There’s something sacred about watching someone take the first step on the Camino de Santiago. Whether it’s a twenty-year-old with a bursting backpack or a seventy-year-old on their third pilgrimage, that step holds the same quiet power. It’s a choice to leave behind comfort and routine and enter into something transformational. And here’s the truth most people don’t know: the Camino isn’t just for the devout, the able-bodied, or the European. It’s for everyone.
In recent years, the Camino has opened its arms wider than ever. People from across the globe, of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds, are walking—or rolling—toward Santiago. If you think the Camino is only for a certain type of person, think again. The trail is changing. And the pilgrims walking it are changing, too. Let’s take a deeper look at the numbers, and the stories behind them.
Who walks the Camino today? A truly global pilgrimage
In 2024, nearly half a million people arrived in Santiago de Compostela with a Compostela certificate in hand—499,239, to be exact. But there’s something else in the statistics that reveals that the Camino is no longer a niche Catholic experience. It’s a cultural phenomenon.
And for the first time in history, international pilgrims outnumbered Spanish pilgrims. That shift marks a new chapter: the Camino has become a global rite of passage.
Here’s a snapshot of where pilgrims came from in 2024:
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Spain: 42 percent
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United States: 8 percent
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Italy: 6 percent
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Germany: 4.9 percent
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Portugal: 4.4 percent
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France: 2.5 percent
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South Korea: 2.3 percent
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Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, Poland, and the UK all followed closely
In total, pilgrims from over 180 countries walked one of the many routes toward Santiago. On the Camino you could hear Korean beside Portuguese, Italian beside Swahili. In the albergues and cafés, people connect without needing the same language. What they share is something deeper: a hunger for meaning, healing, or adventure.
Can you do the Camino in a wheelchair? Yes—and more people are doing it every year
Let’s be honest. The Camino isn’t built for comfort. Cobblestones, steep descents, narrow forest paths—this isn’t a flat city sidewalk. But that hasn’t stopped some of the most determined and inspiring pilgrims from completing the journey in a wheelchair.
In 2023, 198 pilgrims in wheelchairs received their Compostela. That’s up from 127 in 2022. Every year, the number rises. Not because the path is easy, but because the human spirit is stubborn.
The most accessible route remains the Camino Francés, especially the last 100 kilometers between Sarria and Santiago. Many wheelchair pilgrims travel with a support person, a specialized tour company, or a handbike. Some combine walking and wheeling, while others bring adaptive gear or ride with assistance.
Infrastructure is improving. Ramps are being added. Some albergues now offer accessible bathrooms and ground-floor accommodations. Still, there’s work to do. Too many places remain difficult to access. But change is coming—thanks in part to the growing visibility of these courageous pilgrims.
Check our blog post about completing the Camino as a wheelchair user for more info, tips, and some expert advice.
Are blind or visually impaired people doing the Camino? They are—and they’re thriving
Every year, pilgrims who are blind or have low vision walk the Camino. They come guided by friends, family, trained volunteers, or even their own instinct. They listen to the rhythm of their steps, the sound of birds in the trees, the crunch of gravel beneath their boots.
Some walk with canes, others with guide dogs. Certain sections of the trail in Galicia now offer Braille signage or audio guide options, and organizations like ONCE in Spain are working to make more stretches accessible. Apps and GPS tools with voice guidance also help navigate the route.
It takes planning, patience, and a deep sense of trust. But what they often say is that the Camino makes them feel more seen than most cities ever have. On the Camino, your pace is sacred, and the people you meet often become your eyes.
What about deaf or hard-of-hearing pilgrims? They walk too, and connection runs deep
The Camino speaks in footsteps. In glances. In shared meals and long silences. That’s why deaf and hard-of-hearing pilgrims often find it a deeply moving—and surprisingly inclusive—space.
There are no loud city horns or crowded metros here. Just forests, paths, and the occasional cowbell.
Today, more deaf pilgrims are walking thanks to better access to information. Visual guides, detailed apps, and community forums help with route planning. Some walk solo, others in groups. Along the way, many albergues are learning to use written instructions, visual signals, or even basic sign language.
What they experience is something essential to the Camino: that real connection doesn’t always need words.
What about age, gender, and other identities? The Camino is becoming a mirror of the world
The average age of pilgrims is slowly shifting. In 2024, the largest age group was 30 to 60 years old, but seniors over 60 made up nearly 20 percent of all pilgrims. Many walk after retirement. Others walk after a divorce, a diagnosis, or a death in the family. They come looking for renewal—and they find it.
More women than ever are walking solo. In 2023, 49 percent of all pilgrims were women, and solo female pilgrims made up 17 percent. Most report feeling safe, empowered, and connected—especially on well-traveled routes like the Francés or Portugués.
And yes, LGBTQ+ pilgrims, non-religious seekers, and people from all faith backgrounds are showing up too. Because the Camino doesn’t ask you to fit a mold. It just asks you to walk.
So… is the Camino really for everyone? Not yet. But it can be.
The truth is, there are still obstacles. Not every route is accessible. Not every albergue is inclusive. Some stretches are physically intense. And yet, the Camino remains one of the most human journeys on Earth. Because of its imperfections. Because of the way it invites people to rise to the challenge—and support each other on the way.
Every pilgrim who walks with a cane, pushes a wheelchair, follows a guide, or overcomes fear is not just completing a journey—they’re expanding the path for those who follow.
The Camino isn’t a perfect trail. But it is a living one. And as such, it’s evolving.
And you can be certain we are with YOU every step of the way!
You belong on this path—and we’ll help you get there
At Follow the Camino, we believe that your Camino should start with a yes. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional pilgrimage or wondering if the route can work for your needs, we’re here to make it possible. From tailored itineraries to accessible accommodation, from emotional preparation to logistical support—we can make your booking easier, your path clearer, and your journey unforgettable.
Because the Camino doesn’t just call the few.
It calls the ready.
It calls the bold.
It calls YOU.
Buen Camino. Always.
