Kefalonia is an island of true beauty and character, from its green forests to rugged mountain tops and wild, undeveloped, stunning lakes or beaches that hug the coast line.

 

 

 

 

Mount Ainos is the highest mountain not only in Kefalonia but also of all islands located in the Ionian Sea. It is 1628 meters tall and bears great ecological significance in terms of local biodiversity.

 

 

Ainos is breathtaking every season of the year. During winter time, Mount Ainos, is a must visit. Snow during winter months is very common. The winter scenery of Ainos is fascinating.

 

 

 

 

 Kefalonia is the only Greek island that has its own national park. The National Park of Ainos was established in 1962 with the purpose of protecting the flora and fauna in the area and is now part of the network “Natura 2000”. Among many wildlife species, Mount Ainos is the natural habitat of badgers, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, hares, weasels, martens, birds, ferrets and wild horses. 

 

 

  You will also encounter small lilac flowers (Viola Cephalonica) 

 

 

 and one of the rarest types of fir trees in Europe, Abies Cephalonica. 

 The trunks of these fir trees are particularly dark in color and so dense that Ainos was given the name Black Mountain (Monte Nero).

 

 

 

Things to at and around Ainos Μount

Hiking

 

 Kefalonia is not a densely populated island, making it great for hiking! Take a trip up Mount Ainos or explore other parts of Mount Ainos National Park. The drive from Agia Efimia to the national park is about 40 minutes 

 

 

 

 

 For a hike near Argostoli, explore the ancient city of Krane and walk the cyclopean walls. Three kilometers east of Argostoli, on the road to Sami, are the ruins of ancient Krani with its citadel. Ancient Krani was one of the 4 city-states that constituted the “Kefallinian Tetrapolis” (500-200BC). The mountains were the natural boundaries between the four cities of the island, which maintained their political and economic independence, had their own coins and were in rivalry with each other. The Cyclopean walls are made of theoretic boulders dating from 7th to 6th century BC. The name “Cyclops” was given in the past by the Greeks because they believed that they were made by mythical beings Cyclops. A road to the archeological site is marked (just before the village Razata) and it is an easy walk. It is worth seeing how the ancient Greeks built large walls from these huge, carved stones: even today with advances technology at our disposal it would be an admirable achievement.  

 

 

 Mountain Biking & Snowboard

 

 It is possible to bike up Mount Ainos, and of course back down again, completely off road. There are also loads more biking routes in Mount Ainos National Park and around the island. The lack of cars in the winter makes this a perfect time to get on your bike or snowboard.  

 

 

If you didn’t pack your trusty stead, there are plenty of places around the island that will happily rent out a bike for as long as you need it.

Bird watching

More than 100 bird species have been recorded, one third of them being resident species of the Mount National Park on the island of Kefalonia. Ainos supports a vital ecosystem for birds like Griffon vultures, Eleonora’s falcon, Buzzards, Goshawks, Eagle hawk, Sparrow hawk and Scops owl.

 

Enjoy the view above the clouds

 

 

 

 On a clear day, you can enjoy the fun in the snow at the top whilst enjoying the breath-taking views down to the beach with the sun glistening on the water.

 

Kefalonia: An all-season destination!
Enjoy!