For centuries, Santiago de Compostela stood as a sacred endpoint for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Today, the medieval heart of this Spainsh city has become a hotspot for mass tourism, welcoming over half a million visitors last year—five times its population. But as the crowds swell, locals are vanishing, historic homes are being converted into short-term rentals, and the city’s centuries-old soul is slipping away.
Streets filled with tourists, not neighbors
Local associations tried to restore order by handing out “good manners” guides urging visitors to keep noise down, respect traffic rules, and protect the cobblestones from metal hiking poles. Yet the effort has barely made a dent. Narrow alleys once lined with family shops are now dominated by ice cream parlors, souvenir stores, and hostels, while hardware shops, bakeries, and newsstands have all but disappeared.
Rental crisis drives young residents away
The explosion of Airbnb-style rentals has sent housing costs soaring—rents rose 44% from 2018 to 2023. The city banned short-term rentals in the historic core, but enforcement struggles and loopholes have allowed illegal listings to persist. Young locals say finding an affordable place is “mission impossible,” and many are returning to their parents’ homes or moving to nearby towns.
Pilgrimage loses its spiritual spark
Pilgrim arrivals are on track to set another record this year, but the surge is eroding the Camino’s quiet, reflective atmosphere. Local surveys show half of Santiago’s residents now oppose a tourism-driven economy—up from just over a quarter ten years ago. Even returning pilgrims notice the shift: “The Camino used to feel deeply spiritual,” said Spaniard Ale Osteso. “Now it’s more about crowds and less about meaning.”
