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Leaving SAN MARTÍN DEL CAMINO
283.5km to Santiago de Compostela
24.5km to Astorga
You have not entirely left the Meseta and the plains of Léon behind. The terrain is once again flat but not unpleasant and involves walking through a good deal of countryside. However, your goal today is Astorga, which will be your starting point for a walk through the mountains tomorrow.
It is back to roadside walking but only for about 3km, as you will soon turn off for Hospital de Órbigo and leave it well behind.
⬇︎7.1km (276.4km) Hospital de Órbigo 🍽️ 🛏️ 🛒 ➕ 🚌
A small town popular with pilgrims and tourists, it is known for its medieval bridge, Puente de Orbigo, which dates back to the 13th century.
The Paso Honroso, also known as the Passage of Honor, refers to a historical event in Hospital de Órbigo in 1434. The event is closely associated with the medieval jousting tradition.
According to historical accounts, a knight named Suero de Quiñones, along with a group of companions, including squires and knights, pledged to undertake a symbolic jousting tournament known as the "Torneo del Paso Honroso" as an act of penance for his unfaithfulness to his lady love, Doña Leonor de Tovar.
Suero de Quiñones and his companions set up a makeshift tournament ground near the Puente de Órbigo. They declared that they would joust against all knights who wished to pass through the bridge, allowing them to do so only after they had defeated at least one of them.
For a month, Suero de Quiñones and his companions awaited challengers from various parts of Spain and even from abroad. After a month of jousting, during which Suero de Quiñones and his companions displayed remarkable chivalry and courage, they fulfilled their pledge. They allowed all knights who had come to pass through the bridge unharmed. The event became famous as a symbol of medieval chivalry and honour.
- Casa Rural Lar la Puente, C. Paso Honroso, 15, +34 987 361 100, http://www.larlapuente.com
- Pensión Asturiana, Av. de la Constitución, 54 +34 987 388 425
- Albergue Parroquial Karl Leisner, C. Álvarez Vega, 32, +34 987 388 444
- Albergue San Miguel,C. Álvarez Vega, 35, +34 987 388 285, http://www.alberguesanmiguel.com
- Albergue Verde, Av. Fueros de León, 76, +34 689 927 926, http://www.albergueverde.es
- Albergue La Encina, Av. Suero de Quiñones, s/n, +34 987 361 087, http://www.complejolaribera.com
- Hostal Don Suero de Quiñones, C. Álvarez Vega, 1, +34 987 388 238, http://www.donsuero.es.
- El Caminero, C. Sierra Pambley, 56, +34 987 389 020, http://www.elcaminero.es
- Hotel Rural Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, C. Sierra Pambley, 40, +34 987 388 253 http://www.nuestrasenoradelourdes.es
- Hotel El Paso Honroso, Ctra. N-120, Km. 335, +34 987 361 010, http://www.elpasohonroso.com
- Albergue Casa de los Hidalgos, Calle Álvarez Vega, 36, +34 699 198 755 http://casadeloshidalgos.com
⬇︎5.3km (271.1km) Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias 🍽️ 🛏️
On leaving Hospital de Órbigo, you come to a junction. Going straight ahead is more direct but lacks refreshments until San Justo de la Vega and involves walking alongside the busy N-120 for much of the way. Our recommended route is to the right and through the small village of Villares 🍽️ 🛏️
- Albergue Villares de Órbigo, C. Arnal, 21, +34 987 132 935, http://www.alberguevillaresdeorbigo.com
- Albergue el Encanto, Camino Santiago, 23 +34 987 38 81 26, http://albergueelencanto.es/
Continue straight at Villares (not left) and over a steep hill before coming to Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias.
- Albergue parroquial de Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias, Trav. Carromonte, 3, +34 987 377 698
- Albergue Camino Francés, C. Real, 68, +34 987 361 014, http://www.alberguecaminofrances.com
⬇︎8.1km (263.0km) San Justo de la Vega 🍽️ 🛏️ ➕
On leaving Santibáñez de Valdeiglesia, the terrain begins to change. There are a series of gentle hills, and you climb towards the Crucero de San Toribo. From here, you will get your first view of San Justo de la Vega, Astorga and, in the distance, the mountains that you will cross in a day or two's time. From the Crucero de San Toribo, there is a short but steep descent into San Justo de la Vega.
- Hostal Juli, C. Real, 56 +34 987 617 632
⬇︎4.0km (259.0km) Astorga 🍽️ 🛏️ ➕ 🚌 🚆
From San Justo de la Vega, you are just an hour's walk into Astorga over flat terrain and on a path that is, for the most part, away from busy roads. The only insult to injury is the bridge crossing the railway line which has been designed for both walkers and cyclists. You'll see what I mean!
ABOUT ASTORGA
ABOUT ASTORGA
ABOUT ASTORGA
ASTORGA
Astorga boasts a storied past that dates back to ancient times. Founded by the Roman legions in the 1st century BCE, the town served as an essential strategic outpost along The Silver Route, also known as the Via de la Plata in Spanish. This historic trade route stretches across Spain from south to north. Its origins date back to the Roman period when it was used primarily for transporting silver and other valuable goods.
Evidence of Astorga's Roman heritage can still be seen today in its well-preserved archaeological sites, including the Roman walls and the impressive Roman thermal baths.
One of Astorga's most iconic landmarks is the Palace de Gaudi, a masterpiece of Modernist architecture designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Built in the early 20th century, the palace blends Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival styles, featuring whimsical details, intricate facades, and colourful ceramic tiles. Visitors can explore the palace's interior, which houses the Museo de Los Caminos.
Another architectural gem in Astorga is the majestic Cathedral of Santa María, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 15th century, the cathedral boasts an impressive facade adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures and a soaring interior with stunning stained glass windows and ornate altars. Don't miss the Cathedral Museum or the opportunity to try the virtual reality experience.
Food enthusiasts will delight in Astorga's culinary offerings, which include hearty regional dishes such as cocido maragato (a savoury stew) and mantecadas (sweet pastries).
PRACTICALITIES
1. Accommodation: Astorga offers a range of accommodation options, including albergues, hostels, and hotels. Astorga is a popular starting point for Spanish pilgrims walking the Camino Francés, where the Via de La Plata joins the Camino Francsé. It can get very busy during the peak season, so you should consider booking accommodation in advance if possible.
2. Transportation: Depending on your location, you can reach Astorga by train, bus, or car. Alsa Bus is a popular option with connections to Santiago de Compostela, Léon and other cities. The town has a train station served by Renfe Spain's national railway company (book direct or through Trainline), with connections to major cities like León and Madrid. Interurban and long-distance bus services also operate in Astorga. If you're driving, Astorga is easily accessible via the A-6 highway.
3. Dining: Astorga offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Spanish cuisine to international fare. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialities such as cocido maragato (a hearty stew) and mantecadas (sweet pastries). Many restaurants offer set menus (menú del día) for lunch, typically including several courses at a fixed price.
4. Facilities: In Astorga, you can access cash points, banks, medical facilities, pharmacies, supermarkets, and outdoor shops. However, if you are walking the Camino Francés, you may encounter more limited facilities, such as small village stores between Astorga and Molinaseca or even Ponfererrada in the quieter months.
WHERE TO STAY
ABOUT ASTORGA
ABOUT ASTORGA
WHERE TO STAY in ASTORGA
- Albergue de Peregrinos Siervas de María, Plaza San Francisco, 3, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 60 34, http://caminodesantiagoastorga.com/index.php?modulo=2
- Albergue MyWay,C. San Marcos, 7, +34 987 913 011
- Albergue San Javier, Calle Portería, 6, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 85 32
- Albergue Só Por Hoje, Calle Rodriguez de Cela, 30, +34 690 749 853, http://alberguesoporhoje.com
- Hostal Coruña, Av. de Ponferrada, 72, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 50 09, http://hostalcoruna.net
- Hostal Delfin, Carretera Mad-Coruña, 326, No417, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 60 24 14, http://hostalrestaurantedelfin.com
- Hostal La Peseta, Plaza San Bartolomé, 3, 24700, Astorga, León, +34 987 61 72 75, http://restaurantelapeseta.com/
- Hotel Astur Plaza, Plaza España, 224700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 76 65, http://hotelasturplaza.es
- Hotel Casa de Tepa, Calle Santiago, 2, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 60 32 99, http://casadetepa.com
- Hotel El Descanso de Wendy, Calle del Matadero, 11, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 78 54, http://eldescansodewendy.com
- Hotel Gaudí Astorga, Plaza Eduardo de Castro, 624700 Astorga, +34 987 61 56 54, http://gaudihotel.es
- Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga, Calle los Sitios, 7 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 60 30 01, http://hotelciudaddeastorga.com
- Hotel Vía De La Plata Spa, Calle Padres Redentoristas, 5, 24700 Astorga, +34 987 61 90 00, http://hotelviadelaplata.es
- Pensíon García, Calle del Postigo, 3, 24700 Astorga, Spain, +34 987 61 60 46