Oleastro Olive Park Mill Museum: A Taste of Cypriot Tradition

Oleastro Olive Park Mill Museum, nestled just outside the quaint village of Anogyra in the Limassol District, is a captivating destination that celebrates Cyprus's enduring legacy of olive cultivation. More than just a museum, Oleastro offers an immersive experience that engages all the senses, inviting visitors to step back in time and witness the traditional methods of olive oil extraction while surrounded by the beauty of the Cypriot countryside. Founded in 2003, Oleastro's mission is to promote the civilization of the olive tree in an environmentally friendly way. Andreas and Lina Ellinas, the park's creators, envisioned a space where visitors could learn about the history, culture, and significance of the olive tree in Cypriot life. Their passion is evident in every aspect of the park, from the meticulously maintained olive groves to the informative museum exhibits. As you enter Oleastro, you're greeted by the sight of ancient olive trees, some centuries old, standing as silent witnesses to generations of Cypriots who have cultivated the land. Walking through the groves connects you to the island's agricultural past. The heart of Oleastro is its ecological olive mill, a state-of-the-art facility that combines traditional methods with modern technology. Here, visitors can witness the olive oil extraction process firsthand, from the crushing of the olives between millstones to the separation of the oil. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the history of olive cultivation in Cyprus, dating back 60,000 years. Exhibits showcase different Cypriot olive tree varieties, traditional olive oil production equipment, and the role of olives and olive oil in the Mediterranean diet, customs, traditions, history and mythology. Oleastro also features a traditional Cypriot garden showcasing the island's diverse flora, a farm with animals, a children's playground, and a restaurant serving traditional Cypriot cuisine. During the olive harvesting season (mid-October to February), visitors can observe the entire olive oil production process. Oleastro is committed to sustainability, using green technology in its ecological olive mill and promoting sustainable farming practices.