The sanctuary, the monastery of victory, the giant waves and the walled town.
Central Portugal in a single day, with four very different stops: the sanctuary of Fátima, the Gothic monastery of Batalha, the fishing town of Nazaré and the walls of Óbidos in the late afternoon. It is a long day, but your driver drives and you rest between stops. For anyone who wants to see a lot without changing hotels.
The day, stop by stop
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Santuário de Fátima
The Sanctuary of Fátima grew from the apparitions reported by three shepherd children in 1917 and is now one of the great places of Catholic pilgrimage. The vast esplanade holds the Chapel of the Apparitions, the basilica where the three children are buried and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Even for non-believers, the scale and the silence are striking. Entry is free. Respect the services in progress, dress modestly and, if you dislike crowds, avoid the 12th and 13th of each month from May to October.
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Mosteiro da Batalha
Batalha monastery was built by King João I to keep a vow made before the battle of Aljubarrota, and it is a World Heritage Site. The Gothic church is tall and full of light, and beside it is the Founder's Chapel, with the tomb of the king and Philippa of Lancaster. The Unfinished Chapels, open to the sky, were never completed. Entry is paid separately. Look closely at the lace-like stonework of the doorways, and come in the morning, when light pours through the stained glass.
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Nazaré
Nazaré is split between the beach, with white houses along the sand, and the Sítio, on top of the cliff, linked by a funicular. Down below you still see fish drying in the sun and, now and then, women wearing the traditional seven skirts. Up top are the sanctuary and a viewpoint over the whole town and bay. At lunch, try grilled fish or a fish stew, paid separately. Your driver takes you up to the Sítio and collects you below, by the beach.
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Óbidos
Óbidos is a medieval town enclosed by its walls, with white houses trimmed in blue and yellow, flowers at the windows and the castle at the top. You can walk along the top of the walls, which have no handrail, and step into the Livraria de Santiago, a bookshop set in a former church. Since 2015 it has been a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Try ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, paid separately. Arrive early, before the groups, and explore the side lanes.
The essentials
- Duration
- 9 h · Full day
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Anyone who wants central Portugal in one day.