Camino Francés Stage 23: Martín del Camino to Astorga
Trail Notes
Camino Francés Elevation
This is a very flat day enjoyable walk to Astorga.
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Total Distance: 23.6 km – 24 km (approx. 14.5 miles)
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate (stony tracks and short slopes)
Terrain: flat farmlands, dirt farm tracks, and short paved or highway-adjacent stretches
Transportation: Buses and taxis.
The Alternative Route (via Villares de Órbigo): Scenic route. More villages with better access to small local bars, and water fountains. Both paths merge again near the Santo Toribio cross.
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Puente de Órbigo / Hospital de Órbigo (Km 6.9): cafés and bakeries
The Route Split (Post-Hospital de Órbigo)
San Justo de la Vega (Km 20.3): Features a pilgrim water fountain and local bars just 4 kilometers before the final ascent into Astorga.
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Albergue Rural LasAguedas. 18€. on the outskirts of Astorga, but right on Camino. This is a very rustic Albergue. No stores or cafe nearby.
Albergue Franciscano Santa María de los Ángeles.10-60€
Albergue So Por Hoje: 8-70 €
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Palace of Gaudí (Palacio Episcopal): neo-Gothic castle by Antoni Gaudí, which houses the Museo de los Caminos pilgrim art museum.
Astorga Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María): A striking church mixing Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles with an impressive carved walnut choir.
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall): A 17th-century Baroque building in the main square featuring a clock tower with mechanical maragato figures that strike the hour.
JOURNAL
Here's what I've been sitting with: somewhere between the Meseta and here, I stopped just tolerating my life and started asking myself, "what's next?" I'm already planning other trips in my head. Two weeks left. If anything, I want more of this, not less. - That Eva!
