Fátima

Pilgrimage site for people from all around the world, Fátima attracts thousands of visitors every year.
It is at Cova da Iria that you'll find the Sanctuary of Fátima, the largest pilgrimage centre in Portugal. It was here that Our Lady of Fátima appeared to the three little shepherds.  

In 1916, an angel appeared before Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta three times. These three children were chosen to transmit a message of peace, and they were asked to pray. One year later, on 13 May 1917, these visits culminated in the apparition of Our Lady of Fátima. The apparitions would continue in the following months, always on the same day and at the same time, although in different places. The last apparition was recorded on 13 October, this time in the presence of more than 70,000 people.

Cova da Iria was soon to become a pilgrimage point for all catholics. And it was on this site that the Sanctuary of Fátima was built, which today incorporates different infrastructures - the Basílica, consecrated in 1954, the Prayer Area, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Nossa Senhora das Dores House of Retreat, the Nossa Senhora do Carmo House of Retreat and the Paulo VI Pastoral Centre.

Around 6 million people from all over the world visit the sanctuary every year. 13 May and 13 October are dates which are particularly important, as they celebrate the first and last apparition of Our Lady. During these periods, pilgrims flock to Fátima while also visiting other attractions in the region. Examples of these attractions include the Mira de Aire Grottos, the largest in Portugal and elected  as one of the 7 Natural Marvels of the country in 2010, and the Nature Reserve of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains where unique fossils and 175 million year old dinosaur footprints can be seen.

Natural, historic and religious heritage of immense importance make the Fátima region a top tourist destination.

Discover this region and stay at one of the many hotels in Fatima or the north which we have selected for you.