The Portuguese Coastal Way closes 2025 with almost 90,000 pilgrims and confirms its international boom
He Portuguese Coastal Route continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic and expanding routes of the Camino de Santiago. During 2025, this variant registered almost 90,000 pilgrims, a fact that consolidates its prestige and confirms the upward trend observed in recent years.
This coastal itinerary, which combines heritage, maritime landscape and Jacobean tradition, has experienced sustained growth that places it as one of the favorite routes for both Spanish and international pilgrims. Last year's figures indicate a notable increase compared to 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the routes with the greatest projection within the set of official routes.
An increasingly international route
One of the most notable aspects is the high percentage of foreign pilgrims who choose this route. In 2025, around 80% of walkers came from outside Spain, with a particularly notable presence from countries such as the United States, Germany, Italy and Brazil.
This multicultural profile has contributed to the global dissemination of the Portuguese Coastal Way, attracting walkers looking for a different experience, with views of the Atlantic and quieter stages than other traditional routes.
A Guarda, key entry point to Galicia
The municipality of To Guarda It has established itself as one of the most important accesses for those who travel this variant. More than 3,800 pilgrims chose this enclave as the departure point to Santiago de Compostela in 2025, confirming its strategic relevance within the coastal route.
Local institutions emphasize that the growth is not accidental, but is the result of tourism promotion work, infrastructure improvement and active participation in national and international fairs related to the Camino.
Seasonalization and stable growth
Another significant element is the stability of the flow of pilgrims throughout almost the entire year.
The busiest months were May and September, both with more than 15,000 registered walkers, but from spring to autumn there was an average of more than 10,000 pilgrims per month.
This behavior indicates a clear process of deseasonalization, beneficial for the municipalities along the route, which find in the Camino a continuous economic engine for accommodation, shops and restaurants.
A Path that looks to the future
The strong growth of the Portuguese Coastal Route confirms its transformation into one of the routes with the greatest projection for the coming years. With an eye on Xacobeo 2027, both administrations and Camino associations are already working to reinforce infrastructure, signage, services and international promotion to offer an even more complete and safe experience.
This coastal itinerary, which just a decade ago was a minority, has today become one of the great protagonists of the pilgrim movement, attracting thousands of people looking for a different Camino, where the sea accompanies every step.closes 2025 with almost 90,000 pilgrims and confirms its international boom
He Portuguese Coastal Route continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic and expanding routes of the Camino de Santiago. During 2025, this variant registered almost 90,000 pilgrims, a fact that consolidates its prestige and confirms the upward trend observed in recent years.
This coastal itinerary, which combines heritage, maritime landscape and Jacobean tradition, has experienced sustained growth that places it as one of the favorite routes for both Spanish and international pilgrims. Last year's figures indicate a notable increase compared to 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the routes with the greatest projection within the set of official routes.
