Extreme Heat Reshapes Spain’s Historic Camino Pilgrimage

Religion Unplugged reports that rising temperatures, heatwaves and wildfires are changing how pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago, the network of routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. The cathedral is traditionally believed to hold the remains of Saint James. Although tourist groups say fewer travelers now undertake the Camino primarily for religious reasons, the pilgrimage continues to draw large numbers seeking spiritual meaning, time in nature, personal challenges or fellowship. According to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, a record 530,987 pilgrims received the Compostela certificate last year.

Pilgrims and guides told the publication that extreme summer conditions are forcing changes to schedules and routes. American traveler Vandy Louise said she began walking around 4:30 a.m. to cover more ground before temperatures climbed, while also shortening some days. Guide Marta Sagatowska said groups try to depart early and that prospective pilgrims increasingly ask about weather conditions. She advises carrying ample water and monitoring travelers for signs that they cannot continue safely. Francisco Tomatis, a researcher who has studied climate change’s effects on the Camino, said high temperatures can contribute to dehydration, fatigue and dizziness, with older walkers facing particular concerns. Local authorities have also started planting trees along exposed sections that offer little or no shade.

The report says last summer was Spain’s hottest on record, with an average temperature of 75 degrees, regular highs above 100 degrees and peaks reaching 109. Authorities attributed almost 4,000 deaths to the heat. More than 250,000 hectares burned within several weeks in northern and northwestern Spain, and parts of the Camino were closed. Dominic Royé, a researcher at the Biological Mission of Galicia, said the region is experiencing longer summers and more extreme weather. Travelers may respond by choosing shorter routes in Galicia or the cooler Northern Way rather than exposed stretches such as the Meseta on the Camino Francés. Tomatis said the pilgrimage is unlikely to vanish, but warned that hotter, longer summers could continue altering when and how people complete the ancient journey.