A new public petition has brought attention to unauthorised changes to the signage along the Portuguese Coastal Route and to the actions of tour operators who, according to the promoters, are undermining the safety and freedom of pilgrims. The appeal aims to put an end to practices that distort the official route and pressure walkers for commercial gain.
Cases of tampered signage — using false arrows or misleading indicators — have been identified mainly in coastal and urban areas. These unauthorised interventions divert pilgrims towards commercial establishments, altering the recognised path. According to the petition’s signatories, such practices manipulate pilgrims’ choices, distort the route’s integrity and damage trust in Portuguese hospitality.
Available on the Petição Pública (public petition) platform, the petition is addressed to the Government, the National Parliament, Tourism of Portugal, the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage and the National Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE). It calls for the reinstatement of the official signage as published in the Diário da República (official gazette), the criminal accountability of those responsible for tampering, and an investigation into coercive commercial practices.
“The Camino de Santiago is not a manipulable tourist product. It is a protected historical, spiritual and cultural route. Attempting to distort it for private interests is a serious threat to our shared heritage,” says Pedro Coradinho, author of the petition.
The initiative has already gained support from citizens, pilgrims, responsible tourism operators and local entities. The movement seeks to mobilise society and political decision-makers to safeguard the Camino, protect its cultural value and uphold the rights of those who walk it.
You can sign the petition here.
