Mediterranean Olive Oil Production Regions

Olive oil quality and character are profoundly shaped by geography. The Mediterranean basin hosts dozens of distinct producing regions, each with its own climate, varieties, and production traditions. Here is a guide to the most important.

Andalusia, Spain

The engine of global olive oil production. Andalusia — and within it, the province of Jaén — produces more olive oil than any other region on earth. The dominant variety is Picual, known for its high polyphenol content, stability, and distinctive herby, slightly bitter profile. Production is highly mechanised, with large estates and modern continuous-cycle mills dominating.

Alentejo, Portugal

Portugal's most dynamic olive oil region, where large-scale intensive and super-intensive plantations have transformed output over the past 20 years. Galega is the traditional variety, producing oils with a softer, more buttery profile. Cobrançosa, Arbequina, and Picual are also widely planted. The Alentejo's flat terrain is ideally suited to mechanised harvesting.

Trás-os-Montes, Portugal

A more traditional region in northeastern Portugal, known for producing high-quality DOP-certified oils. The landscape is rugged and terraced, with older-style orchards that produce lower volumes but distinctive oils. Cobrançosa and Madural are the key local varieties, producing oils with notable fruitiness and complexity.

Puglia, Italy

Italy's most productive region, accounting for roughly 40% of Italian olive oil output. Coratina is the dominant variety, producing powerful, high-polyphenol oils. The region has been significantly impacted by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial disease that has destroyed millions of trees in the Salento peninsula.

Crete, Greece

The jewel of Greek olive oil production. Crete's Koroneiki variety produces oils with exceptional aromatic complexity, high polyphenol levels, and good acidity. The island accounts for approximately 60% of Greek output.

Sfax, Tunisia

The centre of Tunisian production and the most important source of bulk EVOO for EU bottlers. Chemlali is the dominant variety, producing mild, delicate oils suited to blending.