Clúster

• Spring reinforces the appeal of the Jacobean routes.
• On May 1 and 2, more than 6,500 people collected their Compostela.

The Camino de Santiago is moving steadily toward a new milestone. In just 48 hours, more than 6,500 people have arrived in Santiago to collect their Compostela, according to data from the Pilgrim’s Office. The influx, recorded on May 1 and 2, represents a 40% increase compared to the same dates last year, consolidating the momentum that had already been marking the beginning of spring.

This growth is not a one-time event. So far this year, more than 65,000 pilgrims have completed one of the Jacobean routes, which is 7% more than in the same period in 2024. The recovery after the winter months is reflected in the dynamism of the routes and the atmosphere in towns such as Sarria, Melide, and Arzúa, where the flow of pilgrims revitalizes the daily life of hospitality, hostels, and small businesses.

The French Way continues to lead the statistics with more than 30,000 pilgrims, but other historic routes, such as those that cross A Mariña in Lugo, are also gaining visibility. The pilgrim profile remains diverse: 45% are Spanish, with a particular presence of people from Madrid, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community. Sixty-eight percent of those arriving on May 1 and 2 were international, mostly from Portugal, Germany, and the United States, reflecting the growing global interest in this cultural and spiritual experience.

2025 is poised to be a landmark year for the Camino de Santiago. A phenomenon that continues to grow without losing its essence and that contributes, step by step, to a more sustainable, respectful, and connected tourism model for the regions that host it.