A Day Trip To Fatima From Lisbon: 7 Best Tours

LOOKING FOR THE BEST DAY TRIP TO FATIMA FROM LISBON?

You’re in the right place as this article outlines the best way to take a day trip to Fatima from Lisbon. Fatima is one of the most sacred places in Portugal and the Center of Catholic Faith in the country. Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock here to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary and grow closer to God.

But even if you aren’t religious, this place can be breathtaking. 🇵🇹 Living in Portugal since 2020, I’ve visited Fatima at least 5 times, and each time, I’ve been able to appreciate its beauty on a deeper level.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

Explore everything that Fatima has to offer on this Fátima Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon with a perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊❤️

Fatima is where Mother Mary appeared to three young shepherds in 1917. On the spot where this apparition happened, they built a sanctuary and shrine.

It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed in Portugal, but getting to Fatima from Lisbon can be tricky. If you really want to enjoy the area without the stress of parking or bus schedules, I always recommend booking a day trip.

🇵🇹 Fun fact: Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day is May 13th so if you can visit during the feast day of Fatima, it will be extra special.

You can book tours to Fatima from Lisbon online for an easy day trip from Lisbon for you and your group. Here are the 7 best day trips to Fatima to Lisbon, for a perfect day exploring this incredible site.

What to See in Fatima

Fátima is home to the Shrine of Fatima, a large religious complex that includes the Shrine of Our Lady of Our Rosary and the New Basilica of the Holy Trinity Church. This complex is as big as the size of St Peters Square, offering space for the thousands of pilgrims who visit each year.

Central to the site is the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three shepherd children. Nearby, the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Alter of the World are also unique sites to see.

A few kilometers from the shrine is the House-Museum of Aljustrel, the original home of the children. This museum is important as it provides historical context to the apparitions and showcases how the children lived during the early 20th century.

Visitors on an organised tour often include Aljustrel in their itinerary to deepen their understanding of Fátima’s historical and religious significance.

🇵🇹 Interesting Facts: The burial ground of the children of Fatima can be found in the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary, a small chapel located in the complex.

A Day Trip to Fatima from Lisbon: 7 Best Tours

1. Fátima Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

This private full day Fátima tour from Lisbon is one of the top ranked Fátima tours. This is a private tour, meaning you can explore at your own pace, stopping off at the places you want to see most.

In the morning, a private shuttle van will pick you up from your hotel (your meeting point) and take you straight to the town of Aljustrel before heading to the neighboring town of Valinhos, one of the most sacred places on earth.

The tour guide will tell you about the history of this beautiful church and the apparition that happened on the grounds where it was built. You’ll then be taken to a local restaurant for lunch, followed by a tour of the Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima.

Here, you can see the tombs of the children who witnessed the apparition and learn about their lives. You will then be returned to Lisbon and dropped off at your hotel just in time for dinner!

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

2. Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Discover the soul of Portugal on this Fátima region tour from Lisbon. This intimate tour is capped at eight people, ensuring a more personal exploration of Portugal’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Head on a journey through the heart of Portugal’s religious history at the Santuário de Fátima. Here, you will dive into the story of the three shepherd children who witnessed the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917.

The adventure continues in Nazaré, a charming seaside village where you can breathe in the fresh Atlantic air and admire the breathtaking views from the cliffs. Experience the daily life of local fishermen and the rustic beauty that has shaped their lives.

Next, step back in time as you wander through the romantic cobbled streets of Óbidos. This medieval town, encircled by ancient walls, is a treasure trove of picturesque scenes and artisanal shops.

No visit would be complete without marveling at the Gothic masterpieces of the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and historical importance.

This small day tour to Fatima from Lisbon promises personal attention from your knowledgeable guide and an unforgettable insight into the heart of Portugal’s culture and history. Plus it’s a good value.

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

3. Fátima Full-Day Private Personalized Tour from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Embark on a deeply personal spiritual journey on this Fátima Full-Day Private Personalized Tour from Lisbon. This private Lisbon to Fatima day trip is tailored to your preferences, offering a unique, intimate experience.

Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or selected location in Lisbon. Explore the religious capital of Portugal at your own pace, visiting key sites, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, where the three visionary shepherds are laid to rest.

After exploring the sanctuary, enjoy some free time for lunch in the area. You can also visit numerous specialty shops to find religious and devotional items.

The tour continues to Aljustrel, the small village home to the little children (also known as the little shepherds). You’ll step back in time as you visit their humble homes and Valinhos, where the Virgin Mary appeared on August 19, 1917.

With personalized attention from your dedicated guide and the flexibility to tailor the day to suit your spiritual and exploratory needs, this private tour from Lisbon to Fatima ensures a memorable and moving experience in Fátima before your return to Lisbon

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

4. Private Tour to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Portugal’s most storied cities? Dive into this Private Tour to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos—a full day tour from Lisbon to Fatima.

Begin in Fátima, a city synonymous with the Marian apparitions of 1917. Explore the sacred sites and delve into the mysteries that continue to draw millions each year. You’ll also be able to attend mass before heading to your next stop.

Next, marvel at the architectural grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Batalha, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Continue to Nazaré, a charming fishing village known for its traditional life and the largest waves in the world. Conclude your day in Óbidos, a picturesque medieval town with cobbled streets and colorful houses.

With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy this private tour to Fatima from Lisbon tailored to your interests, making every moment of this private day trip Lisbon to Fatima memorable.

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

5. Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, and Óbidos Private Tour from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Explore the rich heritage of Portugal on this Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, and Óbidos Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon. This private tour takes you through some of Portugal’s most significant religious and historical sites in a single day.

Your tour begins in the holy city of Fátima, renowned for its celebrated Marian apparitions. Depending on the time of year, you may have the chance to witness the moving Fátima Candle Procession, a spectacle of faith and light from late March through October.

Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Batalha, exploring its majestic monastery that stands as a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Continue to Alcobaça, where you’ll see some of the country’s most significant religious architecture.

End your day in Óbidos, a hilltop community encircled by ancient walls. This picturesque village of whitewashed buildings and traditional tile roofs offers a perfect snapshot of classic Portuguese charm.

The best part? On this day trip to Fatima from Lisbon Portugal, you can customize this private tour to your interests for a truly personalized experience as you explore four of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations.

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

6. Discover Fátima: Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Explore the historical town of Fátima on this Discover Fátima: Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Lisbon, where history and legend mix.

Start with a visit to the Fátima Sanctuary, erected on the sacred grounds where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Dive into the story of the ‘Three Shepherds’ during a guided exploration of their homes, gaining insight into their lives and the miraculous events they witnessed.

While on this tour, some of the main places you’ll see are the Chapel of Apparitions, Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima and the Valinhos Sanctuary. You can also attend a mass if you choose.

With a small group size, this popular small group tour of Fatima feels more intimate and allows you to connect with Fátima’s spiritual essence on a deeper level.

day trip to Fatima from Lisbon

7. Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Group Tour from Lisbon

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⭐️ BOOK NOW

Step off the beaten path and into Portugal’s past and explore its incredible culture on this full-day tour from Lisbon to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos.

The adventure begins in Fátima, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Visitors will have time to explore the Fatima Sanctuary. Next, the tour heads to Batalha to visit the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery.

Continuing to the coastal town of Nazaré, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop the seaside cliffs. Nazaré is also known for its local culture and traditional fishing industry.

The final stop is Obidos, a well-preserved medieval town encircled by fortified walls. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire the quaint architecture, and perhaps sample the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.

During this trip to Fatima Portugal, you’ll travel in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. You’ll also enjoy pickup and drop-off at central locations in Lisbon. One of the best Lisbon to Fatima tours, this full-day tour is a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the Portuguese countryside.

Where is Fatima?

Fátima is located in central Portugal. The distance from Fatima to Lisbon is approximately 123 kilometers (about 76 miles). If you are wondering how many hours from Lisbon to Fatima, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive there from Lisbon.

How to get to Fatima from Lisbon:

Wondering how to get to Fatima Portugal from Lisbon? If you aren’t interested in taking one of the many day trips to Fatima from Lisbon, there are also other transportation options that can take you here. So how to get from Lisbon to Fatima? You can get there:

🚌 By Bus 

The Lisbon to Fatima bus is the easiest way to get here and also the best way to get to Fatima from Lisbon (sans tour).

The buses leave from the Sete Rios Bus Station in the Bairro do Rego in Lisbon. The first bus leaves the station at 6:30 AM and takes about an hour and a half to reach the Fatima Sanctuary.

One-way tickets for a bus from Fatima to Lisbon cost around €10 per person ($14 CAD | $10.69 USD) and Lisbon Fatima bus tickets are available online or at the station.

🚊By Train

Want to go from Lisbon to Fatima by train? I would avoid taking the train from Lisbon to Fatima if you can. There is no train station in Fatima itself. Plus the station is around 26 km (17 miles) from the Sanctuary.

You can choose to leave from either the Lisboa—Santa Apolonia Station or the Lisbon—Oriente Station. But you’ll need to switch trains at Entrocamento and then take a shuttle bus to Fatima (or a taxi).

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get from Lisbon to Fatima, it takes 1-2 hours, and the average one-way ticket price is around €10 per person ($14 CAD | $10.69 USD).

You can also buy Lisbon to Fatima train tickets online or at the station.

So, if you are wondering, is there a train from Lisbon to Fatima? Technically, no, as the train station is outside the town.

🚗 By Car

If you live in Lisbon or have a car rental, you can drive yourself to Fatima. It is super easy to get to Fatima by car. You’ll follow the A1 freeway north for about an hour and a half until you hit the town of Fatima. That simple!

However, renting a car on your trip will cost much more than taking public transport. The distance from Lisbon to Fatima is about 130km.

If you plan on visiting other spots, I recommend a rental car from Discover Cars (the best spot to get the best deals) and driving around. The best way to explore Portugal is by driving around this gorgeous country.

🇵🇹 By Tour

If you want someone else to do all the planning so you can relax and enjoy the day, then try taking one of the many Catholic Fatima tours. For a very reasonable price, you will be picked up in Lisbon, driven to Fatima, and given a history lesson by a professional guide.

A day trip to Fatima from Lisbon costs about €60-200 per person, depending if you want a group or private tour. Most of the tours are full-day (8-hour) tours and usually include a couple more places. There are also half day tours to Fatima from Lisbon.

4 Pilgrimages To Fátima

If you want a special experience, try doing one of the Paths of Faith. The “Paths of Faith” in Fátima refers to a network of routes specifically designed for pilgrims who visit the town to engage in spiritual activities.

This concept includes physical paths within the Sanctuary of Fátima and its surroundings and metaphorical paths of spiritual reflection and prayer.

TAGUS WAY

The Tagus Way is a 141-kilometer (about 88 miles) pilgrimage route from Lisbon to Fátima. It typically takes around five days to complete on foot. For part of the journey, the path follows the scenic banks of the River Tagus, offering pilgrims a blend of natural beauty and urban landscapes as they make their way northward to the sacred site.

NORTHERN WAY

The Northern Way extends approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles) and begins in Valença, a town near the Portuguese border with Spain. This route takes pilgrims through the beautiful northern regions of Portugal, ending in Fátima.

NAZARÉ WAY

This shorter route covers about 54 kilometers (approximately 34 miles) from the coastal town of Nazaré to Fátima. The Nazaré Way is especially popular among those who wish to combine a visit to the famous Marian shrine with the experience of Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast. This hike is typically completed in two days, making it a good option for those seeking a shorter pilgrimage.

CARMELITE ROUTE

The Carmelite Route is about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) long, stretching from Coimbra, a city known for its ancient university and rich religious history, to Fátima. This route has a spiritual significance as it connects Coimbra, where Sister Lúcia (one of the Fátima visionaries) lived as a Carmelite nun, with the site of the apparitions. It offers a journey through central Portugal’s landscapes and spiritual history.

Each “Paths of Faith” caters to different starting points and preferences, making the pilgrimage accessible whether coming from the north, south, or nearby coastal regions.

The Story of Fatima 

Before heading to Fatima, do you know the full story of what happened at this site? It all started on May 17, 13, 1917, when three shepherd children reported to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary. Ready to hear the story of Fatima?

The Apparitions 

The first apparition occurred on May 13, 1917. Lúcia dos Santos, ten years old, and her cousins, Francisco Marto, nine, and Jacinta Marto, seven, were tending their sheep in Cova da Iria, an area near their home village of Aljustrel.

As they played, they witnessed what they described as a dazzling flash of light, followed by another flash that prompted them to believe a storm was approaching.

As they gathered the sheep and prepared to leave, they saw, above an oak tree, a “Lady more brilliant than the sun.” She was clothed in white, radiating beams of light more clear and intense than a crystal glass filled with sparkling water when the sun’s rays shone through it.

The Lady, who appeared to be the Virgin Mary, asked the children not to be afraid and said she came from heaven.

She requested that the children come to the same spot on the 13th of each month for the next six months. During this first encounter, she asked the children to pray the Rosary daily to bring peace to the world and end the war.

The apparitions began on May 13th and the last apparition was on October 13th, which is also known for the Miracle of the Sun

The Miracle of the Sun

One of the most extraordinary events associated with the apparitions of Fátima is known as the “Miracle of the Sun.” This event occurred on October 13, 1917, the date of the final apparition. The Virgin Mary had promised a miracle to the children during her earlier appearances, which would occur to prove the reality of the apparitions and convey her messages to the world.

On that day, an estimated 70,000 people gathered in the Cova da Iria despite heavy rain. Witnesses reported seeing the sun “dance” in the sky as the rain stopped and the clouds parted.

It spun rapidly like a wheel and seemed to fall toward the earth before retreating back to its normal position in the sky. The phenomenon lasted approximately ten minutes and was observed by people within a radius of several miles, including skeptics and believers alike.

Many described the sun’s motion as zigzagging or swirling, emitting multicolored light and radiant colors. Remarkably, after the morning’s wet conditions, the soaked ground and the pilgrims’ clothes were reported to be completely dry.

The Miracle of the Sun remains one of the most defining moments of the Fátima apparitions, contributing significantly to its fame as a pilgrimage site.

The Three Secrets

When visiting Fátima, you’ll often hear about the “Three Secrets” — messages said to be given to these three local children by the Virgin Mary in 1917. These secrets add an element of mystery and profound depth to the pilgrimage experience here.

Here’s a brief look at each:

1. A Vision of Hell: The first secret revealed a somber vision of hell, serving as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life and the power of prayer, particularly the Rosary.
2. A Warning and a Promise: The second secret foretold the end of World War I, but also warned of another devastating war if humanity did not change its ways. It emphasized the need for prayer and spiritual conversion, highlighting the Virgin Mary’s request for the consecration of Russia.
3. A Prophetic Vision: Revealed by the Vatican in 2000, the third secret depicted a “Bishop dressed in White” — often interpreted as the Pope — who, along with other clergy and believers, faces martyrdom in a destroyed city. This secret is viewed as a symbol of the trials faced by the faithful in the 20th century and beyond.

These secrets contribute to Fátima’s spiritual significance and intrigue visitors with their prophetic and historical dimensions.

Day trip from Lisbon to Fatima: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are wondering how far is Fatima from Lisbon Portugal, the distance is around 123 kilometers (about 76 miles). There are many ways to get to Fatima from Lisbon including by car, guided tour, and by the Lisbon Fatima bus.