Louziniko-Kapourna (Glafira)

Seeing Kapourna at the distance

Distance: 4,8 km
Duration: 1.45' (walking time 1.30')
Altitude: from 95 m. (Louziniko) to 370 m. (Kapourna)
Total ascent: 315 m. Total descent: 50 m.
Signed with red paint marks and a few signs
Drinking water on walk: no
Download GPS track:   from Everytrail   from Wikiloc

        Τhis is an easy walk on the ancient trail that used to connect lake Karla to the sea. Pay attention to follow the red paint marks, because there are many goat tracks in the area that can cause confusion. Walking is not recommended in hot summer days, unless we start very early, because there is no shade. It is better to undertake this walk during the winter. Having arrived at Kapourna (officially called Glafira after the homonymous ancient settlement), we can either return or continue walking to Kato Kerasia or Kanalia. Combining the walks Louziniko-Kapourna, Kapourna-Kato Kerasia and Louziniko-Kato Kerasia, we can have a 5,5-hour circular walk. There is a regular bus line from Volos to Kapourna, Kerasia and Kanalia (www.ktelvolou.gr). At the squares of Kato Kerasia and Kanalia, there are restaurants open all year round. 

         We start our walk at the stone bridge of Louziniko, that still remains in excellent condition. This is about 8 km away from the centre of Volos by car or taxi (no bus connection). From Volos ring road (E92) we take the exit to Fitoko and after 1,5 km turn left at the junction on the narrow asphalt to Louziniko.

The stone bridge at Louziniko

         We pass over the large stream of Kserias (meaning ''dry stream'') and walk on the concrete paved uphill road. At the point where it takes a right bend, we continue straight ahead on a narrow earth road heading northwest. After 150 metres, we notice the red marks to the right just after the electricity pole, and enter the path that goes uphill on the slope.

Looking back over Volos

          Watching out for the red marks to secure our way, we walk on a steady northwesterly direction on a path that narrows or widens, depending on the dominant kermes oak vegetation. After abour three quarters of an hour, we can see the village of Kapourna ahead at the distance.

Fields near Kapourna

           Eventually, the path opens to a field and we walk initially on its left edge, then walk for a few metres on the edge of the adjacent field to the left and then find a short downhill section of the path. It opens to another field and we follow its left edge again. We can see a lone cypress tree in front of us which serves as a guide. From the cypress tree, we cross the field and find on the opposite side the final section of the path between the holm oak vegetation. It opens to the asphalt road, which we follow until the batch of cypress trees at thge entrance of the village, where we follow the concrete road to the right, until we get at the corner of the village square, just next to the bus stop.
.