Fátima: One of the World’s Great Pilgrimage Destinations

Every year, millions of faithful from across the globe make their way to the small town of Fátima, in central Portugal, to honour one of the most significant Marian apparitions in Catholic history. The pilgrimage of 12–13 May — marking the anniversary of the first apparition in 1917 — is the most attended event of the year at the Sanctuary, drawing pilgrims of every nationality seeking prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.

The Story Behind May 13th
On 13 May 1917, in the fields of Cova da Iria near Fátima, three young shepherd children — Lúcia dos Santos (aged 9) and her cousins Jacinta (6) and Francisco Marto (8) — witnessed the first apparition of the Virgin Mary. The encounter was the beginning of a series of six apparitions, always on the 13th day of each month, between May and October 1917.
During that first apparition, Our Lady asked the children to return on the 13th of each of the following five months, and to pray the Rosary daily for world peace — a message that still resonates more than a century later.
The apparitions culminated on 13 October 1917, when a crowd estimated at around 70,000 people witnessed what became known as the Miracle of the Sun — an extraordinary solar phenomenon that brought worldwide attention to Fátima and sealed its place as a sacred site.
In 1930, the Bishop of Leiria officially approved the apparitions as worthy of belief. In 2017, on the centenary of the events, Pope Francis canonised Francisco and Jacinta Marto at the Sanctuary, during a gathering that attracted over one million pilgrims.

What Happens on 12 & 13 May
The celebrations unfold over two days, combining candlelight, prayer and procession:
Night of 12 May — Candlelight Procession
After nightfall, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gather in the vast esplanade of the Sanctuary for the iconic Candlelight Procession (Procissão das Velas). Holding lit candles, the faithful walk together in prayer — a deeply moving sight and one of the most atmospheric religious gatherings in Europe.
13 May — International Pilgrimage Mass & “Adeus” Procession
The morning of May 13th centres on the International Pilgrimage Mass, celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The day closes with the “Adeus” (Farewell) Procession, during which the image of Our Lady is carried through the esplanade as pilgrims bid farewell until the next pilgrimage.

The Sanctuary of Fátima — What to Know Before You Visit
Located approximately 130 km north of Lisbon, the Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, welcoming between 5 and 7 million visitors every year.
Key sites within the Sanctuary include:

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary — Built between 1928 and 1953, with a 65-metre tower crowned by a large bronze cross, it is the spiritual heart of the complex.
• Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições) — Built on the exact spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to the children. Open year-round.
• Basilica of the Holy Trinity — A more recent structure inaugurated in 2007, capable of welcoming up to 8,700 people inside.
• Tombs of the Seers — The remains of Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta rest within the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
• Casa dos Pastorinhos (Little Shepherds’ House) — The family home of Francisco and Jacinta in nearby Aljustrel, open to visitors.

Travel to Fátima with a Private Driver

The May pilgrimage brings an extraordinary volume of traffic to the region. Roads around Fátima become heavily congested in the days leading up to and following May 13th. Parking is extremely limited, and public transport options — while available from some cities — do not serve the Sanctuary directly.
Travelling with a dedicated private driver from Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve or any other point in Portugal means:

Door-to-door comfort – picked up and dropped off exactly where you need to be
Flexibility – your schedule, not a fixed timetable
Peace of mind – no parking, no navigation, no stress on unfamiliar roads
Suitable for all group sizes – from solo travellers and couples to families and larger pilgrimage groups

Our fleet includes executive saloons, luxury MPVs and minibuses, all with professional, licensed chauffeurs who know the region well and can adapt to the flow of events on the day.
Whether you are travelling as an individual, a family, a parish group or an organised tour, we can customise the journey to suit your needs — including stops at other sites of interest along the route.