The Festivities of the Apostle Saint James

Project Manager

Ricardo González Raposo

14 Jul, 2025 · 5 min

Are you thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago in July? If so, arriving in the city during the Festivities of the Apostle could be one of the most special decisions you make.

It’s a highly anticipated moment in Santiago, full of excitement, music, faith, and life in the streets.

What the Apostle’s Festivities are like in Santiago de Compostela

During the second half of July, Santiago de Compostela transforms completely. The streets fill with bagpipers, music groups, traditional markets, and pilgrims from around the world. On the 25th, St. James Day, the highlight takes place: a very special mass is celebrated in the Cathedral with the botafumeiro, and at night, fireworks light up the city in front of the illuminated facade.

The feeling of entering the Obradoiro Square on those days, after walking for miles, is hard to describe. What’s clear is that the atmosphere, the energy, and the emotion are unlike any other time of year.

Pros and cons of doing the Camino de Santiago in July

July has many advantages: good weather, long daylight hours, and the liveliest atmosphere of the year. But there are also many more people on the route. And that can make things complicated if you’re not prepared—full accommodations, crowded stages, queues for everything… not exactly ideal after hours of walking.

At Tubuencamino, we know this well, because we see it every year. That’s why we help our pilgrims have everything ready before they leave: confirmed bookings, luggage transfers, on-route assistance, and well-planned dates so you can arrive in Santiago when the atmosphere is at its peak—without stress or surprises.

Best routes to reach Santiago during the Apostle’s Festivities

If you plan to be in Santiago on July 24th or 25th, you need to start walking around the 16th to 18th, depending on your pace and route. These are the most suitable options if you’re looking for a balance of time, scenery, and good planning:

French Way from Sarria

A great option if you want to complete the last 100 km and get the Compostela. It’s accessible, well-serviced, and each stage has its own charm.

Portuguese Way from Tui

The Portuguese route from Tui is a bit quieter than the French Way. It offers green landscapes, welcoming villages, and a well-cared-for experience.

Primitivo Way from Lugo

Perfect for those who have already done a route or want to walk through more natural and less crowded environments. The final stretch to Santiago fits perfectly with the festival dates.

What the atmosphere is like in Santiago during the festivities

Arriving in July offers an unmatched atmosphere. Squares filled with music, lit-up streets, and pilgrims on every corner sharing their stories. It’s easy to get emotional when you walk into the square and see the Cathedral in front of you, surrounded by people celebrating in their own way.

If you’ve already booked your accommodation and had your backpack transported ahead of time, the experience is much more enjoyable. The last thing you want upon arrival is to search for a bed or carry extra weight.

Practical tips for doing the Camino de Santiago in July

After guiding thousands of people through this journey, these tips tend to make a big difference in July:

• Start your Camino early. Between 6:30 and 7:00 AM is ideal. You avoid the heat and arrive earlier at your destination.
• Drink frequently, don’t wait to feel thirsty. The body dehydrates faster in this season.
• Pack light. If you use a luggage transfer service, you’ll walk lighter and with less fatigue.
• Do a short stage the day before arriving in Santiago. This way you enter the city full of energy and without rushing, to truly enjoy the experience.

What to do in Santiago after arriving during the festivities

The 25th is not the end of the celebrations. Santiago continues with music in the squares, exhibitions, and cultural activities for several more days. It’s a great time to rest, enjoy the local cuisine, and let your body and mind relax after the journey.

Many pilgrims choose to stay one more night, and we highly recommend it. That’s when you can truly process everything you’ve experienced. And if you want to continue on to Fisterra or Muxía, we can also organize that for you—no hassle.

Why do the Camino de Santiago with an agency in July

We know not everyone wants to worry about maps, finding a bed, or carrying their backpack every day. Many people value having everything arranged, with professional help, while still keeping the journey authentic. That’s what we’re here for.

At Tubuencamino, we focus exclusively on the Camino. We choose comfortable accommodations, plan the route based on your needs, and offer support in case of any issues. Our team is with you from the first step to your arrival in Obradoiro Square.

What it’s like to arrive in Santiago with everything organized

Imagine this: you arrive in Santiago, your backpack is already there, you know where you’re staying, you can shower and go out for dinner with peace of mind. While others are still looking for a place to sleep, you’re already on a terrace celebrating with a glass of wine and a big smile. That’s how we want you to experience the end of your Camino.

If that idea sounds appealing, just send us a message. We’ll take care of everything so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying every step… and every emotion.