Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos
Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
fátima - batalha - nazaré - óbidos
- (Máx. Group of 8 People per Vehicle.)
Duration
8 Hours
Tour Type
Group
Group Size
Máx. 8px/vehicle
Pickup & Drop-off
Lisbon city centre (outside centre on request)
Main highlights
Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Óbidos
Price
€84 per person
Rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
based on +3.000 reviews
Tour Details
This guided small-group day trip from Lisbon departs at 08:30 and covers four destinations in 8 hours: the Fátima Sanctuary – where six Marian apparitions were reported between 13 May and 13 October 1917 and where the Basilica of the Holy Trinity (consecrated 2007) seats 8,633 worshippers – the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (reference 264, inscribed 1983) built over 131 years to honour the Battle of Aljubarrota (14 August 1385); Nazaré, where Sebastian Steudtner surfed the world-record 28.57 m wave at Praia do Norte on 29 October 2020, produced by the Nazaré Canyon – the largest submarine canyon in Europe, approximately 5,000 m deep; and Óbidos, a medieval walled town in Moorish possession until 1148, designated UNESCO City of Literature in 2015.
Maximum group size is 8 people per vehicle. Price: €84 per person. Hotel pickup included in Lisbon city centre. Tours available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Why Choose a Guided Small-Group Tour
A guided small-group tour places a maximum of 8 passengers in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. There are no crowded coaches, no waiting for large groups to reboard, and the guide accompanies the group throughout all four destinations — providing historical, architectural, and cultural context at each stop. This format is well suited to solo travellers, couples, and small parties who want structured, knowledgeable commentary and reliable transport across multiple destinations in a single day.
The itinerary is fixed and departure is at 08:30 – the logistics are handled, and the group format means you share the experience alongside other travellers from different parts of the world. The €84 per-person price is fixed regardless of party size.
At €84 per person with hotel pickup included, this tour compares favourably with individual transport to Fátima alone: a taxi from Lisbon to Fátima costs approximately €120–150 one way, without a guide or the three additional destinations. The bus from Lisbon (Rede Expressos, Sete Rios terminal) reaches Fátima in approximately 1h45 and covers only the single stop.
Tips for Visiting Fátima
Arrive before 09:30 on weekdays. Spanish and other European pilgrimage coaches typically arrive between 10:30 and 11:00, filling the esplanade of 540 m length. A 09:00 arrival means 30–45 minutes of relative quiet at the Chapel of the Apparitions and the main basilica.
Dress code is mandatory inside the basilicas. The Chapel of the Apparitions and both basilicas require shoulders and knees to be covered. A light scarf packed in a day bag resolves this in seconds. The guide keeps spare scarves in the vehicle for guests who need them.
Entry to the Sanctuary is free. Unlike Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, the entire Fátima Sanctuary complex – the esplanade, Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Basilica of the Holy Trinity — is free to enter. There are no tickets to book in advance.
13 May and 13 October – plan ahead. These dates mark the anniversary of the first and final 1917 apparitions. Between 300,000 and 500,000 pilgrims attend on those days. The tour operates, the guide navigates alternative access routes, and the atmosphere is unique. If these dates are your target, book 4–6 weeks in advance. If you want a quieter visit, avoid the three days either side of these dates.
The Sanctuary is not only for Catholics. The guide presents the 1917 apparitions in historical, sociological, and religious context, covering the Vatican recognition process, the eyewitness accounts (approximately 70,000 witnesses to the Miracle of the Sun on 13 October 1917), and the architectural development of the complex. The tour is appropriate for travellers of all faiths and none.
After pick-up in Lisbon at your accommodation, we begin our journey directly to Fátima. On the way, enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Ribatejo, with its vast plains, green fields, and fertile agricultural zones like the Lezíria.
Fátima – The Sanctuary
We begin our visit in Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations. Fátima is a parish town in the municipality of Ourém, Santarém district, 130 km north of Lisbon. Before 1917 it was an agricultural village of a few hundred residents. Today the Sanctuary draws approximately 6 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world alongside Lourdes (France) and Guadalupe (Mexico).
The 1917 Apparitions – between 13 May and 13 October 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children at a pasture called Cova da Iria, approximately 1.5 km from the village centre. The children were Lúcia dos Santos (born 22 March 1907) and her cousins Francisco Marto (born 11 June 1908) and Jacinta Marto (born 11 March 1910). The final apparition on 13 October 1917 was witnessed by approximately 70,000 people, who reported seeing the sun spin, change colour, and move toward the earth – the event recorded in secular Portuguese press as the Miracle of the Sun. The apparitions were declared “worthy of belief” by Bishop José Alves Correia da Silva on 13 October 1930. Francisco and Jacinta Marto were canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017, during the centenary of the first apparition.
The Sanctuary Complex
Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições): A covered structure built in 1919 on the precise spot of the Cova da Iria. The original chapel was demolished by opponents in 1922 and rebuilt. The current canopied enclosure is the centre of the esplanade.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Built 1928–1953, Neoclassical style, 65 m tower. The tombs of Francisco and Jacinta Marto are inside.
Basilica of the Holy Trinity: Consecrated 12 October 2007. Designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis. Capacity approximately 8,633 seated worshippers, making it one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. The entrance mosaic covers 4,500 m². The Sanctuary esplanade measures approximately 540 m in length – longer than St. Peter’s Square in Rome (320 m). On the main pilgrimage dates, the esplanade is impassable except on foot.
Batalha
The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória – known universally as Batalha Monastery – is located 12 km northeast of Fátima. UNESCO World Heritage Site, reference 264, inscribed 1983.
Historical Foundation – Commissioned by King João I following the Battle of Aljubarrota on 14 August 1385, in which a Portuguese army of approximately 6,500 troops defeated a Castilian force of approximately 32,000, securing Portuguese independence from Castile and establishing the House of Aviz as the ruling dynasty. Construction ran from 1386 to 1517 — 131 years, six monarchs. Leading architects: Afonso Domingues (main church), David Huguet (Founder’s Chapel), Mateus Fernandes (Unfinished Chapels – Manueline style).
Key Spaces:
Founder’s Chapel: Octagonal mausoleum containing the side-by-side tombs of João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster (daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster), holding hands – one of the most notable royal effigies in Portuguese sculpture. Henry the Navigator is buried in the surrounding chapels.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Inaugurated 15 May 1921. Contains remains of two Portuguese soldiers, one from World War I (Western Front, France) and one from the colonial campaigns (Mozambique).
Unfinished Chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas): Seven octagonal chapels commissioned by King Duarte I (r. 1433–1438), never roofed. The doorway arch, decorated with Manueline carvings by Mateus Fernandes, is considered one of the finest examples of the style.
Nazaré
Nazaré is an Atlantic coastal town of approximately 15,000 residents on the Atlantic coast, 22 km west of Batalha. It consists of three areas: the lower beach town (Praia), the upper village (Sítio) at 110 m altitude, and the newer residential area (Pederneira).
The Nazaré Canyon and World-Record Waves – Extreme surf conditions at Praia do Norte are produced by the Nazaré Canyon – the largest submarine canyon in Europe, approximately 230 km long and 5,000 m deep. When Atlantic swells travel from deep water into the canyon and then onto the coastal shelf, wave energy is amplified, producing heights unattainable on standard beaches.
Garrett McNamara (USA): Surfed a 23.77 m wave on 1 November 2011 – Guinness World Record at the time.
Sebastian Steudtner (Germany): Surfed a 28.57 m (93.7 ft) wave on 29 October 2020 – certified by Guinness World Records in October 2021 as the current world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Big-wave season at Nazaré runs October to March, peak December–February. Summer months (June–September) see negligible surf.
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo and Sítio – The viewing point at Sítio is anchored by Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, built in 1577 under King Sebastião I as a watchtower against Moorish pirates. From the miradouro, Praia do Norte is visible 200 m below. The upper village (Sítio) is connected to the lower beach by a funicular built in 1889: 318 m long, 42% gradient – one of the steepest in Portugal. Traditional women of Sítio historically wore seven skirts simultaneously, a practice connected to fishing culture. The tradition is maintained for cultural events and photography.
Óbidos
Óbidos is a medieval walled town of approximately 11,700 residents, 37 km south of Nazaré and 85 km north of Lisbon, on a hill surrounded by Moorish-origin walls reinforced after the Portuguese reconquest in 1148.
Medieval History In Moorish possession until 1148, when Afonso Henriques captured it during the Reconquista. The castle (Castelo de Óbidos) dates from the 11th–12th century Moorish period, substantially rebuilt by King Dinis I (r. 1279–1325). From the 13th century, Portuguese kings gifted Óbidos to their queens as a royal *dote* (dowry property) – a tradition that preserved the town’s architectural character across centuries. The Porta da Vila – the main entry gate – is lined with 18th-century azulejo tiles depicting the Passion of Christ, installed during the reign of King João V (r. 1706–1750). The cobbled main street, Rua Direita, runs the length of the walled town.
UNESCO City of Literature – Designated on 21 October 2015 – the first UNESCO Creative Cities Network City of Literature in Portugal – recognised for its concentration of bookshops, literary festivals, and cultural programming relative to its small population. The annual Folio literary festival takes place in October.
Ginjinha de Óbidos – The cherry liqueur unique to Óbidos is served in an edible chocolate cup – a local tradition that distinguishes it from the Ginjinha served in Lisbon. The chocolate cup is consumed after the liqueur. Shops along Rua Direita sell individual cups for approximately €2–4.
Return to Lisbon
At the end of this day, we return comfortably to Lisbon, arriving approximately 17:30–18:00 at your hotel or the agreed drop-off point in the city centre.
In one 8-hour journey, the tour covers 290 km of central Portuguese landscape – from one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, through a Manueline monastery and a world-record surf beach, to a medieval walled town. Four distinct destinations, one vehicle, one fixed price.
What’s Included
- 8-hour guided tour in air-conditioned vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon city centre
- Local Guide in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese
- Mandatory passenger insurance
- Car Fuel, tolls, and parking at all stops
Not included:
- Meals and drinks
- Monument entry tickets
- Tips (optional and appreciated)
Tour Price
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.
contact us and book your tour
Best Time of Year for This Tour
This tour operates year-round. Every season has distinct conditions across the four destinations.
April – June (recommended): Daytime temperatures 17–22°C across the route. Fátima is busy on 13 May (main pilgrimage day) but quieter on surrounding weekdays. Batalha and Óbidos have manageable visitor numbers. Nazaré big-wave season ends in March; Praia do Norte surf is moderate in April, negligible from May. Serra de Leiria (the pine forest belt between Batalha and Nazaré) is lush green after spring rains. Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for May 13.
July – August (peak season): Temperatures 28–35°C in Lisbon, 24–28°C in Fátima and Batalha. Fátima Sanctuary is busiest on weekends. Nazaré beach (Praia Grande) fills with Portuguese families – Praia do Norte is calm (off-season for big waves). Óbidos can be crowded on weekend afternoons. Early 08:30 departure is especially valuable in this period. No specific venue tickets need advance booking (Sanctuary, Óbidos, and Nazaré viewpoints are all free or same-day entry).
September – October (second recommended window): Temperatures 20–26°C, Atlantic light dramatic in late afternoon. Nazaré big-wave season begins in October – if surf is a primary interest, this is the window. The Folio literary festival takes place in Óbidos in October. October 13 is the main autumn pilgrimage day at Fátima (anniversary of the final 1917 apparition); expect 300,000–500,000 pilgrims. Crowds across all four stops are lower than July–August.
November – March (low season): Temperatures 10–17°C; Atlantic winds strong at Nazaré Sítio viewpoint. The Nazaré Canyon peaks December–February – the highest probability of seeing big-wave conditions if timing aligns. Fátima receives far fewer visitors on non-feast-day dates; the esplanade and basilica interiors are quieter than at any other time of year. The Festival Internacional do Chocolate in Óbidos takes place in March. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers; the guide adjusts stop order on rainy days to minimise outdoor exposure.
Private Tour vs Group Tour: What Is the Difference?
Yellow Cab TT Tours offers both private and small-group tours to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos.
The private tour gives you complete flexibility. You travel only with your own group, enjoy hotel pickup in central Lisbon, and can adjust the schedule throughout the day – including how long to spend at the Fátima Sanctuary if pilgrimage interest is a priority. Private tours to Fátima start from €330/vehicle see private page.
The group tour follows a fixed itinerary and schedule, departing at 08:30. Groups are limited to 8 passengers per vehicle. Price: €84 per person.
Tours are conducted in English (Portuguese, Spanish, or French on request when booking).
For families and larger parties, the private tour can offer excellent value. A group of four travelling on the private tour pays €105 per person – a small difference for an exclusive vehicle, a flexible schedule, and a personalised guide throughout.
FAQ
What is included in the €84/person price?
The price covers an 8-hour guided tour in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon city centre, a multilingual guide (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French), and mandatory insurance. Monument entry tickets, lunch, and gratuities are not included.
What destinations does the Fátima group tour from Lisbon visit?
The tour visits four destinations: Fátima Sanctuary (site of six Marian apparitions in 1917, approximately 6 million pilgrims/year, basilica capacity 8,633); Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage reference 264, built 1386–1517); Nazaré (Praia do Norte, world-record 28.57 m wave 2020, Nazaré Canyon 5,000 m deep); and Óbidos (medieval walled town, UNESCO City of Literature 2015).
What time does the group tour depart from Lisbon?
Pickup takes place between 08:30 and 09:00 from your hotel in Lisbon city centre. The exact pickup time is confirmed 24 hours before departure based on the full pickup sequence for the group.
Is the tour suitable for non-Catholic visitors?
Yes. The guide presents Fátima in historical, sociological, and religious context. Approximately 70,000 people witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on 13 October 1917; the Vatican recognition process and architectural development of the Sanctuary are explained. The tour is appropriate for travellers of all faiths and none.
Are monument entry tickets included in the price?
No. Entry to Batalha Monastery (approximately €6) is optional and paid individually. The Fátima Sanctuary, Óbidos town, and all viewpoints are free to enter.
What should I wear to visit the Fátima Sanctuary?
Modest dress is appropriate inside the basilicas and the Chapel of the Apparitions: shoulders and knees should be covered. The esplanade is 540 m long; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A light scarf serves as a versatile cover-up and the guide keeps spares in the vehicle.
Can solo travellers join the Fátima group tour?
Yes. Solo travellers frequently book the group tour. The €84 per-person price applies regardless of party size. The maximum group size is 8 people per vehicle.
Is this tour available on 13 May and 13 October?
Yes. The tour operates on all dates except 1 January, 24 December, 25 December, and 31 December. On 13 May and 13 October — the main pilgrimage dates — crowds at Fátima can reach 300,000–500,000 people. The guide navigates accordingly. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for those dates.
How long do we spend at each destination?
Fátima approximately 90 minutes, Batalha Monastery approximately 45 minutes, Nazaré approximately 60 minutes, Óbidos approximately 45 minutes. Total tour duration including driving and pickup: 8 hours.
What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 8 people per vehicle. The vehicle is an air-conditioned car, not a coach, providing a comfortable, personalised experience with direct access to the guide throughout the day.
Does the tour operate in rain or cold weather?
Yes, year-round. Fátima, Batalha, and Óbidos have significant covered and indoor spaces. The Nazaré viewpoint at Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is exposed to Atlantic weather. Between October and March, bring a waterproof layer and wear layers. Weather does not cancel the tour.
Is lunch included or are there opportunities to eat?
Lunch is not included. Both Nazaré and Óbidos have restaurants near the tour stops. Typical lunch: €10–18 per person at a seafood restaurant in Nazaré; €12–20 in Óbidos. The tour schedule includes time for a sit-down meal at one stop.
Can I taste the Ginjinha de Óbidos on the tour?
Yes. Free time in Óbidos includes the opportunity to try the Ginjinha de Óbidos — a cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup, a tradition unique to this town. Shops on Rua Direita sell individual cups for approximately €1–2.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable, as the vehicle and guide are committed to the tour at that point.
What our guests say
Also Available in Private Tour
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, this tour is also available as a Private Tour — with a car and a tour guide/driver dedicated just to your group. Enjoy the same highlights at your own pace, with full flexibility and personal attention throughout the day.
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