Methana

Volcanic Spa Town

The spa town of Methana is located right at the foot of a sleeping volcano, which belongs to the same volcanic line with the volcanoes of Milos, Santorini and Nisyros. Peninsula is surrounded by the blue of the Aegean sea and connected to the mainland of Peloponnese only by a narrow road.

The main components of the water of the Sfagia springs are the following: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Magnesium chloride (MgCl2), Potassium chloride (KCl), Magnesium bicarbonate Mg (HCO3) 2, Sodium Dioxide ) H2S.

The use of water of sulfide and sodium chloride aliphatic is indicated for most diseases, such as: chronic rheumatism, arthritis, chronic and subacute rheumatism, chronic gout, skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies, lichen, erythema, dandruff, dysphrosia, sneezing, itching, urticaria, etc.). Also in back pain, sciatica, rickets, in all kinds of neuralgia, in disorders of the neurophysiological system, in the disorders of the endocrine glands, in diseases of the nose and larynx, in chronic bronchitis, in bronchial asthma.

Contraindicated in hemoptysis, pulmonary emphysema, hyperemia, pregnancy, tuberculosis, hypertension, cancer, chronic kidney disease, acute stage of skin diseases and rheumatism, cachectic forms of deformity and arthritis.More about properties of Sulfur waters here

There are three hot springs on the peninsula.

Two of them are located near Methana Town on the eastern side of the peninsula and combine mineral thermal springs with natural seawater to form the perfect temperature.

The third one is located on the north coast, near the small village of Agios Nikolaos, also known as the ‘Baths of Pausanias’. Each one of them has different water properties and healing potentials.

In the northeast part of Methana penisula near the small village of Agios Nikolaos in the northeast of the Methana peninsula there is a small house on the coast. This is the heart of the so called by locals "Pausania baths". This thermal spring is the source of carbon dioxide.It heats the sea water to a temperature of around 39 ° C when a little water is pumped out and the pressure on the gas column drops.
Lately there was installed an electric pump that conveys the warm water to the outside, filling a small pool.
Before you go down the stairs to the house, there is a platform on the left above the driveway with scant remains of a Roman bath.

Acidic springs contain a large amount of carbon dioxide CO2, are oligometallic with a content of decomposed solids less than 2 grams per kilogram. They also have a high content of silicic acid (H2SiO3) where it amounts to 0.13-0.14 grams per kilogram. The sour taste of water is due to carbon dioxide having a content of 1.8 grams per kilogram of water. Of this, 0.914 grams are in the free state.

The famouse sulphurous Sfagia springs are located at the entrance to the city of Methana right near the Spa building.

There is a small platform near the sea with a ladder for easy access to the water. Although this is sea water, locally the temperature is hot and easily tolerable in the winter. The “hot sea” area is large enough to accommodate several people.

You can always bathe there free of charge, as long as the water temperature (34-36 °c) allows it; when mixed with the seawater temperature, the water temperature may drop.

It is the same healing water that is also used in the unfortunately closed spa.

The water of this springs considered alkaline. It is rich in salt, chlorine gas and radon gas. There is no danger of the gases as natural pool is located in the open air. In the bath there is space for 3-4 people, however if the bath is already occupied, better ask before your join them. Every bather stay in side the pool for approximatelly 15-20 minutes.

The temperatures range between 30-39 C depending on the sea level and the magmatic activity in the underground. The use is still free of charge.

The main components of the water of the chlorinated sodium springs of "Agios Nikolaos" are the following: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Magnesium bicarbonate Mg (HCO3) 2, Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), Carbon dioxide (gas) CO2.

Properties of the thermal springs' water of Methana

Although the volcano has been inactive for more than 2,000 years, this ancient volcanic peninsula is still blessed with warm springs and even impressive views of steam geysers near the old crater.

Sfagia springs

Agios Nukolaos springs

Pausanias Baths

At the east end of Methana town, there is a little pool at the coast with warm thermal water. The spring is located near the small church of Agios Nikolaos on the other side of the road and called by "Agios Nikolaos" hot spring.

Methana Volcano is the latest among the numerous volcanos which created Methana by building up lava on the bottom of the sea. The first eruptions started about 1.000.000 years ago.

This last eruption happened in the 3rd century BC. The eruption was witnessed and recorded by the people of the period. The volcano is still considered active.

The remnants of the eruption are on the west of the small village Kammeni Chora, which you can reach climbing on the top in 30 minutes. There you can follow with your eyes the flow of lave in the sea as well as enjoy a panoramic view of the saronic islands around.

For walk lovers there i a lot of hiking trails in Methana.