Camino de Santiago Holy Year 2027

Why people travel then

Whenever 25 July, the Feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday, the year is a Holy Year (Xacobeo). The cathedral in Santiago opens its Holy Door for the whole year, and pilgrims who pass through it can receive the plenary indulgence. The last ordinary one was 2021, extended into 2022; the next are 2032 and 2038.

More than half a million pilgrims received the Compostela in 2025, a record, and operators expect 2027 to be busier still. The days around 25 July, with the fireworks on the eve and the swinging of the giant censer, are the emotional peak.

What you will see on the routes

• The Camino Francés: Seven Iconic Stages to Santiago

  The last 100 km from Sarria, the minimum for the Compostela, will be the most crowded stretch of any Camino in 2027. Book beds ahead for spring and autumn, and start walking at first light in summer.

• Camino Portugués — the Coastal Way Highlights

  The coastal Portuguese way is the quieter road to the same Holy Door, with Atlantic views most of the way and cooler air in July.

How it changes travel

• Albergues and small hotels on the last 100 km of the Francés and the Portugués fill months ahead in a Holy Year; walkers without bookings may have to walk on to the next village.
• Santiago’s hotel prices peak from 15 to 31 July; the Pilgrims’ Mass in the cathedral is often full well before it starts.
• 25 July is a public holiday in Galicia; expect closures in Santiago and crowds at the cathedral from dawn.

Travel window: 31 December 2026 to 31 December 2027. The Holy Year runs all of 2027. April to June and September to October are the best balance of weather and space; July and August are the busiest.