Where to go during Holy Week in Portugal? Unmissable tips to live Easter with faith, tradition and beauty
- Patrícia Rosas
- 16 de abr.
- 5 min de leitura
The best destinations to live Holy Week in Portugal
Easter is almost here, and with it comes that holiday that we love so much to escape the routine and recharge our batteries. At Dicas de Lisboa, we love exploring Portugal with you, and today we will talk about charming destinations to live Holy Week in the best possible way: with faith, culture, breathtaking landscapes and of course, many special experiences.
If you are thinking of taking advantage of this period to get to know new places, immerse yourself in tradition and still relax a little, stay with us - we have prepared an itinerary full of suggestions, with details on what to do, where to stay and how to make the most of everything!
🕯 Braga - Tradition and spirituality on every corner
🌟 Fatima - The heart of faith in Portugal
🏰 Óbidos - Easter in a mediaeval climate
🌇 Lisbon - Faith and culture in the capital
☀ Évora - Alentejo tradition and historical charm
🏖 Lagos - Sun, devotion and tradition in the Algarve
🕯 Braga - Tradition and spirituality on every corner
Braga, in the north of Portugal, is one of the most emblematic destinations for those who want to live Holy Week with all the solemnity. The city is known for its processions full of symbolism and tradition.
On Holy Thursday, the Ecce Homo Procession impresses with the "Farricocos" - hooded figures who walk the streets. Already on Good Friday, the Procession of the Dead Lord fills the city with a moving silence, illuminated only by torches. On Easter Sunday, the Resurrection Procession transforms Braga into a setting of faith and joy.
Don't miss:
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary – UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its famous baroque staircase.
🕐 Ideal time: early morning, to avoid crowds.
🎟 Admission: free.
Sé de Braga – The oldest in Portugal.
🕐 Open daily, ideal in the late afternoon to feel the spiritual environment.
🎟 Admission: 2€ (museum and treasure).
Recommended hosting:
ÍSIS Guest House
📍 Dom Paio Mendes Street, N.º 45, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal
🐶 Pet friendly | ♿ Accessible | Free Wi-Fi
☎ +351 929 076 781 | 🌐 isisbraga.pt
💰 From 130€/night - Ideal for families or small groups.
🌟 Fatima - The heart of faith in Portugal
If we talk about faith, Fatima could not be missing. One of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world, Fatima welcomes thousands of faithful throughout the year, but Holy Week is one of the most touching times.
The Candle Procession on Holy Saturday is a magical moment, where the silence of the night is broken only by prayers and the brightness of the candles. The masses and vigils complete the atmosphere of recollection and spirituality.
Unmissable points:
Santuário de Fátima
🕐 Better to visit at sunset to watch the lighting of the enclosure.
🎟 Free admission.
Via-Sacra dos Valinhos – Outdoor prayer path through the nearby hills.
🥾 Take comfortable shoes!
Where to stay:
Luna Fátima Hotel
📍 Av. Beato Nuno, 2495-401 Fátima
🐾 Accepts animals | ♿ Accessible | Restaurant on site
☎ +351 249 530 690 | 🌐 lunahoteis.com
💰 From 89€/night - Great value for money and excellent location.
🏰 Óbidos - Easter in a mediaeval climate
Can you imagine celebrating Holy Week inside centuries-old walls? Óbidos is a charming village, where Holy Week gains cinematic contours. The stone alleys and mediaeval walls create the perfect setting for religious celebrations.
The processions get a unique touch with the mediaeval scenery of the village. Highlight for the Procession of the Burial of the Lord, on Good Friday, is deeply symbolic, and the whole village is transformed with the staging of the Passion of Christ, which involves residents and visitors.
What to visit:
Óbidos Castle – One of the best preserved in Portugal.
🕐 Ideal visit: early afternoon.
🎟 Entrance: €6
Church of Santa Maria – Main church of the village, with a beautiful Renaissance interior.
Recommended hosting:
House of São Thiago do Castelo
📍 R. do Castelo 11, 2510-999 Óbidos
🐾 It doesn't accept animals | ♿ Limited accessibility
☎ +351 262 959 529 | 🌐 casadesaothiago.pt
💰 From 75€/night - A real journey in time!
🌇 Lisbon - Faith and culture in the capital
In our dear Lisbon, Holy Week combines faith with an urban and cultural touch, gains an urban tone, mixed with history, culture and faith. The city celebrates with special masses and emblematic processions, such as the Lord of the Steps Procession on Palm Sunday that crosses the city from the Cathedral to the Church of Grace and the Mass in the Patriarchal Cathedral are the high moments.
Be sure to visit:
Lisbon Cathedral
🕐 Visit at the end of the morning, before the mass.
🎟 Free admission (access to the cloister: 5€).
Church of São Roque – With one of the most impressive interiors in Lisbon.
Accommodation suggestion:
Lisbon Arsenal Suites
📍 Rua do Arsenal 60, Baixa
🐾 Accepts animals | ♿ Accessible | Cais do Sodré Station next door
☎ +351 213 600 112 | 🌐 lisbonarsenalsuites.com
💰 From 115€/night - Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city.
☀ Évora - Alentejo tradition and historical charm
In Évora, Holy Week is lived with intensity and a lot of tradition. The processions travel through the historic centre in silence, creating a moving and symbolic environment. The Hallelujah Procession on Easter Sunday closes the celebration with joy.
To visit:
Diana's Temple – Roman icon in the heart of the city.
🕐Ideal at sunset.
🎟Free admission.
Chapel of Bones – One of the most curious places in the country.
🎟 Entrada: 5€.
🕐 Horário: 9h-18h.
Where to stay:
Hotel Dom Fernando
📍 Av. Dr. Barahona 2, 7005-150 Évora
🐾 Accepts animals | ♿ Accessible | Swimming pool
☎ +351 266 737 990 | 🌐 hoteldomfernando.com
💰 From 72€/night - Very well located, with great breakfast!
🏖 Lagos - Sun, devotion and tradition in the Algarve
Lagos combines religious celebration and holiday scenery. The churches of São Sebastião and Santa Maria promote masses and processions throughout Holy Week. And when you are not living the spirituality of the moment, you can enjoy the wonderful beaches and the famous Feira do Folar in Barão de São João.
Places to explore:
Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach – Pure paradise.
🕐 Better to visit during the morning.
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira – Small museum and great view of the coast.
🎟 Entrance: 2€
Hosting tip:
Carvi Beach Hotel
📍 Praia D. Ana, Lagos
🐶 It doesn't accept animals | ♿ Accessible | Amazing sea view
☎ +351 282 760 660 | 🌐 carvihotel.com
💰 From 95€/night - Excellent for those who want to stay close to the beach!
✨ To close...
Whatever the destination chosen, Holy Week in Portugal is a wonderful opportunity to live unique traditions, breathe history and, of course, recharge your energy in a charming setting.
And you, have you already decided where you are going to spend your Easter this year? Share with us in the comments or on our social networks! Maybe your favourite destination doesn't enter the next Lisbon Tips? 😉