Traveling to Greece: Makrinitsa

Makrinitsa, the balcony of Mt. Pelion

Makrinitsa is a little mountain village outside of Volos in Thessaly. It's called the Balcony of Mt. Pelion for the striking views over the Pelion peninsula, which is especially gorgeous this time of year - the fall colors will make you think you're in New England....except that the Aegean Sea is a lot bluer than the Atlantic!

Makrinitsa attracts weekenders from both Athens & Thessaloniki, thanks to its convenient location in central Greece. The charming inns fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends, so you have to book early. Wander through the cobblestoned streets this time of year and you'll smell the smoke from fireplaces and grills. Try local specialties like spetsofai (or make it with our recipe!), homemade hilopites egg noodles, honey & spoon sweets.  You'll find fresh mountain herbs & teas sold along the square, too.

I love Greece in the fall and Makrinitsa is one of those places that shows it at its best!

Find Makrinitsa on a map

How to make spetsofai, a traditional Pelion recipe

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE SPETSOFÁI

2 tbs Tragano Greek Organics Organic EVOO

2-3 sausages (preferably spicy but mild Italian sausage works, too), cut into 1 inch slices

1 onion, thinly sliced

1-2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 long green peppers or 2 bell peppers, cubed

2 whole Tragano Greek Organics Roasted Capia Peppers, sliced into 1 inch cubes

1/2 jar of Elli & Manos Tomato & Garlic Greek Flavor Burst (you can also use the Tomato & Feta version for a milder flavor)

1 tsp Sparoza Greek Farmer's Salad Mix

Freshly-ground pepper 

For Spetsofai cooking instructions click here