Metaxochori: Majestic Stone Mansions in the Shadow of Mt Kissavos

WHERE TO STAY

In Metaxochori, Guesthouse Souliotis (Metaxochori, Tel. (+30) 24940.220.40) has been welcoming visitors to the village since 2001 and was recently listed as one of the 24 most hospitable guesthouses in the country by the Greek travel magazine TAXIDIA. It is housed in a stone building that was restored with care and passion for detail, preserving its distinct character. Breakfast includes homemade savory pies and marmalades as well as fruits from the region. In the village of Skiti, 12 kilometers from Metaxochori is the traditional guesthouse Eos (Skiti, Tel. (+30) 24940.515.00) with beautiful views. The guesthouse offers twin and triple rooms with either a balcony or a fireplace, as well as two rooms for families. In Skiti, you will also find Skiti Villas (Skiti, Tel. (+30) 6944.254.924) where visitors can stay at one of six modern villas. With two bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room and living room each, the villas are ideal for families or groups.

WHERE TO EAT

Right on the village square, next to the ravine and under the plane trees, is St’ Rematia (Metaxochori, Tel. (+30) 24940.243.80), a taverna that serves everything from burgers and sausages to Greek dishes, accompanied by homemade french fries. A bit further up the square, at Keramidi (Metaxochori, Tel. (+30) 24940.240.30) the menu includes wild boar in a red sauce, rooster in a wine sauce, and grilled meats such as pork, lamb, chicken and skewered mutton. For dessert, the halva Farsalon (a sweet semolina treat named after the Greek town of Farsala) is a must. In the village of Melivoia, 10 kilometers from Metaxochori, La Gantem (Melivoia, Tel. (+30) 24940.315.91) is known for its magnificent views and its rich pasta dishes and its pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven. For lamb chops, burgers and sausages, I Oraia Skiti (Skiti, Tel. (+30) 24947.711.40) in the village of the same name is the perfect choice.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Athens: Metaxochori is 378 kilometers away; you’ll need about 4 hours. Gasoline and tolls will cost about €100 and €44 respectively.

From Thessaloniki: Metaxochori is 175 kilometers away; you’ll need about 2 hours. Gasoline and tolls will cost €46 and €19 respectively.