The Green Jewel of Kefalonia
Mount Ainos is the only national park on the Greek islands, spanning 3,000 hectares, with its highest peak, Megas Soros, reaching 1,628 metres. The Park stands out worldwide for its endemic Cephalonian fir (Abies Cephalonica), which was classified in 1838 by the British J.W. Loudon, and the impressively small semi-wild horses that live on the southeastern slopes of the mountain.
Hiking Routes
Mt Ainos offers unique trails suitable for all levels of experience:
History of the Megas Soros Summit
In ancient times, Megas Soros – meaning big pile in Greek - hosted an altar dedicated to Aineios Zeus. The name “Soros” is due to the bones of the animals piled there after the sacrifices. During the sacrifice, the smoke signals rising to the sky indicated that a corresponding sacrifice should begin on the nearby islet of Zeus. The two points were in absolute straight line, ensuring the necessary direct visual contact between the priests.
Mt Ainos, declared a National Park in 1962, is a monument of nature and a lung of biodiversity. Visiting it allows travellers to immerse themselves in pristine forest landscapes while connecting with the island’s rich mythological heritage.
Hiking Routes
Mt Ainos offers unique trails suitable for all levels of experience:
- Environmental Centre - Chionistra: A 6.2 km circular route of low difficulty with wonderful views and stops at organised recreation areas (1.5 hours).
- Vlachata - Environmental Centre: A 2 km route of moderate difficulty with clearings overlooking the southern and southwestern sides of the island (1.5 hours).
- Digaleto - Megas Soros: A 6.6 km route leading to the summit, offering panoramic views of the southern Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese (4.5 hours).
- Epano Eza - Melissi: 2.6 km hike of moderate difficulty in the heart of the dense fir forest (1.5 hours).
- Ivy - Petasi - Megas Soros: Circular route of 8.6 km with steep sections. It passes through the caves of Petasi and Nyfi, ending at Mega Soros overlooking the peaks of Kroukoumbia and Chionistra.
History of the Megas Soros Summit
In ancient times, Megas Soros – meaning big pile in Greek - hosted an altar dedicated to Aineios Zeus. The name “Soros” is due to the bones of the animals piled there after the sacrifices. During the sacrifice, the smoke signals rising to the sky indicated that a corresponding sacrifice should begin on the nearby islet of Zeus. The two points were in absolute straight line, ensuring the necessary direct visual contact between the priests.
Mt Ainos, declared a National Park in 1962, is a monument of nature and a lung of biodiversity. Visiting it allows travellers to immerse themselves in pristine forest landscapes while connecting with the island’s rich mythological heritage.
