Fatima, Portugal’s most important pilgrimage site, is the place where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to three shepherd children six times over six months, culminating in the Miracle of the Sun, which was witnessed by over 70,000 people.
Visiting Fatima is an emotional and profound experience not only for devouts, but for anyone interested in religious and historical sites. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to get t Fatima from Lisbon, along with other tips to enjoy your trip to the maximum.
Index
- Why is Fatima an important pilgrimage destination?
- When is the best time to visit Fatima?
- How to get to Fatima from Lisbon?
- Essential stops on the way to Fatima
- Best things to see and do in Fatima
- Where to stay in Fatima?
1. Why is Fatima an important pilgrimage destination?
Fatima’s significance as a pilgrimage destination comes from its unique origins, unlike other sites that often involved relics of saints or ancient holy sites. It all started in 1917, when the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
From May to October, there were six Marian apparitions, in which she shared secrets related to peace and future world events, emphasizing the importance of prayer, repentance, and conversion.
As a result, Fatima became a spiritual center that has been attracting pilgrims from all over the world for over a century. It’s a place where devouts seek spiritual renewal and answers to their prayers, participating in daily masses, rosary recitations and processions.
2. When is the best time to visit Fatima?
To make the most of your visit to Fatima, I recommend that you avoid weekends and the 13th of each month due to heavy crowds. Rainy days are also less than ideal, since there is limited shelter at the Santuário de Fátima.
If you want to partake in the Peregrinação de Fátima, then you should visit on May 13th or October 13th. On the preceding night, on the 12th, there’s also a candlelit procession led by the bishop and church leaders.
For the latest schedule and mass times, you can check the official website.
3. How to get to Fatima from Lisbon?
Fatima is about 78 miles (125 km) from Lisbon, which takes around 90 minutes by bus or car. Once you arrive, getting around is pretty simple, as most attractions are within walking distance, and there’s a reliable public transport system available if needed.
Here are your options to get to Fatima from Lisbon:
3.1. By car
Traveling to Fatima from Lisbon by car is typically the fastest option, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. While driving offers flexibility and speed that public transport doesn’t always match, it’s important to take into consideration toll costs and potential traffic during peak times or holidays.
If you do choose to drive, take the A1 toll expressway, which leads directly north towards Fatima. Then, take Exit Junction 8 off the A1 to get into town, where you’ll find parking spots.
However, you should also keep in mind that parking in Fatima can be challenging due to the volume of people, especially on weekends and during pilgrimage days like the 13th of each month.
3.2. By bus
Traveling to Fatima from Lisbon by bus is a convenient and cost-effective option known for its safety and reliability. In fact, I’d say it’s the best way to get to Fatima, since it avoids potential parking difficulties, traffic and toll costs.
The buses to Fatima are operated by Rede Expressos, a reputable coach service in Portugal, and offer comfortable seating and amenities to ensure a pleasant trip.
The journey takes about 90 minutes, and you can buy tickets online or at the Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon, accessible via the blue metro line. Each ticket includes assigned seating and luggage compartments for safely storing your belongings.
To ensure a smooth boarding process, I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before departure. That way, you’ll have enough time to store your luggage and settle in comfortably.
3.3. By train
Train travel may be a popular way to explore Portugal, but it’s not really the most convenient for getting to Fatima from Lisbon. That’s because the nearest train station to Fatima is Chão de Maçãs, about 20 kilometers east of the town.
Unfortunately, there are no reliable public transportation links from this station to central Fatima. This means travelers often need to rely on taxis, which typically cost between €25 and €30.
However, if you’re still considering train travel, Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates several services on this route, and you can find more information on their website.
3.4. Guided tours
Another practical option to get to Fatima from Lisbon is to go on an organized tour, which ensures that you have an enriching experience without having to worry about travel logistics.
Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer a chance to explore multiple locations, with in-depth explanations of the historical and cultural significance of each site. Here are some of my Lisbon to Fatima tour recommendations:
- Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré: a full-day guided bus tour that includes visits to four different cities: Fatima, Obidos, Batalha, and Nazaré. This tour allows you to visit sites such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, Batalha Monastery, and the village of Óbidos.
- Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos: this tour focuses on Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos. On this trip, you can visit the shrine in Fatima before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage monastery in Batalha. The tour also offers views of Nazaré from a church housing a statue of the black Virgin Mary and concludes with a stop in Óbidos where you can sample “ginja” liqueur.
- Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos & São Martinho do Porto: for those interested in towns beyond just Fatima, there is a day tour covering Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos & São Martinho do Porto. This itinerary includes visits to religious sites like the Sanctuary and Chapel of Apparition.
4. Essential stops on the way to Fatima
For me, the best part of traveling by car is to be able to stop whenever I want to explore hidden and unexpected places. And the route to Fatima has plenty of interesting places that are definitely worth your time!
So, if decide to make your journey by car, here are the stops that you should consider making on your way to Fatima:
- Tomar: renowned for the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former stronghold of the Knights Templar. This historic city also features beautiful gardens and ancient synagogues.
- Ourém hill fort: Ourém hill fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is steeped in medieval history. It’s a notable site for its strategic location and remnants of ancient fortifications.
- Batalha Monastery: Batalha Monastery is a Gothic masterpiece dedicated to Portugal’s victory over Castile in the 14th century. It showcases intricate stonework and is home to the Founder’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic art.
- Alcobaça Monastery: another UNESCO World Heritage site, Alcobaça is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and for the tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro.
- Nazaré: a charming village renowned for its dramatic cliffs, beaches, and fishing culture. It’s also famous for its giant waves, attracting surfers from around the world.
- São Martinho do Porto: a small town known for its bay and calm waters, a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. The surrounding natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for a peaceful break.
5. Best things to see and do in Fatima
5.1. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is a national shrine in Portugal, with free entrance and stunning neoclassical architectural style. Its construction began on May 13th, 1928, marking the anniversary of the first reported apparition of the Virgin Mary to the 3 shepherd children.
The shrine is one of the most important religious sites in Fatima, and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of Lucia dos Santos, who is currently in the process of beatification following her passing in 2005, and Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto.
5.2. Chapel of the Apparitions
The Chapel of the Apparitions is considered the “heart” of the Shrine of Fatima. It stands on the exact spot where five out of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary occurred.
Its construction began on April 28, 1919, and it was completed by June 15, 1919. The chapel was restored and reopened on January 13, 1923, and to this day serves as a focal point for visitors who come to reflect on its historical and religious importance.
5.3. Homes of the Shepherd Children
The Homes of the Shepherd Children (Casas dos Pastorinhos, in Portuguese) are located in Aljustrel, just 2 kilometers from Fatima. These single-storey cottages, which remained mostly unchanged for over 80 years, belonged to the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions, and are now open to visitation.
Jacinta and Francisco Marto’s house was built in 1888, while Lucia dos Santos’ home dates back to 1885. Both houses offer a view into early 20th-century rural Portuguese life, and visitors can explore these spaces and see where these historical figures grew up.
Adjacent to these homes is the House-Museum of Aljustrel, which displays everyday items from that era, providing context about life during that time period and helps visitors understand local history and events surrounding the apparitions.
6. Where to stay in Fatima?
If you decide you want to stay longer than one day in Fatima, there are also lots of accommodation options for a comfortable stay in the city. Here are my recommendations:
- Essence Inn Marianos Hotel: located just 50 meters from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the hotel offers rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Amenities include a restaurant, chapel, and free parking.
- Mercure Fátima: a 4-star hotel situated 700 meters from Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. It features a fitness center, private parking, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi.
- SDivine Fatima Hotel: located 1,5 km from Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the hotel offers room service, 24-hour front desk and amenities such as a restaurant, bar, fitness center, free private parking. There are also meeting rooms, an auditorium, and an outdoor playground.
- Hotel Santa Maria: located a two-minute walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the hotel offers a garden area, a restaurant with terrace views of the sanctuary, a meditation room and a chapel. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, minibars and have free Wi-Fi.
Get in touch with your faith in Fatima
Going to Fatima from Lisbon is an unmissable experience for anyone seeking spiritual growth and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re going for religious reasons, to explore landmarks, or just to enjoy tranquil surroundings, this town will surely leave a lasting impression.
From the Sanctuary to its streets, Fatima’s welcoming atmosphere invites pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking serenity to experience faith in its most pure state. Hope you have a good pilgrimage!
