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Fátima
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Fátima

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

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1 dayIdeal stay₹5,860From / night₹1,920Food / dayFreeEntry

One of the great Marian shrines of the Catholic world, where three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917: the vast esplanade of the Sanctuary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with the seers' tombs, and the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Entry is free; the candlelit rosary procession is held most evenings, and the great pilgrimages on 12-13 May and 12-13 October draw hundreds of thousands, many arriving on foot, when rooms for miles around are full. Indian Catholic pilgrim groups often pair it with Lisbon, 1.5 hours away by coach. The UNESCO monasteries of Batalha (20 minutes) and Tomar's Convent of Christ (35 minutes) are close.

Highlights

  • Chapel of the Apparitions
  • Candlelit rosary procession
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Way of the Cross to Valinhos
  • Batalha Monastery
  • Tomar's Convent of Christ

Things to do

  • The Sanctuary: Chapel of the Apparitions and the two basilicasMorning · 3h
  • Candlelit rosary processionEvening · 1h 30m
  • Way of the Cross to Valinhos and AljustrelMorning · 2h
  • Batalha MonasteryAfternoon · 2h
  • Convent of Christ, TomarMorning · 3h

Tours & tickets

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When to go

Best time: May – October

Heads up

Summer Heatwaves

Heatwaves of 35-40 °C reach Lisbon, Porto and the centre in July and August, a few days at a time. Lisbon's and Porto's hills are hard work in the afternoon heat: start early and keep the middle of the day for museums.

Worth knowing

Wildfire Season

From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in the forests of the centre and north, the Algarve hills (Monchique) and Madeira, as in 2017, 2024 and 2025. Follow the civil-protection text alerts, obey road and trail closures, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check before a hike. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.

Worth knowing

Pilgrimage Days: 12-13 May and 12-13 October

The two great pilgrimages bring hundreds of thousands to the Sanctuary, many walking for days along the main roads: every room for miles is booked months ahead, coaches from Lisbon fill, and the esplanade is packed. Come then for the processions, or on other days for quiet.

  • The great pilgrimages to Fátima — The anniversaries of the first and last apparitions (13 May and 13 October 1917) bring hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, many walking for days along the roads from Lisbon and Porto: a candlelit procession on the night of the 12th and the farewell to the statue, waving white handkerchiefs, on the 13th. Smaller pilgrimages are held on the 12th-13th of each month from May to October. Book rooms months ahead for May and October.