By Gianna Balafouti
In Greek Here: https://cantina.protothema.gr/
August 20, 2025
Although Greece has more than 6,000 plant species, only three varieties of honey have been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This enormous potential remains underutilised—not only in terms of standardisation and exports, but also in shaping a national identity for Greek honey, with a documented flavour profile and a clear link to its place of origin.
The Greek Particularity of Nomadic Beekeeping
As a Mediterranean country, Greece is characterised by hot, dry conditions, resulting in specific periods of the year when flowering is limited or abruptly interrupted. These gaps in flowering reduce food availability for bees and, therefore, honey production.
However, the country’s terrain is ideal for nomadic beekeeping, which requires knowledge, respect, and constant observation of nature to compensate for these production gaps. “In Greece, beekeepers move according to seasonal flowering toward mountainous areas—this is why, for example, we have oak honey,” explains Ms. Tananaki to Cantina.
These Are the Three Greek Honeys with PDO Status
Vanilla Fir Honey of Mainalo (1996)
Light-colored, shiny, with a mild flavour, it stands out for its distinctive “shimmers,” the result of a natural crystallisation phenomenon that gives it the name “vanilla.” It is produced in the fir forests of Mount Mainalo in the Peloponnese.
Cretan Pine-Thyme Honey (2017)
A natural “blend” of thyme honey and pine honey, due to Crete’s unique flora and the coexistence of blooming thyme with pine honeydew, mainly from the insect Marchalina hellenica.
Kissouri Honey (2024)
The country’s most recent PDO honey originates from Karystos in Evia. It is produced in autumn from the purple heath (Erica manipuliflora or Erica verticillata), which thrives in the region. A dark colour with coppery highlights, a bitter aftertaste, and intense herbal aromas characterises it.
It is worth noting that recently, some regions have sought similar recognition. For example, “Anamma Ikaria Honey” has already begun the PDO registration process.
