Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 9. 02. 2026 – The Xunta de Galicia has announced that the Confraternity of St. James – Croatia has won the 26th Elías Valiña Award, joining a select group of Camino organizations recognized for safeguarding the values of the Camino de Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago has always been a shared European journey, with pilgrims from across the continent walking to Santiago de Compostela—and back home—for over a thousand years. Croatia’s Camino heritage dates back to 1203 AD, with archaeological evidence suggesting even older Jacobean traditions. Today, Croatia’s 2,400 km network of Camino routes continues this legacy, connecting cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local hospitality.
Ante Blažević, President of the Confraternity of St. James – Croatia, shared:
“This award is a celebration of the Camino as a living European legacy. By restoring Croatia’s pilgrimage routes, we are rekindling the cultural and spiritual ties that have united our continent for centuries. Every step on these paths is a step toward rediscovering our shared European identity.”

In just six years, the Camino routes in Croatia have attracted over 90,000 pilgrims from around the world. Their “Croatian model” of Camino development focuses on sustainable tourism that empowers local communities while preserving the authentic Camino experience.
At a time when global interest in the Camino is soaring, this award cements Croatia’s place as a top European pilgrimage destination—where tradition meets innovation.
The Elías Valiña Award, named after the priest who revived the modern Camino and created its iconic yellow arrows, honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication, vision, and impact. The Confraternity’s work is a testament to the power of pilgrimage to transform lives, landscapes, and communities.

The Confraternity of St. James – Croatia is a non-profit association dedicated to the protection and promotion of the authentic Camino experience. The Confraternity is a member of the “Camino Europa Compostela” federation and the Archicofradía Universal del Apóstol Santiago.

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