Mount Ainos — Local services in Sami Municipality

An absolutely fabulous place to visit, providing magnificent 360 degree views of Kefalonia and out to see and adjacent islands. One can easily reach some view points as one can drive up to near the top. However, to reach the summit (Megas Soros @1,628 m absl) you will have to hike 20 mins down a dirt car track and then 20 mins on a footpath ascending through the forest and on to the top. Best to do this either early morning or evening as it can be a strenuous walk - depends upon your fitness. It is highly recommended to visit the summit for sunrise as you will be rewarded with fabulous views. After watching the sunrise, it is also recommended that you then take on the ridge line hike - a fabulous hike along the ridge and then dropping down through the conifer forest, which is stunning. The hike is approx. 12 km long and should be treated with respect, do not try to do this hike in the heat of the day. We did the hike in early June and many of the endemic flowers could still be seen, as well as some of the herptofauna was seen too. Once you rejoin the dirt track, there is a bit of a trawl back to the car park by the masts. Also, be respectful where you park, stay on the tarmacadam area and don't venture down...

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.

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 foxes, 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).

There are many forest paths you can take and the route is a must for all nature lovers who visit Kefalonia and enjoy hiking. The dense vegetation is particularly refreshing during warm summer days and the high points of the mountain offer a truly unforgettable, panoramic view of the island. The ruins of an ancient temple and a few monasteries are also located on Mount Ainos, including Agios Eleftherios and Zoodochos Pigi. Near the latter, you will find a natural fountain,...

My favourite place in Kefalonia as the views are just magnificent and it is so peaceful. Photos just don’t do this place justice.

We visited here in October first when there was cloud cover so delighted to come back in May and have a very clear view.

Note as it’s at 1680m it is colder than at the coast so bring a warmer top with you.

We climbed from the bottom so about a 3hr climb (steep ascent) but you can drive almost to the top, park and climb the final section. If climbing from the bottom take plenty of water in summer as it’s a steep tough ascent although you are shaded for most of the climb. The descent is tough too as slippery scree along majority of the descent. So worth it though!! Sturdy shoes preferably hiking shoes needed.

There’s a visitors book to sign at the top. It looks like it’s locked but lift it out as chain is just to keep the book hooked to the stand.

It’s my favourite climb/walk...