Statistics of the Camino de Santiago in recent years

The Camino de Santiago has witnessed constant growth over the past two decades, becoming one of the most traveled pilgrimage routes in the world. Year after year, thousands of walkers embark on the journey to Santiago de Compostela through the Jacobean routes, motivated by spiritual, cultural, or athletic reasons. However, certain events, such as Holy Years or the COVID-19 pandemic, have marked significant milestones in the evolution of the number of pilgrims. By analyzing the statistics of the Camino de Santiago in recent years, we can observe how pilgrim numbers have varied, which routes have gained popularity, and how this ancient tradition has evolved to reach record numbers today.

Pilgrims after finishing their Camino in the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the façade of Santiago Cathedral

The Evolution of the Camino Over the Last 20 Years

Here, we present the total number of pilgrims from 2003 to 2024. We highlight when it was a Holy Year (*), an Extraordinary Holy Year (**), and the devastating year of COVID-19 (***). Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of the Camino de Santiago over different years, which, in one way or another, have been important milestones, represented in a table and graph.

Evolution of the total number of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago per year, between 2003 and 2024. Source: Own elaboration

The statistics of the Camino show that it has grown steadily year after year. As seen, Holy Years always significantly increase the total number of pilgrims compared to previous years.

In 2017, the number of pilgrims exceeded 300,000 for the first time, a figure that dropped drastically in the COVID-19 year. The Camino began to recover and gained momentum again in the 2021 Holy Year, although still far from the 2017 figures. By 2022, the 2017 record was surpassed with more than 400,000 pilgrims, and in 2024, we came close to half a million.

Statistics of the Camino de Santiago routes in recent years

The following table presents data from 2024, the previous four years, and the Holy Years of 2016 and 2010. Let’s take a closer look to analyze how the different Camino de Santiago routes have evolved.

Growth of the Camino de Santiago

The statistics of the Camino are clear. It is important to highlight the significance of the French Way, which remains the most traveled route. In second place, as usual, is the Portuguese Way, a very popular route.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese Way along the Coast is experiencing significant growth in the number of pilgrims. This is due to its beauty, of course, and perhaps also to the international air connections offered by Porto Airport. Additionally, the English Way, Primitive Way, and Northern Way have also been growing in recent years. Even the Via de la Plata and the Camino to Finisterre and Muxía are experiencing a resurgence. Finally, the Winter Way and other recently officialized routes are gradually attracting more pilgrims.

The statistics of the Camino de Santiago in recent years reflect a clear trend: the number of pilgrims has grown steadily, establishing this route as one of the most important pilgrimages in the world. Despite moments of crisis, such as the impact of the pandemic in 2020, the Camino has demonstrated remarkable resilience, reaching record numbers in recent years. With current figures and the growing popularity of the Camino, the future looks promising. Every year, more people discover the magic of this unique experience, contributing to the evolution and preservation of a tradition that remains alive after centuries. And you, have you walked the Camino de Santiago yet?