The Sitia Geopark, located in the eastern tip of Crete, has received a significant international recognition, with coordinator Vangelis Perakis awarded for his work developing the site as a model of sustainable tourism. The Sitia Municipality Geopark is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and covers a striking landscape of gorges, caves, fossil sites, and traditional villages in the Lasithi regional unit.
The award highlights the geopark's growing profile as a destination for visitors interested in geology, hiking, and ecotourism. The area includes well-marked trails, the Richtis Gorge, and access to lesser-visited coastal and inland sites east of Agios Nikolaos.
Visitors can explore the geopark independently or through guided tours available from Sitia town. The recognition is expected to support further investment in visitor infrastructure and interpretation across the region.