From rooftops to honey jars, Athens embraces urban beekeeping

From rooftops overlooking the Parthenon to neighborhood balconies, urban beekeeping is buzzing in Athens as residents tend hives to support local ecosystems and produce distinctive city-flavored honey.

Nikos Chatzilias, 37, has become a professional beekeeper after taking classes in 2020, driven by a desire for high-quality honey. This summer, he managed 30 hives across seven rooftops, with roughly 1.2 million bees producing 500 kilograms of honey, each batch named for its neighborhood. The taste varies depending on local flora, from eucalyptus and acacia to bitter orange and pine.

Chatzilias said the practice brings joy and reconnects people with nature. “Even with a chaotic urban environment, nature — or whatever remains of it in the city — still responds and can give life,” he said.

University graduate Aggelina Chatzistavrou, a new recruit, said rooftop hives could positively impact the environment. Yet challenges remain, including neighbors’ fears of stings and allergies, and the logistical difficulty of moving hives seasonally.

Urban beekeeping in Athens continues a decades-old tradition but now emphasizes environmental awareness, reflecting a growing societal interest in sustainability and local food production.

Source: AP