Melipap Apiary

Since 1990, Antonis Papayannakis has been a nomadic beekeeper based in Polemarchi, Chania. His apiary moves with the seasons, following the flowering of thyme across the mountains of Crete. This traditional practice allows the bees to forage in pristine natural landscapes, producing exceptional Cretan thyme honey. Since 2018, Antonis has welcomed visitors to discover the fascinating world of bees and experience traditional Cretan beekeeping firsthand.

An Authentic Nomadic Beekeeping Experience in Crete

Meet the Bees

After putting on a beekeeper’s hat and veil, you will approach a hive and observe worker bees, drones, brood, pollen and, if you are lucky, the queen bee. You will also taste fresh honey directly from the honeycomb and learn how bees transform seasonal nectar into honey.

Taste Cretan Honey

Discover the traditions behind Cretan thyme honey and taste Melipap’s thyme honey and bee pollen, alongside other artisan products from the apiary. Back at our home, enjoy a tasting inspired by Cretan traditions, including mountain tea, pasteli, our own rakomelo, nuts, local Gruyère cheese and rusk — all served with honey.

Bees, Nature & Sustainability

Learn about the honeybee’s vital role in ecosystems, its remarkable history, the challenges facing bee populations worldwide, and the importance of protecting biodiversity and traditional beekeeping.

From Beehive to Honey

Finally, visit our apiary to discover the honey-extraction process and gain insight into the seasonal rhythms, knowledge, and craft behind nomadic beekeeping. Meet a Cretan beekeeper with more than 30 years of experience, taste exceptional local honey, and discover the remarkable world of the honeybee.