Delta Air Lines adds direct flights to Sardinia, Italy, a Blue Zone island known for its beauty, culture, and long-living plant-forward residents.

Next summer, Delta Air Lines will launch direct flights to Sardinia, Italy. The stunning island is renowned for its crystal-clear beaches, rich history, charming cobbled streets, and breathtaking views. But there's another reason this Mediterranean gem has captured global attention in recent years: the impressive longevity of its residents.

Sardinia is one of the world's five Blue Zones. These regions are celebrated for the exceptional lifespan of their inhabitants and notably low rates of chronic diseases common in the Western world. Other official Blue Zones include: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece.

According to Delta Air Lines, Sardinia was selected by its SkyMiles Members in the airline's first-ever Route Race. This initiative invited customers to vote on where they wanted Delta to fly next. Delta employees also took part in the competition, with Malta securing the top spot among staff votes. As a result, both Sardinia and Malta have been added to Delta's expanding network.

"We are continuing to add more choice and unique destinations for our SkyMiles members with new service to Malta and Sardinia, two destinations previously unserved from the US," Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning, said in a statement. "We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them."

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Sardinia's reputation as a longevity hotspot stems from a blend of lifestyle, diet, and community. But at its heart, the secret to Sardinia's Blue Zone status lies in the locals' embrace of island life.

In Sardinia, people value connection, daily movement, and a joyful, low-stress rhythm to their days. Their diet is mostly plant-based, centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with limited animal products aside from goat's milk. A small daily glass of red wine is also part of the culture, believed to help ease stress and promote well-being.

Together, these habits not only contribute to long, healthy lives but also capture the essence of a truly restful and joyous vacation. They stand in stark contrast to life in the US and many other Westernized countries, where diets are often heavy in ultra-processed foods and stress levels run high.

"Think mornings spent hiking rugged cliffs, afternoons diving into turquoise coves, and evenings of handmade pasta paired with Cannonau wine under the stars," states a Delta press release. "This is the rhythm of life that thousands voted for, and soon, it's one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand."

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