The oldest olive tree in the world: Elia Vouvon

The Greek name “Elia Vouvon” (Greek Ελιά Βουβών), the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves is among the 20 ancient olive trees of Crete, and it is probably the oldest olive trees in the world that still produces olives.

The ancient Olive Tree of Vouves (Elia Vouvon) is located in the village of Ano Vouves on the island of Crete and is believed to be the oldest olive tree in the world, which still produces olives.

It’s only one of seven olive trees in the Mediterranean, which are believed to be over 2,000 years old. Although its exact age cannot be verified, scientists from the University of Crete have estimated it to be 4,000 years old.

With a trunk circumference of 12.50 metres and a diameter of 4.60 metres, to this day, its olives are highly prized.

The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is ideally located next to this particular Olive Tree of Vouves, which is visited by over 20,000 people each year worldwide. The giant tree has been declared a “natural heritage monument” by the Secretary-General of the Region of Crete, due to its unique ecological and historical importance.

You may visit the olive tree by car (about 40 minutes driving time from the town centre), heading west from Chania, take the exit to “Tavronitis” and then follow the signs towards “Ano Vouves.”