First part of the journey: Up Mount Panachaiko to Kostas’ Vanilla Fir Honey

From Athens to the Vanilla Fir Hives.

March 4th, I flew into Athens. After landing, I was greeted by Asterios—our trusted contact in Greece—and we caught up over pizza and a beer, discussing the days ahead.

The next morning, we hit the road early and travelled south. We passed the stunning Megara Gulf, where the deep blue waters met the rugged inland hills—a breathtaking contrast after an English winter.

By the time we arrived in Patras, I was ready for the climb up Mount Panachaiko. We met Kostas in a retail park car park—perhaps not the most glamorous of meeting spots, but the adventure was about to begin.

We transferred into his rugged pickup and began the ascent. Soon, we were navigating hairpin bends, climbing higher as the vegetation changed—first shrubs and low trees, then the first Black Fir trees, the source of Vanilla Fir Honey.

As he drove, Kostas explained the challenges of beekeeping in such a remote place. He works alone most of the time, making two-hour trips along difficult roads to tend his hives. Despite the hardships, he’s deeply committed to organic practices.

"Beekeeping is not just a job — it’s a way of life. Up here in the mountains, everything is in balance. The bees, the trees, the flowers — it’s all connected. When you taste this honey, you taste the forest itself.” – Kostas

Kostas' Vanilla Fir Honey is produced only in Greece—nowhere else in the world. It’s lower in sugar than all other honeys, thick in texture, and rarely crystallises. Its distinctive pearlescent sheen makes it one of the most visually unique honeys.

Kostas sitting on one of his hives high on Mount Panachaiko with a jar of his Vanilla Fir honey

We reached a forested spot high up, with views stretching across to snow-capped Mount Erymanthos, which I had previously visited in the hunt for Vanilla Fir. After some photos and videos in this beautiful place, we began the descent.

📌 Important Facts about Vanilla Fir Honey.

  • It is produced ONLY in Greece – no other country makes it.
  • It has a much lower sugar content than other honeys, so it rarely crystallises.
  • It is very low in moisture, giving it a thick, luxurious texture.
  • Its pearlescent sheen makes it one of the most visually unique honeys.
  • It is dependent on very specific weather conditions, and isn’t produced every year.

📢 Want to try Kostas’ rare Vanilla Fir Honey?
👉 Click here to get yours

That evening, after a long day of travel and exploration, I sat on my balcony overlooking the Ionian Sea, writing notes as dusk settled into night. And ready for the next day’s trip to Evrytania and Mount Helidona — the source of the amazing Mountain honey sample that Vasilis had sent to me.