Happy New Year! Buen Camino! And happy planning for all aspiring pilgrims in 2024. As a three time pilgrim with walks on the Frances, Portuguese, and Ingles, I’m always excited for the Pilgrim’s Office of Santiago to release their end of the year statistics report to see how The Way is changing. There are some eye-opening statistics this year that are sure to shape and mold the decisions of pilgrim planners gearing up for a walk in 2024. In this blog post, I’ll dive into my five main takeaways.

1. The United States Now Accounts for the Second Largest Group of Pilgrims

The 2023 pilgrim data brings a surprising revelation—the United States now accounts for a significant 7.28% of all pilgrims, securing the second position, just behind Spanish walkers. This shift is remarkable, considering that in 2012, the U.S. ranked sixth with a mere 3.67%. The growing spirit of the Camino in my home country is truly inspiring, especially given our geographical distance from Spain. As we anticipate the years ahead, the trajectory of this percentage will be a captivating aspect to monitor. The trend of American pilgrims returning for multiple trips and enthusiastically spreading the Camino spirit is contributing to this noteworthy rise.

2. The Camino Has Bounced Back From Covid

Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, the Camino has showcased remarkable resilience. The setbacks experienced during the 2020 and 2021 Covid-related shutdowns and travel bans did not dampen the spirits of pilgrims. Walking the Ingles with my family in the Holy Year of 2022 dispelled my initial concerns, and 2023 marked a positive year for the Camino, signaling a rebound from the pandemic-induced downturn. While growth remained flat in 2023, the Holy Year of 2022, coupled with pent-up travel demand, acted as a catalyst for a swift recovery. Looking ahead to 2024, we can anticipate a modest growth trajectory as the Camino returns to its normal annual growth pattern.

3. Shoulder Season Is Still A Time For Solitude

Amid concerns about increasing crowds on the Camino, especially during the summer months, the data highlights the ongoing appeal of the shoulder season for pilgrims seeking solitude. Veteran pilgrims often lament the bed-race in the later stages of the journey as overall numbers continue to rise. The growth, particularly in the summer months for Spanish pilgrims and in May and June for international pilgrims, suggests that the shoulder season remains a preferred time for those seeking a more tranquil Camino experience.

4. The Camino Portuguese Continues to Grow in Popularity

A standout statistic in the 2023 data is the continued surge in popularity of the Portuguese routes. The pilgrims’ office now distinguishes between the standard Portuguese (Central) and the Coastal Route (Costa). Combined, these routes now command a substantial 32% of all pilgrims, a significant increase from the 13% recorded in 2012. The diversification of routes, a response to concerns about overcrowding on the French Route, has proven successful. The investment in alternative routes such as Portuguese, Ingles, and Primativo is visibly paying off, with each route attracting more pilgrims year after year.

5. As Variant Routes Grow in Popularity, So Do New Starting Points

The changing landscape of the Camino’s route preferences is mirrored in the shifting starting points for walkers. In 2012, the Frances route dominated, representing 70% of all pilgrims, and the top five starting points were all along the Frances. However, in 2023, only 2 out of the top 5 starting points are on the Frances. Tui and Porto have emerged as popular launch points for the Portuguese routes, while Ferrol has witnessed increased popularity with the growth of the Ingles route.

Closing Thoughts

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the promise of a new year filled with Camino adventures, the evolving statistics offer valuable insights into the changing dynamics of pilgrim preferences. From the surge in American pilgrims to the resilience of the Camino post-Covid, the popularity of Portuguese routes, the allure of the shoulder season, and the diversification of starting points, the Camino continues to adapt and grow. These trends serve as a compass for pilgrim planners in 2024, guiding them on a journey that transcends the physical path—navigating the evolving spirit and essence of the Camino de Santiago. Buen Camino!