Top 5 Pilgrimages to Fátima, Portugal

For Catholics around the world, Fátima is one of the most significant Marian pilgrimage destinations of the modern era. Located in central Portugal, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima draws pilgrims seeking prayer, conversion, healing, and a deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For travelers from the United States, a pilgrimage to Fátima may be undertaken as a focused journey through Portugal or as part of a longer pilgrimage that combines Fátima with Lourdes, Santiago de Compostela, and other important Catholic sites in Spain and France.

The events associated with Fátima began before the Marian apparitions themselves. In 1916, three shepherd children—Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—reported three apparitions of the Angel of Portugal. The Angel called the children to prayer, sacrifice, and adoration, preparing them for what would follow the next year.

On May 13, 1917, the three children reported seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Cova da Iria, near the village of Fátima. The Lady asked them to return on the thirteenth day of each month for six consecutive months and called them to pray the Rosary for peace.

The apparitions continued through the summer and autumn of 1917. During the July apparition, the children received what became known as the Secret of Fátima, closely associated with themes of sin, conversion, the suffering of the Church, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Because the children were detained by local authorities on August 13, the August apparition took place several days later, on August 19, at Valinhos.

The final apparition occurred on October 13, 1917. Before a vast gathering of witnesses, the Lady identified herself as the Lady of the Rosary and asked that a chapel be built in her honor. The events of that day became closely associated with what is popularly known as the Miracle of the Sun.

The apparitions were formally recognized by the Church in 1930. Today, the Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the world's great Marian centers of pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage to Fátima offers both formal liturgical experiences and quiet opportunities for personal prayer. The heart of the Sanctuary is the Chapel of the Apparitions, built at the place associated with five of the six Marian apparitions.

Pilgrims may also visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three shepherd children are buried, as well as the larger Basilica of the Holy Trinity.

Beyond the Sanctuary itself, many itineraries include:

Aljustrel, the village where the three shepherd children lived.

Valinhos, the site associated with the August 1917 apparition.

Loca do Cabeço, associated with the apparitions of the Angel of Portugal.

Santarém, where many Catholic tours stop to visit the site associated with Portugal's famous Eucharistic miracle.

For many pilgrims, the evening Rosary and candlelight procession are among the most memorable experiences of the journey.

Fátima can be visited throughout the year, but spring and fall are especially popular times for organized pilgrimages. The most significant annual celebrations occur around May 12–13 and October 12–13, marking the dates associated with the apparitions. These periods can be especially meaningful but also attract larger crowds.

Travelers seeking a somewhat quieter experience may prefer other weeks in April, May, September, or October. Summer departures are also available, although temperatures and crowds can be greater.

April 6–17, 2027

12 days

Departure: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

This extensive pilgrimage begins in Portugal and travels through Spain and France. The itinerary includes Lisbon, Santarém, Fátima, Santiago de Compostela, Santander, Loyola, Lourdes, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Montserrat.

Pilgrims spend time at the Sanctuary of Fátima, including the Basilica and the Chapel of the Apparitions. The program also visits Valinhos and Aljustrel, allowing travelers to encounter the places most closely associated with the lives of Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Evening Rosary and candlelight processions are included during the Fátima stay.

View the April 2027 Noelette Tours pilgrimage

Best for: Pilgrims in the Southeast who appreciate a departure from Charlotte and want to combine Fátima with Lourdes and major Spanish shrines.

April 12–23, 2027

12 days

Departure: Newark Liberty International Airport

A second 2027 departure follows a similar route through Portugal, Spain, and France, beginning in Lisbon and continuing through Fátima before traveling to Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain, Lourdes, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Montserrat.

The Fátima portion includes the Shrine, the Chapel of the Apparitions, Valinhos, Aljustrel, and opportunities to participate in the Rosary and candlelight procession.

View the April 2027 Newark departure

Best for: Pilgrims in the Northeast who want a comprehensive Marian pilgrimage with a convenient U.S. departure point.

March 6, 2027

9 days

Departure: Knoxville

Unitours offers a relatively compact Marian pilgrimage visiting Lisbon, Fátima, Valladolid, Burgos, Lourdes, Zaragoza, and Madrid.

This itinerary is especially appealing to travelers who want to visit both Fátima and Lourdes without undertaking a two-week journey. The program combines Portugal's Marian shrine with important Catholic destinations in Spain and France.

View Unitours pilgrimages to Portugal and Fátima

Best for: Pilgrims seeking a shorter itinerary that still includes two of Europe's most important Marian shrines.

April 5, 2027

10 days

Departure: Jacksonville

This pilgrimage visits Madrid, Ávila, Salamanca, Segovia, Fátima, Santarém, and Lisbon.

Unlike a broader Marian-shrines itinerary, this journey allows travelers to focus more deeply on Portugal and Spain. The inclusion of Ávila provides an opportunity to encounter the spiritual legacy of St. Teresa of Ávila, while the Portuguese portion centers on Fátima and Santarém.

Explore Unitours Portugal pilgrimage options

Best for: Catholics interested in combining Fátima with the saints and spiritual heritage of Spain and Portugal.

September 27, 2027

11 days

Departure: Memphis

For pilgrims who prefer autumn travel, Unitours lists an 11-day pilgrimage visiting Lisbon, Fátima, Santiago de Compostela, Santander, Lourdes, Zaragoza, Montserrat, and Barcelona.

This itinerary offers a broad experience of Catholic Iberia before continuing to Lourdes. It is a strong option for travelers who want Fátima to serve as the beginning of a larger journey through some of Europe's most celebrated pilgrimage destinations.

View Unitours Catholic pilgrimages to Portugal and Fátima

Best for: Pilgrims seeking a fall departure and a longer multi-country Marian journey.

A pilgrimage to Fátima is ultimately more than a historical tour. The message associated with the apparitions repeatedly calls the faithful toward prayer, conversion, sacrifice, and trust in God.

For many Catholics, the most meaningful moments in Fátima are the simplest ones: praying the Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, walking quietly through the Sanctuary, visiting the homes of the shepherd children, or joining thousands of pilgrims in prayer during an evening procession.

The best itinerary is not necessarily the one that visits the greatest number of countries or shrines. A pilgrim who feels particularly drawn to the message of Fátima may prefer a journey that allows sufficient time for prayer and reflection at the Sanctuary itself.

Before making reservations, travelers should confirm all current details directly with the pilgrimage organizer, including departure airports, final dates, prices, airfare, accommodations, accessibility arrangements, and what is included in the pilgrimage package. Schedules and flight arrangements can change.

But whatever itinerary one chooses, Fátima offers a powerful invitation to step away from ordinary routines, pray more deeply, and reflect on the enduring call of the Gospel: to turn toward God with faith, hope, and a spirit of peace.