2026-10-22
Holy Year 2027: what it means for your Camino
A Holy Year (Año Xacobeo) happens when July 25, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. In 2027 it does, so 2027 is a Holy Year, and the Camino will feel it.
What changes in practice:
- More pilgrims everywhere. Holy Years draw people who have waited years for one. The Francés from Sarria onward is busy in a normal year. In 2027, plan on it being packed from May to September.
- Beds go first at the pinch points. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, and the Sarria to Santiago stretch are where booking ahead stops being optional.
- The last 100 km stamp rule still applies. To earn the Compostela you need at least the final 100 km on foot (200 km by bike) and at least two stamps a day in that final stretch. In a Holy Year, stamp queues at popular stops get long. Collect stamps as you go, not at the end of the day.
- Quieter routes get relatively quieter. The Invierno, the Sanabrés, and the northern routes absorb some overflow, but they stay far calmer than the Francés. A Holy Year is a good argument for a second Camino route if crowds are not your thing.
Our route guides carry a Holy Year 2027 note on every route. Start with the Francés guide or browse the full library.