Centred
on sacred places, historic routes and enduring spiritual traditions,
these destinations are must-visits for religious and pilgrimage
travel. Discover where to go for faith-based journeys that offer
reflection, connection and cultural depth.
Italy – One of the world’s most significant Christian pilgrimage destinations, centred on Vatican City, Rome, Assisi and historic basilicas linked to Catholic tradition.
Spain – Home to the famous Camino de Santiago, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage routes, ending in Santiago de Compostela.
France – Major pilgrimage sites including Lourdes, attracting millions annually, alongside historic cathedrals and monastic traditions.
Portugal – An important Catholic pilgrimage destination centred on Fátima, one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world.
England – Historic Christian pilgrimage heritage through Canterbury, medieval cathedrals and ancient religious routes.
Ireland – Deep spiritual heritage shaped by early Christianity, monastic sites and pilgrimage locations such as Croagh Patrick.
Poland – Strong Catholic pilgrimage traditions centred on Częstochowa and sites connected to Pope John Paul II.
Saudi Arabia – The heart of Islamic pilgrimage, home to Mecca and Medina, central to the Hajj and Umrah journeys undertaken by millions each year.
Israel – One of the world’s most spiritually significant destinations, sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, centred on Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
Jordan – Important biblical and Islamic pilgrimage sites including Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and ancient religious landscapes.
Turkey – A spiritual crossroads linking Christianity and Islam, with pilgrimage significance in Istanbul, Ephesus and early Christian sites.
Iran – A major centre for Shia Islam, with pilgrimage cities such as Mashhad and Qom, deeply rooted in religious scholarship.
United Arab Emirates – Emerging interfaith destinations featuring modern mosques and cultural centres promoting religious understanding.
India – One of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations, sacred to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, with sites including Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Amritsar and Rishikesh.
Nepal – A major Buddhist pilgrimage destination as the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, alongside Hindu sacred sites.
Sri Lanka – Deeply spiritual travel centred on Buddhist temples, Adam’s Peak and ancient sacred cities.
Pakistan – Important Islamic pilgrimage destinations and Sikh heritage sites such as Kartarpur Sahib.
Bhutan – A Buddhist kingdom where pilgrimage is tied to monasteries, meditation retreats and sacred mountain landscapes.
Japan – Spiritual pilgrimage routes such as the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, blending Buddhism, Shintoism and nature.
China – Sacred Buddhist mountains, ancient temples and Taoist pilgrimage sites spread across the country.
Thailand – Theravada Buddhist pilgrimage destinations including Chiang Mai, historic temples and meditation centres.
Cambodia – Spiritual heritage centred on Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most important religious monuments.
Indonesia – Diverse religious pilgrimage traditions, including Hindu temples in Bali and Islamic heritage sites across the archipelago.
Myanmar – Deep Buddhist pilgrimage traditions centred on Bagan, Shwedagon Pagoda and sacred landscapes.
Ethiopia – One of Christianity’s oldest nations, with pilgrimage to Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and ancient Orthodox traditions.
Egypt – Important biblical and early Christian pilgrimage sites, including Mount Sinai and historic Coptic monasteries.
Morocco – Islamic pilgrimage traditions combined with Sufi heritage and historic religious centres.
Nigeria – A major centre for Christian pilgrimage, particularly through large-scale religious gatherings and faith centres.
Mexico – One of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destinations, centred on Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Peru – Spiritual Andean traditions combined with Catholic pilgrimage festivals and sacred mountain landscapes.
Brazil – Important Catholic pilgrimage sites such as Aparecida, alongside large-scale faith festivals.
United States – Religious travel linked to Christian pilgrimage routes, spiritual retreats and multi-faith heritage sites.
Australia – Indigenous spiritual landscapes alongside Christian pilgrimage and retreat destinations.
New Zealand – Māori spiritual heritage and sacred sites connected to land, ancestry and belief.
Religious and pilgrimage journeys vary widely — from large-scale organised pilgrimages to quiet, personal spiritual travel. Belief, tradition, physical demands and cultural context all shape the experience.
Choosing destinations that align with your faith, level of structure and travel comfort ensures the journey remains respectful, meaningful and enriching — allowing pilgrimage travel to become a deeply personal experience rather than simply a visit.
Discover pilgrimage and religious destinations known for spiritual significance and tradition. Explore places that attract travellers seeking reflection, faith and meaningful journeys.