Fátima: Day Trips and Tours from Porto

A highly sacred site tucked away in the central Portuguese countryside, the captivating town of Fátima entices travelers to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and cultural discovery.

At its core, Fátima's historical Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary stands as a focal point of pilgrimage, not to mention a highlight for architecture buffs.

And with so many Fátima day trips from Porto departing on a daily basis, getting to this remarkable destination has never been easier.

Here's all you need to know about Fátima, one of the most exciting day trips from Porto.

How do I get to Fátima From Porto?

Fátima is situated in the heart of Portugal, in the Santarém District of the Leiria municipality. It sits about halfway between Lisbon and Porto in the central-western part of the country.

By car

To reach Fátima from Porto by car, simply take the A1 motorway southbound to the João XXIII (Exit 8) junction. From here, turn left and you'll be in Fátima within minutes.

The entire drive is just under 200 kilometers and 2 hours each way.

By public transport

• Bus: The fastest option is to take a bus with companies like FlixBus or Rede Expressos. The journey will be a around 2 hours each way and, if booked in advance, can cost less than 10 euros.
• Train: Alternatively, you can take a train with Comboios de Portugal. Due to the stops on the way, the train takes a little longer than the bus – upwards of 2.5 hours.

On a guided tour

The most popular and hassle-free way to get to Fátima from Porto is with a guided tour. In addition to comfortable transport, the day trip will also include experienced and knowledgeable guides that can show you around the town's attractions.

What is the typical itinerary?

You will be whisked away – either from your hotel or a predefined meeting point – in a car or bus down to Fátima. Along the way, your tour guide will provide you with interesting facts and stories about Portugal's history and culture.

When you arrive in Fátima, you'll be given several hours to explore its famous sites. Typically, the first stop is the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, which is the most important religious site in Portugal.

After checking it out, you'll be free to explore other attractions in Fátima such as the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, the Grutas da Moeda cave system, or the Museu de Cera.

Thanks to their proximity, most guided tours will also include stops in the neighboring town of Coimbra, a riverfront village known for its impressive university and historic chapels.

At the end of your day trip, you'll be driven back Porto.

What are the best Fátima tours from Porto?

Guided full day tour from Porto to Fátima and Coimbra

• Price: From €69 per person
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Transportation, tour guide and entrance tickets
• Languages available: English, Portuguese, French, Spanish

The most budget-friendly and most popular way to visit Fátima from Porto is on a small guided group tour. On these tours, you will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning and driven down south with a small group of fellow curious travelers.

In addition to seeing the main attractions in Fátima, on this full-day trip, you'll also have a couple hours to wander around the charming city of Coimbra.

Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all the interesting stories about Portugal's history and culture as you check off the main attractions in both locations.

Private tour to Fátima and Coimbra from Porto

• Price: From €120 per person (depending on group size)
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Private transportation, tour guide and lunch
• Languages available: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish

Suited to small groups, families and couples looking for a more intimate and personalized experience, private tours to Fátima from Porto will give you the freedom to customize your own itinerary.

Your driver-guide will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Porto and take you on a guided tour of the famous religious city. Most Fátima private tours also stop in Coimbra.

Day tour to Lisbon from Porto through Fátima

• Price: From €120 per person (depending on group size)
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Transportation, pickup and drop-off, tour guide and water
• Languages available: English, Portuguese, Spanish

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon boasts a myriad of sights and attractions that make it a must-see during any trip to this Mediterranean nation.

On this full-day tour from Porto, you'll get the opportunity to explore both Fátima and Lisbon back to back. In Lisbon, you can soak in the views from the Portas de Sol viewpoint, stroll around the Alfama neighborhood's picturesque streets and visit the iconic Belém Tower.

Depending on the tour you book, there may also be a stop in Óbidos, Aveiro and Nazaré. These tours are usually one-way, and it's a really efficient way to see more of Portugal on your way south, to the capital.

How much do these tours cost?

The price of a Fátima tour from Porto depends on the type of tour you choose but start at around €70 per person.

Private tours are typically more expensive, starting from €120 per person up to €550 per vehicle, not per person.

What will I see and do?

Every Porto to Fátima tour follows a slightly different itinerary. However, most of them will see the following places

The Sanctuary of Our Lady in Fátima

A site of religious significance, the Sanctuary dates back to 1917, when three Portuguese children reported encounters with the Virgin Mary. Over a century later, it remains one of the most important sites for Catholic faith.

The Little Shepherds Houses

Found in the small village of Aljustrel, just a few minutes drive from the aforementioned Sanctuary of Fátima, this is where the three child shepherds, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and Lucia dos Santos, once lived. Now, it's a museum, showing what life was like at the beginning of the 20th century.

Coimbra

Coimbra is Portugal's most renowned university town, home to one of the world’s oldest universities – operating since 1290. Thanks to its proximity to Fátima, it's often combined as a two-town day trip from Porto.

Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe's most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. The city itself is packed with cultural attractions including some of Europe's oldest churches and cathedrals.

Other nearby towns

Depending on the tour, it's possible to visit other nearby towns such as Óbidos, Aveiro and Nazaré on the same day.

Óbidos is a charming, walled medieval village home to cobbled streets and unique local shops; Aveiro is known for its canals and ornate tiles; and Nazaré offers stunning beaches.

When is the best time to visit Fátima?

If your primary interest is to participate in the religious events, you should visit on May 13th and October 13th, when the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children occured, in 1917.

The best time in terms of weather is during the Spring and early Autumn if you want to avoid the major crowds but still want a good experience.

Are there any tours to the Fátima from other cities in Portugal?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Portugal:

• Day Trips to Fátima from Lisbon
• Day Trips to Fátima from Coimbra

Travel tips

• Start your day as early as possible to ensure you have ample time to explore Fátima.
• If you're interested, you can walk the Via Sacra or the Hungarian Calvary, both of which are pilgrimage paths in Fátima.
• Dress modestly when visiting, out of respect for the religious significance of the location.
• While there are several restaurants and cafes around the sanctuary, they can get crowded. Consider packing some snacks or having a breakfast in Porto to keep you energized.