The first buildings of the village are set at around 300m altitude, and the last ones at 850m; giving the impression from a distance that it is hanging above the plane trees below. This historic village has been declared a preservation settlement, alongside Vizitsa 
and Pinakates for their characteristic Pelion architecture. The restored and immaculately preserved mansions, stone fountains with running waters, cobbled streets and churches make this one of the most popular in Pelion.
Developed relatively early as a tourist destination, alongside Vizitsa, it is not only known for its outstanding beauty but is also close to Volos, located just past Portaria.
As far as many of the village squares of Pelion go, the stone paved Branis Square of Makrinitsa has one of the more privileged of locations, not least for the enchanting views that span across the Pagistiko Gulf to Volos making the location an ideal spot for a stroll, coffee, or meal.
Nick-named the ‘Balcony of Pelion’ it is fringed with perennial plane trees, has the little church of St John the Baptist (1792) and is paved with marble slabs.
It is really worth stopping to admire the stone murals of the folk sculptor Theodosiou. Next to the little church is the stone fountain of 1809 of the ‘Lions’ or the ‘Immortal Water’, with seven copper lion heads from which flow the spring water into a little pool below. At the far edge of the square the picturesque café of ‘Theofilos’, other than offering refreshment to thirsty visitors, is also filled with the frescoes of the famous painter; the most well known dating from 1910 and depicting the death of the instigator ‘Katsantoni’ after the battle of Tzoumerka. Returning to the square you can enjoy the spectacular views across the Pagastiko Gulf to Volos from the traditional restaurant ‘Cafe Pantheion’.
There are many well preserved neighbourhoods; the higher level ones of Kakouna, Agios Georgios and Agia Triada with its ‘Tower of the Axes’. At the lowest part of the village you will find the neighbourhood of Koukourava where you can the old water jets which were paramount as residents of the time were then mainly employed in silk production and leather processing bringing about an era of great prosperity. Also in Kouourava you can visit the chapel of Agias Magdalenas of 1737 and the defense tower of Skotinioti.
The museum of Folk Art of the History of Pelion combines a representative mansion, with complete household equipment, costumes and jewelry from the past eras, and with a folklore section of the museum including frescoes, old photographs, engravings, objects of ecclesiastical arts and icons, textile and hemp, woven rugs and an number of other objects. The location of the museum is in a Topali mansion; a typical example of Pelion architecture, three storied and built in stone, very much resembling a fortress with defense turrets that were used in times of war on the roof and an armored entrance with heavy protective embankments.
Some of the most interesting churches of Markrinitsa are the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin , the church of the Virgin Mary (Panagias) built in 1767, Agios Nikolaos (1787), Agios Georgios (1795) and Agios Athanasios (1792). In all of these churches you can admire the religious frescoes and ecclesiastical heirlooms. Another church worth visiting is the Agia Magdalena which dates back to 1737 and contains a fascination display of beautiful relics, icons and frescoes.
From 15th July until 30th September they organise exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances with a unique dance-theatrical event ‘Mandes’ depicting the Dionysian myths, which were a celebration of vegetation and reproduction.
From the village there is a long hiking trail; starting at the old fountain of Brana, along a cobbled path that leads to the footpath into the thickly vegetated forest, following the stream of Kaliakousa and passing bridges, chapels and eventually (after 7 hours) arriving in the picturesque village of Pouri.
You can plan your walks between the hamlet and the surrounding villages with admirable stone arched bridges, Lestiani, Lozinikos, Alevizi, Kokona and Karia. It is also close to Hania and the ski centre, if there in season, should you decide to ski.
The village offers an important market where you can purchase traditional products, ‘spoon sweets’, herbs, fruit, local wine and ‘tsipouro’ (distilled fire water) as well as other local memorabilia and gifts. Makrinitsa certainly is a destination for all seasons!
