Villadangos del Páramo → Astorga

A long stage that crosses the final stretch of the Meseta before reaching Astorga, where the landscape begins its dramatic transformation into mountain country. The first half is classic flat Meseta walking through Hospital de Orbigo (with its famous medieval bridge) before the terrain rises gently towards Astorga.

The Puente de Orbigo at Hospital de Orbigo is one of the longest medieval bridges in Spain and the site of a famous jousting tournament in 1434. The bridge and the town's riverside setting provide the most memorable moment of the stage. Beyond Hospital, the route climbs gradually onto higher ground approaching Astorga.

Astorga is a historic city at the crossroads of the Camino and the Via de la Plata. Its highlights include the Gothic cathedral, Gaudi's extraordinary Episcopal Palace (now the Museum of the Caminos), and the city's Roman walls. The local specialty, mantecadas (butter cakes), and cocido maragato (a reversed stew served meat-first) are unmissable. Full services available.