Spring is swarm season—and for beekeepers (or for us!), that’s a big deal. A bee swarm is one of the most natural and exciting ways honeybee colonies reproduce. When a hive gets crowded or the queen ages, a group of bees—including a queen—leaves in search of a new home.

Catching a swarm is a bit like catching magic. Thousands of bees, buzzing with purpose, hanging on a tree branch or fence post—and if you’re lucky (like us) and prepared, you can gently scoop them up and start a brand-new hive.

The amazing part? Swarming bees are surprisingly calm. They’ve gorged on honey, they’re not defending anything, and they’re focused on moving in somewhere new. That gives us a rare chance to work with them peacefully.

Starting a hive from a swarm is sustainable, free, and gives a second life to a colony on the move. This week we were lucky to find a swarm hanging on a tree at the farm, and we took the opportunity to move them right into one of our cob hives. They already seem to be feeling at home 🤭

What others think about us

Alyson Coles ★★★★★ 7 months ago
I stayed at Dio Pagadia for a month as an active volunteer over the olive harvest. It was such a special learning experience, it really helped me to learn … More about myself and opened my eyes to community living. A huge family made from people of the universe 💞 The animals are super cute too and I especially loved skordo and Vouno the donkey. I'm very sad to be leaving now, and miss the farm and the people so much. We share not only meals, but goals, values and connection. If you want an unforgettable, valuable experience then don't hesitate to give Dio Pagadia a visit!
We learn as we wander ★★★★★ 2 years ago
My daughter and I only wanted to visit Dio Pigadia for one afternoon but we ended up staying three weeks. It was a truly great experience for us and we … More both enjoyed taking care of the animals, gardens and veggies on the farm and fell in love with this little paradise. We ate daily together with the other volunteers amazing fresh meals with very tasty vegetables from the garden, helped out at a beach clean up event and even went sailing together.
Saying goodbye was a hard one here but we both know for sure we want to come back, so it's only bye for now and thank you for everything Jules.
Lia, Jenny and Tito
Soizic Brun ★★★★★ a year ago
Amazing place where you can explore sustainable practices including composting, mulching, wood work, lacto-fermentation, low-technologies... in an interacting … More community. Jules is very willing to share his knowledge with you and explore shared governance. Don't miss this opportunity to live an off-grid experience.
Monica Vargas ★★★★★ a year ago
Fantastic place and lovely community, it is really nice to have had the experience to join it for a bit and be I touch with nature, organic food and beautiful … More people. cannot recommend it enough :)
Foteini Vervelidou ★★★★★ 5 months ago
What can I say…how to put into word what being with you all has been for me…At various moments I had to pinch myself to convince me I am not dreaming…Surrounded … More by such natural beauty, walking among the olive and orange trees, cuddling with the dogs and cats who add to the serenity and the magic of this place and this community. A community with a clear vision of how life on Earth can be like when we tune into ourselves and realize what feeds our souls. I leave recharged by spending my day in the sunlight, working with my hands and living in community. I leave inspired by the amazing people I had the chance to get to know here. And more importantly I leave hopeful that a better future is not only possible, but it is already being built and offered to the ones who care to choose it.
Laura H ★★★★★ a year ago
Dio Pigada is a very special place. I spent 8 weeks there during the olive harvest season which is special in itself because the farm works differently, … More there is an olive harvest schedule and there were way more volunteers than usually live at the farm. I really enjoyed the harvesting which is not the easiest work but really satisfiying. Every volunteer also harvested only for 3-5 hours/3 times a week. Apart from the harvesting we were able to work at the house extension and help with other tasks around the farm. There were two meals shared every day and everybody could take care of their own breakfast. I really appreciated the weekly feedback meetings where we would share how our week has been and how farm and community life could possibly improve. Every person could share their thoughts and the feedback was treated with much respect. I really loved my time there and already miss it. I loved the community life, forming connections, being confronted with new ideas and perspectives, taking part in great workshops and presentations, singing, dancing, playing games, going on trips, watching the stars and so much more! Thank you for everything! I will definitely come back.