From rooftops to honey jars, Athens is abuzz with urban beekeeping

In the bustling heart of Athens, Nikos Chatzilias has found a unique way to reconnect with nature: urban beekeeping. Amidst the city’s rooftops, Chatzilias tends to 30 buzzing hives, producing 500 kilograms of honey annually. This honey, infused with the flavors of local flora like eucalyptus, acacia, and bitter orange, offers a taste of Athens’ diverse neighborhoods. For Chatzilias, 37, beekeeping began as a personal quest for quality honey but quickly evolved into a passion that brought joy and environmental purpose. Inspired by his journey, others like Aggelina Chatzistavrou have joined the movement, envisioning a greener urban future. Despite challenges, including resident concerns about safety, Athens’ year-round bloom cycles make it an ideal setting for this sustainable practice. Chatzilias’ experiment with leaving hives on rooftops year-round underscores nature’s resilience, even in the chaos of urban life.