Camino de Santiago routes see rising pilgrimage numbers

The Camino Portugués de la Costa is experiencing significant growth, with officials projecting it could surpass 100,000 pilgrims in a single year for the first time. As of mid-September, 83,366 travelers had received the Compostela certificate, representing a 26% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Data from the Xunta indicates that 80% of these pilgrims are international visitors, including significant numbers from the United States, Italy, Germany, and Poland. This influx has a notable economic impact on the local towns, businesses, and hospitality sectors along the route.

Separately, the route from Sarria remains a highly popular entry point for the Camino Francés. It is frequently chosen by first-time pilgrims because it covers the minimum 100 kilometers required to qualify for the official Compostela certificate. Travelers often organize this segment into six stages to balance the physical demand and better enjoy the Galician landscapes.