Home » Spain Travel News » Spain Struggles with Overtourism as Santiago de Compostela Faces Growing Pilgrimage and Tourism Surge

Published on
September 14, 2025

Santiago de Compostela, located in the northwest of Spain, is renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes. In recent years, however, this UNESCO World Heritage city has been experiencing a tourism boom that is beginning to challenge its local fabric. The growing influx of pilgrims and tourists has caused tensions between visitors and the long-standing residents of the city.

In response to the influx, a neighborhood association in the city initiated a guide aimed at improving tourist behavior. The guide, which was translated into several languages, advised tourists to be mindful of noise, follow traffic rules, and protect the cobblestone streets with plastic caps on hiking poles. Despite these efforts, residents report that their city is increasingly overtaken by tourists, with large groups dominating the streets, bikes riding in the wrong direction, and the distinct clattering of hiking poles on the cobblestones. This shift has forced many long-time residents out of the central area due to skyrocketing rent prices and a shortage of affordable housing.

The Toll of Overtourism: Residents Feel the Pressure

The city’s struggle with overtourism is a reflection of a larger issue in many global tourism hotspots: the displacement of local populations as tourism demand skyrockets. Santiago de Compostela, once a relatively peaceful and manageable city, now faces a new challenge. With a population of just 3,000 residents in the historic center, Santiago is becoming increasingly unrecognizable. Once vibrant local businesses, such as hardware stores, newsstands, and bakeries, are disappearing, replaced by souvenir shops, cafes, and ice cream parlors catering to tourists. This transformation is eroding the city’s authentic local culture.

The city’s population has shrunk dramatically over the past two decades. According to local reports, the historic center lost almost half of its permanent residents between 2000 and 2020, and the number of residents who remain in the area continues to dwindle. Many who have lived in the city for years are now being forced to leave, unable to afford the rising rents spurred by the proliferation of short-term tourist rentals.

Housing Crisis Fueled by Tourism Boom

The tourism boom has created a severe housing crisis in the city, with rental prices increasing by 44% between 2018 and 2023. The proliferation of short-term vacation rentals, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb, has exacerbated the situation. While some short-term rental properties comply with local regulations, others continue to operate illegally, further driving up the cost of living. This has left many locals unable to find affordable housing in their own city, forcing them to live on the outskirts or in nearby towns.

A Record Surge in Pilgrims and Tourists

This year, the city is on track to see another record-breaking number of pilgrims arriving to complete the Camino de Santiago. Last year alone, half a million people signed up to trek one of the approved routes leading to the cathedral. This influx is not limited to pilgrims; everyday tourists are also flocking to the city, eager to explore its historic streets and monuments.

Pilgrims who once enjoyed a tranquil journey through the historic landscape are now encountering overcrowded streets and noisy tour groups. Some pilgrims have voiced concern that the spiritual essence of the Camino is being overshadowed by commercial interests, with many tourists now treating the journey more as a vacation rather than a spiritual pilgrimage.

Residents Speak Out: Seeking a Sustainable Future for Santiago

While some residents and city officials are calling for more sustainable tourism practices, there is a growing sense of frustration with the unchecked growth of the tourism industry. While the city has always welcomed tourists, the current scale of tourism has reached an unsustainable level. The local community is now calling for greater regulation to ensure that the needs of residents are not overshadowed by the demands of tourists.

The local government has responded to these concerns by requesting that the region classify Santiago as a high-pressure zone, similar to cities like Barcelona and San Sebastián. This classification would provide additional protections for housing and limit the growth of short-term rentals in the area. Additionally, efforts to enforce existing rental regulations are ongoing, with the city council pledging to take action against illegal accommodations.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Preservation and Growth

As Santiago de Compostela, the UNESCO World Heritage city grapples with the challenges of overtourism, it must find a way to balance the needs of its residents with the demands of the global tourism market. Sustainable tourism practices will be essential in ensuring that the city can continue to thrive without sacrificing its cultural integrity or the well-being of its residents.

Local authorities are hopeful that by implementing stricter regulations and promoting responsible tourism, they can preserve Santiago’s unique character while ensuring that it remains an accessible destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. However, without proper management, the future of Santiago de Compostela’s historic center remains uncertain, and its residents continue to face an uphill battle in their efforts to reclaim their city from the overwhelming forces of tourism.