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When to Visit

A visit to Fatima for most people is a religious event. Most of the pilgrims come here from May to October, which is associated not only with the weather but also with several religious events on the 13th of every month.

One of the most important moments in the celebrations is the Candlelight Procession, which takes place on May 12th. Thousands of believers with lit candles fill the area of the Sanctuary of Fatima, bringing an atmosphere of hope and harmony to this place. The farewell procession the next day, May 13th, makes an equally strong impression.

Like almost the entire territory of Portugal, the climate in Fatima is Mediterranean. In summer it is hot and without precipitation, in winter it is not very cold, but rainy, and high humidity prevails. The average annual temperature is 21 degrees. There are 257 dry days a year.

The maximum average air temperature in summer is 30 degrees. The minimum average temperature in winter is 13°C during the day and 6°C at night.

Getting Around

Fatima is rather small, and both pilgrims and average tourists come around it on foot. If you arrive in Santuário de Fátima not as a believer, but as a tourist, then up to 2 hours will be enough to explore the place and take a short photo report. 

To walk around and see all the most significant places of Fatime it's highly recommended to prepare the most comfortable shoes for long walks.

The transportation options are limited, but still available. There is taxi service for longer distances or in case you want to visit the surrounding sightseeings. For most non-religious visitors who come here for a few days it can be an exciting adventure to explore the town and its outskirts on bike. Buses from the local bus station offer routes to nearby towns, making them a convenient option for backpackers.

Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Fatima if you consider a few simple Fatima travel tips:

1. How to make the first trip to Fatima unforgettable?

Fatima, the Portuguese city of wonders, is one of the three most important sites for Catholics in Europe, just behind the Vatican and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

Visits to Fatima can be arranged as an organized day trip from Porto or Lisbon

It is part of Portugal's deep culture and the knowledge that the country itself would not be complete without a visit to its holiest site.

It is worth noting that even if your visit to Fatima falls in the late evening, it is a great idea as you can see Fatima Lisbon attractions in an unusual way. At night the illumination is lit and the temples look no less beautiful. From October to April, after 20:00, a spectacular candlelight procession takes place on the square every day. There is an information stand where you can find out the schedule for the day near the chapel.

2. What is a list of Fatima hidden gems?

Fatima is not only a religious spot. Two kilometers from it are the famous underground caves, which are part of the surrounding limestone massif. They were discovered in 1971 by two hunters chasing a fox. This place can't be called the most interesting in the world, but the experience of visiting some natural wonders will be valuable. It will be possible to descend to a depth of 45 m and walk along an underground path 350 meters long, looking at the beautifully illuminated halls, waterfalls, and reservoirs.

If you are in Fatima in the summer, the caves will be like an oasis in the heat as it is always 18°C there, and there is a decent cafe where you can have a snack. In the store you can buy liquor or wine, and, of course, souvenirs.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Fatima?

The national cuisine of this part of the country is well-known throughout Europe. First of all, these are cod dishes, which in Portugal are called bacalhau. It is prepared in a variety of ways with legumes and sausages, added as a filling to pies, and you can even find pasties with cod.

If you want to try a delicious sandwich in Portugal, try Bifanas! This sandwich is filled with juicy marinated pork, usually served on a fresh, crispy white baguette. The marinade recipe changes constantly, but common spices include white wine, pepper, and garlic, keeping the pork moist and flavorful. Many restaurants will offer a sandwich with fried potatoes. You can add different toppings to the sandwich, such as egg, lettuce, or tomato, but if you like the authentic taste, just go for pork.