Olive Tours & Tickets

Olive trees have been cultivated in Greece for over 3,500 years, making olive oil production central to Greek civilization and economy since ancient times.

Greece produces about 2-3% of the world's olives but accounts for roughly 20% of global extra virgin olive oil, due to superior quality standards and terroir.

The olive tree is so culturally significant that it appears on the Greek flag and is the national tree of Greece.

Greek olives are harvested in two stages: green olives (picked early, firmer, peppery) and black olives (fully ripe, softer, buttery), each requiring different timing.

The Peloponnese region, particularly around areas like Kalamata, produces some of the world's most prized olive varieties with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Ancient Greeks believed Athena gifted the olive tree to humanity, and olive branches have symbolized peace for over 2,000 years.