‘I Feared for My Life’: Women Expose Widespread Sexual Harassment on the Famed Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
The Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage route across Spain, has long been hailed as a spiritual journey of self-discovery. But for many women, it has become a path shadowed by fear. Recent reports reveal that sexual harassment is alarmingly common along the trail, with female pilgrims recounting disturbing encounters that left them terrified and vulnerable.
Several women have come forward to share their stories, detailing how they were followed, groped, propositioned, and even stalked by men during their walk. One hiker described being cornered in an isolated area and said, “I feared for my life. There was nowhere to run.” Others reported feeling unsafe in shared accommodations and even while seeking help.
Despite the popularity of the Camino, many victims say there is a lack of adequate safety measures and support for solo female travelers. Advocates are now calling on local authorities and pilgrimage organizations to implement better safeguards and increase awareness.
What should be a life-changing and empowering experience is, for some, a nightmare. As the Camino welcomes pilgrims from around the world, it must also confront the troubling reality that safety for all—especially women—is not yet guaranteed.
