Fátima

Fátima is second only to Lourdes in France as Europe’s most important pilgrimage site, with a history and culture that will fascinate the religious and nonreligious alike. While some Catholics opt to visit during a pilgrimage, you can also visit the town and its religious sites—particularly the Basilica de Fátima—on a day trip from Lisbon or Porto. Choose between a half-day tour to Fátima and a full-day sightseeing tour with stops at other historic points of interest, such as Óbidos, Nazaré, and Batalha. Travelers pressed for time can see the town on a half-day tour.

• Fátima is a must-visit for Catholics and history buffs.

• Day tours from Porto and Lisbon last upwards of 8 hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Conservative dress is recommended, as many of Fátima’s sites are sacred locations for devotees that sometimes ask visitors to cover their shoulders or legs.

• Mass at the basilica is held several times a day.

Fátima is 88 miles (142 kilometers) north of Lisbon. The easiest way to get there is on a guided tour, but it’s also possible to travel independently. You can take a bus from the Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon, which takes 1.5 hours, or the Batalha bus station in Porto, which takes 2 hours. The closest train station is 12 miles (20 kilometers) outside of town, making it a less convenient option.

Fátima sees two major pilgrimages each year, in May and October. During this time, thousands of pilgrims make their way into town, and the city’s hotels and guesthouses fill up, making prebooking a must. Every month on the 12th, there is an international rosary followed by a candlelight procession.

While the religious structures tend to be the most popular attractions at this pilgrimage site, there’s more to do in Fátima. The Fátima Wax Museum offers a history of the town through 31 scenes and more than 100 wax figures, while limestone formations of the Moeda Caves (Grutas da Moeda) are also nearby.