Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago. Since the Middle Ages, the safety of walkers has been a constant concern. Religious orders, such as the Hospitallers, established shelters and hospitals to care for pilgrims, and on many stretches of the Camino, patrols were organized to protect them from assailants. Over time, road safety on these routes has improved thanks to various public and private initiatives.
Throughout the 20th century, with the resurgence of the Camino de Santiago as a pilgrimage, infrastructure improvements began to be implemented, such as the placement of specific signs to guide walkers and the adaptation of paths to avoid dangerous roads. These initiatives have intensified in recent years, with new investments aimed at improving the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
Improvements in 2025: more safety on the St. James Way
With the aim of reinforcing road safety on the Camino de Santiago, the Xunta de Galicia has earmarked 40 million euros to improve the infrastructure on the last 150 kilometers of the route. This project is part of the Master Plan for the Routes of Santiago 2027 and has been designed by the Galician Tourism Agency after carrying out an exhaustive study of the busiest stretches and identifying the risk points.
Among the measures adopted, the following stand out:
- New pedestrian paths: Paths separated from traffic have been enabled in several dangerous sections of the French, Primitive and Northern Ways, allowing pilgrims to walk more safely.
- Improvements in signaling: New road signs have been installed and luminous signaling has been reinforced at crossroads and areas with a high influx of pilgrims to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Extension of Internet coverage: Work has been done to improve mobile connectivity along the Camino, allowing pilgrims to have access to information in real time and to communicate in case of emergency.
Other innovations to improve the pilgrim experience in 2025
In addition to safety improvements, other initiatives have been implemented to make the pilgrims’ journey more comfortable and enriching. Among them, the extension of opening hours of monuments and museums along the Camino stands out. In addition, in towns such as Redondela, pedestrianization projects have been carried out in historic centers to offer a safer and more pleasant environment.
Some tips for safe walking on the Camino de Santiago
To enjoy the Camino safely, it is important to follow some basic recommendations:
- Respect the signage and always use the paths designated for pilgrims.
- Be visible in poorly lit stretches, using reflective clothing if necessary.
- Stay hydrated and well fed, especially in the hot months.
- Plan the stages in advance and avoid walking at night or in adverse weather conditions.
- Carry a cell phone with sufficient battery power and know the emergency phone numbers.
For those seeking an even safer experience, guided tours are the best option. Having an experienced guide allows you to learn more about the history of the Camino and to walk it with greater peace of mind, avoiding unnecessary risks and ensuring a smooth pilgrimage.
Contact our team and we will inform you of the advantages of doing the Camino de Santiago organized with Pambretours.
