Esposende welcomes more than 51,000 pilgrims on the Portuguese Coastal Way

Over almost 15 years, the municipality of Esposende has benefited from the growing demand for the Coastal Route to Santiago.

The Portuguese Coastal Way continues to establish itself as one of the leading pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, with Esposende taking on an increasingly important role along the journey. The figures are unequivocal: more than 51,000 pilgrims passed through the São Miguel Pilgrim Hostel in Marinhas between its opening in 2011 and the end of 2025.

This figure is particularly significant as Esposende Municipal Council prepares to mark St James’s Day, the patron saint of pilgrims, on 25 July, with a programme of initiatives for those crossing the municipality on their way to the Galician city.

Growing interest in this route reflects an international trend. In 2025 alone, 530,775 pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela, a record total and an increase of more than 31,000 pilgrims on the previous year. The Portuguese Coastal Way has cemented its position as the third most popular of all the Ways of St James, having been chosen by 89,503 pilgrims.

Esposende is now one of the most important stages on this route, welcoming visitors from across the world. Germany, the United States, Italy, Spain, France, Czechia and Portugal are among the countries with the highest numbers of pilgrims recorded at the São Miguel Pilgrim Hostel, a facility that has become a key reference point for those following the coastal route.

To mark St James’s Day, the council will again set up a welcome point beside the D. Luís Filipe Bridge in Fão, where souvenirs and information about the Portuguese Coastal Way will be handed out. The initiative is intended to welcome pilgrims travelling through the municipality and reinforce the area’s long-standing tradition of hospitality.

Social gathering

The celebrations will include a social gathering with queimada, scheduled for 20:00 at the São Miguel Pilgrim Hostel. Pilgrims and members of the local community will be welcome, encouraging social interaction and cultural exchange.

Certified until 2028, the Portuguese Coastal Way passes through the whole of the Esposende municipality, following a route with deep historical roots based on the old Via Veteris, used since the Middle Ages by pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, walkers encounter heritage rich in history, faith and tradition, including churches, wayside crosses, roadside shrines and ancient paths that bear witness to centuries of pilgrimage.

Local impact

Alongside its spiritual and cultural dimensions, the phenomenon is also becoming increasingly important to the local economy, helping to boost the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors. As pilgrim numbers continue to rise year after year, Esposende is further establishing itself as one of the principal gateways to the Portuguese Coastal Way.

25 July

Matosinhos offers local tinned fish tastings

Several municipalities have events planned to mark St James’s Day next Saturday. Matosinhos is among them, with pilgrims able to sample local tinned fish at its tourist information offices. At the Leça da Palmeira office, they will receive a hat.

Viana do Castelo promises a varied programme

Viana do Castelo Council has joined the Friends of the Way of St James Association of Viana do Castelo and the São João da Cruz dos Caminhos Pilgrim Hostel to offer a varied, free programme for the day.