How many people walk the Camino de Santiago? | The Ultimate Camino de Santiago FAQ: Route Length, Starting Points, and Tips for Cyclists and Campers

The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the shrine of Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Saint James is buried here.

Pilgrims can start their journey from different points across Europe and end it in Santiago de Compostela. So lets check that:

The length of the Camino de Santiago varies depending on the specific route chosen. 

Here are the approximate lengths of the most popular routes:

• Camino Francés (French Way): Approximately 800 km (500 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.
• Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way): About 610 km (380 miles) from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, or 227 km (141 miles) if starting from Porto.
• Camino del Norte (Northern Way): Roughly 817 km (508 miles) from Irun to Santiago de Compostela.
• Camino Primitivo (Original Way): Approximately 320 km (199 miles) from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.

The exact length depends on the starting point and the specific route taken.

The starting point of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela can also vary depending on the route chosen, as there are several recognised routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. 

Here are some of the main starting points for the most popular routes:

• Camino Francés (French Way): Traditionally starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a small town in the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border. This is the most popular and well-known starting point.

• Camino Primitivo (Original Way): Starts in Oviedo, a city in the Asturias region of northern Spain. This is considered to be the oldest route.

• Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way): Can start in Lisbon for the full route or, more commonly, in Oporto for a shorter version.

• Camino del Norte (Northern Way): Usually starts in Irun, a town on the border between Spain and France, along the Basque coast.

While these are the traditional starting points, many pilgrims begin their journey from various other locations throughout Europe, often starting from home or a place of personal significance. 

Historically, pilgrimage has been understood as starting from home, wherever that may be.

The Camino de Santiago is mainly located in Spain, but its network of routes stretches across several European countries. 

The most famous and well-travelled routes are in northern Spain, leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the region of Galicia, where the Cathedral and Sanctuary of Saint James the Great are located.

Here's an overview of where the Camino de Santiago routes are located:

• Spain: The majority of the Camino routes are in Spain, including the Camino Francés (French Way), the Camino del Norte (Northern Way), the Camino Primitivo (Primitive Way) and the Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way, as it crosses into Spain).

• France: Several routes, known as the Chemins de Saint-Jacques, start in France and join the Camino Francés at various points near the Spanish border, such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

• Portugal: The Camino Portugués starts in Lisbon or Oporto and enters Spain at the border town of Valença.

• Other European countries: There are also less travelled routes that start in other European countries such as Italy, Germany and Belgium and eventually join the main routes in France and Spain.

The Camino de Santiago is a vast network of pilgrim routes across Europe, all converging on Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Cycling is a wonderful way to complete the pilgrimage, and there are special provisions for cyclists along the routes.

There are lots of people from Germany, the UK, Portugal and France who are crazy about cycling, and I'm delighted to be able to share some information about these amazing journeys. Here are some key points to bear in mind:

Cyclist Routes:

• French Way. This is the most popular route for cyclists. The path is well-maintained and there are lots of services for pilgrims on bicycles.

• Portuguese Way Also popular with cyclists, with options to start in Lisbon or Porto.

• Camino del Norte (Northern Way). This route is more challenging but has beautiful coastal scenery.

• Camino Primitivo (Original Way): Not many cyclists use this route because it is challenging.

To receive the Compostela (the certificate of completion), cyclists must ride at least 200 km on the Camino. Ponferrada is a popular starting point for cyclists. It is just over 200 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés.

Cycling considerations: 

• Terrain: Some parts of the Camino are not suitable for cycling. Cyclists often share the path with walkers, so be careful and polite.

• Where to stay: Most pilgrim hostels (albergues) along the route accommodate cyclists, but it's a good idea to arrive early, especially in peak season.

• You'll need a strong bike and basic repair tools.

Cycling the Camino is faster than walking, but you can still enjoy the culture and spirituality.

• In 2023: Approximately 446,035 pilgrims complete the Camino.
• In 2022: Around 437,507 pilgrims.

The number of pilgrims on the Pilgrim's Way is particularly high during the Holy Years, when St. James' Day (25 July) falls on a Sunday. 

For example, in the Holy Year 2021, despite the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of pilgrims completed the Pilgrim's Way.

These figures represent those who officially complete the pilgrimage and receive the Compostela, the certificate of completion.

Many more people may have walked parts of the Camino without necessarily registering for the Compostela.

Yes, you can camp on the Camino de Santiago, but there are some important considerations and limitations:

• Wild Camping: In Spain, wild camping (setting up camp outside of designated campgrounds) is generally prohibited, especially in protected natural areas. However, in more remote or less populated areas, it might be tolerated if done discreetly and responsibly. It’s crucial to check local regulations as rules can vary by region.

• Designated Campsites: There are designated campsites along some of the Camino routes, especially on the more popular ones like the Camino Francés. These campsites provide basic facilities such as showers, toilets, and sometimes cooking areas.

• Albergues and Refugios: Many pilgrims prefer staying in albergues (pilgrim hostels) due to the convenience and the opportunity to meet other pilgrims. These accommodations are often quite affordable, with some offering a place to pitch a tent for a small fee.

• Camping Equipment: If you choose to camp, carrying a lightweight tent and other necessary camping gear is essential. However, this adds to the weight you’ll need to carry, which can be a challenge over long distances.

• Advantages: Camping gives you more flexibility in where you stop for the night and can be a more solitary, reflective experience. It can also be more economical, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons when albergues can fill up quickly.

• Disadvantages: The main drawbacks are the added weight of camping gear and the potential lack of facilities. You’ll need to plan your route carefully to ensure you have access to water and other essentials.

• Leave No Trace: Always follow the principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact on the environment. This includes packing out all your trash, camping at least 200 feet away from water sources, and avoiding campfires unless specifically permitted.

• Safety: Ensure your campsite is safe and secure, especially if camping alone. Be mindful of weather conditions and local wildlife.

In summary, while camping on the Camino de Santiago is possible, it requires careful planning and an understanding of local regulations. 

Many pilgrims find that a mix of camping and staying in albergues works well, giving them the flexibility to enjoy the outdoors while also benefiting from the services available in towns and villages along the route.

The Camino de Santiago traditionally ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-west Spain.

Some pilgrims choose to extend their journey beyond Santiago de Compostela to the coastal town of Finisterre, about 90km (56 miles) further west. Known in Roman times as 'the end of the world', Finisterre is a symbolic extension of the pilgrimage, where pilgrims often burn their clothes or leave a memento as a final act of closure to their journey.

If you like what I've summarised here from various sources, I'd be delighted if you'd pass it on to your fellow travellers! 👇

Warm regards,
Tanya