Reinforced Security on the Camino de Santiago as it passes through La Rioja with Mixed Franco-Spanish Patrols
Rioja. The safety of pilgrims who travel the Camino de Santiago as they pass through La Rioja is reinforced in 2025 with an important cross-border cooperation initiative: the second edition of joint patrols between the French Gendarmerie and the Spanish Civil Guard. Two French agents will collaborate directly with the Armed Institute to ensure the tranquility of walkers and the preservation of the Jacobean route.
This collaboration, framed in the "cross-border cooperation framework", has a wide range of objectives: from direct safety of the pilgrim and the Camino itself, until the prevention of damage to historical-cultural heritage, the maintenance of signage, the guarantee of road safety, and the conservation of nature and the environment.
Support for the Pilgrim and the Reception Network
Beyond surveillance, agents will carry out important security work. direct assistance to pilgrims. In addition, they will conduct interviews with shelter staff to learn first-hand about their concerns and possible security problems that may arise at these key reception points.
The security device in La Rioja for 2025 is complemented with the participation of various Civil Guard specialties. Units such as Citizen Security, Traffic Group, Seprona (nature protection service), Mountain Group, Cynological Service, Judicial Police and even a Helicopter join the effort to cover all security needs on the route.
Likewise, the Civil Guard has deployed the Mobile Pilgrim Assistance Office (OMAP) along the Rioja section. This specialized unit brings police services directly to walkers, reinforcing security and actively contributing to the protection of the Camino's valuable heritage.
The “Virtual Guardian” of the Camino
Along with the physical presence, the Civil Guard enhances its virtual support through the application Alertcops of the Ministry of the Interior. By activating the “Guardian” function, pilgrims and users can benefit from services such as:
- 24/7 attention from operational centers.
- Geolocated security alerts in real time.
- Verification of the last 10 geopositionings in case of loss.
- Direct contact with 062.
All of this, available in seven languages. In addition, pilgrims will receive random messages with safety tips adapted to their location, consolidating the concept of "Virtual Guardian of the Camino."
Balance and Safety Tips
In 2024, the Civil Guard in La Rioja carried out a total of 4,176 services linked to the Camino de Santiago, including health, mechanical, informational and accompanying aid.
For a safe pilgrimage, the Civil Guard remembers that in its institutional website (guardiacivil.es/es/servicios/consejos/Camino_de_Santiago.html) you can find valuable advice and recommendations, including a decalogue for the good pilgrim.
