Oldest olive trees in the world

Herdade do Peso, Portugal

In Herdade do Peso, Portugal, stands the oldest olive tree, which is 3,700 years old. On the same plains, there is a collection of olive trees with a combined age of over 7,000 years. These remarkable trees, nearly 80 in total, form a living and unique heritage, representing a natural legacy that has endured for millennia.

Crete, Greece

On the Greek island of Crete, there is an ancient olive tree that still produces olives, but they are precious. Crete and other islands in Greece have many olive trees, which thrive due to their drought, disease, and fire resistance. Olive trees in southern parts of Europe live long lives. The specific olive tree in Crete is 3,000 to 5,000 years old and attracts approximately 20,000 visitors annually. It is recommended to see this unique tree when visiting Crete.

Kavousi, Greece

On Crete, it is possible to stay near the second tree on the list, namely the ancient olive tree of the Azores, just outside Kavousi. This approximately 3,250-year-old tree is an impressive gem with a trunk circumference of 14.2 meters at a height of 0.8 meters. The maximum diameter of the trunk at the base is 7.1 meters, with a circumference of 22.1 meters. The crown of the tree has a maximum diameter of 8.5 meters and a circumference of 34.5 meters. It is a remarkable tree worth visiting during a stay on Crete.

Bechealeh, Lebanon

In the north of Lebanon, in the village of Bechealeh, there is a group of sixteen olive trees locally known as the ‘sisters.’ These trees are believed to be 6,000 years old and are associated with the olive branch that the Bible says the dove brought to Noah after the flood. Although this cannot be scientifically confirmed, it is an intriguing story that entertains local tourists. The ‘sisters of Noah’ are planted at an altitude of 1,300 meters, making them the highest planted olive trees. Remarkably, these trees still produce olives.

Al-Walaja, Israel

In the village of Al-Walaja in the Bethlehem District, Israel, stands the Al-Badawi tree, estimated to be 4,000 years old, with an impressive trunk circumference of 25 meters. The towns of Deir Hanna and Arraba also host 3,000-year-old olive trees, all of which are still producing olives. Many ancient olive trees can be found in the Garden of Gethsemane, though it is impossible to say if Jesus wept under any of them. According to carbon dating, the oldest parts of olive trees there are at least 900 years old. Interestingly, olive trees can regrow from their roots after being cut down.