Else Beekman
Santiago de Compostela has seen a dramatic influx of pilgrims at the start of May, with over 6,500 people arriving in just two days. According to the Pilgrim’s Office, a total of 6,526 Compostelas, certificates of completion for the Camino de Santiago, were issued on 1 and 2 May alone.
On Thursday, 1 May, 3,264 people collected their certificates, followed by another 3,262 on Friday. This marks a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, 68% of those arriving were international pilgrims, reflecting the Camino’s ongoing global appeal as spring revitalises activity on the ancient routes.
Historic centre crowded despite rain
The surge in visitors has filled Santiago’s historic centre, where long queues stretched around the Praza da Quintana as people waited to enter the Cathedral on Friday morning. The scene resembled the peak summer season or a Holy Year, with thousands drawn to the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.
Despite spells of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday, cafes and bars — especially those in the old town — were bustling with both tourists and locals seeking shelter and refreshment.
Hotel occupancy tops 80%
The early May bank holiday has also pushed hotel occupancy rates across the city above 80%. Accommodation in the old town, typically more popular during weekends and holidays, reported even higher figures. For example, the NH Collection hotel recorded 82% occupancy on Friday. However, its numbers were even stronger earlier in the week.
Larger hotels catering to business events and conferences generally see higher weekday bookings. Nevertheless, this festive period has once again brought the focus back to leisure tourism in the Galician capital.
Record year in 2024 for the Camino
The current momentum follows a record-breaking year last year, with nearly half a million people completing the pilgrimage. In total, 499,239 Compostelas were issued in 2024—more than ever before. It was the third year in a row that new records were set. Pilgrims arrived from every corner of the globe, with May and August seeing the heaviest flow of walkers.
While the Camino Francés continued to draw the largest numbers, alternative routes like the Portuguese Way also grew in popularity. Whether driven by faith, personal challenge, or the simple desire to disconnect and walk, hundreds of thousands found their way to Santiago. Each pilgrim with their own story and motivation, yet all share the same final steps into the city’s historic heart.
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