The Camino de Santiago in numbers: how many, where they start, when

Every year the Oficina del Peregrino in Santiago publishes the official figures on who reaches the Cathedral. We watch them go by beneath our windows: this page gathers the real numbers, updated year after year, without the guesswork that circulates online.

How many people walk the Camino de Santiago?

In 2025, 530,919 people collected the Compostela, 6% more than the year before and the highest number ever. 92.7% arrived on foot. To put the growth in perspective: in 2016 it was around 278,000, and in 2017 the figure topped 300,000 for the first time. In less than ten years the Camino has almost doubled.

These figures count only those who collect the certificate: anyone who walks intermediate stretches without reaching Santiago, or who doesn't stop at the office, doesn't show up. The real movement on the trails is larger.

Where do they start?

Sarria has for years been the most chosen starting point in the world: on its own it accounts for roughly a quarter of all Compostelas, because its 115 km are the perfect size for a week and clear the 100 km threshold the Cathedral requires. Next come Saint Jean Pied de Port (the full Francés), Tui and Porto on the Portuguese, Ferrol on the English, and Oviedo or Lugo on the Primitivo.

If you're wondering which one is yours, the guide to the last 100 km compares the five starting points of the perfect week, and the organised Camino de Santiago page gathers every itinerary with its prices.

When do most people walk?

The season runs from April to October, peaking between July and August, when daily arrivals in Santiago climb well past a thousand. May, June and September offer the same climate with less of the August crowd, but they're now in high demand: the people who choose them book months ahead. They remain the months we recommend to anyone who can choose. In winter the Camino doesn't close, but many of the places to stay do.

Who are they?

Spaniards have always been the largest group, followed by Italians, Americans, Germans and the Portuguese. Italy is consistently among the top foreign nationalities on the Camino: it's no accident that our work was born here, for people setting off from Italy.

Frequently asked questions about the Camino's numbers

How many people walk the Camino de Santiago each year?

In 2025 there were 530,919 Compostelas collected, an all-time record, up 6% on the previous year. 92.7% arrived on foot.

What is the busiest starting point?

Sarria, with about a quarter of all Compostelas: 115 km over 5-6 stages, the one-week formula that qualifies you for the certificate.

Is the Camino too crowded?

It depends on where and when. The Francés from Sarria in August is very busy; the English, the Primitivo or the Portuguese Coastal in June or September are another world entirely. The choice of route matters more than the season.

Where do I find the official data?

The Oficina del Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela publishes it, month by month. This page sums it up and is updated when the annual totals are released.

If the numbers have convinced you it's the right year, tell us about your Camino: a tailor-made proposal, with no obligation.