Things to do on Methana

KOUNOUPITSA

This hillside village is on the north of the peninsula of Methana, 12km. from the main town (Methana) which has the nearest shops. It is about 200m. above sea level. The surrounding country with its ancient terraces is rich in olive groves, almond trees and herbs in abundance; at harvest time whole families gather to bring in the crops, in some cases with their donkeys a number of which graze and work around the village. Much of the population of Kounoupitsa has been lost over past decades leaving its own, quiet charm. The centre is the village square, 300m. walk from the house, with an old stone church with elaborate ceiling paintings. The simple ‘kafeneon’ offers soft drinks, ice creams, beer and local wine and also holds some dry stores for sale. Some of the village houses have been restored in recent years, mostly as weekend homes, including those adjacent to Iremia.

LOCAL AREA

Methana is not quite an island, being connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus of c 150 metres, giving the advantage of access by road. However it is very much an island style community, with the main access by ferry from Piraeus (the port for Athens), and the adjacent islands. Methana is the product of some 13 volcanoes, the last erupting in the 3rd Century B.C - the lava flowing dramatically into the sea some three miles from Kounoupitsa.

From the house it is about 3km. by road down to the pretty little harbour of AGIOS GIORGIOS. Here is the nearest sandy beach, which gently slopes into the harbour providing a safe, shallow protected area for young children to play and swim within the harbour and good swimming and snorkelling off the rocks into deep water. There are many local small fishing boats and occasional visiting yacht. There are two good local tavernas here.

Further along the coast is AGIOS NICHOLAOS, another tiny fishing boat harbour and two excellent tavernas, right on the rocks with the water lapping feet from your table. Excellent for fish.

The road that passes Kounoupitsa continues up the mountain to two simple villages – PALEO LOUTRA and MAKROLOGGOS. The latter is a ‘time warp’ living much as it has for the past hundreds of years – donkeys and goats in pens in the village, beautifully maintained terracing across the mountain and valley, planted with cereal crops, olives, vegetables and fruit trees. A walk through the village on the steep alleyways and paths is a fascinating look at history and again breathtaking views.

A road has recently been completed, over the mountain, to connect with KOMENI XORA on the western side of Methana. This road passes through stunning scenery and amazing views. This is magnificent walking country. From Komeni Xora you can take the easy climb to the top of the most recent volcano with is views of vast lava flows.

There are a number of villages on the eastern side, including the delightful VATHI a small harbour surrounded by tavernas, mostly specialising in fish, and villas, with an active fishing fleet and constant coming and going of visiting yachts. For those archeologically inclined Methana has many sites of interest.

METHANA TOWN

The town is on the eastern side of the peninsula. It is substantial with a long waterfront and main quay where ferries and visiting yachts berth. There is also a sheltered harbour for local fishing boats and resident pleasure craft which is the safest of all harbours in the area. In the summer the waterfront is closed to traffic after 7.00 in the evening to provide a promenade area for the mainly Greek visitors with many of the tavernas and bars having tables right on the waterfront. There are many tavernas, cafes and bars throughout the town, and local shops of all descriptions. Local ‘supermarkets’ provide most essentials. There are several hotels and many of the houses let basic rooms in the season. One of the principal attractions are the two Methana Volcanic Spa’s. The main substantial facility with extensive sulphur baths is by the fishing harbour, the other more modern spa at the other end of town and has a gym and beauty treatments available. Both are open to the public. The coast road north leads to a tennis court and basket ball court, a good beach and discos at the Lava Bar and CLUB PLAYA – not actually a club but a quiet place for a drink or meal, with a seawater pool. Children are warmly welcomed in Greece and there are large playgrounds at both ends of the town.

To make an enquiry or contact us about a reservation, please call or email Paula on: Tel: 0033 545 893 587 or eMail: enquiries@holiday-villas-to-rent-in-greece.com.

Further Afield

Athens

A round trip to ATHENS can easily be undertaken in a day, taking the early ferry to Piraeus, and returning in the evening. Athens now has a good metro system to get you quickly into the centre of town. Here is the magnificent Acropolis with its new, much acclaimed, archaeological museum. For bargain hunters there is the extensive flea market close by and of course all the shops and museums of a capital city, a profusion of sites to satisfy the most ardent historian, and the magnificent ancient Olympic stadium.

Islands

The nearest islands are Aegina, Angistri, Poros and Hydra. POROS, the nearest island, is a very busy popular tourist destination offering every holiday facility. This is half an hour by ferry, or a 45 minute drive gets you to GALATAS – you can hire scooters here and it is excellent for more serious food shopping with two good supermarkets – and a 5 minute ride on the waterbus gets you onto the island of Poros. Poros also has lovely sandy beaches, great restaurants and waterside boutiques and cafes. Here there are regular hydrofoil services to the island of HYDRA, one of the most attractive harbour towns crowded with yachts and fishing boats with tourist shops, jewellers in abundance round the polished granite paving. There are no cars on HYDRA. A quiet peaceful courtyard round the church opens off the quay. Hydra is well worth a visit.

Mainland and Peleponnese

There is an abundance of significant archeological sites, particularly the ancient open-air theatre of Epidaurus with its magnificent ancient amphitheatre and archeological site, which is about a one hour drive. The new town andi s a good lunch stop. There are plays and concerts at the amphitheatre for a summer season. Further afield, but do-able in a full day, is ancient Mycenae, with its lion gate, about two and a half hours drive. NAFPLION – an old Venetian waterfront city overlooked by dramatic ancient fortifications.