Owning an olive grove in Greece isn’t just about producing your own oil – it’s a connection to one of the world’s oldest agricultural traditions.

Greece has more than 170 million olive trees, and olive oil is central to the country’s culture, cuisine and economy.

Whether you’re looking for an active retirement, a holiday home with a purpose or a full-time move to the Greek countryside, an olive grove can offer both a rewarding lifestyle and an investment opportunity. But where should you buy? Some regions are better suited to olive cultivation than others, with factors like climate, soil quality and accessibility playing a key role.

If living the Mediterranean dream means having your own olive grove, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we reveal the best places to buy property in Greece with an olive grove…

The Peloponnese

The Peloponnese region is a significant contributor to Greece’s olive oil production, making it a natural choice if you’re serious about growing olives.

The area benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate, with ample sunshine and winter rainfall – ideal conditions for growing olive trees.

Kalamata, located in the south, is renowned for its olive production, particularly the internationally recognised Kalamata olive.

Properties here often come with established groves, and you’ll find plenty of local expertise to guide you in cultivation.

The Messinia region, surrounding Kalamata, offers fertile land, sea views and easy access to the coast. Further east, Laconia is another prime location, known for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Rural properties here often include hectares of olive trees and may be more affordable than those closer to major towns.

Crete

Crete, Greece’s largest island, produces some of the country’s most sought-after olive oil. The island’s olive groves cover vast areas, and the industry is deeply rooted in local life.

Cretan extra virgin olive oil is celebrated for its low acidity and exceptional taste, thanks to the island’s unique climate and soil conditions.

The Chania and Rethymno regions in western Crete offer excellent opportunities for those interested in olive farming. Many properties come with existing groves, and the land is well-suited to olive cultivation.

The eastern region, Lassithi, also boasts productive olive-growing areas, especially around Sitia, which holds a protected designation of origin (PDO) for its olive oil.

Corfu

If you’re seeking an olive grove with history, Corfu is the place for you. The island is home to around four million olive trees, many of which are centuries old.

Unlike the smaller, bushier olive trees found elsewhere in Greece, Corfu’s trees are tall and densely planted, creating unique, atmospheric landscapes.

The central and northern parts of Corfu are particularly favourable for olive cultivation. Properties here often come with well-established groves, and there’s a strong local tradition of small-scale olive oil production.

The Ionian climate, characterised by higher humidity and milder winters, supports healthy tree growth, making it easier to maintain a grove with minimal intervention.

Zante

Zante, another Ionian island, is a fantastic choice if you wish to balance olive growing with a relaxed island lifestyle.

The island’s olive trees are known for producing high-quality oil, and many properties come with established groves.

The central and southern parts of the island, particularly around Laganas and Maherado, are ideal for olive farming. You’ll find family-run olive oil mills that have been pressing olives for generations, offering insight into the production process.

Lefkada

Lefkada is often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, but it’s an excellent choice for those seeking an olive grove in a quieter setting.

The island’s mountainous terrain and coastal plains offer diverse growing conditions, and its olive oil is renowned for its purity and rich flavour.

The Vasiliki and Sivota areas in the south of the island provide excellent conditions for olive cultivation. Properties here tend to be more affordable than on some of the more famous Greek islands, and there’s a strong sense of community among olive growers.

 

Download our Greece Buying Guide for everything you need to know about buying property in Greece.

 

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Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove