Stage San Martín del Camino to Astorga

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.