Makrinitsa is located on the mountain slope next to Portaria, and its most particular feature is the excellent maintenance of the traditional character.
Even if your final destination is not Makrinitsa, it is worth visiting the village even for a while and walking on its paved well-maintained paths, admiring the architecture of Pelion in all its glory, since the village has tens of well-maintained tower houses and many fountains. Additionally, its place makes the village unique, since when you visit it, you will find out the reason for which it is also called "The balcony of Pelion".
Arriving at Portaria, you will meet the junction to Makrinitsa. The road stops to a square where is the parking area of the village (called Brani). It should be noted, however, that you may have to leave your vehicle a little farer away, especially during holidays or weekends, since the village is crowded then. In any case, you will travel in the village on foot.
Going uphill to the main road that connects the parking area with the central square, you will see many tourist shops with several local (and not only) products. At the central square, which is indeed like a ‘balcony’ to Pagasitikos Gulf and an oasis of relaxation, you will admire and rest the over a hundred years old plane trees, hearing at the same time the running waters of the fountains.
It is also worth tasting a coffee and a traditional sweet (preserved fruits in syrup) in the central café, which is decorated with a mural of Theofilos, which presents the death of Katsantonis. Very close to the square, the Monastery of Theotocos was located, which constituted the cell of the foundation of Makrinitsa.
During the Turkish occupation, many villages owned by feudal lords, such as Makrinitsa, became "vakoufia", which means villages of which the taxes were given to charities. Makrinitsa was the first of these villages. In the mid 19th. century, the industrial production of the village increased significantly, with tannings, textile industries, etc. that produced silk, and many other products.
In Makrinitsa, you will have also the chance to visit churches with remarkable icons, such as the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos next to the marble fountaion with the "immortal water", the church of Agios Athanasios, of Agios Nicolaos, of Agios Georgios, of Panagia and of Agia Magdalene.
There are also many remarkable cultural events here, organized mainly during the summer. In July, the event of "Maides" takes place, which according to the traditional is dated back to the era of Dionysus, and refers to the celebration of the renaissance of nature and life.
In the area, one can find many hotels, taverns, restaurants and bars.
The visit in Makrinitsa, either for a long or a short period of time, will be unforgettable.
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Google Map Useful Telephones
Police: +30 24280 99105 Library: +30 24280 90010 Information Office: +30 24280 99150 Town Hall: +30 24280 99140 Clinic: +30 24280 99106 Community: +30 24280 99140 Museum of Folk Art: +30 24280 99505 Volos Hospital: +30 24210 94200-20 Environmental Center: +30 24280 90010 Touristic Police: +30 24210 76987 Fire Department: +30 199 ![]() |

Portaria
At a very short distance from Volos (13km), at an altitude of 650m., is located the traditional village of Portaria. Like many villages in Pelion, Portaria was developed around a Monastery. During your stay in Portaria, you can explore the settlement, admire the chapel of "Panagia Portarea"...
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Katichori
In the South of Portaria, the traditional "hidden" village Katichori is located, built in a gully with rich vegetation and running waters. In the area the visitor can stay in guest rooms and rooms to let as well as taste traditional delicacies in taverns and "tsipouradika", which offer to the patrons local wine and tsipouro...
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