Fatima, Sintra & Nazare Day Trip from Lisbon: Small Group Tour

Summary

Lisbon to Sintra, Nazare & Fatima: Guided Day Tour Highlights

Get a real taste of Portugal in just one day—wander Sintra’s magical gardens, watch giant waves crash in Nazaré, and soak up Fátima’s peaceful spirit. This small group tour is perfect if you want local stories, easy travel, and time to explore at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our morning in Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique Market—honestly, the smell of fresh bread and roasted coffee hit me before I even spotted our guide waving by the fruit stalls. Our group was small, which made things easy and relaxed. After a quick hello, we hopped into a comfy minivan, air conditioning humming, and set out for Sintra. The drive itself was smooth, with our guide (Miguel, who grew up nearby) sharing little stories about the neighborhoods we passed.

Sintra’s air felt cooler, almost misty, and the gardens around Pena Palace looked like something out of a storybook—giant ferns, trees from places I couldn’t even pronounce. Miguel pointed out a hidden path lined with mossy stones; apparently, locals use it as a shortcut. We didn’t go inside the palace, but the outside was wild—bright colors, towers that looked like chess pieces, and tilework everywhere. Miguel explained how King Fernando II mixed styles on purpose, which you can really see up close. I snapped way too many photos of the views over the valley.

Next up was Nazaré. You could hear the Atlantic before you saw it—waves crashing, gulls overhead. The town’s main square had old fishermen chatting by their boats, and the sea breeze carried a hint of grilled sardines from a café called A Tasquinha. We climbed up to the lighthouse viewpoint where you can actually feel the spray if the wind’s right. Those waves are no joke; even in summer, they’re massive.

Our last stop was Fátima. It’s quieter than I expected, almost hushed, with pilgrims lighting candles near the sanctuary. There’s a peacefulness here that’s hard to describe—you just sort of feel it when you walk across the big open square. Miguel shared stories about the apparitions and why people come from all over the world. We had some free time for lunch (I grabbed a bowl of caldo verde at a tiny spot called O Ze Grande) before heading back to Lisbon, tired but kind of amazed at how much we’d seen in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon to Sintra and Pena Palace

• Meet guide in Lisbon center
• Travel to Sintra by minivan
• Explore Pena Palace and gardens

Day 2 — Nazaré, Fátima and Return to Lisbon

• Visit Nazaré coast and beaches
• Visit spiritual site of Fátima
• Free time for lunch
• Return to Lisbon

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s designed for all ages and fitness levels. The minivan is comfortable, and there are infant seats available if needed.

Do we go inside Pena Palace?

No, this tour covers the palace exterior and gardens only—but you’ll get plenty of time to explore outside and take photos.

How much free time do we get for lunch?

You’ll have enough time to enjoy lunch at your own pace—whether that’s grabbing something quick or sitting down at a local restaurant.

Is transportation included back to Lisbon?

Yes, round-trip transport from Lisbon is included in the tour price.

What’s included

You’ll get an expert bilingual guide (English & Portuguese), entry to Pena Palace gardens (exterior), guided visits in Sintra, Nazaré, and Fátima, plus comfortable round-trip transport from Lisbon. Infant seats are available too.