Camino de Santiago in Numbers: Statistics & Data [2026]

The Camino de Santiago in Numbers

Every year the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela publishes official pilgrimage statistics. These figures are the most reliable reference for understanding how the Camino is evolving.

Here we compile the most relevant data for pilgrims, journalists, researchers and anyone planning their Camino with real numbers.

Pilgrims Per Year (Historical Trend)

Clear trend: the Camino grows every year. The COVID impact was temporary and full recovery happened in 2022. Holy Years (Jacobean) boost numbers significantly.

The next Holy Year is 2027.

Where Do Pilgrims Come From?

Top 10 Nationalities (2024)

Interesting fact: South Korea has gone from a marginal origin to the top 10 in less than a decade, driven by a Korean TV show about the Camino.

Which Route Do They Choose?

The Francés still dominates, but its share drops year on year: in 2015 it was 65%, now 55.6%. The Portugués is growing fastest. For a detailed route comparison, see our Francés vs Portugués vs Norte guide.

When Do They Go? (Pilgrims by Month)

Peak: Last week of July and first week of August. If you want to avoid crowds, May and October offer good weather with half the pilgrims. More details in our [best time to walk guide](/en/blog/camino-spring-vs-summer-when-to-go).

Pilgrim Profile

Age

Gender

• Men: 50.2%
• Women: 49.8%

Practically equal. Twenty years ago the ratio was 70/30 in favour of men.

Stated motivation

• Religious: 37%
• Religious and cultural: 18%
• Spiritual (non-religious): 20%
• Cultural/sporting: 25%

Mode of transport

• On foot: 93.2%
• By bicycle: 5.8%
• On horseback: 0.3%
• By wheelchair: 0.1%
• Other: 0.6%

Economic Data

Average daily spend

• Municipal albergue: €25-35/day
• Private albergue: €35-45/day
• Hotel/guesthouse: €55-80/day

Includes accommodation, meals and minor expenses. For a full breakdown, see our detailed Camino budget guide.

Economic impact

The Camino de Santiago generates an estimated economic impact of over €500 million per year in the communities it passes through, according to studies by the Xunta de Galicia. It's the economic engine of many small towns in rural Spain.

Infrastructure Data

Albergues on the Camino Francés

• Public/municipal albergues: ~180
• Private albergues: ~300
• Hotels and guesthouses: ~500+
• Estimated total beds: 30,000+

Average daily distance

• On foot: 22-25 km/day (average)
• By bicycle: 60-80 km/day

The Compostela

In 2024, 96.3% of pilgrims arriving in Santiago applied for the Compostela. The remaining 3.7% either didn't meet the requirements (less than 100 km on foot / 200 km by bike) or chose not to apply.

Current Trends

Growth of the Portugués

The Camino Portugués grows 10-15% annually and could surpass 25% market share in coming years. The coastal variant is especially popular among younger pilgrims.

Seasonality spreading

More pilgrims choose months outside peak season (March, April, October, November). Infrastructure improvements and Xunta de Galicia promotion are helping distribute demand.

Digitalisation

78% of pilgrims use mobile apps to navigate the Camino. The most popular are Buen Camino, Camino Ninja and Gronze.

Repeat pilgrims

22% of pilgrims arriving in Santiago have completed at least one previous Camino. Many choose a different route the second time — hence the growth of the Norte and Primitivo.

Sources

These figures come from the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino (Cathedral of Santiago), reports by the Xunta de Galicia and studies from the Camino de Santiago Observatory. Some 2025 figures are estimates based on trends.

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Transport for Pilgrims

Whatever statistic convinced you, you'll need to get to your Camino starting point. We offer transfers from all three Galician airports (Santiago, A Coruña, Vigo) to any point on the Jacobean routes.

Book your transfer: call us at **+34 659 99 31 39** or [contact via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/34659993139). Fixed price, no surprises.