The stage, step by step
Leaving San Martín del Camino
Leave San Martín with water and something to eat. The first part is not especially demanding in terms of elevation, but the distance builds up and the services are not all together. The day gradually takes shape as you make your way to Hospital de Órbigo.
Hospital de Órbigo
Hospital de Órbigo is the natural break of the day. You can sit down at Cafe Bar Canton or Cafeteria Jabel, eat at Don Suero de Quiñones and top up your rucksack at Supermercados Dia. The stop is worthwhile, but do not lose too much time: Astorga is still a long way off.
Santibáñez Valdeiglesias
After Hospital de Órbigo, you pass through Santibáñez Valdeiglesias. Between km 11.3 and 16.3, the path gains 35 m gradually. If you need to split the stage, Albergue Parroquial Santibáñez Valdeiglesias is here.
San Justo de la Vega
The route continues towards San Justo de la Vega, where you can find Refugio Amanecer. The most noticeable climb comes between km 18.5 and 20.3; afterwards, a 70 m descent brings some relief, although your legs will already have been walking for many hours.
Arriving in Astorga
The final kilometres climb gently again towards Astorga. Once there, you can stay at Albergue Camino y Vía or Albergue Myway and set aside time to explore the city, which has a very different character from the villages along the stage.
What to see on stage 22
Hospital de Órbigo
Hospital de Órbigo is where the day divides mentally into two. You arrive with enough road still ahead to need a break, but also with the chance to reorganise your food and pace.
Santibáñez Valdeiglesias
Santibáñez Valdeiglesias appears as the landscape begins to change and the day stops feeling like a simple crossing of the plain. It is a good place to see how your legs are responding before the more undulating section.
Catedral de Santa María de Astorga
Catedral de Santa María de Astorga is a Gothic church already at your destination. After walking from San Martín, seeing it appear within the city gives you a clear sense of arrival.
Palacio Episcopal de Astorga
The Palacio Episcopal was designed by Antoni Gaudí and houses the Museo de los Caminos. Its silhouette is one of Astorga's most recognisable sights and deserves a visit when you finish the stage.
Where to sleep in Astorga
If you need to shorten the day, Hospital de Órbigo offers Albergue La Encina and Albergue San Miguel. In Santibáñez Valdeiglesias, you can choose Albergue Parroquial Santibáñez Valdeiglesias; San Justo de la Vega has Refugio Amanecer. In Astorga, Albergue Camino y Vía is one option for ending the day.
Where to eat and refuel
Hospital de Órbigo is the most reliable stop: Don Suero de Quiñones, La Encomienda and Cafe Bar Canton offer places to sit down, while Supermercados Dia is useful for shopping. San Justo de la Vega has Café Bar Oasis; Astorga offers a much wider choice, including Casa Maragata, as well as its traditional sweets.
Practical tips for this stage
Leave yourself some margin
The 28 km are easier if you do not turn the first part into a race. Carry water and something to eat, and use Hospital de Órbigo to replenish without rushing.
Do not relax after Hospital
The main stop comes before you have covered half the day. After it, you still have the climb between km 18.5 and 20.3, followed by the descent.
Decide where you will sleep
Hospital de Órbigo, Santibáñez Valdeiglesias, San Justo de la Vega and Astorga all allow you to shorten or finish the stage. In high season, booking means you can walk without worrying about finding a bed.
Save time for Astorga
The average duration is 5.3 hours. If you arrive with daylight and energy to spare, visit the Palacio Episcopal and Catedral de Santa María before calling it a day.
Frequently asked questions about stage 22
Where is the best place for the main break?
Hospital de Órbigo is the most practical point because it combines food, a supermarket and accommodation in a convenient position within the day.
How much elevation gain is there?
The stage has 137 m of ascent and 154 m of descent, with a minimum altitude of 817 m and a maximum of 913 m.
Where is the most noticeable climb?
It comes between km 18.5 and 20.3, with 42 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 2.4%. It is followed by a 70 m descent.
What should I visit in Astorga?
Catedral de Santa María and the Palacio Episcopal, designed by Antoni Gaudí and home to the Museo de los Caminos, are the clearest highlights.