If you are staying in Chania area, a visit to the Ancient Olive Tree is a must 😊

it is located in the village of Ano Vouves (don’t use translate for this, you will regret it), approx. 30km from Chania. The tree is said to be one of the oldest in the world that still produces olives. Tree ring analysis demonstrated the tree to be at least 2000 years old while the scientists from University of Crete have estimated it to be 4000 years old. 

It has been declared a protected natural monument in 1997 and in 2009 the Olive Museum of Vouves has been open in a nearby 19th century house, where traditional tools and process of olive cultivation are displayed.

Unfortunately, it is only reachable by car. There are no bus stations in the nearby villages, but the road is in very good condition. There are road signs pointing to it and it is also marked on Maps.

Good to know before you go:

· Expect a lot of tourists in the summer months and queues for pictures

· You are not allowed to step in the trunk perimeter, take pictures while hugging the tree or pick its leaves or olives

· Although there are no specific signs, smoking is not recommended in the area, for obvious reasons

· Visiting it is for free

· It is surrounded by houses where people still live, so be considerate and keep quiet

· You can observe in the picture how clean it is around it. Keep it that way 😊