Santarém · Portugal

Fátima and Tomar

The Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage centers in the world, and Tomar, a Templar town with the Convento de Cristo, a World Heritage site.

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In the photo: Convento de Cristo, Tomar

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Fátima and Tomar are in the Santarém district in central Portugal, about 35 km apart. Together they form a route of faith and history a little over an hour from Lisbon.

Fátima is known for the apparitions of Our Lady to three shepherd children in 1917. The sanctuary includes the Capelinha das Aparições, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three little shepherds are buried, and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Nearby is Aljustrel, the village where they lived.

Tomar was founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Above the town, the Convento de Cristo houses the Templar castle, the Charola, a 12th-century round church, and Renaissance cloisters, a World Heritage ensemble since 1983. In the center, the Sinagoga de Tomar is one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal.

Major pilgrimages usually take place on the 12th and 13th of each month from May to October, with the biggest in May and October.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Fátima, Tomar.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Fátima and Tomar is

Contornos: Direção-Geral do Território, CAOP 2025, CC BY 4.0. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Fátima and Tomar

✈ Aeroporto Humberto Delgado (LIS), in Lisboa · 130 km to Fátima

The nearest airport is Lisbon (LIS), about 130 km from Fátima. Confirm before booking. Direct buses link Lisbon to Fátima, and trains connect Lisbon to Tomar.

Suggested arrival point: Fátima

Santarém · Fátima and Tomar Suggested arrival point

Fátima

Town in the municipality of Ourém that grew around the Sanctuary of Fátima, where in 1917 three shepherd children said they saw Our Lady. The sanctuary includes the Capelinha das Aparições, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. About 2 km away is Aljustrel, the birthplace village of the little shepherds.

Santarém · Fátima and Tomar

Tomar

City on the banks of the rio Nabão founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Above it stands the Convento de Cristo, a World Heritage site, with the castle, the Charola and Renaissance cloisters. The historic center has the Praça da República, the Igreja de São João Batista and the Sinagoga de Tomar, one of the oldest in Portugal. Every four years the city holds the Festa dos Tabuleiros.

The local experience

Things to do in Fátima and Tomar

Tomar · Santarém · Monastery

Convento de Cristo

12th-century Templar castle that became the seat of the Ordem de Cristo, with the Charola, a round church, the Manueline Chapter window and Renaissance cloisters. World Heritage since 1983.

Fátima · Santarém · Sanctuary

Santuário de Fátima

One of the largest Catholic pilgrimage centers in the world, featuring the Capelinha das Aparições, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three little shepherds are buried, and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.

Fátima · Santarém · Village

Aljustrel e os Valinhos

Village about 2 km from the sanctuary where the three shepherd children were born, with the houses of Lúcia and of Francisco and Jacinta open to visitors. The route there passes through the Valinhos and along the Via-Sacra.

Tomar · Santarém · Monument

Sinagoga de Tomar

15th-century synagogue in the historic center, one of the oldest in Portugal, with a vaulted hall supported by columns. It houses the Museu Luso-Hebraico Abraão Zacuto.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From April to October the weather is usually pleasant. Major pilgrimages to Fátima take place on May 12–13 and in October, with the sanctuary very crowded. In Tomar, the Festa dos Tabuleiros is held every four years in July. Winter is cold and rainy.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day is enough for the Sanctuary of Fátima and Aljustrel; another day for Tomar. Pilgrims typically stay two or three days in Fátima.

Which city to stay in

Fátima has many accommodations around the sanctuary, from religious guesthouses to hotels, and it fills up on major pilgrimage days. Tomar has lodging in the historic center near the Nabão River and is quieter.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Fátima and Tomar

When are the major pilgrimages to Fátima?

On the 12th and 13th of each month from May to October, with the largest events in May and October.

Can you do Fátima and Tomar in the same day?

Yes, by car: it's about 35 km. Without a car there are buses between the two, but schedules are sparse.

Do you need a car?

Not for the sanctuary, which is within walking distance from Fátima's center. For Aljustrel, Tomar and Batalha, a car makes travel easier.

What's the best time to go?

Spring and autumn are usually pleasant. On May 12–13 and in October, Fátima gets very crowded.

Rotas entre países

Fátima and Tomar is on the Caminho Português to Santiago on foot

On foot from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela: the pilgrimage route that starts in Lisboa or Porto, follows the yellow arrows and ends at the praça do Obradoiro.