Stage of the Camino
San Martin of the Way to Astorga
From San Martín del Camino To Astorga
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Destination
Distance
23.70 km
Duration
7.00 h
Difficulty
Baja
Ascent
70 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This 23.7 km stage departs from the Páramo's plain to venture into a terrain of gentle undulations that anticipates the arrival at the mountain. The most notable landmark of the day is crossing the impressive medieval bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, scene of legendary tournaments of chivalry. After crossing the bridge, the road ascends a small ferry where one can see nearby Astorga. The route traverses a transition landscape, with fields of cultivation and small forests. Arrival in Astorga, a 2,000-year-old city that is the crossroads of the Via de la Plata with the Camino Francés, is a great reward, with its imposing Cathedral and Gaudí's Episcopal Palace as main monumental jewels.
The 23.7 km journey connecting San Martín del Camino with Astorga is one of the most beautiful and significant in this part of the Camino. The landscape changes, leaving behind the aridity of the Páramo to enter a more green and undulating terrain.
The first major milestone is the River Órbigo, crossed by the magnificent medieval Passo Honroso Bridge in Hospital de Órbigo. This 19-arch bridge is famous for being the scene of a legendary knightly tournament in the 15th century, starring Don Suero of Quiñones. Crossing it is a moment heavy with history and legend.
After Hospital de Órbigo, the path ascends gently through a series of toboganes, passing by Villares de Órbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias. The landscape becomes more wooded and pleasant. A small incline leads to the Cross of Santo Toribio, from where, on a clear day, stunning views of Astorga and the León Mountains can be seen.
From there, a comfortable descent leads to San Justo de la Vega, the precursor to our destination. The entrance to Astorga, the ancient Roman city of Asturica Augusta, is a special moment. This monumental city is a crossroads of roads, where the Camino Francés and the Vía de la Plata meet. Its heritage is extraordinary, highlighting the imposing Cathedral of Saint Mary and, next to it, the Episcopal Palace, a neo-Gothic fantasy designed by Antonio Gaudí. Additionally, its Roman walls, museums, and rich gastronomy (with maragato stew as a star dish) make Astorga an indispensable stop.
The first major milestone is the River Órbigo, crossed by the magnificent medieval Passo Honroso Bridge in Hospital de Órbigo. This 19-arch bridge is famous for being the scene of a legendary knightly tournament in the 15th century, starring Don Suero of Quiñones. Crossing it is a moment heavy with history and legend.
After Hospital de Órbigo, the path ascends gently through a series of toboganes, passing by Villares de Órbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias. The landscape becomes more wooded and pleasant. A small incline leads to the Cross of Santo Toribio, from where, on a clear day, stunning views of Astorga and the León Mountains can be seen.
From there, a comfortable descent leads to San Justo de la Vega, the precursor to our destination. The entrance to Astorga, the ancient Roman city of Asturica Augusta, is a special moment. This monumental city is a crossroads of roads, where the Camino Francés and the Vía de la Plata meet. Its heritage is extraordinary, highlighting the imposing Cathedral of Saint Mary and, next to it, the Episcopal Palace, a neo-Gothic fantasy designed by Antonio Gaudí. Additionally, its Roman walls, museums, and rich gastronomy (with maragato stew as a star dish) make Astorga an indispensable stop.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in San Martín del Camino o Astorga.
Area de servicios para autocaravanas San Martín del Camino
Casa Manuela Astorga
Casa Rural Las Eras
Hotel El Descanso de Wendy Apartamentos turísticos
Albergue La Santa Siesta
La Rosa de los Tiempos
CASA RURAL EL TI POBLADURA
Hotel Astorga
Hotel Casa de Tepa
Albergue Casa Rural Las Águedas
Albergue La Huella
La Casa de Murias
Albergue Peregrinos La Casa Verde
Hostería Casa Flor
Hotel Restaurante La Peseta
Albergue Vieira
Casa rural Molino Chopin
Hotel Rural LA VELETA
Hotel Vía De La Plata Spa
Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal de "Villadangos del Páramo"
Hotel Astur Plaza
Hotel Gaudí Astorga
Albergue de peregrinos de Astorga
Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga by PortBlue Boutique
Camping Camino de Santiago
Hostal, Restaurante y Cafetería - Avenida II
Albergue San Javier
Albergue Peregrinos Santa Ana
Vivienda Turística Los Sitios
Hostal Coruña
Hotel Avenida III
Hostal Restaurante Delfin
Albergue municipal San Martín
Casa La Era
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