 39°C, and the smell is very strong, similar to a hot spring.

We only dipped our feet in, but if I had been there with my husband, we might have gone in for a few minutes. The smell is quite intense, so it’s not for everyone, and I think it’s a nice stop only if you happen to be alone there, since the pool is very small.

Lunch at a fish taverna

We ended the day at a small fish taverna called Theoni Kolias. Our hotel owner recommended it because he likes it. They have a menu, but most items aren’t available because it depends on what fish the owner caught that day and what vegetables are in stock. In the end we ordered tzatziki (as usual), a calamari salad, eggplant spread and two grilled fish. Again, we were almost the only ones there and the restaurant is right on the sea. The food was tasty, but we did have better meals on our trip. Overall, a solid lunch stop.

Beaches in Methana

Limnionas Beach – A quiet beach with shallow waters. Not always with facilities, but suitable for a picnic or swim.

Paralia Limnionas – There is sand, unlike most beaches in the area. Quiet and empty of people.

Peristeri Cave

Located in Methana, Peristeri Cave is a small and lesser-known cave nestled among rocks in a quiet, hilly part of the peninsula. The cave is not developed for tourists, but you can reach it by foot as part of a short nature trail. Inside the cave are narrow passages with unique rock formations formed by past volcanic eruptions. We didn’t get a chance to visit, but for cave lovers, it seems like a place worth exploring. Directions.

Castle Favierou

This small historic site sits on a hill and is considered an interesting but less-visited stop. The castle was built by French General Charles Fabvier in the 19th century as part of a defence effort during the Greek War of Independence. Today, only remnants remain. It’s a nice short stop with a quiet view, especially in the late afternoon. There are no signs or tourist facilities, but it’s accessible by car or a short walk from the town. Directions.

If you’re in the Peloponnese and looking for something a bit different, Methana can be a great choice. It’s small, untouristy and very charming. You should dedicate at least a day to it, maybe even spend the night. We saw a few simple guesthouses right by the water. There are small villages, hiking trails, seaside tavernas and plenty of peace and authentic beauty.

Pin below to save on Pinterest