The volcano of Santorini may be the most famous in Greece but it is not the only one. You probably don’t even know that there is a volcano, which is considered active a breath away from Athens. The reason for the volcano of Methana which, in fact, began to be systematically monitored about a year ago by the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.
The volcano and its history
The volcano of Methana is located in the Saronic Gulf, only 50 km from Athens. It may be considered active but the most recent explosive activity of the volcano occurred in the 3rd century BC. and is mentioned by the ancient historians Stravona, Pausania and Ovidio. However, in the greater methana region., according to scientists, the most recent eruption occurred about 300 years ago. It was in the underwater area one and a half kilometers north of the peninsula, where traces of at least 30 old volcanoes have been identified, the activity of which began a million and a half years ago. Methana opposite of Athens in the Saronic Gulf is however one of the lesser known active volcanic regions of Europe.
And the methana volcano may not have been erupted in many years, but if it is considered active and it should be monitored. Generally for volcanoes, it’s good to know this. Unlike earthquakes that are sudden, volcanoes usually warn us. It is for this reason that they are monitored by a variety of instruments, so that some changes in the volcanic cone can be identified as early as possible before an eruption.
A wonderful hiking route next to Athens
In the wider area of the volcano of Methana there is also a very beautiful hiking route that leads you in the footsteps of the volcano. It is, of course, for more experienced hikers who also have the appropriate stamina for this kind of walking . One of the most famous and beautiful ,is the route from the village kato Mouska/palia loutra. If you have the experience, it brings you in 2-3 hours to the historic volcano of Kameni Chora.
Another hidden and otherworldly beauty of Greece, next to Athens.
External photography source: wikiloc.com
The chapel in Methana that is made from “wine and soil”
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Methana volcano is located in the Saronic Gulf, only 50 km from Athens. Although it is considered active, its most recent explosive activity occurred in the 3rd century BC. The greater Methana region experienced an eruption approximately 300 years ago in an underwater area. The volcano has been systematically monitored by the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens for about a year to track any changes.
The most recent eruption of the Methana volcano occurred about 300 years ago in an underwater area one and a half kilometers north of the peninsula. The most recent explosive activity on the peninsula itself was recorded in the 3rd century BC and was documented by ancient historians Strabo, Pausanias, and Ovid.
Although Methana volcano has not erupted in many years, it is classified as an active volcano and therefore requires monitoring. Unlike earthquakes which are sudden, volcanoes typically provide warnings before eruption. Scientists use various instruments to monitor the volcanic cone and identify any changes as early as possible to predict potential eruptions.
Yes, there is a beautiful hiking route in the wider Methana area that takes you through the volcano's landscape. One of the most famous routes is from the village of Kato Mouska/Palia Loutra, which leads to the historic volcano of Kameni Chora in 2-3 hours. This route is recommended for experienced hikers with appropriate stamina and fitness levels.
Scientists have identified traces of at least 30 old volcanoes in the underwater area one and a half kilometers north of the Methana peninsula. The volcanic activity in this region began approximately 1.5 million years ago, making Methana one of Europe's lesser-known but significant active volcanic regions.
