OVERVIEW
If you can bear to drag yourself away from Kefalonia’s legendary beaches, there's another side of the island that's just as memorable in its own way, but known only to a lucky few. Mount Ainos is the highest point in Kefalonia and all the Ionian Islands. It is a National Park and Natura 2000 reserve and part of the UNESCO World Geopark of Kefalonia-Ithaca, meaning that if you love exploring nature and being rewarded with epic scenery, you’ve come to the right place.
There are dozens of coastal and inland hiking trails in Kefalonia, but those in the Mount Ainos National Park are extra special because of the unique ecosystem, which is divided into about 23,000 km2 around the summit, Megas Soros, and abound 5,500 km2 around the second-highest peak, Roudi or Gioupari.
It is dominated by Kefalonian fir trees and is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, which you can learn all about at the Environmental Centre on the mountain. Meanwhile, the Ainos International Dark Sky Park organises star gazing nights during the year, with telescopes set up to observe the constellations of the night sky and teach you about the impact of light pollution.
DON'T MISS
Highlights of the Mount Ainos in Kefalonia
Mount Ainos Environmental Centre
The Environmental Centre on Mount Ainos opened in 1962 mainly to protect the Kefalonian fir tree (Abies cephalonica), which grows between 600-700m and the peak (1,627m) and reaches a height of 25-35m. They were once so abundant that the Venetians called the mountain Monte Nero (Black Mountain) after the colour of its wood. It is one of the main reasons Mount Ainos was characterised a European Biogenetic Reserve and is part of the pan-European Natura 2000 network. But as you’ll learn in the Environmental Centre at Koutavos, at a height of around 900m, there’s plenty more when it comes to the mountain’s flora and fauna.
More than 400 plant species include the endemic Viola cephalonica, a small mauve flower that grows in the cracks between rocks (especially around the Hionistra viewpoint), and the white Crocus hadriaticus. And among 100 species of birds recorded in the national park (a third of them permanent residents) include the coal tit, snake eagle, golden eagle, partridge and black woodpecker. Finally, the small community of semi-wild horses, above the village of Arginia and around the monastery of Zoodohou Pigis on the southern slopes of the mountain, are a rare but beautiful sight. With their characteristic thick manes and tails, they were originally used for farming but were released to roam free.
Hiking on Mount Ainos
There are five marked hiking trails on Mount Ainos, but we highlight two here (an easy route and a slightly more demanding hike to the summit). All you’ll need is a good pair of shoes and basic hiking essentials (and ideally a guide), and the Kefalonian landscape will supply the rest. Whether or not you reach the top, you’ll enjoy wonderful views over Kefalonia and other Ionian Islands, even as far as the Peloponnese.
The circular route from the Mount Ainos Environmental Centre via the Hionistra viewpoint is one of the easiest, allowing you to enjoy some of the best views from the mountain, including Argostoli and Sami, as well as the islands of Ithaca and Lefkada. More ambitious, but of no more than medium difficulty is the path to Megas Soros (1,628m) from Digaleto village. The views have to be seen to be believed.
Ainos International Dark Sky Park
The first of its kind in Greece, the Ainos Dark Sky Park began operating star gazing nights in June 2023, with specialised equipment near Mount Ainos’ Environmental Centre. Officially designated by the International Dark-Sky Association, which assesses the area for its sky quality and protection for its scientific value and cultural heritage, the park’s telescopes allow visitors to observe nebulae, star clusters, planets and other night sky objects on a series of Astro Nights throughout the year. With the use of a green laser, you will navigate the night sky and identify stars and constellations, as well as learning about the effects of light pollution and the importance of light in protecting biodiversity.
* See the Get Planning section for more details about hiking routes and for tips on hiking in Greece, and for information about the location and dates of the Astro Nights.
How do you get to Kefalonia island?
- Kefalonia has an airport with regular domestic flights from Athens throughout the year and seasonal international flights.
- The quickest way to reach Kefalonia by ferry is from the port of Kyllini in western Greece (287km by car or bus from Athens and the year-round ferry crossing (1.5hrs) to the port of Poros in Kefalonia. There are seasonal ferry connections from Patras (211km from Athens by car or bus and 3.5hrs ferry crossing to Sami port in Kefalonia). There are also ferries from Astakos (on the mainland) to Sami.
How do you get to Mt Ainos Environmental Centre?
- You can hire a car or catch a taxi from Sami (20.2km, 30 mins) and Argostoli (25.1km, 35 mins).
How do you find out about the Astro Nights on Mount Ainos?
- For more information about the Ainos Dark Sky Park and the dates and locations of the Astro Nights, see here.
When is the best time to visit Mount Ainos in Kefalonia?
- The best conditions for hiking and all nature activities in Kefalonia are in spring, summer and early autumn (ideally May to October). It is best to avoid winter months.
- The island does get busy in the peak summer months (July-August) so if you are able to visit in early or late summer you will enjoy your holidays in Kefalonia even more, whilst still being able to swim.
When can you go star gazing at the International Dark Sky Park in Kefalonia?
- The International Dark Sky Park in Kefalonia organises astronomy nights on specific dates of the year. For more information see here.
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
Remember to bring with you:
Route 1: Mt Ainos Environmental Centre – Hionistra (circular path)
- Distance: 6,184m
- Starting Point: Mt Ainos Environmental Centre
- Highest point: 1,600m
- Walking time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Low
Path 2: Digaleto – Megas Soros
- Distance: 6,595m
- Starting Point: Digaleto (by the quarry)
- Highest point: 1,628m (Megas Soros)
- Walking time: 4.5-5 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
More Info for Mount Ainos hiking paths
Hiking is a magical way to enjoy the Greek countryside but make sure to be prepared and protect yourself, especially on very hot days.
- Stay hydrated: Always wear a hat and carry plenty of water with you
- Be weather-wise: Check the weather forecast before setting out. Avoid hiking during the midday heat and extremely hot periods. The best periods for hiking in Greece are during the spring and autumn months
- Plan your walk: Whenever possible, follow marked trails and plan your walk. Ideally, use a guide and never hike alone. Ask for directions if you’re unsure. This helps protect both you and the natural environment
- Stay connected: Have the phone numbers of your hotel and local authorities, such as the police, handy. And make sure your mobile phone is fully charged
