Fatima is a small town in Portugal, located 130km northwest of Lisbon. That makes it a good day trip from Lisbon. It’s home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The sanctuary is famous for its miracle-working statue, which can be found inside the basilica after passing through security.

The story goes that three shepherd children named Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto were tending their flock when they saw an apparition of Mary holding baby Jesus on May 13th, 1917. She told them she had come from heaven, especially for them -and then repeated this message six more times over the next few months before telling them that World War I would end soon but another terrible conflict was coming which would kill many people (World War II).

Full-day itinerary to Fatima & Things to do

This is our recommended itinerary for a full-day trip from Lisbon to Fatima if you are going there by yourself. If you are considering a fully guided tour we recommend this tour. If not, continue reading our suggested full-day itinerary.

Early Morning:

  • Try to leave Lisbon early, the earlier you leave the more time you will have and the less crowded the city will be,
  • Breakfast: Having breakfast on the go is a good idea before hitting the road, “Fabrica dos Pasteis” is a good option.

Morning:

  • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima: One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Portugal and the whole world. It’s a beautiful spiritual place. Inside, there are many buildings and attractions that will take you all day long to discover:
    • Chapel of Apparitions: Explore this famous chapel where people believe that Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.
    • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Spiritual people come there to seek healing, comfort, and guidance.
    • The Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: A large statue situated over the hill overlooking the Sanctuary.

Afternoon:

  • Lunchtime: “Restaurante O Telheiro” is a great traditional Portuguese restaurant that serves grilled meat and seafood. A glass of red wine can be a good idea here and a slice of Serra da Estrela cheese (soft cheese made from sheep’s milk) can take you over the moon.
  • Aljustrel village, The birthplace of the shepherd children that saw the Virgin Mary.
  • Guided tour: Go for a guided tour of the shepherd children’s houses and the Parish Church. It is famous as it’s now a museum.

Night:

  • Take 2: Go back to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima once again. The night procession of candles is magical.
  • Souvenirs? There are many souvenir shops especially if you are looking for religious souvenirs.
  • Dinner: “Restaurante Tia Alice” is a family-run restaurant that has different local Portuguese dishes. “codfish with cream” can be a good idea. A glass of port wine and a slice of traditional pastel de nata are also very tasty.
  • Time to go back to Lisbon. If you are taking the train make sure not to miss the last one leaving the city.

How do I get from Lisbon to Fatima?

You can get from Lisbon to Fatima by car, train, bus, or by taking a private tour.
– By car: This is the most convenient option and it takes 1 hour and a half only.
– By Train: To get to Fatima by train, you can take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Fatima. The journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
– By bus: It takes around 2 hours by bus, and it’s not as comfortable as the train.
– Private tour: A tour is the best hassle-free option as you don’t have to plan much, This is our recommended tour.

Is Fatima worth visiting?

Fatima is one of those places that you have to visit if you’re in Portugal. It’s a very spiritual place, and it’s home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Europe.
If you’re visiting Fatima with children, there are plenty of options for them to learn about the Catholic faith, and even more, if they want to learn about the Virgin Mary herself!

How long should you spend in Fatima?

Fatima is a small town. It is not like Paris or Rome, and you won’t need more than a day trip to cover everything there. It is popular for pilgrims and tourists alike, so there are plenty of things to do here if you have time in your schedule!

How far is Fatima from Lisbon by train?

Fatima is about two hours from Lisbon by train. You start the journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, which is also the main hub for long-distance trains going to and from Portugal. Trains depart Rossio every hour during the weekdays

Is Fatima closer to Lisbon or Porto?

Yes, Porto is 200 km away from Fatima, while Lisbon is only 135 km away. That makes Lisbon closer to Fatima than Porto and an easier day trip from Lisbon.

Is there a dress code at Fatima?

There is no specific dress code at Fatima, but it’s important to dress conservatively. Shorts and tank tops are not always accepted, as well as bare shoulders or knees. You should also avoid sleeveless tops, miniskirts, and short skirts.

Do you need tickets for Fatima?

No, it is free all year round.

When should I go to Fatima?

The best time to visit Fatima is between May and September. Avoid the months of July and August as it’s crowded, and also avoid weekends. The best time to visit is during the week and you can try visiting in the morning or early afternoon if you want to avoid crowds.

How long is the walk to Fatima?

The walk from the train station to Fatima is about 15-20 minutes, and from the bus station, it’s about 10. If you’re taking a taxi or Uber, it should cost around 10 euros. The walk itself will take you through some nice neighborhoods with older buildings and trees with plenty of shade. There are also some shops along the way that sell souvenirs if you want them (but don’t feel pressured!).

Is the Fatima Prayer optional?

The Fatima Prayer is optional. It is not required to go to the Chapel of Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. It’s all optional.

What are the secrets and miracles of Fatima?

The Secret of Fatima is a series of visions and prophecies received by three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria, in Fatima, Portugal. In these apparitions, Our Lady (Nossa Senhora) appeared to them on six occasions between May 13th and October 13th, 1917.
The first vision occurred on May 13th when Lucia dos Santos was tending her family’s flock in a field near their home village. She saw an angel who told her that she would soon see Our Lady and that she was to “make it known” throughout the world that God wanted peace and penance from mankind so as to prevent another war like World War I from occurring again (the Great War).
Three other apparitions were reported: July 13th; August 19th; September 14th/15th; October 13th/14th.

Is Fatima safe? Safety in Fatima

The town of Fatima is a safe place to visit. There are no safety issues in Fatima, and you can feel comfortable letting your children wander around on their own. However, it is recommended that you don’t leave valuables in your car and keep them close at hand when visiting the Sanctuary or other locations where there may be a lot of people.