Makrinitsa is one of the most beautiful villages of Pelion because of its unique architectural character. It is found 17 km away from the city of Volos. It impresses with the fact that it harmoniously combines structuring with the natural environment. It has a large tourist development and enjoys a place in the list with the favorite destinations in Greece.
The traditional architecture is evident and characteristic in buildings like the old water fullings, in churches, in arch bridges such as the Karia and numerous mansions which today houses museums and services. The Topali mansion is a building which is now used as a folklore museum with more than 1500 exhibits. It's worth visiting it to admire them and to get a good taste of the local architecture. Stone roofs, rich painting and woodcarving decoration upstairs, decorated ceilings and carved doors are the elements found in buildings of the area.
The large village square is a meeting point for locals and visitors. Plane trees, the church of Agios Ioannis, the "Lions" and of course the great view towards the city of Volos compose the scenery.
The visitors can indulge in various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain bike, horse riding and skiing. There is a large network of marked trails that allow the hiker visitor to admire nature passing through the forest and crossing sites like Lestiani, Fytoko, Cold Water, Flambouro Gerakia etc. The Pelion Ski Center is only 12 km away and attracts lovers of ski and snowboard.
As for the tourist needs of the modern visitor? Makrinitsa has beautiful guest houses fully harmonized with the place and the natural environment, operating with respect to tradition but also offer unrivaled amenities. In traditional cafes, snack bars and taverns of the village you will enjoy delicious dishes from Pelion, locally produced raki along with calmness and warm hospitality.
Makrinitsa was built in the early 13th century. The settlement developed in the coming years and in the last years of Ottoman rule flourished particularly thanks to trade in leather. Makrinitsa were from the villages that rose during the revolution of 1821. With the outbreak of the revolution in Pelion from Anthimos Gazi, the Pelion besieged Velestino and Volos. With surgery but the siege Dramali fails. The Turks then besieged Makrynitsa finally after strong resistance fell and the revolution in the area temporarily suppressed.
Makrinitsa also pioneered the revolution in Thessaly in 1878. The most important battle during this revolution took place in Makrinitsa. The revolutionary forces of the region and the residents of Makrinitsas led Margarita Basdeki resisted but eventually succumbed when arrived in the area Turkish aid. With the mediation of the revolution ended the British. Three years after the Thessaly incorporated into Greek state.
After releasing Makrinitsa became municipality, while during 1912-2010 was an independent community. After the war the development of tourism in the region began.
It is situated in the northwestern part of the Pelion mountains, 17 km northeast of Volos. One of the most characteristic traditional settlements, full of mansions and houses that look like hanging ornaments on the green mountain side.
In an area with so much natural beauty there are several things one can do, such as:
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Hiking along gorgeous marked trails
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MTB (mountain bike)
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Ski resort Pelion is just 12 km. from the village
There are two hiking trails. One starts from Makrinitsa and arrives in Kato Kerassia, has length 14.37 km and is moderately difficult. The other starts from the village, crosses the region Lagonika and ends at Puri. Its length is 19.03 km. It is characterized as difficult.
Besides outdoor activities of athletic nature, visitors can take part and enjoy the cultural events organized in Makrinitsa. The "Maides" is a folk dance - mimetic tradition that has roots in Dionysian worship and praise the nature and life. In summer the village youths revive this custom and have fun with their guests.
During your travel to Makrinitsa don't miss to taste the local dishes such as spentzofai, beads, bean soup, cheese bread and olive bread. From the local markets you can get some delicious local products, like sweets, tsipouro (like ouzo or raki), fruits, wine and various souvenirs.
By car from Athens you need to cover 415 km. to get to Makrinitsa of Pelion. Either from Athens or Thessaloniki, take the exit of Highway to Volos - Velestino and just before you enter Volos you'll see the signs to Portaria. You will find yourself in the ring road of Volos. After the municipal stadium of the city turn with direction to Ano Volos and Portaria. From there you will only have to drive 2 km. to get to your destination.
Buses connect major cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Ioannina, Kozani, Lamia, Larissa) to Volos, while there are daily train itineraries as well.
Bus Station Volos: +302421033253-4, +302421025527
Bus Station Athens: +302108329585
Bus Station Thessaloniki: +302310595424
Train Station Volos: +302421024056
Train Station Athens: +30210 5297777
Train Station Thessaloniki: +302310598114-5