Hotels with a fireplace in Portaria and Makrinitsa: a complete guide

Hotels with a fireplace in Portaria are among the most popular choices for a winter getaway near Volos, as the village is just 12 km from the city and combines easy access with a thoroughly mountainous atmosphere. Neighbouring Makrinitsa, built amphitheatrically a little higher up, offers a similar experience with an even stronger traditional character.

The area fills up on winter weekends, from November to March, when the cold and fog make the idea of a room with a lit fireplace next to a window with mountain views or overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf even more appealing. Demand decreases relatively in summer, but most hotels operate normally all year round.

In addition to Portaria and Makrinitsa, this guide also includes two other spots in Pelion that suit those seeking a more secluded experience, Agios Lavrentios and Hania, both at higher altitudes and with a more pronounced mountainous character.

Prices for hotels with a fireplace in the area typically range from 95 to 190 euros per night, depending on the room size, the season, and whether it's a simple double room or a suite with an additional living area. Below, we present detailed options by village.

What to check before booking a hotel with a fireplace in Portaria

Before booking, it's worth checking if the fireplace is inside the room or if it's a communal fireplace in the reception lounge, which is the case in some larger hotels in Portaria. Photos on Booking.com usually clearly show the type, but a quick query to the accommodation before booking avoids misunderstandings upon arrival.

In Makrinitsa, where the village is built on a slope with many steps and narrow cobbled paths, it's advisable to inquire about car and luggage access, as some accommodations are located in spots where you need to walk a few minutes from the nearest car park.

Seasonality plays a significant role in availability. On winter weekends, especially around long weekends and holidays, hotels with a fireplace in Portaria and Makrinitsa fill up quickly, with prices rising by 20 to 35 euros compared to a weekday in January or February.

Finally, it's worth checking if breakfast is included in the price, as many accommodations in the area offer a rich breakfast with local products, such as honey, tsipouro, and cheese, which significantly increases the final value of the stay.

Cost and types of hotels with a fireplace in the area

In Portaria, hotels with fireplace rooms typically range from 110 to 190 euros per night, with larger hotels that also feature a pool or restaurant falling at the higher end of this range. In Makrinitsa, prices are slightly lower, from 100 to 160 euros, as accommodations are mainly small family-run units.

In Agios Lavrentios and Hania, the situation is simpler, with smaller guesthouses and prices ranging from 90 to 140 euros, lower than the more touristy villages, making them an attractive option for those who want peace and quiet without a high accommodation cost.

Accommodation types in the area vary from traditional stone mansions with a few rooms to more organised hotels with a restaurant, bar, and in some cases, a small pool. In most, the fireplace is located inside the room, while in a few larger ones, there is also a communal fireplace in the lobby.

The price of a room with a fireplace usually differs by 15 to 30 euros compared to a basic room without a fireplace in the same accommodation. For stays of two or more nights in winter, choosing a room with a fireplace is considered worthwhile by most visitors.

Food, access and excursions around Portaria and Makrinitsa

Both villages offer traditional tavernas with Pelion cuisine, featuring dishes such as spetzofai, cheese pie with homemade pastry, and wine-cooked meat, ideal after a cold walk through the cobbled streets. In Makrinitsa, the coffee shops around the square with its plane trees and fountain are almost a mandatory stop, while Portaria offers more restaurant options due to the settlement's larger size.

Access from Volos is easy by car via a provincial road with several bends but generally good road conditions, while there is also a regular urban bus line serving Portaria, useful for those without their own vehicle. For Makrinitsa, bus access is more limited, so a car or taxi is recommended.

For excursions, the Pelion ski centre in Hania Pelion is about 10 km from Portaria and usually operates from December to March. The small beech forest around Makrinitsa offers easy trails for family walks, while the Makrinitsa folklore museum is worth a short visit.

The beaches of the Pagasetic Gulf, such as Afissos and Milina, are about 20 to 25 km away and offer a pleasant alternative in spring and autumn, when the cold in the mountains is not yet intense but a warming fireplace remains enjoyable in the evening.

What to see in Portaria, Makrinitsa and the rest of Pelion

Makrinitsa's square, with its plane trees, old fountain, and surrounding coffee shops, is the spot most visitors remember after their room's fireplace. A little further down, the Pelion Folk Art and History Museum is housed in an old mansion and showcases how villagers lived a century ago, with furniture, tools, and textiles from the era.

In Portaria, the Church of Panagia with its adjacent plane tree grove forms the natural centre of the village, while the narrow streets around it lead to small shops selling local products, honey, tsipouro, and handmade spoon sweets.

For those wanting something more active, the path connecting Portaria with Makrinitsa crosses a chestnut and beech forest and takes about an hour at a gentle pace, with many viewpoints towards the Pagasetic Gulf in the forest clearings.

A stop in Hania is also worthwhile, at the top of the road to the ski centre, where in winter the landscape is often covered in snow and the feeling is very different from the lower villages, even if the distance is only a few kilometres.

Where to eat around Portaria and Makrinitsa

In Makrinitsa, the traditional coffee shops around the square serve tsipouro with meze and are ideal for a short stop in the afternoon, before returning to your accommodation for the fireplace. Most tavernas in the village have few tables, so on winter weekends it's advisable to book in advance.

In Portaria, there are more options, with tavernas focusing on Pelion cuisine, such as spetzofai with spicy sausage, wine-cooked meat with bobota, and cheese pie with homemade pastry. Several hotels in the area have their own restaurant, so you don't need to go out in the evening if you prefer not to.

In Agios Lavrentios, the tavernas are fewer but more authentic, offering seasonal dishes and local wine, while in Hania, shops mainly operate on days when the ski centre is open, with warm soups and beverages being the most popular choices.

Generally, the cost of a meal in a local taverna ranges from 15 to 25 euros per person, depending on whether you order meat or simpler appetizers and salads.

Car access and seasonality

From Volos, Portaria is approximately 12 km away, and the journey takes about 20 minutes via a provincial road with several bends but generally good road conditions. Makrinitsa is a little further, about 17 km, with the road climbing to a higher altitude.

In winter, especially after snowfall, the road to Hania and the ski centre may require snow chains, so it's worth carrying them if you are travelling between December and February. The other locations, Portaria, Makrinitsa, and Agios Lavrentios, are usually accessible normally even with light snowfall.

The best period to visit is from November to March, when the cold makes a fireplace truly essential, although spring, with the blossoming trees in Pelion, and autumn, with the colours of the leaves, are equally beautiful seasons with milder climates and lower accommodation prices.

In summer, demand in the mountain villages decreases compared to the beaches of Pelion, but many visitors prefer Portaria and Makrinitsa precisely because they have a cooler climate than Volos, thanks to their altitude and the shade of the trees.

Who to go with and practical tips for the fireplace

Portaria and Makrinitsa are equally suitable for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families with children, thanks to the quiet trails and large communal areas of many accommodations. Groups of friends can also easily find suites or apartments with several beds, especially in Portaria where the accommodations are larger.

If you are travelling with young children, choose accommodations in the centre of Portaria, where access is easier compared to Makrinitsa, which has many steps and uphill cobbled paths difficult for pushchairs.

Before lighting the fireplace, ask the accommodation staff for any operating instructions, especially if it's a wood-burning fireplace rather than gas, as each chimney has a different air draft and may require slightly different lighting techniques.

Finally, never leave the fireplace burning unattended when you leave the room, even if the flame appears almost out, and ensure there is a protective screen if you are travelling with young children.

Hotels with a fireplace in Portaria and Makrinitsa: our recommendations

Portaria

1. Portaria Hotel
Location: Portaria, approximately 12 km from Volos
Average cost: 150 €
Rating: 9.1
Amenities: rooms with a fireplace, mountain views, restaurant

Central hotel in Portaria with rooms featuring a fireplace, a few minutes' walk from the village square. Its location near the square facilitates evening strolls after dinner.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

2. Pelias Hotel
Location: Portaria, approximately 12 km from Volos
Average cost: 140 €
Rating: 9.8
Amenities: suites with a fireplace, breakfast, Pelion views

Boutique accommodation with consistently high ratings and suites with a fireplace, a popular choice for weekends in Portaria. Breakfast includes homemade products from local producers in the area.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

3. Hotel Filoxenia
Location: Central square of Portaria
Average cost: 145 €
Rating: 9.8
Amenities: in-room fireplace, central location, quiet stay

Accommodation right in the central square of Portaria, with rooms featuring a fireplace and easy access to tavernas.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

4. Erofili Hotel & Suites
Location: Portaria, approximately 13 km from Volos
Average cost: 135 €
Rating: 8.9
Amenities: fireplace in selected rooms, amphitheatre views, terrace

Hotel built amphitheatrically on the hillside of Portaria, with rooms featuring a fireplace and views towards the Pagasetic Gulf.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

5. Gastronomy Hotel Kritsa
Location: Central square of Portaria
Average cost: 130 €
Rating: 9.7
Amenities: in-room fireplace, restaurant, central location

Small accommodation with an emphasis on gastronomy, rooms with a fireplace and direct access to the central square of Portaria.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

6. Xenia Palace Portaria
Location: Portaria, approximately 12 km from Volos
Average cost: 165 €
Rating: 8.7
Amenities: fireplace in suites, swimming pool, Pagasetic views

Larger hotel in Portaria with suites featuring a fireplace, outdoor swimming pool and views towards the Pagasetic Gulf and Volos.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

7. Despotiko
Location: Portaria, approximately 12 km from Volos
Average cost: 120 €
Rating: 8.8
Amenities: in-room fireplace, traditional décor, quiet neighbourhood

Small accommodation in Portaria with rooms featuring a fireplace, suitable for couples seeking a quiet stay in the village.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

8. Archontiko Naoumidi
Location: Portaria, on the main Volos - Zagora road
Average cost: 125 €
Rating: 9.6
Amenities: in-room fireplace, traditional mansion, mountain view

Traditional mansion in Portaria with rooms featuring a fireplace, popular for its high rating in terms of location and cleanliness.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Makrinitsa

9. Makrinitsa Village
Location: Makrinitsa, approximately 17 km from Volos
Average cost: 125 €
Rating: 9.5
Amenities: in-room fireplace, traditional stone building, village view

Accommodation within the traditional settlement of Makrinitsa, with rooms featuring a fireplace and views of the village's stone houses. The view of the stone houses is particularly impressive in the early morning hours.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

10. Aurora-Inn
Location: Koukourava, Makrinitsa
Average cost: 115 €
Rating: 9.6
Amenities: in-room fireplace, quiet location, traditional architecture

Small accommodation in the Koukourava district of Makrinitsa, with rooms featuring a fireplace and high guest ratings.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

11. Hotel Adam
Location: Makrinitsa, approximately 17 km from Volos
Average cost: 110 €
Rating: 9.2
Amenities: in-room fireplace, warm atmosphere, central village location

Family hotel in the Centaurs' mountain, with rooms featuring a fireplace, ideal for a winter getaway in Makrinitsa.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

12. Archontiko Anemos
Location: Makrinitsa, on the road to Ano Volos
Average cost: 118 €
Rating: 9.3
Amenities: in-room fireplace, traditional mansion, quiet stay

Traditional mansion in Makrinitsa with rooms featuring a fireplace, suitable for those seeking a quiet stay near the village centre.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Agios Lavrentios

13. Village House
Location: Agios Lavrentios, approximately 20 km from Volos
Average cost: 95 €
Rating: 9.4
Amenities: in-room fireplace, traditional stone house, quiet location

Traditional accommodation in the forest of Agios Lavrentios, with rooms featuring a fireplace and complete tranquility, away from the more touristy villages.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Hania

14. Tasia Mountain Hotel
Location: Hania Pelion, approximately 25 km from Volos, altitude approximately 1,200 metres
Average cost: 105 €
Rating: 9.0
Amenities: in-room fireplace, mountain views, close to ski slopes

Mountain hotel in Hania, at the highest point of Pelion, with fireplace rooms and easy access to the ski centre.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Practical tips before booking

• Book early for winter weekends. Hotels with a fireplace in Portaria fill up quickly during the colder months, especially around long weekends, so booking two to three weeks in advance ensures a better room choice.
• Ask about parking in Makrinitsa. Due to the narrow cobbled streets, some accommodations in Makrinitsa require a short walk from the nearest car park, which is useful to know if you have a lot of luggage.
• Compare weekday and weekend prices. The price difference between a weekday and a weekend can reach 30 euros, so a Monday to Tuesday getaway is often more cost-effective.
• Check if firewood is included. In some smaller accommodations, firewood is charged separately or there's a quantity limit, so it's worth clarifying this before arrival.
• Consider Agios Lavrentios for a quieter experience. If Portaria seems too busy on weekends, Agios Lavrentios and Hania offer a similar fireplace experience with much less traffic.
• Combine your visit with the ski centre. If you plan to ski, first check the operating hours of the Pelion ski centre, as it operates depending on weather conditions.
• Try local dishes in Makrinitsa. The coffee shops around the square serve traditional sweets like Makrinitsa 'tsoureki', difficult to find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions about hotels with a fireplace in Portaria

Which hotels with a fireplace in Portaria have the best location?

Hotel Filoxenia and Gastronomy Hotel Kritsa are located right in the central square, while Xenia Palace Portaria offers the best view of the Pagasetic Gulf.

How far is Portaria from Volos?

The distance is approximately 12 kilometres, about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic and weather conditions on the uphill road.

Is there a difference between Makrinitsa and Portaria for accommodation with a fireplace?

Makrinitsa is smaller and more secluded, with narrow cobbled streets, while Portaria has more hotels with a fireplace and easier car access.

What is the best time of year for hotels with a fireplace in Portaria?

The period from November to March is the most popular, due to low temperatures, while prices are lower on weekdays outside of holidays.

Are there cheaper alternatives near Portaria?

Yes, Agios Lavrentios and Hania offer accommodations with a fireplace at lower prices, from 90 to 140 euros, providing a simpler but equally cosy experience.

Do I need a car for Portaria and Makrinitsa?

Yes, a car significantly facilitates transportation, especially if you want to visit Agios Lavrentios or Hania on the same trip.

Do I need a car for Portaria and Makrinitsa?

For Portaria, there is urban public transport from Volos, while for Makrinitsa and the more remote villages, a car significantly facilitates movement.

The conclusion

Portaria and Makrinitsa remain among the most convenient destinations for hotels with a fireplace near Volos, with a multitude of options ranging from simple village rooms to more organised hotels with a pool and restaurant. Their short distance from the city makes them ideal for short breaks, even just a Friday evening.

For those who want something quieter, Agios Lavrentios and Hania offer the same fireplace warmth in a more secluded environment and usually at lower prices. Regardless of the choice, proper planning around the season and availability ensures a more relaxing stay in the Centaurs' mountain.

The gastronomy and easy trails around Portaria and Makrinitsa make the area ideal for a winter long weekend, with the fireplace in the room being the perfect continuation of a day spent walking in the snow or through the cobbled streets.

See also our guides for hotels with a fireplace in Trikala Korinthias and hotels with a fireplace in Vitina.