Our Lady of Remedies Lamego: Guide to Portugal’s famous pilgrimage festival

Every year, at the end of summer, Lamego comes alive with music, colour, tradition and thousands of visitors. With the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, its monumental staircase, processions and renowned Douro cuisine, the city celebrates a tradition that dates back centuries.

The Our Lady of Remedies Festival (Festas em Honra de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios), taking place from 27 August to 9 September 2026, is far more than a religious celebration. Known as Known locally as "A Romaria de Portugal”, it is one of the country's most important cultural and popular events and a wonderful opportunity to discover the Douro during one of the most beautiful times of the year.

The Our Lady of Remedies Festival is the largest annual pilgrimage in Lamego and one of Portugal’s most significant religious and cultural celebrations.

Its origins are closely linked to the devotion to Our Lady of Remedies, whose image is venerated in the sanctuary of the same name, perched at the top of the magnificent Baroque staircase overlooking the city.

For almost two weeks, religious tradition and festive celebrations take place side by side. The programme usually features concerts, traditional music bands, folk groups, fairs, fireworks, exhibitions, traditional markets and religious ceremonies, attracting thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.

The highlight of the festival takes place on 8 September, the feast day of Our Lady of Remedies. On this day, the famous Triumph Procession (Procissão de Triunfo) takes place, widely regarded as one of the most distinctive religious processions in Portugal.

Unlike most religious processions, the sacred images are carried on beautifully decorated wooden floats pulled by teams of oxen, preserving a centuries-old tradition that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Alongside the Triumph Procession, it is worth consulting the official 2026 programme to discover the confirmed concerts, performances and other events taking place throughout the festival.

If you would like to experience the celebrations at their liveliest, the period between 7 and 9 September is usually the busiest. Those looking for a quieter atmosphere may prefer to visit during the opening days of the festival, when the city is easier to explore at a more relaxed pace. During this period, it is advisable to book accommodation and your rental car well in advance.

Lamego is located in the district of Viseu, in the heart of Portugal's Douro region, and is easily accessible from the country's main cities.

From Porto, the journey covers approximately 120 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. Bus services usually take around two hours. Travellers arriving by train should travel to Peso da Régua on the Douro railway line before completing the final 12 kilometres to Lamego by taxi or local bus.

From Lisbon, the distance is approximately 330 kilometres, with a driving time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen route. Public transport generally requires one or more connections, making the journey considerably longer.

For visitors wishing to explore the region, hiring a car remains the most practical option. Besides offering direct access to Lamego, it gives you complete freedom to discover the Douro's panoramic viewpoints, wine estates, historic villages and surrounding attractions without relying on public transport timetables.

If you begin your journey in Porto or Lisbon, Guerin's One Way Service service allows you to collect your vehicle in one city and return it in another, creating the perfect Douro road trip without having to drive back to your starting point.

Although the festival is the main reason to visit, it is well worth spending a few extra days discovering everything this remarkable region has to offer.

In Lamego itself, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies is naturally the main attraction, together with its spectacular Baroque staircase. The historic centre, Lamego Castle, Lamego Cathedral and the Lamego Museum complete a fascinating heritage trail through the city.

Nearby, you'll find some of the Douro's most iconic destinations. Peso da Régua, the gateway to the world's oldest demarcated wine region, is only a short drive away. A little further east, Pinhão offers one of the Douro Valley's most celebrated landscapes, surrounded by the terraced vineyards of the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

It is also worth visiting Tarouca and the historic Monastery of São João de Tarouca, considered the first Cistercian monastery built in Portugal.

If you are planning a multi-day road trip, adding an Additional Driver allows two travellers to share the driving, provided both are registered on the rental agreement.

On itineraries that include access to vineyards, viewpoints and small villages, the Essential Pack can help limit the customer’s liability in the event of damage, always subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

And should an unexpected incident occur during your journey, Premium Road Assistance provides additional support, even in more remote areas of the Douro region.

During the busiest days of the festival, particularly on 7 and 8 September, it is advisable to arrive in Lamego early.

Whenever possible, park your vehicle in one of the parking areas outside the historic centre of the city and continue on foot. Besides avoiding traffic, you'll have the opportunity to wander through Lamego's historic streets and fully experience the atmosphere of this remarkable pilgrimage.

Don't miss the chance to sample some of the region's best-known specialities. Lamego ham, traditional cured sausages, roast kid goat, Bola de Lamego (traditional meat-filled breads) and the famous savoury meat breads are all local favourites, perfectly accompanied by the outstanding wines of the Douro.

The Our Lady of Remedies Festival is an excellent reason to visit Lamego, but it becomes even more memorable when included as part of a wider journey through the Douro. Choose the right hire car, plan your Douro itinerary and experience the Our Lady of Remedies Festival at your own pace.