Portugal · July 2023
Overview
Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, and you feel it the moment you see the huge open square in front of the basilica. Pilgrims walk on their knees along a marble path, candles burn day and night, and even on a normal weekday there is a quiet, emotional atmosphere. The town around it is simple and full of religious shops; the sanctuary is the reason to come, whether you are religious or not.
On 13 May 1917, three shepherd children, Lúcia dos Santos (10) and her cousins Francisco (9) and Jacinta Marto (7), said the Virgin Mary appeared to them in a field called Cova da Iria. She returned on the 13th of each month until October. On 13 October 1917, tens of thousands of people gathered and many reported seeing the sun "dance" in the sky, an event known as the Miracle of the Sun. The Catholic Church approved the apparitions in 1930. Francisco and Jacinta died young in the 1918 flu pandemic and were made saints by Pope Francis in Fátima in 2017, the 100th anniversary. Several popes have visited, and millions of pilgrims come every year.
How long to stay: half a day to 1 day. Stay overnight if you want to join the evening candlelight procession.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
Central Portugal, about 130 km north of Lisbon and 190 km south of Porto. Batalha, Tomar and Nazaré are all within 45 minutes.
Budget
Per person, for a day trip.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus from Lisbon (return) | about €25–30 | about €25–30 | Private tour €100+ |
| Food | €10–15 ($11–17) | €20–30 ($23–34) | €50+ ($57+) |
| Candles and souvenirs | €2–5 | €10–20 | €30+ |
Day total €37–50 ($42–57) €55–80 ($62–90) €180+ ($203+) The sanctuary and all its churches are free. Hotels are cheap except on the big pilgrimage days.
Things to Do
A small open chapel built in 1919 on the exact spot where the children saw the apparitions. Inside a glass case is the statue of Our Lady of Fátima; in the crown is one of the bullets from the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, which he believed Our Lady had saved him from on 13 May, the anniversary of the first apparition.
Price: free · Tip: masses and rosaries in many languages happen here throughout the day.
The white neoclassical basilica with a 65 m tower, built between 1928 and 1953 at the top of the esplanade. The tombs of the three shepherd children are inside.
Price: free · Time needed: 30 minutes.
The sanctuary's square is twice the size of St Peter's Square in Rome. A smooth marble path runs across it, where pilgrims walk on their knees to fulfil promises.
Price: free.
A modern round basilica opened in 2007, with space for 8,633 people, making it one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. It is built partly underground and has very simple, modern decoration.
Price: free.
Next to the Chapel of the Apparitions, pilgrims light candles of every size, and wax body parts, as offerings and prayers for healing.
Price: candles from about €1 · Tip: the smoke and heat are strong on busy days.
Every evening at 21:30, from about Easter to October, thousands of people walk around the esplanade holding candles while praying the rosary.
Price: free · Tip: the most moving moment of a visit; stay the night if you can.
Aljustrel is the small village 2 km away where the three children lived; you can visit Lúcia's house and the Marto family house. A path called the Way of the Cross leads to Valinhos, where the fourth apparition took place.
Price: free or small donation · Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours on foot.
Batalha Monastery (UNESCO) is a Gothic masterpiece built to thank God for a victory over Castile in 1385. Tomar has the Convent of Christ, the former headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal (UNESCO).
Getting there: about 20 to 40 minutes by car or local bus.
Transit Tips
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Fly into Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO).
By bus (best): Rede Expressos and FlixBus from Lisbon (Sete Rios / Oriente) take about 1.5 hours, about €12–15 one way. The bus station is a 10-minute walk from the sanctuary.
By train: the Fátima train station is 20 km away in Chão de Maçãs, so the bus is easier.
By car: about 1 hour 20 minutes from Lisbon on the A1.
On foot. Uber and Bolt have little coverage here; book a local taxi if you need one.
Keep in mind that on 12–13 May and 12–13 October the town is packed, roads close and buses sell out; book everything well in advance or choose another date.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Portuguese can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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