Coin Caves is a limestone cave system about 5 km from Fátima, open every day. Its visitable route runs 350 metres and reaches 45 metres below the entrance, lined with stalactites and stalagmites. You walk the route at your own pace with a free audio guide loaded through QR codes, then visit a stone and minerals museum that is included in the ticket. Finish with a complimentary tasting and a coin toss into the water for a wish.
Discovery and size
The cave was found in 1971 by two hunters chasing a fox. The visitable part of the cave extends 350 metres, and its deepest point lies 45 metres below the entrance level.
The caves are cut from limestone and sit about 5 km from Fátima, which makes them an easy addition to a day in the area.
Inside the visit
You follow a self-guided route through the caves. Free audio guides are available by scanning QR codes along the way, so you can stop as long as you like at each formation.
The ticket includes the stone and minerals museum and complimentary tastings. A gift shop serves a small sip of a local liquor and a pastry as part of the cave ticket. The site also has a visitor centre, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, a playground for younger children and a wheelchair accessible restroom.
The coin toss and the water
Visitors toss a coin into the water inside the cave and make a wish. It is part of the designed visit, and the site asks guests to keep the natural water free of coins, so follow the staff guidance on where to throw.
The formations and the water are the reason the cave is worth the stop, so take a moment to look before you toss.
Getting there and tickets
Coin Caves has a free parking lot, and visitors have found plenty of space there. The walk from Fátima has no marked track, and cars on the road move fast, so arriving by car or taxi is the safer choice.
Tickets can be bought on arrival, but the site recommends buying in advance.
After storms in the area, the site kept running on generators, and some services went without power, including the oven. Check the website before you go if you are planning around food or tastings.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a ticket is needed. It includes the minerals museum and complimentary tastings. The price is not given here, so check the official website before you go.
How long do you need at Coin Caves?
The cave route takes about 20 to 40 minutes at your own pace. Allow more time if you want to see the museum and the shop.
Is Coin Caves suitable for children?
Yes. The site is family-friendly, has a playground for younger children, and the self-guided route lets you go at a child's pace.
Is there parking, and how do you get there from Fátima?
There is a free parking lot with plenty of space. The site is about 5 km from Fátima, but there is no marked walking track, so drive or take a taxi.
