The Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves
A Living Legend in Western Crete
The olive tree of Vouves, nestled in the village of Ano Vouves in Chania, isn’t just a tree. It’s a monument. A living, breathing piece of history that’s believed to be over 3,000 years old—and still producing olives.
Declared a natural monument by SEDIK (the Association of Cretan Olive Municipalities), this ancient tree is celebrated both for its colossal size and the mesmerizing patterns that have formed over centuries on its gnarled trunk. It belongs to the mastoidis variety and was grafted onto wild olive rootstock.
At just under a metre from the ground, the trunk already measures a diameter of 3.70 metres and a circumference of 8.10 metres. At its base, the numbers are even more impressive: a diameter of 4.53 metres and a circumference stretching to 12.55 metres.
Its most glorious moment in recent memory? A branch from this tree was used to crown the winner of the men’s marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games—a symbolic gesture linking modern athleticism with ancient heritage.
Right next to the tree, you’ll find a small but charming Olive Tree Museum. It’s worth stepping inside to learn more about the tree’s history and the enduring role of olive cultivation in Cretan life.
Photo: Incrediblecrete
The flora of Crete

Greek Sage

Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram

Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico

Cretan Zelkova

Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)

The Cretan Date Palm

Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)

Ironwort

Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)

Cretan Cyclamen

The Cretan Cephalanthera

Dittany

Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper

Gallipoli Rose

Natural Monuments

Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)

The Olive Tree of Azorias

Olive tree of Samonas

Thyme

Oregano

Camomile

Mint

Preserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of Crete

The Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, Amari

Bali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation Efforts

Gra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)

The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive Festival

Sitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation Initiatives
Asperula Crassula

Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia

Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile

Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii

Carlina Sitiensis

Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum

Viola Scorpiuroides

The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki

Laurel

Rosemary

Common Basil

Honeysuckle

Oat

Chaste tree

Myrtle

Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca

The Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured Discovery

The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras

Mandrake

Androcymbium Rechingeri

Autumn Lady's-tresses

Tournefort Crocus

Orchis Sitiaca

Ancient Olive Tree in Kouroutes

Mediterranean Meadow Saffron