Astorga → Rabanal del Camino
20 km | 4-7 hours | +382m / -104m
About This Stage
The route leaves the Meseta behind and begins climbing into the Montes de Leon. The terrain changes dramatically as the flat plains give way to rolling hills, stone villages, and increasingly wild mountain scenery. This stage is a steady uphill walk with no major steep sections.
The path passes through the Maragateria, a distinct cultural region with characteristic stone villages including Castrillo de los Polvazares (a beautifully restored village worth a brief detour) and El Ganso. The landscape becomes progressively wilder and more remote as you climb.
Rabanal del Camino is a small mountain village that has been revitalised by the Camino. A Benedictine monastery offers evening vespers with Gregorian chant, creating one of the most memorable spiritual experiences on the Frances. Several albergues, small hotels, and restaurants serve pilgrims.
Terrain: Gradual mountain ascent, village cobblestones, dirt paths through moorland
Explore the Stage
Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
Astorga is an ancient city in Leon, founded by Augustus as Asturica Augusta. Famous for Gaudi's neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace, the Gothic cathedral, Roman walls, and Maragato cuisine. Junction of the Camino Frances and the Via de la Plata.
Valdeviejas is a small Maragato village in León just west of Astorga, with the 16th-century Ermita del Ecce Homo. The parish church is dedicated to San Verísimo, a 4th-century Portuguese martyr whose relics rest in Santiago. Has a bar-restaurant.
Murias de Rechivaldo is a small Maragato village in Leon a short walk west of Astorga, the first stop in the Maragateria region. Stone-built with traditional architecture. Has albergues, a bar-restaurant, a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
Santa Catalina de Somoza is a small Maragato village in Leon between Murias de Rechivaldo and El Ganso. Stone-built and quiet. Has albergues, a bar-restaurant, and a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
El Ganso is a small Maragato village in Leon between Santa Catalina de Somoza and Rabanal del Camino. Stone-built. Has albergues, the famous Cowboy Bar, and a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
Rabanal del Camino is a Maragato village in Leon at the foot of the Montes de Leon. Held by the Templars in the 12th century to guard the mountain pass. Home to a Benedictine albergue with daily Gregorian chant vespers. Has albergues, restaurants, bars.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Astorga and Rabanal del Camino
15 places to stay between Astorga and Rabanal del Camino
Stay in Astorga
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Stay in Rabanal del Camino
Stage EndAccommodation at the end of this stage
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