Hiking Mount Ainos, An Unforgettable Experience

Two weeks ago, my intern Julia asked what it was like to stand on the summit of Mount Ainos. I got excited, but held back. “There is only one way to find out, and that is by climbing it,” I said with a laugh.

And so we do. Today (Saturday) the moment arrives. We leave Argostoli in the early morning by car heading towards the black mountain (Monte Nero). At 1,628 meters, it is the highest mountain in all the Ionian Islands. Often, there is still snow on the summit in early May, and in winter, it can be treacherous with wind gusts that don't even occur in the Netherlands. Good gear is essential. Comfortable good hiking boots, several layers of clothing that dry quickly when wet. If it is warm, you take off a layer. Furthermore, good sun protection, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

It is a one hour drive, but the 11-kilometer hike around the summit is tough, so good preparation is essential. Julia has some healthy nerves and is, above all, curious. We stock up on plenty of water and bananas, and Julia has made a tuna salad that would give an energy boost later. The sun rises slowly; it is still fairly chilly, around 15 degrees, but the wind makes it feel much colder. It is clear, which means the temperature drops faster than on a cloudy day. On average, this is one degree per 100 meters of climbing, though slightly less due to the high humidity.

Arriving at the summit, where the temperature sensor reads 12 degrees, we park the car at the start of the gravel path, where the adventure begins. A first viewpoint appears after just a few hundred meters. However, it is breathtaking, as you have a beautiful panoramic view of the south of Kefalonia and the neighboring island of Zakynthos. After enjoying the most beautiful views for 5.5 kilometers (Ithaca, Lefkada, Meganisi, and the high mountains on the mainland in the far distance), we turn off and a mysterious never ending staircase begins. Fallen trees and a flock of sheep block the path upwards into the dark Mount Ainos National Park. Use your creativity here; there are many roads that lead to Rome, and to Mount Ainos as well.

The birds are singing and flowers are popping up like mushrooms. The centuries-old trees we pass already attracted the attention of the Venetians around 1500, when they were ruling Kefalonia. In fact, they cut down a large number of them, transported the trees along the Adriatic coast, and subsequently Venice was built on stilts originally sourced from our Mount Ainos. The heart rate rises, but the atmosphere makes up for a lot. We arrive at the bare ridge of the mountain and recover from a tough climb. The next few kilometers continue slowly upwards, and every now and then we look over the edge of the mountain straight into the abyss. At two-thirds of the way there, it is time for a good stop to eat and take photos. After a good break, we set off for the literal highlight of the day: the highest point. Julia had a tough time for a moment, but eventually reaches the top with a big grin on her face. Poly orea! Mount Ainos Hike | ACH