Hiking on Methana

When I first visited Methana in 1986, nobody knew this mysterious peninsula, which appeared dark from a distance. There was no point in asking about Methana at a travel agency. On the map of tourism, Methana didn’t exist—and still doesn’t. After arriving on April 26, 1986, my first hike was to the historic volcano in Kameni Chora. Back then, the road was barely used, as there wasn’t even a decent hiking map available. All I had was a very inaccurate geological map from the Greek Geological Institute (IGME). There were no paths marked on it. With a scale of 1:50,000, this was to be expected. But it was precisely through this map that I discovered Methana. A volcano! I had to see it! In Methana, nobody knew the old paths that once connected all the villages before the roads existed. It was one of the most beautiful hikes during the blooming explosion of spring. Everywhere, stunning flowers lined the path. The landscape was indescribable to me! I fell in love with this peninsula. I met good friends who invited me to celebrate Easter with them. Back then, hospitality was still “normal” and came from the heart. The first Greek Orthodox Easter of my life also remained the most beautiful one I have ever experienced. 

Hiking became the most important part of my life, as I explored a region through photography. Fortunately, I already spoke Modern Greek well. I never felt foreign in Greece. Later, I moved to Methana and (survived) as a photographer, interpreter, and "waiter." The mountains of Methana became my new home, and I also got to know the mountain shepherds. Through them, I discovered many ancient paths. More and more, I witnessed the decline of Methana’s spas, which had once sustained the peninsula, and I began to think about how I could help the region. So, I designed the first simple tourist maps, painting a large map at the entrance to the town of Methana so every visitor could know what there was to see. And there was a lot. Later, with my friend Spyros Papioannou, I planned a network of hiking trails, which we cleared and maintained around the year 2000 with the help of some hardworking Albanians. The first hiking map was created, and the routes were color-coded. In 2003, I wrote detailed descriptions of Methana hikes for the first time in *Wandermagazin*. Fortunately, I had been involved in the topographic map of Methana from 1991 to 1995, which my friend Dr. Lorenz Hurni designed and printed digitally for the first time. From 1997 to 2020, I regularly led hiking groups on Methana and other Greek volcanic islands, often in collaboration with Tom Pfeiffer, with whom I co-founded *VolcanoDiscovery* from 2005 to 2014. Hiking was always part of the experience when we explored new volcanic areas for our groups. In collaboration with local associations, I designed handy hiking maps, as well as the signs that now stand at the entrance to the town of Methana and in the harbor. My PDF map can be downloaded for free, so that ANYONE can hike on Methana without a guidebook. I’ve always supported anyone interested in Methana, whether students, scientists, or just tourists. My goal was always to support the region I loved. Unfortunately, many Methana locals did not understand or even fought against my efforts, because for them it was “embarrassing” that all of this was done by a “foreigner.” But never mind, I have left my mark in many works. Some “friends” from Methana, whom I have supported with important materials, would like to erase my tracks. They have nothing in common with the generation of Greeks whose hospitality inspired my love for their homeland. Sadly, the virus of xenophobia is “in” everywhere in Europe, and Methana is no exception. But let’s not be influenced by such people and instead enjoy the unique nature and the beautiful hiking trails, which are finally being maintained in part. 

I wish you wonderful hikes on Methana!

Best regards,  
Tobias Schorr

If you love hiking and being active in nature, you could help maintaining the hiking trails on Methana peninsula. We would be happy if you would subscribe the list of participants of this volunteer activity! Of course the tools will be provided by the locals and also the transfers to the starts of the trails.