In Istria, the olive tree is far more than just a plant. It stands as a witness to history - a living link between past and present, and a thread that binds people to the land they call home. For centuries, its oil has been treasured as liquid gold, while olive groves have shaped the landscape as profoundly as the sea or the dry-stone walls.  

This deep, enduring connection comes to life in Fažanski Olivari, a thematic park where visitors can not only see the olive tree, but also understand it and experience its story.    

Just a short distance from the sea, Olivari Park welcomes visitors into the world of olive cultivation and takes them on a journey through time — from ancient groves and presses to today’s modern olive growers whose award-winning extra virgin oils are celebrated worldwide. A standout feature of the park is its collection of olive trees aged between 150 and 400 years. Even more fascinating is the discovery of two entirely new varieties. Identified through genetic analysis of previously unknown genotypes - not found in any global database — these unique olives have been named Vazijana and Oceana. 

Children play a central role in the Olivari Park experience! The Fažana park offers young visitors a chance to discover the importance of olives in this region through engaging, hands-on activities. Interactive panels and a digital kiosk invite young explorers to solve puzzles, play memory games, colour olive-themed illustrations, and test their knowledge through fun quizzes. Each activity helps them understand nature and the process that transforms olives into precious drops of oil. The park’s visual identity - built around the motif of hands - beautifully reinforces the values of community and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.  

The Olivari offers both education and recreation. As you stroll through the park, you’ll discover a variety of olive trees — each with its own story and distinctive appearance. Tranquil rest areas invite visitors to pause and unwind beneath the shade of centuries-old canopies, while the park’s thoughtful layout makes it an ideal destination for families. One of the park’s most enchanting features is its seasonality. The olive trees evolve throughout the year, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh experience — from the blossoms of spring, to the autumn harvest, to the quiet stillness and sculptural beauty of the trees in winter.  

The entire concept is designed to blend learning with experience - where curiosity leads through play, and play opens the door to new knowledge. For the local community, the Olivari are a powerful symbol: a fusion of tradition and a modern approach to tourism. They provide a fresh reason to visit Fažana, as well as a welcoming space where locals can enjoy nature, learn alongside their children, or simply relax in a peaceful setting.    

Fažanski Olivari are more than just a park or an educational centre—they are a living outdoor classroom, where olive trees tell the story of Istria and visitors can experience it with all their senses.  

»» Learn more about Olivari Park:
Infofazana.hr/en/what-to-see-do/fazanas-olive-grove