Mount Ainos National Park Kefalonia Greece
Kefalonia's highest peak, offering breathtaking 360° views and unique pine forests, home to wild horses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best visibility for views
Mount Ainos National Park Kefalonia Greece
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kefalonia's highest peak, offering breathtaking 360° views and unique pine forests, home to wild horses.
"The views from Mount Ainos are like stunning, and the sunset is stunning!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for the hike! Avoid flip-flops; sensible shoes are a must for safety on steep paths .
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The hike can be challenging, so carry enough water .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Ainos Summit
Megas Soros Peak
Reach the highest point on Kefalonia for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the island and beyond.
Unique Black Pine Forest
Ainos National Park slopes
Explore the rare Abies Cephalonica (Greek fir) and Pinus nigra (black pine) forests, unique to this island.
Wild Horses of Ainos
Ainos National Park meadows
Keep an eye out for the majestic wild horses that roam freely within the park's natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive Safely to the Summit
Check Park Status Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for the hike! Avoid flip-flops; sensible shoes are a must for safety on steep paths.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The hike can be challenging, so carry enough water.
🚗 Drive Carefully
Winding mountain roads require attention. Enjoy the drive, but prioritize safety.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Clear days offer the best views. Wind can change at the summit, so be prepared.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for the hike! Avoid flip-flops; sensible shoes are a must for safety on steep paths.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. The hike can be challenging, so carry enough water.
🚗 Drive Carefully
Winding mountain roads require attention. Enjoy the drive, but prioritize safety.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Clear days offer the best views. Wind can change at the summit, so be prepared.
📞 Confirm Park Status
Check for closures due to fire hazards or other reasons before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely stunning, panoramic views from Mount Ainos, calling them breathtaking and worth the drive. The unique pine forests and the chance to see wild horses are major highlights. However, some find the final hike to the summit steep and challenging, and advise checking park status due to potential closures.
"An amazing place.
The road is very good and the views are like stunning.
You can park easily and the sunset is stunning."
Theo Maroulis
"Its a good walk from the antennas. The last part of the walk is pretty steep. I didn't actually make the last 60 foot. After breaking my ankle 18 months ago, I didn't want to chance anything slipping under foot! Its wasn't easy but im 59 and not as fit as i was when at 40, I did Ben Nevis from the bottom to the top and back! 19 years difference lol... Great views when it cleared on thr west side. The east side towards Sami and the mainland was amazing. Wear sensible walking shoes/trainers! Take water and take it easy. We saw people walking in sliders and flip flops (shock horror!!!). The wind changes at the top so just be aware and don't do anything silly."
Helene Banks
"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”. Most of the mountain range is designated as a National Park area and is covered with Greek fir (Abies cephalonica) and black pine (Pinus nigra)."
Petra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While Google Maps might suggest a longer route, the most direct way from Divarata involves driving through Falari mountain and passing by Dili. The road to the summit is paved and accessible by car, though it's winding.
Yes, you can drive most of the way up Mount Ainos. A paved road leads to a parking area, from which a final hike of about 20-30 minutes takes you to the peak.
The road is generally well-maintained and paved, allowing for comfortable driving. However, it is a mountain road with many twists and turns.
The most common access is by car, driving up the paved road towards the summit. From the parking area, a hike is required to reach the very top.
The driving time can vary depending on your starting point on Kefalonia. From coastal areas, it can be a significant drive, often with many twists and turns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not widely available, suggesting it may be free to enter. However, it's always best to confirm locally if any charges apply.
The park can have variable hours and may close during summer due to fire hazards. It's crucial to check with local authorities or the Park Management Organization for current access information.
Advance booking is generally not required for Mount Ainos National Park. However, checking for any specific advisories or closures before your visit is recommended.
During summer, the park may close due to fire hazards. Always check for any advisories or restrictions with local authorities before planning your trip.
While accessible year-round, winter visits can involve snow, and summer visits may be subject to closures due to fire risk. Always check conditions and advisories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from the parking area to the summit is about 20-30 minutes and can be steep in the final section. Sensible walking shoes are a must.
Expect stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Kefalonia, the Ionian Sea, and the Greek mainland on clear days.
Yes, Mount Ainos is known for its population of wild horses that roam freely within the park.
The park is home to unique Greek fir (Abies cephalonica) and black pine (Pinus nigra) forests, as well as diverse wildlife.
The final part of the hike can be steep and challenging for some. Those with mobility issues or recovering from injuries might find it difficult.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Sunsets from the summit are particularly spectacular.
Capture the panoramic vistas, the unique pine forests, the wild horses, and the winding mountain roads.+1
The summit itself provides the most expansive views. The drive up also offers numerous pull-off points for scenic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife like horses. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the park management regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Mount Ainos
Beyond the trees, the park is also a habitat for various wildlife. Most notably, it's known for its population of wild horses that roam freely across the slopes.
Navigating the Drive and Hike
While the road is generally well-maintained, it is characterized by numerous twists and turns, so drivers should exercise caution and enjoy the scenic journey.The hike from the parking area to the Megas Soros peak is relatively short, typically taking around 20-30 minutes.
However, the last section of the trail can be quite steep, requiring a good level of fitness and sturdy footwear. Travelers have noted that the terrain can be challenging, especially for those with past injuries or who are not accustomed to hiking.
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