After days filled with spiritual experiences in Rome celebrating the 40th anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation, on Monday, September 26, we set off for Sardinia. Over five days, we explored the island’s emerald coastline with sandy beaches, mountainous terrain, unique rock formations, historic landmarks, and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
ALGHERO – a charming city where we began our tour of the island. We explored its historic sites and fortress architecture—Columbus Bastion, Marco Polo Bastion, defense towers, and wooden reconstructions of medieval war machines. In the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose walls date back to the Middle Ages, we were surprised by its elegant Baroque interior, centered on a figure of the Blessed Mother. A Holy Mass was celebrated there by Fr. Józef Szpilski. A major coastal attraction is Neptune’s Grotto on Cape Capo Caccia. We strolled through its beautifully lit interior arranged for sightseeing, admiring the rock formations and emerald-colored pools.
COSTA SMERALDA – considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with charming coves, islands, and emerald waters. We stayed longer in Porto Cervo. Once a small fishing port, it now boasts billionaire yachts and luxurious villas (one belonging to footballer Robert Lewandowski). This glamorous destination impresses with its architecture, romantic cafes, upscale boutiques, narrow streets, and lush greenery. We climbed the winding paths to the Stella Maris Parish Church, where Fr. Szpilski celebrated Mass for our group. From the terrace, we enjoyed a stunning view of the bay and marina.
LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO – a full-day boat trip among the islands between Sardinia and Corsica. Departing from Palau port, we circled Caprera, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli (home to the famous pink beach), Spargi, Razzoli, and La Maddalena—surrounded by 60 smaller islets. We disembarked on Spargi Island. Some swam in the crystal waters of Pirate’s Bay, while others walked the beach framed by rocky capes and granite cliffs. Back on board, we were treated to a surprise lunch prepared by the ship’s captain: spaghetti with tomato sauce and shrimp, served with a glass of wine—absolutely delicious. We later shopped for souvenirs in the town of La Maddalena, famous for its red coral jewelry.
CASTELSARDO – a picturesque town with homes climbing a granite hill topped by a medieval castle. The defensive fortress dates back to the 12th century. From the castle terrace, we had panoramic views of the sea, the town, and even Corsica. The castle houses a wickerwork museum, showcasing items made from reeds and palm leaves, once used by locals. The town is a mosaic of houses, stone buildings, churches, and narrow medieval streets.
NURAGHI – cone-shaped, round megalithic stone towers dating back to the mid-2nd millennium BCE, built from granite boulders without mortar by the Nuragic people. Their purpose remains unknown. Sardinia is home to around 7,000 of these unique structures—found nowhere else in the world.
LUOGOSANTO (“Holy Place”) – a town surrounded by hills dotted with about a thousand churches and chapels built by shepherds in the 10th and 11th centuries, evoking admiration for their craftsmanship and devotion. We visited one such chapel, climbing a steep 400-meter slope to the stone chapel of St. Leonard. Inside was an altar dedicated to the saint. From the summit, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the forested, mountainous landscape.
CORSICA – BONIFACIO. We took a ferry from Sardinia to the port of Bonifacio, founded in the 9th century as a fishing village and later a commercial port. The town is split into lower and upper sections. The upper part features a Genoese-built citadel from the 13th century and the oldest area with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Perched on a cliff, the houses appear to hang over the sea. A notable feature is the Napoleonic-era cemetery, with tombs shaped like houses.
We conclude our pilgrimage filled with joy, grateful for the many beautiful moments we shared and the new places we discovered together.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA