Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos Day Trip from Lisbon with Ginja

Summary

Portugal’s shrines, surf cliffs & medieval streets in one day

You’ll trace Portugal’s spirit from Fátima’s silent sanctuary to Nazaré’s salty cliffs and Óbidos’ winding medieval lanes on this small-group day trip from Lisbon. Expect moments of quiet awe, laughter over seafood lunch, and sweet cherry liqueur shared among new friends — all with a local guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I nearly missed the meeting point on Avenida da Liberdade because I got distracted by someone’s tiny dog in a raincoat (Lisbon mornings are unpredictable). Our guide, João, greeted us with this easy smile and somehow remembered all eight of our names within five minutes. The drive north felt like a slow exhale after city noise — just fields and that low Portuguese light. I didn’t expect to feel much at Fátima, but there was this hush around the Sanctuary, even with a crowd. The air smelled faintly of wax and stone dust. João told us about the three shepherd kids and pointed out where pilgrims walk on their knees; I saw an older woman doing just that, rosary clutched tight. It’s hard not to get quiet yourself.

Nazaré was brighter — literally, the sun broke through as we reached the cliff. You could hear gulls arguing over fish scraps before you even saw the ocean. We wandered up to the old fort where surfers come for those monster waves (I can’t imagine actually doing it). Lunch was fresh grilled sardines at a spot João swears is “the real thing.” He laughed when I tried to order in Portuguese — probably butchered it, but they appreciated the effort. The salt air stuck to my skin and I still think about that view from the top: wild Atlantic below, fishing boats like tiny toys.

Óbidos came last, tucked behind its stone walls like something out of a storybook but with more bookstores than I expected (apparently it’s famous for them now). Cobblestones everywhere — wear decent shoes or risk twisting an ankle like I almost did. We tasted ginja in these little chocolate cups; sweet and sharp at once. Some locals were setting up for a festival, stringing paper flowers across an alleyway while kids darted between them. On the ride back to Lisbon I kept replaying those textures: cold chapel marble under my hand, warm bread at lunch, sticky cherry liqueur on my tongue. It’s funny what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Fatima, Nazaré, and Óbidos

• Meet at Avenida da Liberdade 9
• Visit Chapel of the Apparitions in Fatima
• Explore Sanctuary of Fatima
• Pass by 14th-century church in Nazaré
• Stop at Nazaré cliff-top promontory
• Visit Hermida da Memória chapel
• See Praia do Norte big waves
• Visit Forte de Sao Miguel fort and center
• Lunch at seafood restaurant in Nazaré
• Explore medieval town of Óbidos
• Taste ginjinha cherry liquor in Óbidos

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Lisbon to Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including travel time and stops.

Is lunch included on this small group tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is free time to eat at local restaurants in Nazaré.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is limited to 8 people per tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; there is a central meeting point at Avenida da Liberdade 9 in front of Armani Exchange.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is conducted only in English.

Is ginja tasting included in Óbidos?

Yes, one cherry liqueur (ginja) served in a chocolate cup per person is included.

Are infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide and driver; central meeting point pickup and drop-off; one serving of ginja de Óbidos (cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup); plus plenty of stories along the way before returning to Lisbon together in the evening.