Among the plant species of greatest interest and popularity is the black pine (Abies cephalonica). Among the fir trees, it is one of those with the thickest foliage and in the Venetian period it was used for the construction of ships. It is typical of the island and can be seen particularly on the slopes of Mount Ainos, within the national park. In the park there are also aromatic plants such as oregano and thyme, which the islanders collect and dry to garnish their tasty traditional dishes, and plants that have been used for healing purposes since time immemorial, such as mountain tea. Finally, there are numerous flowers, which fill the meadows of the entire island with colour, especially in spring, including violets and marvellous endemic orchids.

The biodiversity of the island is unfortunately threatened by factors such as uncontrolled grazing, the opening of mountain roads that were once dirt roads, the use of pesticides in crops, environmental degradation, summer fires, the uncontrolled collection of flowers. A visit to the national park, perhaps with one of our jeep tours in the company of a professional guide, will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the environment of Kefalonia but also an opportunity to learn how to protect its beauty and preserve it over time.