Lourdes and Fátima: staying connected on a Marian pilgrimage

Fátima welcomed 6.47 million pilgrims in 2025, and for the first time Asia overtook the Americas as the second continent of origin. Lourdes counted between 3.4 and nearly 4 million visitors the same year. Many pilgrims combine the two in one trip, often with Santiago de Compostela in between.

Who needs an eSIM here

With an EU phone plan, you probably do not. France and Portugal are inside the EU roaming area, so your plan works at home prices within its fair use limit.

From outside the EU, from the Philippines, India, Korea, the Americas or Africa, a travel eSIM spares you roaming prices for the whole trip. Our France plans connect to Orange and our Portugal plans to NOS and Vodafone, and a single Europe plan covers both countries and Spain on the way.

When the crowds come

Fátima. The international anniversary pilgrimages are held on the 12th and 13th of each month from May to October, and 13 May and 13 October are the largest: around 250,000 people gathered on 12 and 13 May 2026. For big events the Portuguese operators reinforce the network around the Sanctuary with temporary stations.

Lourdes. The busiest moments include the national pilgrimage for the Assumption in mid August (12 to 17 August in 2026) and the international military pilgrimage every May.

The official Lourdes app

The Sanctuary of Lourdes has an official app with an interactive map, geolocation and the day's schedule, in French, English, Italian and Spanish. Install it at home. The Grotto itself is a place of silence: keep the phone for the paths around it.

Before you go

1. Install the eSIM at home and check it activates.
2. Download the Lourdes app and offline maps of Lourdes and Fátima.
3. Save the times of the processions you want to attend as screenshots.
4. Agree a meeting point with your group for the evening processions, the busiest moments of the day.

Quick answers

When are the big pilgrimage days in Fátima?

The 12th and 13th of each month from May to October, with 13 May and 13 October the largest.

Does my phone plan work in Lourdes and Fátima?

If it is from the EU, yes, at home prices within your fair use limit. From outside the EU, roaming charges apply unless you use a local SIM or an eSIM.

Is there an official app for Lourdes?

Yes, with a map, geolocation and schedules in four languages.

Sources: Santuário de Fátima (6 February 2026), Canção Nova (May 2026), Açoriano Oriental (2023), Lourdes Infos (7 December 2025), Sanctuaire de Lourdes, City of Lourdes (2026). Checked 21 September 2026.