For instance, The Mafra National Palace makes for an exciting detour with its iconic basilica and library. This former convent is one of the largest palaces in Portugal, with impressive Baroque stylings and plenty of unique features to spend a day exploring.

Or, you could visit Obidos, the “Town of Queens,” and explore its whitewashed houses, connected by medieval cobblestone streets and dotted here and there with vibrant blues and yellows. This is one of the most scenic villages in the country, and its hilltop castle offers incredible views and a luxurious hotel. The classic Portuguese painted tiles appear on the main gate, Porta da Vila, and visitors can pass through it to one of the main streets where they can sample chocolate and traditional cherry liquor.

Fatima is most famous for its history of Catholic miracles, specifically apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In 1917, three children aged 10 and under claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary appear while tending to sheep. Then, over the course of several months, the children claimed to have witnessed five additional apparitions during which the Virgin Mary revealed to them several prophecies pertaining to the end of World War I.

The children publicized that the Virgin Mary had promised a miracle for October of that year. On October 13, the children along with a range of visitors who had traveled to witness the religious spectacle, claimed to see what has been denoted the “Miracle of the Sun.”

While accounts vary, it’s said that Fatima experienced a sudden shift from a dark and rainy day to a breakthrough of brilliant sun, dappling the landscape with multicolored lights and instantly drying the clothes of the farmers and visitors as well as the muddy fields.

Now, millions of religious pilgrims visit Fatima each year on the dates of the apparitions, hosting an incredible procession by candlelight and gathering to pray and celebrate. Travelers visiting on the 13th day of each month from May to October can witness the proceedings.

Enjoy sightseeing stops

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a private car service along this route is the option to add on a sightseeing stop or two, especially given the relatively short distance you’ll be traveling. This turns a simple transfer into a relaxed tour of some of the most iconic sights in the country, without requiring you to spend an extra day anywhere.

You can visit Nazare, the old fishing village now infamous for its big-wave surfing and drawing visitors from all over the world. Or, detour to Alcobaca and stroll around one of the most intricate monasteries in Europe, nestled into the heart of this fascinating medieval town.

Prepare for the drive

While a Daytrip private transfer already offers unmatched comfort in a clean, climate-controlled car, you can bring along some items that may make the trip even more enjoyable. Especially if you’ll be doing any sightseeing, consider having some essentials in the car with you separate from the rest of your luggage.

You can bring:

• A reusable water bottle
• Portable snacks (especially for any kids traveling with you!)
• Sunscreen
• Light layers to cover up for religious sites or unexpected weather

Bus from Lisbon to Fatima

The cheapest option for your Lisbon to Fatima transfer is to take the bus, which will cost around $15 (€14) per person and take around 1.5 hours. The journey is direct without any transfers required along the way, but keep in mind that you will need to account for the time and money spent on any additional transport you might need to get from your accommodation in Lisbon to the bus station, as well as to your final destination from the bus station in Fatima.

Train from Lisbon to Fatima

There are direct trains from Lisbon Oriente station to Fatima, but importantly, it terminates at the Chão de Maçãs station which is actually 12.5 miles (20 km) outside of the main town. You will need to take a taxi, bus, or private transfer the rest of the way into town, at which point the entire journey can cost as much as $75 (€69) and take almost 2 hours.

Taxi from Lisbon to Fatima

There are taxis available from Lisbon to Fatima that will take about as long as the bus, but the fare is generally much higher. The average cost for a taxi trip along this route is about $150 (€138), but this can vary depending on your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations in both cities.

Private transfer from Lisbon to Fatima

The best option for many travelers from Lisbon to Fatima is a private car transfer, offering seamless door-to-door service in just under 1.5 hours. With Daytrip, this safe and comfortable transfer starts at $52 (€48) per person.

Your friendly local driver will help you have the best trip possible by assisting you with your luggage and providing insight into the area en route. The convenience of door-to-door transportation makes the private transfer the best choice for families, those with limited mobility, or anyone for whom navigating public transportation can be challenging.

Explore the Coin Caves

These incredible caves are filled with fantastic limestone formations, forming a series of natural galleries that the locals have named for their various distinctive features. There is a science center associated with the caves that teaches visitors more about how the caves are formed, and how these natural formations affect the surrounding people’s lives.

Visit the Basilicas

There are two main Basilicas in Fatima: the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Both are impressive structures with spacious interiors offering a glimpse of the modern Catholic tradition in Fatima. The Most Holy Trinity is a more modern space featuring a unique round construction and amenities for religious pilgrims. Our Lady of the Rosary is said to be one of the largest Marian (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) shrines in the entire world.

Visit the Chapel of Apparitions

Fatima is most notable for the historical apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and many of the attractions in town pertain to these events in the early 20th century. The Chappel of Apparitions was constructed shortly after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the same spot, reportedly at the request of the Virgin Mary herself. It has been a significant pilgrimage site since its first mass in 1921.

Visit the shepherds’ houses

Other popular pilgrimage destinations in Fatima are the original houses of the three children who witnessed the Apparations: Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. The houses are now accessible to the public and are nestled among the small, narrowly winding village streets in a calm sector of town.

A visit here may help travelers to better understand what life would have looked like here in the highlands of Portugal during the early 20th century and offer more information about the apparitions and the lives of the children themselves.

While it is well worth seeing the procession by candlelight and all of the festivities surrounding the apparition dates, keep in mind that these months can get incredibly crowded and the late summer in Portugal can also be hotter than some travelers will enjoy.