Live the experience of the landscape - Discover the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark
Kato Zakros Palm Forest of Vai
The Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark is located in eastern Crete. It includes the wider region of Sitia and the coastal areas from North to South. The boundaries of the Park have been formulated clearly and include an area of 517 Km2. The Geopark is characterized by a wide variety of abiotic and biotic elements and is a unique geo-touristic destination which has been recognized since many years in Crete.
Geo-routes
There have been designed 20 geo-trails through which visitors can wander and get to know closely the unique geology, paleontology and the biodiversity of the region, its rich history, culture and everyday life of people living in the Geopark. Those geo-trails also include road trips, biking and hiking trips. They are fully supported by modern technologies of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and by a network of information boards (signage and directions). These routes are clearly marked with information panels, signposts and direction signs along their length.
Hiking
Within the Sitia Geopark, visitors can find two information centers: the Natural History Museum of Zakros and the Centre of Speleological Research in Karidi.
In these two centers, are implemented training programs about the environment and the geo-diversity of the Geopark.
The Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, is an ideal place for outdoor activities
Speleology
The athletic caving in one of the many caves and underground rivers is a unique experience. Many speleologists from around the world visit the area to practice their favorite sport, which is specialized and requires special knowledge, equipment and experience.
Rock climbing, at the entrance of the "Canyon of the Dead" from Kato Zakros or on the vertical limestone cliffs of many other canyons, is popular.
Canyoning
The canyoning in one of the many gorges in Sitia Geopark with smooth riverbed that do not require special expertise and equipment, but also for what insiders in this sport in canyons with waterfalls and vertical cliffs.
Hiking trails are the most abundant at Sitia Geopark and can be used for recreation, sports, and pleasure. Along them visitors can experience the beauty, the monuments, the beaches, the environment, the geology, the biodiversity and culture of the Geopark.
Rock Climbing areas Kato Zakros Windsurfing
Windsurfing in Kouremenos, one of the most popular beaches in the world for this sport, brings every year hundreds of visitors from around the world.
Bird watching In Sitia Geopark has a great number of bird fauna. Wherein recorded over 200 species.
Bird watching
Flora The Sitia Geopark is unique for the observation of many rare plant species. The visitor can observe over 1200 plant species, 60 species of these are endemic.
The geology of the region of Sitia features distinctive characteristics that make it unique and of international value. The abundant Pleistocene mammal fossil sites, the discovery of three Deinotherium giganteum fossils, the extensive cave systems, as well as the palaeo-shorelines of Zakros area are unique for Crete and of national importance.
Deinotherium giganteum