Set amphitheatrically above Vathý Bay and below Chelona, Megalochóri offers two hiking options to different destinations: circular hiking trail D leads into the valley of the Panagitsa Chapel and on to the volcano of the same name, while a gentle hiking path leads to Chelona. The mountain is 740 metres high and Methana’s highest peak. For planning, the destination and walking time are therefore the key points of comparison.

Location and orientation

The description of the village’s location places Megalochóri between two named landscape features: above the bay and below Methana’s highest peak. “Amphitheatrically” describes the layout of the village; when planning your hikes, it is especially useful to distinguish between the village’s location and the destination of the hike. Chelona is both a reference point for the village’s location and a hiking destination in its own right, reached by a path from the village.

The classic starting point for circular hiking trail D

Circular hiking trail D can be started from several places; Megalochóri is considered the classic starting point. From there, the orange-marked trail leads into the valley of the Panagitsa Chapel and on to the volcano of the same name. If you choose the classic starting point, plan your route from Megalochóri; however, the circular trail is not limited to this starting point. Keep the additional starting points in mind when deciding which trail to take. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions.

Hike to Chelona

Another hiking path starts in Megalochóri and leads to Chelona. It is described as gentle, with an average walking time of three to four hours. This duration applies to the path to Chelona, not to circular hiking trail D. It gives you a useful indication of the time required for this hike. The destination is clear: the path leads to Methana’s highest peak, while trail D passes through the valley of the Panagitsa Chapel and continues to the volcano. If the peak is your main focus, you can include the stated walking time in your plans.

Weighing up hiking trails and accommodation options

The two trails differ not only in their destinations. For trail D, the key considerations are its several possible starting points and the village’s status as the classic starting point; for the hike to Chelona, the summit destination and average walking time of three to four hours are useful points of reference. If you want to include just one of these hikes in your trip, you can weigh up the route and the time involved. If you want to plan around a stated time requirement, the Chelona path is the more specific option; for trail D, the destination and starting-point options are the main considerations. Your plans can also help you search for a hotel in Megalochóri: consider whether you want to use the village as a starting point for one of the hikes described. This lets you choose the right hiking option first, then decide whether a stay in Megalochóri fits your travel plans.

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