Just above our home in Sciacca lies Caltabellotta.

The spirit of Sicily's future Blue Zone.

A village known for its remarkable longevity, strong community and traditional Mediterranean lifestyle. Many believe it could one day become Sicily's first official Blue Zone.

Keep stress levels low

One reason Caltabellotta and similar Sicilian villages foster longevity is their low-stress lifestyle, explains Professor Pes. Essentially, they have a slower pace of life; they're not throwing themselves on the Tube at rush hour and replying to emails on the move. Life in this rural town moves at a different pace than any city, following seasonal cycles, agricultural routines, and longstanding social rituals. This slower, agrarian way of life is associated with minimal chronic stress levels.

In this community, the Mediterranean diet isn't a conscious fad but a way of life passed down through generations. Meals center on locally grown, minimally-processed foods: plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, with moderate portions of fish or meat. Olive oil is the principal fat source, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

A defining feature of Caltabellotta's longevity hotspot is the strength of social bonds. In modern cities, social isolation and fragmented communities are common, but in this Sicilian village, tight-knit relationships are the norm. There is a profound 'place attachment;' residents feel a strong emotional connection to their hometown and neighbors.

In this community, the Mediterranean diet isn't a conscious fad but a way of life passed down through generations.