For the third year in a row, the Camino de Santiago has shattered records. In 2024, the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela issued an unprecedented 499,239 completion certificates to pilgrims from across the globe.
This marks a significant increase from the 438,307 certificates in 2022 and 446,082 in 2023. Even on New Year’s Day, 183 dedicated walkers reached their goal.
A timeless pilgrimage with growing appeal
The Camino de Santiago has drawn pilgrims since the Middle Ages, leading them to the reputed tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. Historically one of Christianity’s three major pilgrimage sites—alongside Rome and Jerusalem—the Camino has seen a modern revival in recent decades. Notably, the 2006 bestseller Ich bin dann mal weg by Hape Kerkeling spurred a surge in interest, particularly in German-speaking countries. Also, the novel from the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage to Santiago, inspired thousands of readers to follow this famous writer’s footsteps.
Today, the Camino’s network of trails spans Europe, converging in Portugal, France, and Spain before reaching Galicia’s capital. Pilgrims embark on these journeys for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons, with some seeking art, nature, and camaraderie along the way.
Peak seasons and overflowing capacity
The busiest months for arrivals were May and August, with 72,645 and 71,639 pilgrims, respectively, averaging around 2,300 daily arrivals. This influx strained accommodations and tested the patience of locals, who voiced concerns about noise and overcrowded streets. The once peaceful villages along the route now face daily disruptions, from crowded streets to noise at all hours. In some cases, locals have reported pilgrims using their private properties as makeshift toilets, a clear sign of the disrespect some visitors show towards these communities.
In addition to pilgrims, millions of other visitors, including cultural tourists and cruise ship passengers, descended on Santiago, creating further challenges. The temporary suspension of the iconic botafumeiro in the cathedral also left some visitors disappointed.
Popular routes and changing trends
While the Camino Francés remains the most travelled route—236,378 pilgrims passed through Sarria alone—other trails are gaining traction. The Portuguese Way welcomed 95,453 walkers, while the Coastal Portuguese Way hosted 74,758 pilgrims. To earn the coveted certificate, pilgrims must walk at least 100 kilometres or cycle 200 kilometres, verified by stamps in their pilgrim credentials.
Pilgrims from around the world
Spanish nationals represented 42% of all pilgrims, followed by Americans (38,052), Italians (28,599), and Germans (23,462). While most hailed from well-represented countries, the Camino also attracted pilgrims from distant countries like Gambia, Laos, and the Solomon Islands, with one pilgrim each.
Motivations and modern considerations
Jorge Martínez-Cava, president of the European Friends of the Camino de Santiago, notes that about 30-35% of pilgrims are motivated by Catholic faith, while a similar proportion walk for spiritual reasons. The remainder are drawn by the Camino’s cultural, natural, and social allure. Martínez-Cava dismisses debates over the legitimacy of modern conveniences like luggage transport or e-bikes, stating, “All pilgrims are equal.”
He also highlights the Camino’s safety, recommending Spain’s “Alertcops” app for extra reassurance. Looking ahead, Martínez-Cava hopes to see a more even distribution of pilgrims throughout the year to alleviate seasonal congestion. Spring and late autumn, he suggests, are ideal for those seeking quieter paths.
Pope Franciscus questioned authenticity of Camino de Santiago
Recently the Pope has questioned whether the true nature of this pilgrimage remains a spiritual experience or has become something else entirely. Historically, the Camino de Santiago was a deeply religious pilgrimage, undertaken by devout Christians seeking penance, spiritual growth, or a connection to Saint James, whose remains are believed to rest in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. Over recent decades, however, its appeal has broadened. People of all faiths—and none—are drawn to the Camino for diverse reasons, including personal reflection, physical challenge, or cultural exploration.