Millenary Olive Trees Luras: monumental trees in Sardinia
A half hour's drive from Olbia and its coasts, you can discover another wonderful face of Sardinia. Luras, a small village in the heart of green Gallura between Bassacutena, Luogosanto, Calangianus, and Sant’Antonio di Gallura, hosts monumental trees that are the magnificent millenary olive trees.
Tourism numbers in Arzachena (2025)
According to open data from the Sardinian Tourism Observatory, in 2025 Arzachena recorded 283,187 arrivals. The busiest months: August (57,428 arrivals), July (55,745 arrivals), June (51,783 arrivals).
- August: 57,428 arrivals, 323,382 presences
- July: 55,745 arrivals, 294,612 presences
- June: 51,783 arrivals, 233,778 presences
Olive trees in Sardinia are very common trees that can be included among the typical plants in Sardinia. They arewild olives generally of medium height with young spiny branches and fruits not suitable for oil production.
Olive trees are generally very long-lived plants. The Millenary Olive Trees of Luras have truly remarkable characteristics and are among the oldest monumental trees in Sardinia.
Millenary Olives: S'Ozzastru, The Senator
In Luras, in the Carana (Karana) area near the Liscia dam, is S’Ozzastru – the Olive Tree – one of the most famous centuries-old trees in Italy and among the oldest in Europe and the world.
The millenary olive tree is a true senator, a very important natural monument of rare beauty. Experts date the birth of this tree between 3000 and 4000 years ago.
Height: about 14 meters
Circumference: about 19 meters
Canopy: about 600 m2 of surface
Not far from this patriarch is another millenary olive tree estimated to be around 2000 years old. Its canopy creates a true mini forest, a magical place out of time.
The Park of Millenary Olives
The park where the millenary olives reside is well maintained and cared for. There are fences that delimit sensitive areas and preserve the trees. The infographic present on-site reads:
The Green Patriarch
Millenary witnesses of the severe landscape, the millenary olives have silently observed the passing of history and surely the construction of the nearby church of San Bartolomeo, Santu Baltolu di Karana.
They are centuries-old wild olive plants (Olea oleaster or Olea europaea var. Sylvestris), among which the "Patriarch" green (s'ozzastru in Sardinian) is defined as the oldest tree in Italy, which has been declared a Natural Monument, and included in 1991, by ministerial decree for the Sardinia region in the list of "twenty centuries-old trees of Italy".
The patriarch measures 14 meters in height, 18 meters and 60 cm in circumference at the base, 11 meters and 16 cm in circumference at breast height (apd) at one meter and thirty; the canopy covers 600 square meters of surface.
Its age, according to some experts, is estimated between 3,000 and 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest trees in Europe.
From the knotted heart of the trunk, some long emerged roots emerge, which securely anchor the green giant to the ground. The irregular canopy brushes the ground on one side and rises on the other as if to look out at the stunning scenery of the lake of Liscia.
A second olive tree of over 2,000 years measures 8 m in height, 1315 cm at the collar, 820 cm at one meter and thirty (apd).
Another plant of over 5 centuries old closes the group of centenarians.
Lakes in Sardinia
Updated until 2026.
The lakes in Sardinia are predominantly of artificial origin, with the exception of Lake Baratz, a natural lake located in the Nurra of Sassari.
There are also small lakes of seasonal character that form from watersheds with rainwater and are therefore fed exclusively by precipitation.
Some of the most important lakes in Sardinia are:
- Lake Baratz – province of Sassari
- Lake Coghinas – province of Sassari
- Lake Mulargia – provinces of Nuoro and South Sardinia
- Lake Omodeo – in the province of Oristano
- Lake Liscia – province of Sassari
The Lake of Liscia
The lake of Liscia is an artificial basin located in Gallura between the municipalities of Luras, Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Arzachena, Calangianus, and Luogosanto, totally immersed in the greenery and gallurese rocks of the northern area of Sardinia.
The lake was formed by damming the Liscia river, which originates on Mount San Giorgio and flows out with its wide delta mouth in front of the Archipelago of La Maddalena.
Lake Liscia is well known in Sardinia for its scenic beauty; it is possible, at certain times and through local operators, to take boat trips to admire its shores, the dam, and the vegetation. By 2026, the Liscia dam continues to play an important role in the water supply of part of Gallura, with connections extending to Olbia and Golfo Aranci.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find the millenary olives of Luras?
- The millenary olives of Luras are located in the municipality of Luras, in Gallura, about half an hour's drive from Olbia. These monumental trees are situated in the Park of Millenary Olives, near the Liscia dam.
- What is the age of the millenary olives of Luras?
- The millenary olives of Luras, including the famous S'Ozzastru, are estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old. These trees are among the oldest in Europe and represent an important natural heritage.
- How can I visit the Park of Millenary Olives?
- The Park of Millenary Olives is open to the public and well-maintained, with paths and fences protecting the trees. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the scenery and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
- What are the characteristics of the millenary olive trees?
- The millenary olive trees of Luras are known for their impressiveness, with specimens like S'Ozzastru reaching 14 meters in height and a circumference of 19 meters. Their canopy covers an area of about 600 square meters, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Is it possible to take photos of the millenary olives?
- Yes, it is possible to take photos of the millenary olives in the park, but it is essential to respect the rules for protecting the trees. Make sure not to damage the site and to follow the guidelines provided.
- Are there facilities for visitors in the Park of Millenary Olives?
- In the Park of Millenary Olives, there are informative signs explaining the history and characteristics of the trees. It’s a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate Sardinia's natural heritage.
- What other attractions are nearby Luras?
- Near Luras, you can visit other charming locations in the heart of Gallura, such as Luogosanto and Calangianus, known for their scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Additionally, the proximity to Olbia makes it easy to explore the stunning Sardinian coasts.
- When is the best time to visit the millenary olives?
- The best time to visit the millenary olives is during spring and autumn when the weather is milder and the vegetation is particularly lush. In summer, it can get very hot, so be sure to prepare accordingly.