The Oldest Tree in Montenegro
The Old Olive Tree (Stara Maslina) stands in the village of Mirovica, about 5 km north of Ulcinj centre. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old — one of the oldest olive trees in Europe and certainly the oldest living thing in Montenegro. The trunk is enormous: over 10 metres in circumference, hollowed and gnarled into shapes that look more like sculpture than biology.
The tree still produces fruit. Local families harvest its olives each autumn alongside the thousands of younger trees that surround it. A small fenced enclosure marks the tree as a protected natural monument, and there is a modest entrance fee. The site is quiet — no tour buses, no gift shop, just the tree and a bench.
Getting There
Drive north from Ulcinj on the road toward Bar. After about 4 km, a signed turn-off leads to Mirovica and the Old Olive Tree. The road is paved and the tree is clearly signposted. Parking is free. On the way back, consider a detour to Valdanos Bay which is accessible from the same stretch of road and takes you through some of the densest olive groves in the region.
The Olive Groves
The countryside between Ulcinj and Bar is covered in olive trees — an estimated 80,000 across the municipality. The groves are terraced into hillsides that slope toward the sea, creating a landscape that has changed very little in centuries. Many of the trees are 300–500 years old. The oldest groves cluster around the villages of Mirovica, Kruče, and Valdanos.
Driving through the groves is one of the quieter pleasures of the Ulcinj area. The roads are narrow, shaded, and empty. In November, during harvest season, families spread nets beneath the trees and beat the branches with long poles — a practice unchanged since the Roman period.
Tasting and Buying Oil
Several farms in the Ulcinj area press their own oil and sell it at the gate. The oil is typically cold-pressed, unfiltered, and intensely green — peppery and slightly bitter in the way that high-quality extra virgin olive oil should be. Bottles cost €8–15 depending on size. Ask at the Old Olive Tree site for directions to the nearest pressing operation. Local olive oil pairs perfectly with the grilled fish at Ulcinj's waterfront restaurants.
Practical Tips
- Best season: Spring (April–May) when the groves are in bloom, or late autumn (November) during the harvest.
- Photography: Morning light through the olive canopy is exceptional. The Old Olive Tree photographs best in soft, overcast conditions.
- Buying oil: Bring cash — farm-gate sales are informal. Glass bottles travel better than plastic in luggage.
- Combine with: Valdanos Bay (15 min) or the drive north to Bar's Old Town ruins (25 min).