Mount Aenos or Ainos (Ancient Greek: Ὄρος Αἶνος; Modern Greek: Όρος Αίνος; Italian: Monte Nero or Montagna Nera) is the tallest mountain on the Ionian island of Cephalonia, Greece, with an elevation of 1,628 metres (5,341 ft). Its bedrock is predominantly dolomite and limestone of Cretaceous age.
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). Pine forests are found between the elevations of 700 to 1,200 metres (2,300 to 3,900 ft). Semi-wild ponies inhabit its forest. On clear days, the view includes the northwest Peloponnese and Aetolia along with the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca.
No ski resorts are found on this mountain range, but there are beautiful caves to be seen in the north. A highway passes over the mountain range connecting traffic from southwestern to the eastern part of the island is one of the few roads going into the mountain range. Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people live on the slopes of Ainos. Multiple television and cellphone relay towers occupy the summit.
Getting there
In order to get to the national park you need to get to Kefalonia Island. There are many domestic flights from Greece and sometimes international flights during the warmer seasons.
When to visit
The most popular seasons are spring, summer and autumn. Fewer people visit during winter and this is still a good time if you are looking to visit the national park without too many other people around.
Map of Ainos National Park
Image gallery of Ainos National Park
Wildlife in Ainos National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Ainos National Park
Greece is not famous for the mushroom hunting opportunities. The dry warm climate is not the most attractive climate for mushrooms and you should therefore find other activities to do in the national park.
Camping rules in Ainos National Park
Wild camping is generally not allowed in Greece. The same goes for campfires as forest fires are frequent during the warmer seasons.
Bears in Ainos National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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