If your way leads you to the Centaurs Mountain then you must visit “The Balcony of Pelion” – as characterized by Eleftherios Venizelos – Makrinitsa. It is built almost vertically on a verdant slope of Pelion and it is only 11 kilometers away from Volos. It is a gorgeous vacation spot with abundant water and rich vegetation. It was a prominent main village of the area during Ottoman Greece as it was a flourishing commercial and tanning center; during the 18^th century its population reached 4,500 residents, while Volos had just 3,500. It is a conglomerate of three neighborhoods built amphitheatrically, almost vertically, against the slope, connected through a stone-paved path.

This path is still very well preserved and it invites you to cross it and see up close Pelion’s manor architecture, flowing brooklets by cobblestone paths and a large paved square at the center of the village. The panoramic view from the famous central square of Ai Giannis over to the Pagasetic Gulf and Volos is what led Eleftherios Venizelos to call Makrinitsa the balcony of Pelion. Don’t leave out of your visit the amazing marble fountain bearing carved elements, built in 1809, known as Athanato Nero (Immortal Water) and all the fountains of the village that are over 50, built mainly during the 19^th century. At the café of the village lies the “trademark” of Makrinitsa, the much-photographed mural of painter Theophilos, depicting Katsantonis’ (klepht) death.

Some of the village’s sights are: the Folklore Museum exhibiting heirlooms of the area, traditional costumes, Ottoman decrees, jewelry, domestic objects; the chapel of Saint Giannis built in the beginning of the 19^th century; Virgin Mary of Makrinitsa, a structure of 1767 with significant murals; the church of Aghia Triada with the paintings of Ghiannis Pagonis; the monasteries of Virgin Mary the Sourvia and Saint Gerasimos; and of course families’ Vasardani, Gourgioti etc. manors, stone-built tower-houses with battlements, heavy doors, wooden-carved ceilings and pseudo windows. Actually, the whole village is a museum of beauty and tradition on its own; Filopimin Finos (Greek film producer) chose it for a reason for his successful 1968 film The teacher with the golden blonde hair, starring Aliki Vougioklaki, Dimitris Papamichael and Pantelis Zervos.

Apart from sightseeing, Makrinitsa is the place for gourmands. Traditional hot dishes, delicious roasted meat, the gastronomic treasure of Pelion, a.k.a. spetzofai (dish with sausages), as well as vegan options will please every palate. Accompany your food with fine tsipouro (spirit) and certainly warm wine with honey. For the pastry lovers, don’t forget to taste the traditional sweets including the famous chocolate pie in the village’s cafés. Drink the excellent blend of Greek coffee, enjoy the breeze and the view and experience the moments of relaxation Makrinitsa has to offer. Who can resist Makrinitsa?