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Women Walking Camino de Santiago Speak of 'Terrifying' Harassment. Several lone female pilgrims reported experiencing “terrifying” sexual harassment on the Camino de Santiago in remote areas across Spain, Portugal, and France. Nine women shared with the Guardian their unsettling experiences over the past five years, with some fearing for their lives during these incidents. Seven women described encounters with men who were masturbating or making lewd advances, with one woman even being chased through the countryside. Another woman reported fending off unwanted physical contact and crude comments, while a man in a van urged a lone pilgrim to get inside. Lorena Gaibor, founder of Camigas, an online support group for female pilgrims, called these incidents a common occurrence along the route. Rosie, a 25-year-old pilgrim, recounted a terrifying moment this summer in Portugal when she saw a man without pants masturbating; the police didn’t respond when she called for help. Female pilgrims are drawn to the Camino for its challenging and enriching experience, yet face additional safety issues that can undermine the journey's rewards. The pilgrimage's popularity has surged, with over 230,000 women walking the route last year alone, often unaccompanied, according to Spanish government data. In response to these rising concerns, the Spanish government has introduced a safety campaign, while the Guardia Civil and Portuguese police have increased patrols. Despite official initiatives and some arrests in recent years, harassment incidents persist, prompting calls for more coherent and forceful safety measures.
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