World Mountain Day was established by the United Nations in 2003 to highlight the essential role mountains play in our lives and to remind the global community of its responsibility to protect them. According to the UN, mountains host 50% of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and more than half the planet’s population relies on mountain water sources for survival.

In the Sitia Geopark, mountains are intertwined with the lives and activities of local people. From life-sustaining water flowing from mountain springs and underground rivers to ecosystems hosting rare flora and fauna, the mountains here are precious. They are also ideal for sustainable and alternative tourism activities, and their protection is our shared duty.

World Mountain Day 2024 Events Schedule

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Hike along the E4 Trail and Geotrails H4 & H5 (Ziros – Skalia – Mavros Kampos – Zakros)

Join the Sitia Geopark, the Sitia Mountaineering and Nature Club, and Sitia Mountain Guides in celebrating World Mountain Day with a scenic hike through the historic and nature-filled route of Ziros – Skalia – Mavros Kampos – Zakros.

• Meeting point and time: 7:30 a.m., opposite the fountain.
• Transportation: By bus to the starting point.
• Trail length: 13 km.
• Estimated hiking time (no stops): 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Return time: 5:00 p.m. from Zakros.
• Difficulty level: 2 (Moderate).

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

10:00 a.m. – Educational Program
An educational workshop for 4th-grade students from the 3rd Primary School of Sitia (part of the National UNESCO Associated Schools Network).

The program will explore mountains, their geology, biodiversity, and significance. Interactive games will introduce children to the plateaus, caves, underground rivers, and the importance of preserving mountain ecosystems.

• Activity Leaders: Marina Angelidaki, Vangelis Perakis, and Christoforos Kontogiorgakis.

7:30 p.m. – Film Screening at the Sitia Cultural Center
A special screening of the French film "On the Wandering Paths" (Sur les chemins noirs, 2023) will take place, courtesy of the Chania Film Festival and the French Institute of Greece.

The movie tells the true story of Sylvain Tesson, a renowned explorer and author who, after a life-altering accident that left him in a coma, embarks on a transformative journey across France on foot, following forgotten trails.

• Language: French with Greek subtitles.
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• Admission: Free.

Celebrate the beauty, importance, and adventure of mountains with Sitia this December!