Olive harvest on Brač
The olive harvest in Croatia is a truly special event that everyone should experience at least once. It is often a festival where many people come together, lend a hand and celebrate as one. Indeed, October on Brač would not be complete without the Olive Festival at the Hotel Lemongarden.
17 September 2025
What makes olives from Brač so special?
It was probably the ancient Greeks who introduced olive cultivation to Croatia over 2,500 years ago. Much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, people in the Mediterranean region were already using the fresh, rather bitter fruits of the olive tree. In Egypt, the oil from the fruits was used for anointing and as fuel for lamps. Because olive trees are not native to Egypt, the oil had to be imported. It was therefore considered a luxury item. The situation was different in Greece. There, olive oil was revered as a gift from the goddess Athena. So much so, in fact, that the olive tree became the symbol of Athens. The oil was used in cooking, in religious rituals and for skin care. The Romans learnt from the Etruscans and Greeks how to cultivate olive trees. Olive oil quickly became part of the diet.
It took a while to figure out how to make the olives, which are inedible when raw, edible. In ancient times, the olives were soaked in water for several days or weeks to allow the bitter compounds to leach out . Salt was added to preserve the fruit and enhance the flavour of the olives. To this day, pickling in brine remains the simplest and most common method of transforming green or black olives into delicious snacks, depending on the variety. It’s quicker in lye, though fermentation is also an option. Which tastes better is a matter of personal preference and regional tradition. The Greeks swear by water and salt, the Spanish by the lye method, and in Italy, fermentation in brine is preferred.
Brač and the olives
Today, there are over 1,000 known varieties of olive. Internationally, the most common varieties are Arbequina, Kalamata and Leccino. Typical olive varieties on Brač are the large, round and fruity Oblica olives. Their oil is considered very mild. The Levantinka or Šoltanka olive came to the island of Brač from the neighbouring island, where it is still enjoyed today. It is prized for its particularly delicate aroma and high-quality oil. The Lastovka olive produces a stronger oil, which is why it is often blended with the Oblica olive. Its fruits are slightly smaller. Another typical variety is the Drobnica, which bears very small but aromatic fruits.
It is estimated that there are around 1 million olive trees on Brač, half of which are reportedly cultivated and harvested specifically for this purpose. Consequently, olive oil mills (uljare) can be found all over the island, which travellers can visit. Since 2016, the island’s olive oil has held the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification in the EU. Only oils produced from local olives on the island are permitted to bear this seal. The oil is usually fruity, golden-green, slightly bitter and somewhat pungent. Typically, the olives are harvested by hand and processed within a few hours.
Both olive oil and olives themselves are extremely healthy and should be included in your diet more often. 100 grams of olives contain just 145 calories and are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Fibre, vitamins E, A and K, iron, copper, calcium and sodium are further nutrients that are good for the body. The oleic acid they contain also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, can improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and protect the blood vessels. The polyphenols and vitamin E they contain have anti-inflammatory properties and protect cells from oxidative stress. So do help yourself heartily when we serve you our freshly baked bread with a small bowl of Lemongarden olive oil!
The olive harvest on Brač – a highlight
Every autumn, usually in October or November, the olive harvest takes place on Brač. These are often convivial celebrations in which visitors are also welcome to take part. What many guests may not know is that Hotel Lemongarden has its own large olive grove, where the olives we use to produce our excellent olive oil grow. We are delighted to invite our guests to witness these special moments. While the light glows golden over the island, the days are still warm and the air smells all the more intense, we come together to pick the green fruits from the branches. Everyone can lend a hand and create special holiday memories as part of the Olive Festival at Hotel Lemongarden ( 22 October to 26 October 2025).
Once enough olives have been gathered, guests can press their own olive oil – a very special souvenir of their holiday on Brač. There is also a supporting programme around the Olive Oil Festival that will delight the hearts of all food lovers. And also those who wish to include authentic experiences in their holiday memories. The programme ranges from tastings of delicacies from the Stina Winery to a guided hike with a local sports provider to Vidova Gora, the island’s highest peak, a festive champagne reception, live music and culinary highlights.
Tip!
A holiday on Brač is a wonderful experience, even in the off-season! Book your favourite room or suite today and soak up the last of the warm sunshine during a wellness break! Why not visit us for the Olive Festival?
