Millenary Olives Luras: monumental trees in Sardinia
Just a half-hour drive from Olbia and its coasts, you can discover another wonderful side of Sardinia. Luras, a small village in the heart of green Gallura between Bassacutena, Luogosanto, Calangianus, and Sant’Antonio di Gallura, is home to monumental trees which are the magnificent millenary olive trees.
Tourism numbers in Arzachena (2025)
According to open data from the Sardinia 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
The olive trees in Sardinia are very common trees that can be counted among the typical plants in Sardinia. These are wild olives generally of medium height with young thorny branches and fruits not suited for oil production.
Olive trees are generally very long-lived. 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, lies 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 to 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, there is another millenary olive tree estimated to be around 2000 years old. Its canopy creates a true miniature forest, a magical place out of time.
The Park of Millenary Olives
The park where the millenary olives reside is well preserved, maintained, and cared for. There are fences that delimit sensitive areas and help to preserve the trees. The infographic present on-site states:
The Green Patriarch
Millenary witnesses of the severe landscape, the millenary olives have silently observed the passage of history and surely the construction of the nearby church of San Bartolomeo, Santu Baltolu di Karana.
These are centuries-old wild olive plants (Olea oleaster or Olea europaea var. Sylvestris) including the "Green Patriarch" (s'ozzastru in Sardinian), 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 in 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 start, securely anchoring the green giant to the ground. The irregular canopy grazes the ground on one side and rises on the other as if to gaze at the stunning panorama of the Liscia lake.
A second olive tree over 2,000 years old measures 8 m in height, 1315 cm at the collar, 820 cm at one meter and thirty (apd).
A third tree of over 500 years of age closes the group of centenarians.
The lakes in Sardinia
Updated to 2026.
The lakes in Sardinia are mainly of artificial origin, except for the lake of Baratz, a natural lake located in the Nurra of Sassari.
There are also small lakes of seasonal nature that are created from catchment basins with rainwater and are solely fed by precipitation.
Some of the most important lakes in Sardinia are:
- lake of Baratz – province of Sassari
- lake of Coghinas – province of Sassari
- lake of Mulargia – provinces of Nuoro and South Sardinia
- lake Omodeo – in the province of Oristano
- lake of 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, completely immersed in the green and the rocky gallura of the northern zone of Sardinia.
The lake was formed due to the damming of the Liscia river, which originates from Mount San Giorgio and flows into its wide delta mouth facing the Archipelago of La Maddalena.
The Lake of Liscia is very well-known in Sardinia for its scenic beauty; it is possible, during certain periods and through local operators, to take boat excursions to admire its shores, the dam, and the vegetation. As of 2026, the Liscia dam continues to play an important role in water supply for part of Gallura, with connections up to Olbia and Golfo Aranci.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the millenary olives of Luras located?
- 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 that protect the trees. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the views and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
- What are the characteristics of the millenary wild olives?
- The millenary wild olives of Luras are known for their grandeur, 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 pictures of the millenary olives?
- Yes, it is possible to take pictures of the millenary olives in the park, but it's essential to respect the tree protection rules. Make sure not to damage the site and follow the provided guidelines.
- Are there facilities for visitors in the Park of Millenary Olives?
- The Park of Millenary Olives has informational signs explaining the history and characteristics of the trees. It’s a great opportunity to learn and appreciate the natural heritage of Sardinia.
- What other attractions are there near Luras?
- In the surroundings of Luras, you can visit other fascinating 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 beautiful 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 adequately prepared.