Agios Vlassios is 16 km from Volos, the capital of Magnesia. The village is situated at an altitude of 300 metres and has a population of 350. To get to Agios Vlassios, follow the coast road from Volos to Ano Lechonia then at the main junction in Ano Lechonia turn left towards Paleokastro, Agios Vlassios, Agios Georgios, Pinakates, Vyzitsa and Milies. Follow the stunning 5 km road that leads to the village, tracing the path of the "Koufala" stream through beautiful scenery rich in plane trees, olive groves, fruit-bearing trees, etc.

Traditional cobbled paths and dirt roads are all around the village and offer the chance for both short and long routes. We suggest the following walks:

• To the Church of St Irene through the gully (easy - 30 minutes)
• To the Church of the Assumption (45 minutes)
• To the Church of Agios Ioannis (80 minutes)
• For more experienced hikers, the path to the "Taxiarhes" Monastery in the nearby village of Agios Georgios.

Agios Vlassios is perfectly situated, being 5km from the beaches of the Pagasitikos Gulf and 20 km from the beaches of Aegean Sea.

The location of the village makes it an ideal base for excursions during both winter and summer.

Text & photos Despoina Vafeidou