Why visit Fátima?
Fátima is a small town in central Portugal, with about 13000 inhabitants. It is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the World, hosting millions of pilgrims every year. This enchanting town, just one hour and a half from Lisbon, has a beautiful and unique sanctuary, which was built in commemoration after the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.
Visiting Fátima is a spiritual journey, as this place is more than a religious site, it is a location of hope, peace and promises, a place where the struggles become comfort.
The Shrine of Fátima started as a small chapel built in honour of the Virgin Mary in the location of the Apparitions that took place in 1917, and it is now filled with small Chapels, two Basilicas, a huge praying area, museums and shops. Despite the international fame, Fátima still maintains its rural and local aspects with small towns around the Sanctuary – such as Aljustrel, where the three shepherd children lived.
Between May and October, Fátima receives even more visitors to celebrate the days of the apparitions. The most attended among these are the May 12 and 13, with the candlelight procession being the highlight of this unique and spiritual experience.
A visit to Fátima is only complete by visiting also the small town where the three children lived, and other locations of the apparitions of the Angel.
Visiting Fátima is an experience that touches each visitor in a different way. Join us at Portuguese For a Day Tours to create a meaningful and memorable experience in Fátima!
Our Tours to Fátima
Óbidos, Ericeira & Mafra Tour
Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos Tour
Tour 3
Local Tips For Visiting Fátima
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit any place in Portugal is spring and fall, when the weather is mostly mild. Fátima is not different, as the weather in the town, and specially in the Shrine, can get quite high in the summer months.
However, visiting Fátima during major events can be extremely rewarding, and it offers a unique spiritual experience.
Between May and October is when the Shrine receives more visitors, and the weekends tend to be busier.
Understanding the Shrine
The Sanctuary of Fátima it’s not just one main building.
It is a large religious site made of several key spaces: The Chapel of the Apparitions, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, The Colonnade, The Prayer Area, The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, The Way of the Cross in the Shepherds Way and Hungarian Calvary, The Shepherds Houses, but also the Retreat House of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Retreat House of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Part of the Sanctuary are also several chapels, cultural spaces, medical centres, shops, museums and the Pastoral Centre of Paul VI.
Religious Articles Shops
There are numerous religious articles shops and liturgical supply shops around the Shrine.
You want to make sure you get good quality items with significance, so we recommend buying your articles in the Official Shops of the Sanctuary.
Alternatively, there are many shops that offer good quality articles around the Sanctuary. Look for shops with more religious articles than generic souvenirs with clear, visible prices and made in Portugal.
Be Prepared for Walking
The sanctuary area is much larger than many visitors expect, with wide open spaces between the basilicas and chapels.
A visit often involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended. If you plan to visit nearby places like Aljustrel or Valinhos, you should allow extra time and energy.
Dress Code in Fátima
There is no strict dress code in Fátima, however visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when entering the basilicas and chapels.
During the summer months, temperatures can be high, so light and comfortable clothing is advisable.
Other Things to Do Near Fátima
There are several places worth visiting around Fátima outside of the Sanctuary area, such as:
- Grutas da Moeda: limestone caves
- Grutas de Mira de Aire: largest caves in Portugal
- Ourém Castle: medieval castle overlooking the historic village with narrow streets
Frequently Asked Questions
ÓBIDOS
Welcome to our Óbidos FAQ! Here, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about this enchanting medieval town. If you have questions that are not addressed here, feel free to contact us directly.
A day trip to Óbidos can be a rich and fulfilling experience. Here are the best ways to make the most of your visit:
- Porta da Vila: Begin your journey at the main gate, adorned with beautiful azulejos (tiles).
- Stroll through medieval streets: Wander through cobblestone streets, taking in the charming whitewashed houses adorned with flowers.
- Visit Óbidos Castle: Explore the historic castle and its walls for panoramic views.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: Indulge in traditional Portuguese dishes at the town’s cafes and restaurants.
- Taste Ginjinha: Don’t miss the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in chocolate cups.
- Explore Artisan Shops: Discover local crafts and souvenirs in boutique shops.
- Visit Historical Churches: Explore the beautiful and historic churches, such as Santa Maria and São Pedro.
- Attend a Festival: If timing allows, experience one of Óbidos’ many cultural festivals, like the Medieval Festival or the Chocolate Festival.
- Capture the Moments: Bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery and charming details of Óbidos.
From exploring Óbido’s medieval streets and historic castle to tasting delicacies and Ginjinha, every moment invites discovering something new. Enjoy your visit and create lasting memories in this enchanting town!
The Óbidos Medieval Festival is typically held in July. During this event, the town transforms with medieval markets, jousting tournaments, and reenactments. Visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls, craft displays, and live entertainment that recreate the ambiance of the medieval period. This festival is a highlight for anyone interested in history and immersive cultural experiences.
Must-visit historical sites in Óbidos include the Óbidos Castle, which now houses a luxury hotel, the beautifully decorated Santa Maria Church, and the quaint São Pedro Church.
The local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, is a must-try when visiting Óbidos. It is typically served in small chocolate cups, adding a delicious twist to this sweet and tangy drink. You can find Ginjinha at various cafes and specialty shops throughout the town, especially along the main street, Rua Direita. Additionally, all of the tours offered by Portuguese For a Day (Óbidos, Ericeira, and Mafra Tour; Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Tour; Customized Tour) include a tasting of this delightful liqueur.
Óbidos offers a variety of cultural experiences, including visiting local art galleries, participating in craft workshops, and attending traditional festivals such as the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival and the Christmas Market. These events and activities provide insights into the town’s rich cultural heritage and artistic community.
Local cuisine in Óbidos includes dishes like Caldeirada (fish stew), traditional pastries such as Pastéis de Nata, and regional wines. Many cafes and restaurants in Óbidos offer these specialties, providing a taste of local flavors. Don’t forget to try the local Ginjinha liqueur as well.
Óbidos offers several family-friendly activities, including exploring the town’s medieval walls, visiting the small museums, and participating in festivals that cater to all ages. With its festive decorations and activities, the Christmas Market is particularly popular with families.
Booking a tour to Óbidos with Portuguese For a Day is easy and offers several options to suit your preferences. You can choose from three main tour options:
- Óbidos, Ericeira, and Mafra Tour: Explore the medieval town along with the coastal charm of Ericeira and the historical significance of Mafra.
- Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Private Tour: Combine the spiritual visit to Fátima, the beachside beauty of Nazaré, and the medieval allure of Óbidos.
- Customize Your Tour: Fully personalize your tour, choosing the locations, duration, and number of participants (up to 8). This option allows you to tailor the experience to your exact preferences.
Additionally, we offer more options for private tours in Lisbon and other regions. Choose the option that best fits your interests and enjoy a memorable visit to Portugal with Portuguese For a Day!
Our local expert guides offer personalized insights into the town’s history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. We provide several tour options, including fully customizable tours, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Each tour includes unique experiences, like tasting the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
Join us for an immersive and hassle-free journey through this enchanting medieval town, making your visit unforgettable!
Please access our FAQ page or contact us if you have any doubts.
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