The Sitia Mountains, also known as the Sitiaka Range, form an extensive low mountain range in eastern Crete, covering a large part of Sitia Province. Together with the neighbouring Orno and Thripti ranges, they shape most of the mountainous landscape east of the Isthmus of Ierapetra. Their highest summit is Plagia, in the mountains of Zakros, at an altitude of 817 metres.

Despite their relatively low altitude, the Sitia Mountains have a rugged and complex relief. Low rocky summits, deep ravines, small plateaus, gorges and steep slopes create a landscape that changes constantly. The long distances and intricate road network make travelling across the region quite time-consuming, even though the elevations remain low.

The Sitia Mountains lie at the heart of the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark. The area is of exceptional geological interest, with limestone, phyllite, quartzite, schist, fossils and impressive rock formations. The long-term action of water on the limestone has created a complex underground network that supplies important springs along the eastern coastline.

The area around Karydi is of particular speleological interest. Dozens of caves, chasms, sinkholes and underground rivers have been recorded across the wider mountain zone, many of which are accessible only to experienced speleologists.

The water and geological structure of the area have also formed numerous gorges. The best known is the Gorge of the Dead at Zakros, where the Minoans placed their dead in caves in the gorge walls. Other important formations include Chochlakies Gorge, Pervolakia or Kapsas Gorge and several smaller gorges supporting rich flora and fauna. Sections of the E4 European trail and organised Geopark georoutes also cross the region.

The vegetation is mostly low and adapted to the dry conditions of eastern Crete, with phrygana, aromatic herbs and medicinal plants. Rare and endemic plant and animal species survive in the gorges, caves and isolated rocky habitats. Its wild landscape, small mountain settlements, old paths and remarkable geological heritage make the Sitia Mountains one of the most distinctive mountain regions of eastern Crete.