Olive Oil & Olives

Olive oil is a living treasure that carries within it the history, culture and traditions of Greece. The history of Greek olive oil begins in antiquity and reaches the modern era as olive oil is a timeless symbol of healthy eating and has been inextricably linked to the identity of our country, as its cultivation and production constitute an important part of its intangible cultural heritage.

Its systematic production in Greece has been traced back to antiquity, with the first references dating back to around 3,000 BC in ancient Crete. The ancient olive mill in Vrasna, Thessaloniki Prefecture, which was discovered in 1992 during an excavation in the northeastern corner of the local fortress complex, is a very important evidence of olive oil production in the wider region.

Highlights of the history of olive oil in Thessaloniki:

• Byzantine Period & Tradition: The presence of the olive tree in the region is ancient. A typical example is the historic olive grove at Lake Volvi, not far from Thessaloniki, where a Byzantine oil mill (Tzimilarion) testifies to the production of olive oil since the Middle Ages.
• The First Systematic Cultivations (19th-20th centuries): Systematic olive cultivation in Macedonia developed gradually. Around 1900, the Hatzi-Osman brothers created the first systematic olive grove on flat ground in Macedonia, while in 1905 they operated the first steam-powered olive mill in the Gerakini area.
• Thessaloniki as a Center of Commerce: During the period 1917-1927, the region of Halkidiki is referred to as the main olive-producing zone of Macedonia, with over 191 olive mills, serving 400,000 trees annually. Thessaloniki functioned as the central port and commercial center for the movement of olive oil.
• Modern Production (Urban Olive Farming): Nowadays, Thessaloniki is making a shift to urban olive farming. The Municipality of Thessaloniki has proceeded to harvest olives from trees planted on central axes of the city, producing extra virgin organic olive oil.                      

Olive oil in Thessaloniki combines the historical heritage of Byzantine Macedonia, the productive power of Halkidiki and the modern trend for organic and urban production. Greek olive oil, and especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is considered among the best in the world and is an excellent choice, both for tasting during your stay and to take with you as a souvenir, from specialized shops in Thessaloniki.

Don’t miss: In the historical center of Thessaloniki, the market for olive products (olive oil, olives) is traditionally concentrated in the historic markets, such as Modiano Market, Vlali Market (Kapani), Athonos Square and the area around Aristotelous Street. Extra virgin olive oils, olive varieties and traditional products are offered.