Makrinitsa

Makrinitsa is a traditional Greek village in the Magnesia regional unit of Thessaly. It is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Pelion, a short distance from Volos, and offers expansive views over the city and the Pagasitikos Gulf. The village is commonly known as the Balcony of Pelion for its dramatic panorama.

Makrinitsa preserves the architectural character of Pelion, with stone houses, wooden balconies, and narrow, winding lanes. Many of the buildings date from the 17th to 19th centuries, and the streets are lined with traditional mansions connected by stairways and archways that climb the hillside. The overall atmosphere reflects a long-standing rural and mercantile heritage.

Today Makrinitsa is a year-round tourist destination. Visitors come to admire the architecture, enjoy the viewpoints, and use the village as a base for exploring Pelion. The area also hosts small cultural sites, such as folklore collections and chapels, and offers guesthouses, tavernas, and craft shops that sustain the local economy.

Access is by road from Volos, with bus connections in the tourist season. The economy combines tourism, agriculture, and crafts. Makrinitsa is part of the Pelion network of villages and serves as a gateway for exploring the Mount Pelion landscape and traditional hillside settlements.