For the first semester of 2017, the Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago de Compostela recorded 112.120 arrivals. Compared to the same period in 2016 (101.064) this represents an 11% increase. The trend over the last 5 years has been an average 10 % increase compared to each previous year, except slowing during the period July-September in 2016.
It is very probable that this year the 300.000 mark will be reached.
At the end of June, pilgrims from Spain increased 9% and foreigners 12% compared to 2016
Of the
Camino Frances arrivals (62% of all Caminos) 43% had started from Sarria (29.953), beating the quotes from 39% in 2016, 38% in 2015, 34% in 2014, etc. The overall increase of starters from Sarria, as compared to last year, was 17% whereas for the total
Camino Frances it was “only” 5%.
Walkers who had started from Saint Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles and Pamplona actually reduced by 3% compared to the same semester in 2016.
As far as other Caminos are concerned, these have gained popularity with one exception:
Portugues (25.096): +30% compared to 2016 (+25% for 2016/15, +15% for 2015/14)
Norte (5.197): +11%; Primitivo (4.606) +20%; Ingles (3.752) + 13%; VdlP (3.731) -3%
The composition of pilgrims’ age groups did not substantially change over the past years: ages <30: 23%; ages 30-60: 55%; ages >60: 22%