Old Olive Tree (Velja Maslina)
Velja Maslina
An ancient olive tree in the village of Ivanovići above Bečići.
Velja Maslina is regarded as one of the oldest olives in Montenegro. Standing on the hillside above Bečići, it impresses with its massive trunk and broad crown. The tree still produces fruit and remains a distinctive symbol of the coastal groves.
How to Get There
On foot from Becici center ~13-19 min.
From Rafailovici by taxi ~5 min.
From Budva by taxi ~8 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~26 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~47 min.
Description
What this place is
Velja maslina in the village of Ivanovići above Bečići is an ancient olive tree and a natural symbol of the Budva coast. It grows at about 180 m a.s.l. and is protected as a natural monument.
Key features
- Estimated age 2000+ years – among the oldest olive trees on the Adriatic.
- Size: height ~10–11 m, trunk diameter at base ~4 m, girth at root collar 12.5 m.
- Variety: local Žutica; in good years yields ~250 kg of fruit and about 40 L of oil.
- Official status: natural monument since 1994.
- Owned by the Ivanović family; a restored stone olive mill nearby serves as a small ethnographic display.
What to see
- The tree itself and the small surrounding olive grove
- A short stone path and viewpoints over Budva–Bečići coast
- The restored traditional olive mill
History
Local lore traces the tree back to Illyrian times; for centuries it provided oil and formed part of daily life in Ivanovići. The area once had other monumental olives, one of which was lost in 1907.
Through the 20th century the lifestyle changed, but “Velja” kept bearing fruit and remained venerated. In 1994 it was granted legal protection as a natural monument; a short paved path and local initiatives later improved access and promotion.
Practical information
Location: Ivanovići village above Budva and Bečići Beach, ~180 m a.s.l.
How to get there: from Budva towards Sveti Stefan; before Hotel Splendid turn left for Ivanovići; a ~30 m stone path leads from the end of the lane.
Access: free outdoor viewing; on private land – be respectful.
Visiting hours: daylight recommended.
Visit duration: 15–30 minutes.
Best time: morning or evening, avoiding midday heat.
Special conditions: wear sturdy shoes; do not touch roots/bark or use open flame.
