Nature, geology, archaeology on Methana:

Methana is a widely unknown volcanic peninsula opposite of Athens in the Saronic Gulf. It has been the focus of volcanic activity at the W end of the Hellenic volcanic arc and has been historically active.
Although it used to be one of the Mediterranean' s most exclusive spas around 100 years ago, and despite its still almost unspoiled nature, its rich cultural and natural heritage, it has remained one of Greece's best kept secrets. So far, only a handful tourists have visited the place with its calm, typically Greek pace.

As a result of the cooperation with photographer Tobias Schorr, decadevolcano.net and VolcanoDiscoveryTours offer geologic tours to Methana. Tobias is probably the most experienced person for Methana from abroad. He has lived permanently on Methana for more than 10 years, during which he was involved in a number of scientific projects, most important the complete geologic mapping of the island carried out by a group of scientists from the ETH in Zürich, Switzerland. Other activities included archeological excavations and documentation, assessment of natural hiking trails and touristic promotion of Methana.

The Methana and Santorini walking tours are close relatives. They both address a small group of motivated people who enyoy walking while sharing the guide's first-hand knowledge of a unique area with outstanding geology, nature, as well as archeological and cultural remnants. Contact to the daily life of local people, and last but not least, having a good time with the other people in the group are an important ingredient of this trip.

Individual arrangements:

Thanks to his contacts and experience, Tobias is able to assist and organize all kinds of activities  on Methana (e.g. individual tours, field assistance, photographic documentation etc.) If you are interested, you should contact Tom Pfeiffer or Tobias Schorr directly:

Tobias Schorr: Tobias@Methana.de
or Tom Pfeiffer: tpfeiffer@decadevolcano.net

Location of Methana and other Greek volcanoes. Map copyright USGS.

(2 Photos, courtesy H. Beutler)

(Photo courtesy H. Beutler)

Walking difficulty rating:

This is meant only as a rough orientation,- the physical requirements of each tour are explained in  more detail for each tour separately.

Easy - suitable for everyone with normal physical condition, no hiking experience needed (walks on easy terrain or good hiking trails, few and short passages over loose ground, max. 2-3 hours walking time, distances up to ca. 4-5 km, max. total climbing ca. 200m).
Medium - suitable for people with good condition and some experience in walking or hiking (walks partly on moderately difficult terrain, in parts over rugged or loose surfaces, max. walking time 5-6 hours, max. distance ca. 12-15 km, max. total climbing up to 4-500m).
Difficult - only suitable for peole with excellent physical condition and experience in hiking (walks on partly difficult terrain with steep passages on loose or rocky ground, total hiking walking time up to 6-8 hours, max. horizontal distances up to ca. 20-30 km, max. climbing  during a day max 1500m) (Note: this does not occur on Methana...).

Comfort levels:

Basic - simple accomodation such as camping, or mountain huts and similar.
Standard - accomodation in simple, usually family-style mid-class hotels, private bathrooms, telephone, breakfast.
Deluxe - accommodation in small, excellent hotels (upper mid-class and higher), usually including telephone-fax-internet facilities, AC, bar etc.

Contact / Information / Booking:

If you are interested in the program, want more information or book a tour, please contact us directly:
Tobias Schorr: Tobias@Methana.de
Tom Pfeiffer: tpfeiffer@decadevolcano.net

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