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Statistics from the Portuguese Camino de Santiago
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
There is something about the “ Portuguese Camino de Santiago ” that defies rational explanation. Every year, thousands of people decide to leave their daily routines behind, lace up their boots, and walk for days toward Santiago de Compostela. Some set out for religious reasons. Others for the challenge. Still others because someone told them about the Camino, and the idea has stayed with them ever since. And most arrive in Santiago a different person than when they set out.
In 2025, the Portuguese Way surpassed 100,000 pilgrims in a single season for the first time. It is the second-most-traveled route in the world, after the French Way, and is growing at a pace few anticipated. But behind the overall numbers, little was known about who the Portuguese pilgrims actually are. What drives them. How they prepare. What they pack in their backpacks. What worries them before they set out. And how they feel when they arrive.
To answer these questions, we conducted the largest study ever carried out in Portugal on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. With 1,005 responses collected from our community of more than 100,000 people, this is the most comprehensive and accurate portrait of the Portuguese pilgrim, from the decision to set out to the arrival at the Cathedral.
Some of the findings we discovered surprised us. 63% are motivated by spirituality, but the physical challenge and the need for personal growth are much more prominent than one might think. 22% have walked the Camino more than five times and keep coming back. And one fact really stuck with us: almost everyone admits they packed too many clothes.
You won't find any impressions or generalizations here. You'll find real data, gathered from those who know the Camino inside and out, which allows us to answer—with numbers—the questions everyone asks before taking their first step.
Contents
- Who are the Portuguese pilgrims (age, gender, origin)?
- What Motivates Them to Walk the Camino
- What is the most popular route and the most popular starting point?
- How do they prepare (physically and psychologically)?
- What they pack in their backpacks and what they end up not needing
- How much do they spend per day?
- What injuries occur and when
- The biggest challenges on the ground
- The apps and websites that are used the most
- What would you change if you were to do it again?
1. Profile of the Portuguese Pilgrim
Nearly half are women
The Portuguese Way is becoming less and less of an exclusively male domain. 40.9% of the responses were from women and 38.1% were men (the rest chose not to specify or selected another option). This breakdown reflects the growing participation of women in this pilgrimage.
The 31- to 50-year-old generation dominates
The most represented age group is that of the Ages 31 to 50, accounting for 55.1% of the responses. Pilgrims between the ages of 51 and 70 account for 38%, which means that the vast majority of respondents are middle-aged, have active professional lives, and are often motivated by spiritual reasons or a desire for personal growth to embark on the journey.
Mostly college graduates and salaried employees
56.2% of respondents have a bachelor's degree or higher education, and 70.6% are employees. An important statistic for understanding the window of opportunity for the Camino: the main obstacle cited by those who haven’t gone yet is, precisely, the lack of time (mentioned by 32% of those who have not yet walked the Camino).
Most come from Porto, Lisbon, and Braga
The three districts with the most respondents are Porto (21%), Lisbon (16%), and Braga (11%). It is also from these cities that most pilgrims set out, which explains the significant weight of Porto as a point of departure in the following data.
2. What Leads People to the Way
Spirituality Above All Else
When we asked what motivated pilgrims to walk the Camino, spirituality was the most common response, accounting for 63% of mentions. This was followed by the physical challenge (40%), leisure (35%), and religion (25%). One in seven pilgrims walked the Camino because an acquaintance challenged them to do so.
Among those who haven't done it yet but plan to, spirituality plays an even more prominent role: 48% cite it as their main motivation.
Motivation % of mentions Spirituality 63% Physical Challenge 40% Leisure 35% Religion 25% A challenge from someone I know 14% Result of a Pledge 7%
Why haven't those who haven't gone yet gone?
For the 187 respondents who have not yet walked the Camino, the main reasons are lack of time, the difficulty in finding someone to hang out with and not knowing where to start.
3. Routes and starting points
The Central Route is the most popular, but the Coast is gaining popularity
The Central Portuguese Way is by far the most popular route: 83% of the pilgrims who responded have already walked it. The Coastal Way comes in second at 36%, followed by the Coastal Trail (20%) and the English Way (9%).
On the last trip I took, 52% chose the Central Route, 11% for the Coast and 10% for the Coastal Trail—a sign that, even among the most experienced hikers, the Central Trail remains the favorite.
Valença/Tui and Porto are tied for first place at the start of the season
The two most popular starting points are Valença/Tui, with 241 pilgrims (30%) and the Porto with 231 (28%). Braga ranks third with 22 responses, and Lisbon with only 8, which confirms that most people opt for the shorter versions of the Camino.
4. How They Prepare for the Camino
Most people exercise by walking, but nearly one in four does nothing at all
73% of the pilgrims prepared physically by going on hikes before leaving. The gym ranks as the second most popular option (16%), while running and cycling are mentioned only marginally. But here’s a surprising fact: 21% of respondents did not do any physical training before leaving and most people recognize that it would have been important to have done so.
Psychological preparation is virtually nonexistent
Only 7% of pilgrims undertook some form of psychological preparation before the Camino. Meditation was the most common choice (5.5%), followed by mindfulness and coaching. 93% left without any formal mental preparation.
72% haven't read any books about the Camino, but those who use a guide set out with much more confidence
Only 28% of pilgrims read at least one book before setting out. The most widely used resource was our “ Camino de Santiago ” Guide, chosen by 40% of this group (note: this study was conducted among our community, which consists of more than 100,000 people across our Facebook group and contact list, a fact that naturally influences this result). Among the rest, the most frequently mentioned titles were *Portuguese Camino de Santiago de Compostela* by Sérgio Fonseca and *The Alchemist* by Paulo Coelho.
The results from this group are enlightening. Users of the Guide They highlight three main contributions:
- Mental preparation: The guide gave us a preview of the route, stage by stage, landscape by landscape, reducing anxiety and making the unknown feel familiar before we even got there.
- Choosing and booking accommodations: With all the information organized by stage, deciding where to stay is no longer a source of stress—it’s now part of the planning process.
- Confidence from the start: 80% of the Guide’s users say it helped them set out with greater confidence—a significant figure, considering that “lack of physical ability” and “not knowing how to get started” are among the greatest fears expressed by pilgrims.
On a Path where 93% of people do not undergo any formal psychological preparation, a practical guide often serves as the only mental anchor before taking the first step.
5. The Backpack: What They Bring (and What They Shouldn't)
The preferred size is between 20 and 30 liters
The most common capacity for a backpack is between 20 and 30 liters (30%), followed by 30 to 40 liters (25%) and 40 to 50 liters (17%). Only 5% use backpacks larger than 60 liters, and the data show that weight is a common problem regardless of size.
Most people set out with a backpack weighing between 6 and 8 kg
The most common weight of the backpack at the start is 6 kg (21%), followed by 7 kg (20%) and 8 kg (18%). One in five pilgrims sets out with more than 8 kg, often higher than the recommended level for long walks.
Weight upon departure Percentage of pilgrims 4 kg 7% 5 kg 13% 6 kg 22% 7 kg 21% 8 kg 18% More than 8 kg 20%
In most cases, the backpack is packed at the last minute
47% pack their backpacks just one week in advance before leaving. 35% do so the day before or on the day itself. Only 16% plan more than two weeks in advance.
He bought the backpack on purpose at Decathlon
66% bought a new backpack for the Camino, and Decathlon overwhelmingly dominates the market for Portuguese pilgrims' gear. In virtually every category (backpacks, shoes, clothing, first-aid kits), Decathlon is the number-one destination, recommended by 67% of all respondents who purchased equipment.
Clothing: Most people wear a mix of formal and casual attire
49% of pilgrims bring a mix of technical and casual clothing. 27% bring only technical clothing. 12% bring only casual clothing. And the item that appears most frequently on the list of things they shouldn’t have brought is “extra clothes”—the most common answer to the question about what was unnecessary in their backpacks.
Read our article on what to pack in your backpack.
6. Footwear: The Debate Between Sneakers and Boots
Footwear is one of the most discussed topics among pilgrims, and the data show that There is no right answer:
- Sneakers: 47% of pilgrims
- Mid-calf boots: 21%
- Low-cut boots: 20%
- Knee-high boots: 2%
- Sandals: 2%
63% bought shoes specifically for the Camino, mostly at Decathlon (57% of footwear purchases). The most popular brands include Quechua, Asics, Merrell, Salomon, and Adidas.
Read our article on how to choose shoes for the Camino.
7. The Trail in Numbers: Time, Pace, and Costs
Most people complete the Camino in 5 to 7 days
The most common duration is between 5 and 7 days, with 46% of pilgrims traveling during this period. Those who set out from Valença/Tui (the most popular starting point) typically complete the Camino in 5 to 6 days, while those who set out from Porto need 10 to 14 days.
Duration Percentage of pilgrims Less than 5 days 11% 5 days 19% 6 days 17% 7 days 10% 8–9 days 14% 10 days 10% 11–12 days 10% More than 12 days 8%
Between 15 and 25 km per day is the most common pace
58% of pilgrims walk between 15 and 25 km per day. 40% walk more than 25 km. Only 1% walk less than 15 km, which confirms that, even for beginners, the Portuguese Way requires considerable physical fitness.
Most people leave between 6 and 7 a.m.
35% leave at 7 a.m., 30% at 6 a.m., and 21% at 8 a.m.. One in ten people leaves before 6 a.m., a practice that is more common during the summer months to avoid the heat of the midday hours.
Average cost: between 20 and 40 euros per day
32% spend between 20 and 30 euros a day, 24% spend between 30 and 40 euros. 12% spend more than 40 euros a day, while 24% spend between 10 and 20 euros, usually staying in municipal hostels and eating at supermarkets.
Cost per day Percentage of pilgrims Less than 10€ 2% €10 to €20 24% €20 to €30 32% €30 to €40 24% More than 40€ 12% Doesn't know 5%
8. Accommodations: from hostels to hotels
Municipal hostels are the first choice
43% prefer municipal shelters, 39% stay in private hostels. Only 9% choose hotels. This breakdown reflects the spirit of the Camino well: most people want the communal experience of hostels, but there is a growing group that values the comfort of private hostels.
9. Injuries: blisters on the third day and knee pain
38% suffered some kind of injury
38% of pilgrims who have walked the Camino have suffered at least one injury during the ride. Blisters are by far the most common problem:
Injury Frequency Bubbles 58% of injuries Leg pain 16% Knee pain 13% Stress Fractures 3%
The blisters appear on the second or third day
50% of the pilgrims who developed blisters noticed them on the second or third day Along the Way. 19% on the very first day. Only 14% managed to make it to the fifth day without any problems.
Read our article on the most common injuries on the Camino.
10. The greatest challenges on the ground
We asked what the biggest challenges were along the Way. The climbs clearly top the list:
Difficulty % of mentions The climbs 44% The Descents 26% The Heat 24% Lack of infrastructure in some sections 13% Sleeping in Public Places 11% Soil Quality 8% Food 5%
11. Apps and websites: Camino Ninja rules
The path is becoming increasingly digital
Camino Ninja is the most widely used navigation app on the Camino (21% of pilgrims who used it), followed by Google Maps (9%) and other apps. However, nearly half (49%) did not use any navigation app, relying instead on the yellow arrows and trail markers.
For preparation, the most commonly used websites were Ninja Path (310 mentions), our website caminhoportuguesdesantiago.eu (274), vagamundos.pt (183), and Gronze (149).
Preparation Website / App Acknowledgments Ninja Path 310 caminhoportuguesdesantiago.eu 274 vagamundos.pt 183 Gronze 149 caminhodesantiago.gal 142
12. How does he get around, and how does he get home?
Most of them walked the Camino
81% of pilgrims who have walked the Camino did so on foot. 8% rode a bicycle, and 9% used a combination of both modes of transportation. To get to the starting point, most people travel by car or bus, depending on the starting point they choose.
The bus dominates the return trip
38% returned by bus, 15% by train, and surprisingly 14% got a ride home, a phenomenon that is very characteristic of the culture of the Camino, where pilgrims help one another.
13. He started out with company and arrived with company
76% left with someone else (whether with friends, family, or as part of an organized group). Only 24% began the Camino alone. However, those who start alone rarely finish alone: the Camino community is one of its greatest attractions.
14. Months: September, October, and June are the favorites
| Month | Percentage of pilgrims |
|---|---|
| October | 18% |
| September | 16% |
| June | 14% |
| August | 14% |
| April | 13% |
| May | 11% |
| July | 5% |
October and September are the best months: they’re cooler, less crowded, and offer autumn scenery. July, despite being peak season in Portugal, is one of the months least chosen by pilgrims on the Portuguese Way.
15. How much time passes between the decision and departure?
27% take between one and six months to follow through on their decision to leave. 24% take between 3 and 6 months (that is, 3 to 6 months). Only 3% make the decision during the week they leave. For most, the Camino is, a medium-term decision which requires a period of preparation and organization.
| Time between decision and departure | % |
|---|---|
| The week he left | 3% |
| Between 1 week and 1 month | 9% |
| Between 1 and 3 months | 17% |
| Between 3 and 6 months | 24% |
| Between 6 months and 1 year | 28% |
| More than 1 year | 19% |
16. Fears Before Leaving
For those who haven't walked the Camino yet, the main concerns are:
- Lack of physical ability (30%)
- Injuries (26%)
- Daily kilometers (17%)
- Spending many hours alone (9%)
Interestingly, the fear of being alone is a common concern, but the data show that 76% of pilgrims set out with companions.
17. Bat: yes or no?
58% of the pilgrims used a walking stick along the Camino. The most frequently mentioned benefits were support on descents, reduced impact on the knees, and better balance on uneven terrain. Those who did not use one mainly cited the inconvenience of carrying it before starting the hike.
18. What would they change?
When we asked what the pilgrims would do differently on their next Camino, the most common answers were:
- Packing fewer clothes in your backpack: the most universal lesson
- Start earlier (from a different, more distant starting point)
- Wear better socks and shoes that are more broken in
- Do more physical training before leaving
- Book fewer or more stays in advance
- Take more time with each step, without rushing
19. Conclusion: What the Data Tell Us
This study reveals a typical Portuguese pilgrim with well-defined characteristics: he is between 31 and 50 years old, has a college degree, is employed by a company, is motivated primarily by spirituality and personal challenge, walks the Central Route starting from Porto or Valença, and spends an average of between 20 and 30 euros per day.
He gets in shape by going for walks, but not very far in advance. He buys gear at Decathlon. He packs extra clothes. He gets blisters on the third day. He arrives with a backpack that’s heavier than it should be, and travels lighter next time.
And, above all: come back. The Camino creates repeat pilgrims: 22% have already walked it more than 5 times.
What about you? Have you been there yet? When are you going? Tell us in the comments!
