Lun olive grove on Pag: One of the world’s oldest and most extraordinary

(Photo credit: Andrzej Mlynarz/ CC BY 3.0)

Located on the northern tip of Pag Island, the Lun Olive Grove is a natural wonder.

With over 80,000 wild olive trees, including more than 1,000 that are over 1,000 years old, this is one of the oldest and most extraordinary olive groves in the world.

Trees That Have Seen It All

These ancient trees have stood the test of time. Romans, Liburnians, and later Croats have all passed by them. Some have witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, while others date back an astonishing 2,000 years—meaning they were already growing when Jesus walked the earth.

One tree, considered the ‘queen’ of the grove, is believed to be around two millennia old. Its massive trunk, four metres wide, was once thought to be three separate trees that fused together over time.

Nature’s Toughest Trees

The mighty bura wind has shaped these trees, twisting their trunks into unique, intricate forms. Yet, this very adaptation makes them more resilient.

“When olive trees twist, they become more elastic. This means they are less likely to break in strong winds,” explains agronomist Dr. Andrea Cantore Badurina to HRT.

(Photo credit: Palauenc05/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Each tree in the grove is unique—no two are the same. In fact, their individuality is so important that each one is marked with the name of its owner. There are 83 different owners, and the markings help identify which trees belong to which family.

A Living Legacy

Despite their age, these ancient trees still bear fruit, thriving without modern irrigation. The olive yield varies each year, but some trees produce impressive harvests.

“The widest olive tree once gave 350 kilograms of olives in a single season,” Dr. Cantore Badurina tells HRT.

(Photo credit: Palauenc05/CC BY-SA 4.0)

The longevity of these trees remains a mystery. Unlike many other Mediterranean regions, wildfires have never ravaged this grove, allowing the trees to survive for centuries. Some believe their sheer number offers natural protection.

Historically, the trees have been deeply rooted in local customs. “It was common for land to be inherited by men, while the olive trees were passed down to women,” Dr. Cantore Badurina explains.

(Photo credit: Palauenc05/CC BY-SA 4.0)

A Piece of Living History

Pag Island is famous for its salt, sheep, cheese, and dry-stone walls—but Lun’s ancient olive grove stands as one of its greatest treasures. Walking among these trees is like stepping back in time, a reminder of nature’s resilience and the rich history of this unique part of Croatia.