In the Shadow of Athens: Methana Volcano awakes?

Tourist flock to Athens and marvel at the Acropolis. But just 50 kilometres from Athens lies one of Europe's least-known volcanic landscapes. The Methana (Μέθανα) Volcano occupies the Methana Peninsula, a rugged landscape extending into the Saronic Gulf. The peninsula contains more than thirty volcanic domes, lava flows and explosion craters, giving it a rahter diverse volcanic landscape despite its relatively modest size.

Name
No, the Methana Volcano is not named after methane (CH₄), the hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. Thát is simply a combination of methyl and the suffix -ane. Méthana is named after the ancient village that is situated on the peninsula

Location
Methana forms part of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes created by the subduction of the African tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This volcanic arc also includes Milos, Santorini and Nisyros (been there). Methana has experienced numerous eruptions during the last million years and remains an active volcanic system.

Activity
Volcanic activity at Methana began approximately one million years ago. Over time, repeated eruptions built a peninsula starkly dominated by lava domes. Most eruptions were relatively small and highly viscous, producing thick lava flows rather than explosive ash clouds. The resulting terrain is steep and rocky, with fertile soils supporting vineyards, olive groves and pine forests.

The best-documented historical eruption occurred around 230 BC. Ancient Greek writers, including Strabo (Στράβων) (~64 BC-~24 AD), described how an eruption produced a new lava flow that reached the sea near the village of Kameni Chora. According to historical accounts, flames and smoke were visible for days, while many earthquakes accompanied the eruption. The advancing lava destroyed vegetation before cooling into a rugged black landscape that remains clearly visible today. This lava flow is one of the youngest exposed volcanic rocks in mainland Greece.

After the eruption of 230 BCE, Methana entered a prolonged period of dormancy. No confirmed eruptions have occurred during the past two millennia, yet geological investigations reveal ongoing activity beneath the surface. Numerous hot springs emerge along the coast, releasing mineral-rich waters heated by the still-warm crust below. These thermal waters have attracted visitors since antiquity and continue to supply local spa facilities.

Research
Modern monitoring indicates that Methana is dormant rather than extinct. Small earthquakes occasionally occur beneath the peninsula, while geophysical studies suggest that magma still exists at depth. Although the probability of an eruption in the near future is considered low, volcanologists continue to monitor the region.

Recent research has significantly changed scientists' understanding of Methana[1]. A study published in Science Advances in 2026 showed that although the volcano experienced a surface dormancy lasting more than 100,000 years, it was not geologically inactive. By analysing more than 1,250 microscopic zircon crystals from volcanic rocks spanning 700,000 years, researchers reconstructed the volcano's underground history and discovered that magma continued to accumulate deep beneath the peninsula throughout its longest quiet period. The study found that this magma was unusually rich in water, causing it to crystallise and become extremely viscous as it rose through the crust. Instead of erupting, the sticky magma stalled underground, gradually enlarging a hidden magma reservoir. These findings challenge the traditional assumption that volcanoes which have not erupted for tens of thousands of years are necessarily extinct. Instead, Methana demonstrates that volcanoes can remain "alive" beneath the surface for immense periods, with magma continuing to accumulate long after eruptions have ceased.

[1] Popa et al: A volcano reawakens after more than 100,000 years of “silent” magma reservoir growth in Science Advances - 2026