Camino de Santiago Holy Year 2027: What It Means for Pilgrims
By Filipe, Camino Pilgrim Co-founder
The Camino de Santiago will have particular significance in 2027. It will be a Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela, a year that draws pilgrims who want to take part in a centuries-old religious tradition, as well as those who simply feel that 2027 is the right time to walk.
If you are planning a Camino next year, here is what the Holy Year means and what you should consider before booking.
What is the Holy Year?
A Holy Year, also called an Año Santo Compostelano or Jacobean Year, occurs when 25 July, the feast day of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. The next one is in 2027.
The tradition dates back to the 12th century. For the Catholic Church, a Holy Year is a time of pilgrimage, prayer and reconciliation centred on the tomb of Saint James in Santiago Cathedral. You can read about its history and meaning on the official Santiago Cathedral website.
The Holy Year begins with the opening of the cathedral’s Holy Door on 31 December 2026. The door normally remains closed and opens for pilgrims during Holy Years. You can check the cathedral’s official liturgy and events page as plans for 2027 are published.
What does the Holy Year mean if you walk the Camino?
You do not need to arrive in Santiago on 25 July. The Holy Year lasts throughout 2027, so pilgrims walking in spring, summer or autumn can experience it.
When you reach Santiago, you may choose to enter the cathedral through the Holy Door, visit the tomb of Saint James or attend a Pilgrim Mass. For many people, these moments add meaning to an arrival that already feels significant after days or weeks on the Camino.
You can walk for your own reasons. Some pilgrims come with a religious purpose. Others walk for reflection, to mark a life event, to spend time with others or to take on a personal challenge. The Holy Year does not require every walker to take part in its religious observances.
What is the Jubilee indulgence?
For Catholic pilgrims, the Holy Year offers the opportunity to receive a Jubilee indulgence. The cathedral explains the conditions in its official Holy Year guidance. They include visiting the tomb of Saint James and praying, receiving confession and receiving Communion.
Walking a set distance is not one of those conditions. The cathedral says that someone can take part in the Jubilee without walking the Camino. Equally, receiving a Compostela for a qualifying pilgrimage does not mean someone has taken part in the Jubilee.
Passing through the Holy Door is a tradition, but the cathedral says it is not required to receive the indulgence.
Will the Camino be busier in 2027?
Expect more interest in the Camino during the Holy Year. The Pilgrim’s Reception Office says Holy Years bring a considerable increase in pilgrims arriving in Santiago.
The experience will still vary by route and date. Some stretches may feel lively, while others offer more space and quiet. Popular arrival dates and towns with limited accommodation may need particular care when planning.
When should you book a 2027 Camino?
As soon as possible. Interest in 2027 is already strong, and accommodation may be limited in some places and at certain times of year. This matters if you have fixed travel dates, want private rooms or plan to travel with a group.
Camino Pilgrim has two guided tours planned for the Holy Year. In May 2027, we will walk the Portuguese Coastal Route. In September 2027, we will walk the Portuguese Central Route. Both journeys offer the chance to share your Camino with a group while we organise the daily arrangements.
If you would rather walk independently, we can also help you plan a self-guided Portuguese Camino around your preferred dates.
Make 2027 your Camino year
The Holy Year has deep religious roots, but every pilgrim brings their own reason for walking. Whether you hope to take part in the Jubilee or simply want to reach Santiago on foot, 2027 is a meaningful year to make the journey.
If you are thinking about walking, start planning now. Explore Camino Pilgrim’s May Coastal Route and September Central Route guided tours for 2027, or contact us to discuss a self-guided journey.
Camino Pilgrim offers specialist small-group guided walking journeys and self-guided journeys along the Camino Portugués. Based in Portugal, we specialise in thoughtfully planned trips for travellers who want to walk with confidence and come home changed.
