Olive oil tourism hotspots around the world

1. Spain

With its hot, dry, Mediterranean climate, it makes perfect sense that Spain is leading the way in oleotourism!

Not only does the country boast the biggest olive oil production, at 5,965,080 metric tons, but it also has the second most olive groves (2,623,100), and the second highest positive sentiment for olive oil in their country, at 22%.

If you want to uncover the production of olive oil in Spain, then consider the regions of Valencia, Catalonia, and Extremadura, where you can tour olive farms, and take part in tastings.

2. Italy

In second place is Italy, with the highest olive oil ranking on our list, at 115, as well as the most olive oil tasting sessions (147), and the second largest olive oil production (2,194,110 metric tonnes).

18 out of Italy’s 20 regions produce olives, so no matter where you holiday, you can get involved in oleotourism – whether that’s tasting, camping under olive trees, or even enjoying a romantic hot air balloon ride over the groves – which some farms offer!

3. Greece

Greece comes third for oleotourism, with the most positive sentiment (25%), the second most olive oil tasting sessions (65), and the fourth highest olive oil ranking (67).

60% of Greece’s land produces olive oil, with groves offering tours across mainland Greece, as well as islands including Crete, Corfu, and Mykonos.¹

4. Türkiye

With the second highest olive oil ranking (105), and the fourth most olive oil production (1,525,000 metric tonnes), Türkiye makes it into fourth place as an oleotourism hotspot.

The olive tree routes of Türkiye will enable you to see so many different charming towns and cities along the way, including Balıkesir, which is nestled in the mountains, and Çanakkale, which is considered to be one of the most important destinations for growing olives in the country, and even has its own dedicated museum.

5. Albania

With the most olive groves in the world, at a staggering 9,166,006 hectares, Albania comes in fifth place as an olive oil hotspot. Having only emerged in recent years as a holiday destination, Albania has long been in the shadows of neighbours Greece and nearby Croatia, but has so much to offer.

Head to the capital of Tirana, and there are lots of half and full day tours you can do in nearby Marikaj and Tepelene, where you can learn about how olive oil is made, discover the rolling groves, and sample some of the oil yourself.

6. Morocco

The first country outside of Europe to make it onto the list, Morocco comes in a very respectable sixth place; with the third largest amount of olive oil production in the world (1,912,238 metric tonnes), as well as the joint third most positive sentiment, alongside Cyprus.

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, most olive trees can be found in and around Meknes, Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and Agadir, with the production season taking place between October and December.

7. Argentina

You might be surprised to know that olive oil production happens in South America too; with Argentina in seventh place. The country boasts the fifth most olive oil tasting sessions (seven), as well as 86,000 hectares of olive groves.

The area of Mendoza is the place to go for oleotourism, where you can take part in olive oil production tours and combine it with trips to the nearby rolling vineyards, and wine tasting sessions, too.

8. Portugal

With the fifth highest olive oil ranking (29), and 997,040 metric tonnes of olive oil produced, Portugal makes it into eighth place. Despite having an Atlantic coastline, most of Portugal still enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which is why it’s a great place for growing olives.

Whether you’re visiting the Algarve or Lisbon, there are lots of tours that take you to nearby groves, where you can learn more about the history of the production process and sample the oils created.

9. Tunisia

The north African country of Tunisia makes it into ninth place, with the third largest span of olive groves, at a huge 1,870,000 hectares.

Many of the groves in Tunisia that offer tours combine sampling of other delicacies, like harissa and sun-dried tomatoes, making it the perfect oleotourism destination for foodies.

10. Australia

Rounding off our top 10 olive oil hotspots is Australia, with the fourth most olive oil tasting sessions (11), and groves that span 1,000,000 hectares.

There are olive groves across New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and more; so wherever you’re staycationing, if you’d like to take part in the oleotourism movement, you likely won’t be far from some groves to visit.