300 year-old Polish beech wins Tree of the Year contest
Here are some of the other trees that scored high in the competition:
Taking second place is the majestic Portuguese Moreton Bay Fig.This tree was planted in the 19th Century in Coimbra's romantic Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens from seeds exchanged with Sydney's Botanical Garden and is a treasured landmark.
In third place is the Pino de Juan Molinera.A 400-year-old stone pine in Abengibre, Spain, this tree has sheltered generations of locals and witnessed countless celebrations, childhood games and romances. It has endured floods, snowstorms and a lightning strike, standing as a testament to resilience and history.
Other notable entries
The Skipinnish Oak in Scotland, UK is a 400-year-old giant, standing proudly in Lochaber's woodland.It is one of the region's largest oaks and a vital ecosystem for rare lichens like the black-eyed Susan.Recently crowned the UK winner, it is a beloved local treasure.
The Old Chestnut of Sint-Rafaël in Belgium is a 150– to 200-year-old witness to the history of Sint-Job-in-'t-Goor.
The Tree of Freedom in Rab, Croatia, is a 105-year-old holm oak that stands as a symbol of community and heritage.Generations have cherished it, with many families passing down stories of ancestors who helped plant it. Its centennial was celebrated with a grand event, honouring its role in the town's history.
The Lukavice Oak in the Czech Republic is a 700- to 800-year-old survivor, once threatened by estate owners who tried to remove its soil.Defying destruction, it still stands strong, symbolising resilience and pride for the local community.
The Peaceful Oak of Saint-Maurice in France is a 200– to 250 year-old guardian of the Laïta River, standing at the entrance of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice.A haven for wildlife, it even has an otter-shaped bench beside it, honouring its playful regular companion.
The Plane Tree in the Archbishop's Garden in Hungary is a historic landmark in Eger, known for its grandeur and shaded canopy.Legend says Hungarian leaders, including Lajos Kossuth, rested beneath it before the 1849 Battle of Kápolna.
The Tasso di Matari in Sardinia, Italy, is one of the island's oldest yew trees, standing for centuries in the Supramonte di Urzulei.Overlooking an ancient Nuragic village, it bears carvings on its trunk, marking the passage of time.
The Mēru Grand Oak in Latvia is a 200 year-old giant with a canopy spanning 39 meters.Linked to an old legend of survival after the Northern War, it is seen as a guardian of the region.
The Oak of Varniškės in Lithuania is a more than 200 year-old symbol of strength, love, and tradition.A family once built their home and herb farm beside it, making it the heart of their lives.
The Wild Pear from Bošáca, Slovakia, is a 150-year-old tree that grew from a stray seed on Lysica Hill.It stands in a region known for its rich fruit-growing and is a beloved landmark. Its location attracts paragliders and hosts an annual competition for flying historical model airplanes.
The Ginkgo Biloba in Leiden, Netherlands, is a 240 year-old "living fossil" and the second oldest in Europe.This ancient species, dating back to the time of dinosaurs, was preserved in China for its symbolic meaning of love and hope.
The White Acacia in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, is a 140 year-old rarity known as the Witness of Seven Generations.It has stood in six different states during the course of history. The full results can be seen on Europe's Tree of the Year website.
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It's informal and its advantageous height afforded a perfect panoramic view of the sunset, the sea, Alvor and her neighbouring fields. It all felt very zen, spacious and airy through its floor-to-ceiling windows like being on some mammoth luxurious yacht with her endless decking. The small but fairly-priced portions were good for my longevity as I tucked into my colourful salad of prawns, quinoa, bean sprouts and red cabbage. Relax in the Spa (Image: Longevity) Soon I was experiencing an Iyashi Dôme. It's a Japanese concept, where I was to sweat out my 'heavy metals' from the infra-red of the treatment. Though warm in my cocoon it wasn't remotely claustrophobic but extremely relaxing. This health and wellness hotel offers a comprehensive range of treatments including osteopathy and nutritional consultations. But within this super smart, super clean set-up I felt an engagingly easy and breezy vibe. 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Also at Il Basilico, the hotel's Italian restaurant, I sat outside, at a lovely spot under the pine tree of the cliffs and sea watching the fishing boats punctuating the horizon out late at night. Alfresco dining and so romantic. A standard room in the hotel (Image: Longevity) The next day I descended the wooden steps to the 5 mile-long sandy Falésia Beach to have lunch at Maré at Pine Cliffs Resort ( It offered me all I could want from a seaside restaurant. Such a gem of a place with its ambiance and sea breeze as it presides over the performing waves. Children made sandcastles before me and covered their parents in the sand. Maré offers a diverse menu featuring seafood and fresh fish along with vibrant salads, wraps and light dishes. The helpings are generous and fairly-priced and I loved it so much I went back the next day. Who doesn't love a long, lazy summer lunch. One of the Algarve's greatest joys is its embrace of slow living. There's an unspoken philosophy here that life is to be savoured, not rushed. The Algarve doesn't just welcome me; it absorbs me. It teaches me to listen to the wind and to live more fully in the moment. In a world that often races forward, the Algarve gently pulls me back: to the sea, to the earth and to the joy of simply being. I must go back whenever but soon. Alvor in Portugal (Image: Market Iniciative - Joao Teixeira) FACT BOX Adam had support from the AlgarveTourism Authority. He was covered by online travel insurance specialist, CoverForYou 0207 183 0885
