The Camino de Santiago has attracted thousands of people from all over the world for centuries. People from all walks of life, from anonymous individuals like you and me to nationally and internationally renowned figures, have embarked on this journey. Actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, etc. — the Jacobean routes have been a source of inspiration and personal transformation for many. Who are these personalities, and what motivated them to undertake this pilgrimage? Let’s see what these famous pilgrims have to say about their experience on the Camino de Santiago.
The charm of the Camino attracts and equalizes all people, whether famous or anonymous
Which celebrities have walked the Camino?
The Camino de Santiago is not only popular among everyday pilgrims. Many famous people have walked some part of the Camino de Santiago, as the Camino itself is even more famous than they are.
Personalities from the music world
The world of music is no stranger to the allure of the Camino de Santiago. Here are some famous musicians who have taken this route:
- Rosalía: In 2011, when she was not yet known, she walked the Camino and asked the Apostle to let her dedicate her life to music. And so it happened.
- David Bisbal: In 2009, the singer, always passionate about cycling, did the Camino de Santiago with famous cyclists like Miguel Induráin and Abraham Olano.
- Annie Lennox: The former Eurythmics singer walked the French Way, which provided her an opportunity to reconnect with herself.
- Justin Timberlake: The singer walked the Camino with his partner, Jessica Biel, though no further details were shared.
- Ara Malikian: The violinist arrived in Santiago by bike in 2024, “exhausted but happy,” and even continued to Finisterre.
Young pilgrims believe they crossed paths with the then-unknown Rosalía on the Camino de Santiago
Film figures who have walked the Camino
The film industry also has its representatives on the Camino de Santiago. Some actors, actresses, and directors have found in this route a source of renewal and creativity.
- Martin Sheen: Star of the movie “The Way,” directed by his son Emilio Estevez, he discovered the Camino in 2009 while filming the most famous movie about the Camino de Santiago.
- Shirley MacLaine: The American actress and writer, one of the famous women on the Camino, recounted her experience in her book “The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit.”
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: The renowned actor also walked the Camino and published a self-help book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.”
Celebrities on the Camino
In addition to musicians and actors, many other celebrities have decided to undertake this spiritual and physical journey.
- The Spanish Royal Family: Various members have walked the Camino on different occasions, highlighting its cultural value.
- The Belgian Royal Family: Kings Matilda and Philip are very fond of the Camino de Santiago, which they have traveled in sections.
- María Pombo: This and other influencers walked the Camino, inspiring many of their followers.
- Paulo Coelho: Self-described as a “pilgrim writer,” he debuted as a novelist with “The Pilgrimage” (1987) after walking the Camino de Santiago the previous year.
The Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho is one of the most famous people associated with the Camino de Santiago
- Tita Cervera: The Baroness Thyssen has spoken about her pilgrimage as a form of meditation and reflection.
- Stephen Hawking: Although he did not walk the Camino due to physical limitations, he visited very Jacobean places in Galicia and even has a commemorative plaque at Cape Finisterre.
- Jon Kortajarena: The model and actor shared his Camino experience on social media in 2012.
- Carlos Herrera: The radio host is a regular and veteran on the Jacobean routes.
- Ana Rosa Quintana: The journalist walked the Camino twice, the last time in 2021, accompanied by family and friends.
- José Andrés: The chef is passionate about the Camino, having walked it on various occasions, always taking the opportunity to savor Galician cuisine.
Politicians who dared to make the pilgrimage
The Camino has also attracted political figures seeking time for reflection and renewal.
Angela Merkel: The German Chancellor walked a small section of the French Way with Mariano Rajoy, who has done it several times.
- Esperanza Aguirre: The Spanish politician shared her experience on the Camino, highlighting its introspective value.
- Manuel Valls: The Franco-Spanish politician also walked the Camino, seeking a transformative experience.
- Alfonso Rueda: The President of the Xunta de Galicia, as expected, knows the Camino well, promoting its cultural value.
- José Luis Martínez-Almeida: The Mayor of Madrid has spoken about how the Camino helped him disconnect and recharge.
- José Bono: The former minister found in the Camino a space for personal reflection.
At Cape Finisterre, there is a commemorative plaque of Stephen Hawking’s visit
Pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago throughout history
Throughout history, many figures have walked the Camino. Saints, kings, popes, and others have traversed parts of this route. For example, Pope John Paul II, beloved in Compostela.
The Catholic Monarchs pilgrimaged to Santiago de Compostela in 1486 to seek the Apostle’s help in their fight against the Muslims. At the end of their journey, they gifted the city with what is now one of the most beautiful Paradores in Spain. Other monarchs, like Charles I and V of Germany, as well as his son Philip II, pilgrimaged to Santiago de Compostela in the 16th century. The former to set sail for Germany to be crowned emperor; the latter to set sail for England to marry Mary Tudor. In some constructions along the French Way and the English Way, you can find commemorative plaques of these visits.
As you can see, the Camino de Santiago equalizes everyone, regardless of social status or other variables. After all, we are all human, and as such, a good Camino can bring us great physical and spiritual benefits. You should also consider doing the Camino de Santiago: besides the Compostela, who knows, you might return home with an autograph. We would be delighted to assist you.
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