Fatima Day Trip from Lisbon (with Batalha, Tomar and Nazare)

Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. In 1917, three young shepherd children reported seeing the Virgin Mary here, and today millions of visitors come each year, whether for faith, curiosity or the beautiful monasteries nearby. Here’s how to visit Fátima from Lisbon, and how to combine it with Batalha, Alcobaça, Tomar and Nazaré.

Quick answer: Fátima is about 1h30 from Lisbon by car or Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios (about €6–13). Entry to the Sanctuary is free. Don’t miss the nightly candlelight procession after the 9:30pm rosary. Combine it with the Batalha monastery, Nazaré and Óbidos on a day tour.

Getting there

• Bus: Rede Expressos from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station, about 1h30, roughly hourly, around €6–13.
• Car: about 1h20–1h30 on the A1 (tolled), 125km.
• Tour: the most popular way, combining Fátima with Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos in one day. See Fátima tours from Lisbon.
• Train: Fátima station is about 20km from the town, so the bus is easier.

The Sanctuary of Fátima

• The Chapel of the Apparitions: a small, simple chapel built on the spot of the apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary.
• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: the white neoclassical basilica with the tombs of the three shepherd children, Francisco, Jacinta and Lúcia.
• The Basilica of the Holy Trinity: a huge modern church, one of the largest in the world, seating about 8,600.
• The esplanade: the vast open square between the basilicas. Pilgrims often walk its length on their knees.
• The candlelight procession: every evening after the 9:30pm rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, weather permitting. Very moving, even if you’re not religious.

Entry is free. Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees in the churches) and keep quiet during Mass.

Aljustrel and Valinhos

About 2km from the sanctuary, the hamlet of Aljustrel has the simple stone houses where the shepherd children lived, and a peaceful path leads to Valinhos, site of another apparition. Both free and a lovely, quiet walk.

The big pilgrimages

The biggest celebrations are on 12–13 May and 12–13 October, the anniversaries of the first and last apparitions, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims arrive, many on foot. The atmosphere is extraordinary, but it’s extremely busy, so book accommodation months ahead. Pilgrimages also take place on the 12th and 13th of each month from May to October.

Combine with the monasteries

• Batalha Monastery (20 minutes): a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic, with the “Unfinished Chapels”. UNESCO World Heritage.
• Alcobaça Monastery (40 minutes): a huge Cistercian abbey with the romantic tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro. €15. UNESCO World Heritage.
• Tomar’s Convent of Christ (35 minutes): the Knights Templar castle and convent, with its round church. €15. UNESCO World Heritage.
• Mira de Aire caves (25 minutes): Portugal’s biggest caves, with an underground river.

A combined “Heritage Route” ticket covers Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar.

On the way to the coast

From Fátima, it’s about 45 minutes to Nazaré and an hour to Óbidos. Or continue north to Coimbra on a road trip.

Staying overnight

Stay to see the candlelight procession without rushing back to Lisbon. Fátima has lots of simple, good-value hotels near the sanctuary. See places to stay in Fátima.

More ideas: the best day trips from Lisbon and the best tours in Lisbon.

From our sister blog: 11 day trips from Lisbon, including secret spots on Sunset Travellers.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.