Camino de Santiago pilgrimage numbers see significant growth

Pilgrimage activity on the Camino de Santiago routes continues to see significant growth. The Camino Portugués has recorded nearly 196,000 ‘compostelas’ this year, representing approximately 40% of the total certificates issued. This includes 98,708 pilgrims on the central route and 96,863 on the coastal variant. This growth, a 17% increase, has led to discussions regarding potential overcrowding as the region prepares for the Xacobeo Holy Year in 2027.

The Camino Francés remains the most popular route, with approximately 210,000 certificates issued. For those starting from Sarria—the most common starting point for first-time pilgrims to meet the 100-kilometer minimum requirement—travelers often choose to divide the journey into six stages to manage physical exertion and better experience the Galician landscapes.