The Municipality of Gortyna invites photography enthusiasts to participate in two thematic competitions, aiming to highlight the unique natural beauty and human activity in Asterousia.
The action is implemented within the framework of the project “Study for the Creation of a Network of Signposted Hiking Trails in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete“, aiming to highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
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, coasts, 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 contact with the environment.
Each participant can submit from one (1) to four (4) photos through the special participation form.
Competition 2: “Asterousia – The man and the place”
The second competition concerns the man-made environment of Asterousia and focuses on the life and activity of people in the area. Participants are invited to capture images of settlements, everyday moments, traditional elements, but also the gastronomy of the place.
The aim is to highlight the authentic side of Asterousia, through the relationship of man with the place.
Each participant can submit from one (1) to four (4) photos through the special participation form.
Participation
- The photo submission period is from May 15 to June 15, 2026.
- Each participant can submit from one (1) to four (4) photos per competition.
- Participants can take part in either one of the two competitions or in both, choosing the thematic section to which each photo corresponds.
- Photos must be submitted in JPG format and in good resolution.
- Photos must be sent in their original quality (without compression by applications).
terms of participation
Participation in the photography competitions requires acceptance of the following terms:
- Participation is open to all those who wish to participate.
- Each participant may submit from one (1) to four (4) photos per thematic competition. Participants may participate in one or both competitions.
- Photos are submitted exclusively through the special participation form and can be in color or black and white, in good quality and clarity.
- Participants must complete the required information (name, contact information and, optionally, photo title). Incomplete entries may not be taken into account.
- Photos must be the original work of the participants and have not been distinguished in other competitions.
- In cases where people are depicted, participants must have secured the consent of the depicted persons, in accordance with the applicable legislation on the protection of personal data.
- By participating, participants grant the organizer and the Municipality of Gortyna the non-exclusive right to use the photographs for the purposes of promoting and highlighting the area and the project, in printed and digital media, without financial demand.
- In each use of the photographs, the name of the creator will be mentioned, where possible.
- The photographs will be evaluated by a three-member evaluation committee, based on aesthetic and thematic criteria.
- The organizer reserves the right to reject entries that do not meet the terms or include inappropriate content.
- Participation in the competitions implies full and unreserved acceptance of these terms.
Evaluation
The selection of the photographs that will be distinguished will be carried out by a three-member evaluation committee. The committee will examine the entries based on 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 action and the Asterousia region. Specifically, they will be published on the action’s website, on social media, and will be presented at an exhibition that will be held at the Information and Information Center of the MAB UNESCO Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, in Kapetaniana Asterousia, Municipality of Gortyna.
In any case, the name of the creator will be mentioned.
See more about the two competitions here.
The Project “SUB1a. Creation of a national network of trails and hiking routes” (GIS code TA 5190260) is 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