The StathakisFamily beekeeping legacy in Crete traces back to 1963 when patriarch Stelios Stathakis acquired the family’s first beehives. Three generations of dedication to Cretan honey production have made this family one of the island’s most knowledgeable honey producers.
Visitors are invited into the world of Cretan honey production, unravelling the methods of cultivation, extraction, and the role of bees in the local ecosystem.
Apiary Tour and Honey Tasting
- Apiary Tour: Visit the StathakisFamily beekeeping operation in Crete and learn about the family’s 60+ year commitment to Cretan honey production
- Honey Tasting Seminar: Participate in a structured honey tasting seminar using professional evaluation methodology — learning to assess honey through colour, crystallisation, aroma, and flavour
- Cretan Honey Education: Understand what distinguishes Cretan honey from other Greek and world honeys and develop your ability to evaluate honey quality
At StathakisFamily, the tasting seminar uses a world-recognised method based on the ‘Honey Aroma and Tasting Wheel’ and honey colour chart, evaluating three parameters: Colour, Aroma, and Taste.
The seminar delves into the special characteristics of Cretan honey — linked to the region’s microclimate, harvesting conditions, and botanical origins — answering the real question: not “what does honey taste like?” but “which honey?” Each variety ranges from warm and fresh to floral, fruity, and woody. Explore more Crete experiences through Gastronomy Tours.
