As true enthusiasts of the Jacobean universe, at the start of this new year it is time to take stock of how many pilgrims decided to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2025. In this article, we will analyze the Camino statistics from the past year: how many pilgrims arrived in Santiago, which routes are their favorites, where they come from, etc. What the past year has shown us across the different Jacobean routes tells us that the Camino de Santiago is very much alive. Keep reading, because we have broken down the numbers of the Camino de Santiago in 2025 for you.

The Camino de Santiago in numbers in 2025

To understand what the Camino was like in 2025, we turned to the provisional data provided by the Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela. As you may know, it is responsible for issuing the Compostela, as well as collecting information from the pilgrims who request it. Its website provides Camino de Santiago data dating back to 2003. We consulted it, and it gives us the following overall view of the Camino de Santiago in numbers for 2025.

Camino de Santiago statistics in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

Camino de Santiago statistics in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

As can be seen, a total of 530,987 pilgrims arrived in Santiago in 2025 and requested the Compostela. It should be noted that not all pilgrims who arrive in Santiago request the Compostela, and the actual figure is likely higher. In addition, many do not even reach Santiago, but simply walk sections of the Camino.

Be that as it may, and getting straight to the point, below we will analyze in detail the Camino de Santiago statistics for the past year, 2025.

Where were the pilgrims who walked the Camino from?

Regarding the origin of the pilgrims, 43% of the pilgrims who arrived in Santiago in 2025 were Spanish, and with a total of 228,527, this was the largest nationality group. By Autonomous Community of origin, pilgrims from Andalusia stand out, with 53,805, followed by those from Madrid, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and Galicia.

The second most represented country on the Camino was the United States, with 43,980 pilgrims, accounting for more than 8%. This is followed by Italy (26,680), Germany (24,356), and Portugal (22,821). Foreign pilgrims totaled 302,460, surpassing Spanish pilgrims.

Which Jacobean routes were the most popular?

The top 3 preferred routes are led by the French Way, as has been customary in recent years and throughout history. With 242,179 pilgrims, nearly half of the total, this figure comes as no surprise, as it is perhaps the most beautiful, easiest, and most popular Jacobean route. It is followed by the Portuguese Way, with 100,835 pilgrims, and the Portuguese Coastal Way, with 89,509. The following image provides more details:

Statistics of total pilgrims by route in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

Statistics of total pilgrims by route in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

What are the favorite places to start the Camino?

The town of Sarria, in Lugo province, with 162,040 pilgrims, is the preferred starting point for the Camino, accounting for over 32% of pilgrims. It is followed by Porto, with 51,574 pilgrims, exceeding 11%, as the starting point for both the historic Portuguese route and the Coastal Way. Next comes the town of Tui, which with 41,646 pilgrims accounts for over 8%.

Which months of the year saw the most pilgrims?

The most popular month among pilgrims is September, accounting for over 15% and a total of 76,987 pilgrims. The list continues with:

  • May, with almost another 15%;
  • August, with 14%;
  • June, with nearly 14%;
  • July, comfortably exceeding 12%;
  • October, exceeding 11%;
  • April, with more than 10%.

The pilgrim figures for November, December, January, February, and March together account for around 7%.

Statistics of total pilgrims by month in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

Statistics of total pilgrims by month in 2025. Source: Office of the Pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela website.

How did pilgrims travel to Santiago?

Walking the Camino is the preferred way for pilgrims to enjoy the route: 469,546 pilgrims did so, representing just over 93%. Cycling accounted for 4% of pilgrims. As for pilgrims traveling on horseback, by sailboat, or in a wheelchair, the numbers are very low.

What were the main motivations?

Regarding the question of why walk the Camino, a total of 233,390 pilgrims stated they did so for religious reasons, just over 46%. The remaining motivations were religious and other reasons, at just over 33%, and finally non-religious reasons, at just over 19%.

Who walked the Camino more, women or men?

Women are warriors—and great pilgrims—and for some time now women have represented the majority on the Jacobean routes. A total of 267,481 women walked the Camino, just over 53%, compared to 233,024 men, just over 46%.

And finally, what ages were the pilgrims?

The Camino can be walked at any age, and pilgrims are present across all three age ranges analyzed. The most notable group is adults aged between 18 and 45, with a total of 202,477 pilgrims, just over 40%. This is followed by people aged between 46 and 65, representing just over 39%. Those over 65 account for well over 11%, and finally, minors under 18, who account for more than 8%.

Highlights from the Camino statistics in 2025

As we can see, the Camino is in very good shape, and for the first time surpasses half a million pilgrims. It continues to progress steadily, with a total increase of 6% in pilgrims compared to the previous year; however, the increase the year before (2025 compared to 2024) was 12%, so in terms of growth, 2025 was notably lower than 2024. As conclusions from the Camino statistics, we can summarize them as follows:

  • a 6% increase in pilgrims compared to the previous year;
  • the French Way remains the most popular route;
  • the strong growth of the Portuguese Coastal Way;
  • a gradual increase in interest in other lesser-known routes;
  • the greater presence of foreign pilgrims, who are increasingly coming from more parts of the world.

The Camino de Santiago statistics in recent years show a clear trend of growth. Despite COVID-19 in 2020, the Camino recovered very well in 2021, as it was a safe, healthy, and outdoor holiday alternative. In 2022, thanks to the declaration of the Extraordinary Holy Year by Pope Francis, the recovery path stabilized with a new record.

In conclusion, 2025 has been a good pilgrim year and confirms that the Camino is an experience that continues to attract more and more people. Having surpassed half a million pilgrims in 2025, the year 2026 is shaping up as the prelude to the Holy Year 2027, and may even surpass this new record. So, what is it about the Camino de Santiago? If you have not done it yet, don’t let others tell you about it. We can help you experience all the magic that comes with walking the Camino de Santiago in 2026.