When they reach Santiago, qualifying travelers can present their passports and receive a Compostela, an official certificate issued by the cathedral recognizing completion of a qualifying pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
I collected stamps throughout Spain and received my Compostela after arriving by bicycle.
Originally, people traveled the Camino primarily for religious reasons. Today, people participate for many different reasons, including history, adventure, exercise, personal challenges, and the opportunity to experience different cultures.
Some walk for weeks or even months. Others travel by bicycle, as I did. The famous Camino Francés, beginning near the French border, stretches approximately 500 miles to Santiago. Walking it usually takes around a month.
The Camino has become incredibly popular! In 2025, more than 530,000 pilgrims received their Compostela certificates in Santiago, a record number. That's an average of about 1,450 people every day! Travelers came from countries around the world, and while most arrived on foot, approximately 21,000 completed their journeys by bicycle. Can you imagine sharing the trails with so many people, all traveling toward the same city?
Along the routes, travelers stay in special hostels called albergues. These often have shared bedrooms, kitchens, and gathering areas. One albergue I visited was covered with thousands of scallop shells left by previous travelers!
There is also a tradition of helping fellow pilgrims.
