Hotel de Origo to Astorga

The walk from Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga was a scenic and emotionally rich leg of the Camino. Leaving the charm of Órbigo behind—complete with the echo of hooves and history from its famed medieval bridge—we followed the winding trail through rolling countryside and quiet farm villages. The terrain offered a welcome change, with gentle climbs and open vistas. Along the way, we met Melissa and Brenda from Indiana, two warm and funny pilgrims who added great energy to our group. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our companion Doc, who was sidelined by painful shin splints. It was a tough moment—watching a fellow pilgrim forced to step off the path.

Arriving in Astorga felt like walking into a storybook. We stayed at a beautiful Hotel Gaudi iwth a balcony overlooking the Cathederal and the Palacio Episcopal. Perched on a hilltop and crowned with spires, the city welcomed us with its blend of Roman roots, elegant plazas, and cultural landmarks. After days of walking, we treated ourselves to a well-earned visit to a local spa for aqua therapy—letting the jets and warm water soothe our aching legs and Camino-worn muscles. Refreshed, we toured the impressive Cathedral of Astorga, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture that towers over the town. Just next door, we stepped inside the magical Palacio Episcopal, one of Antoni Gaudí’s lesser-known gems. The castle-like structure, with its whimsical lines and stained glass, made us feel like we were inside a fairy tale. Between the history, the healing, and new friends, Astorga marked a meaningful chapter on our journey west.