Blue Zone
Blue Zone Ogliastra: the secret of longevity
Why Ogliastra is known worldwide as a land of centenarians: traditional food, daily movement, community and a close relationship with nature.
Where we are
Ogliastra, on the eastern coast of Sardinia
Ogliastra lies in the heart of Sardinia's eastern coast, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the mountains of the Supramonte. It is one of the five Blue Zones recognised worldwide: a compact territory of 23 municipalities and a few tens of thousands of inhabitants.
Between the inland mountains and the Mediterranean sea, Ogliastra holds one of Sardinia's most fascinating phenomena: the extraordinary longevity of its inhabitants.
This area is part of the Sardinian Blue Zone, one of the regions in the world with a high share of people reaching a very old age.
There is no single elixir of long life: wellbeing here comes from the balance between traditional food, daily movement, strong social ties and a deep bond with the land.
The power of the Mediterranean diet
For generations local food has been based on simple ingredients: vegetables, pulses, grains, bread, nuts, extra virgin olive oil and the products of a pastoral tradition.
Meat was eaten in moderation, mostly during festivities, and meals were seasonal and shared with the family. Not a miracle food, then, but a balanced way of eating.
A naturally active way of life
For many generations movement was part of everyday life: farmers and shepherds walked the trails, worked the fields and moved on foot.
Walking today between villages, woods and mountains is still the best way to rediscover that slower rhythm.
Family and community
In small villages family and community have always been central. Older people remain an active part of daily life and pass on knowledge and traditions.
Mutual support and a sense of belonging counter isolation: living long, here, also means continuing to feel useful and heard.
Looking for the elixir of long life
Food, movement and community ties are the three pillars of the Ogliastra way of life, together with contact with nature and respect for the seasons.
The real elixir is not a secret formula, but the result of many simple habits reinforcing each other.
Discover Ogliastra with a tailor-made itinerary
Tell us when you would like to travel and which experiences you would like to live. Our travel agency will help you build a personalised itinerary in the land of centenarians.