The Municipality of Gortyna invites photography enthusiasts to take part in two themed competitions, with the aim of highlighting the unique natural beauty and human activity in Asterousia.
The initiative is being carried out as part of the project “Study for the Creation of a Network of Signposted Hiking Trails in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete“, with the aim of highlighting the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
1st Competition – “Asterousia – The Power of Nature”
The first competition concerns the natural environment of Asterousia and focuses on the landscape and the unique natural beauty of the area. Participants are invited to capture images of hiking trails, mountains, gorges, coastlines, flora and fauna, as well as moments that highlight the experience of nature.
The aim is to highlight the natural wealth of Asterousia and its value as a destination for exploration and interaction with the natural environment.
Each participant may submit between one (1) and four (4) photos via the special entry form form.
Competition 2: “Asterousia – The man and the place”
The second competition concerns the man-made environment of Asterousia and focuses on the lives and activities of the people in the area. Participants are invited to take photographs of villages, everyday moments and traditional elements, as well as the local cuisine.
The aim is to highlight the authentic side of Asterousia, through the relationship between people and the place.
Each participant may submit between one (1) and four (4) photos via the special entry form form.
Participation
- The photo submission period runs from 15 May to 15 June 2026.
- Each participant may submit one (1) to four (4) photos per competition.
- Participants may enter either one of the two competitions or both, selecting the thematic section to which each photograph corresponds.
- Photos must be submitted in JPG format and in high resolution.
- Photos must be sent in their original quality (without being compressed by applications).
terms of participation
Entry into the photography competitions requires acceptance of the following terms:
- Participation is open to anyone who wishes to take part.
- Each participant may submit between one (1) and four (4) photographs per themed competition. Participants may enter one or both competitions.
- Photos must be submitted exclusively via the special entry form and may be in colour or black and white, provided they are of good quality and clarity.
- Participants must provide the required information (name, contact details and, optionally, a photo caption). Incomplete entries may not be considered.
- Photos must be the participants’ own original work and must not have won any prizes in other competitions.
- Where people are depicted, participants must have obtained the consent of the persons depicted, in accordance with the applicable legislation on the protection of personal data.
- By taking part, participants grant the organiser and the Municipality of Gortyna the non-exclusive right to use the photographs for the purposes of promoting and showcasing the area and the project, in print and digital media, without any financial compensation.
- Whenever the photographs are used, the creator’s name will be credited, where possible.
- The photographs will be assessed by a three-member assessment panel, based on aesthetic and thematic criteria.
- The organiser reserves the right to reject entries that do not comply with the terms and conditions or contain inappropriate content.
- Participation in the competitions implies full and unreserved acceptance of these terms.
Evaluation
The photographs to be awarded prizes will be selected by a three-member judging panel. The panel will assess the entries on the basis of aesthetic quality, originality, creativity and relevance to the theme of each competition.
Selection and Use of Photographs
The photographs selected by the committee will be used to promote the initiative and the Asterousia region. Specifically, they will be published on the initiative’s website and on social media, and will be displayed at an exhibition to be held at the Information Centre of the UNESCO MAB Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, in Kapetaniana, Asterousia, in the Municipality of Gortyna.
In any case, the creator’s name will be mentioned.
Find out more about the two competitions here.
The project “SUB1a. Creation of a national network of trails and hiking routes” (GIS code TA 5190260) forms part of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, which is funded by the European Union – NextGeneration EU, and concerns the creation and upgrading of the existing national network of trails, hiking and cycling routes in the areas included in the Natura 2000 network, including the creation and improvement of recreational areas.
Source: asterousiatrails.com