The National Park of Ainos is close to Argostoli and Sami and it is the smallest park in our country.
It was created in 1962 in order to protect the indigenous specimen of elati (Abies Caphalinica), which covers a ground of 1973 hectares.
In the fir forest appear various specimens of bushes such as gortsies, krategi, etc. Northwest of Ainos in Rodi mountain, beautiful bushes cover a ground of 46 hectares and are a separate part inside the park. In the highest rocky areas prevail briar genistas.
But apart from the rich flora of the park, its fauna is also of high importance. It has mammals (fox, beech marten, hare, etc.) and other rare specimens such as petroperdika and fidaetos.
Inside the Park shelter the famous wild horses of Ainos. You will see them in the southeast slopes of Ainos, in a 1300 – 1500m height. The region is full of abrupt rocks and gorges, while in close distance is the monastery of Zoodohos Pigi. There is the only source of water in Ainos.
The horses of Ainos belong to the hilly type of greek horse and come from the horses of Pindos. The official denomination of that specimen is Equus cabalus.
They managed to survive in the wild nature in scant of number herds. Today only a few dozens have remained in the slopes of Ainos.
The need to adjust in the harsh climatic conditions, in combination to their free reproduction, conduced in creating a clear race of horses, which is now under extinction and saving them is exigent.
They are of medium sized, they have strong endurance, thin head, strong legs, a mane and a tail. They are pretty smaller from Pindos horses, but have the same colourings.
Highly impressive is their similarity with the ancient horse sculptures.