Villarejo de Órbigo, Spain Travel Journals & Blogs

Camino 2023
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 13, 2023, 10:09am
- ☁️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 824 m
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.463741, -5.88111342°27’49” N 5°52’52” W
1
Day 18
Day 14 - First rainy hike, Astorga
October 13, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
We were excited to bring out our rain gear. First time in over two weeks in Spain. We covered up our bags, bodies and kept trucking on.

We completed 24km/15 miles and got into Astorga with enough time to visit the Gaudi Palace, Astorga cathedral and the Camino museum. Julie was serenaded by a local artist after steep climb into the city.

In Astorga we have an apartment in town right by the square. It’s a cute place and we were pleased to see they had laundry machine and a rack to dry our clothes.

We just finished dinner 8:45 pm and we would rather be asleep, but once again nothing is open until 8pm. We continue to be underwhelmed by the every day fare in Spain. It’s not what we were expecting. Things would be so much better if Joan would have studied a little harder in school for her three years of Spanish.

We have past countless chocolate shops and this town seems to be famous for their chocolate. So one quick stop for chocolate, and then we are off to bed.

We have another 20+ km/per day for the next few days as we climb back into the mountains. Weather will be cloudy, rainy and cool. Joan sure is wishing she did not leave her “puffy coat” in Pamplona.

Buen Camino!Read more
Traveler Yum!
10/13/23Reply
Traveler What a beautiful cathedral!
10/14/23Reply
18 likes
Traveler Camino 2023
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Apr 29, 2023, 7:46pm
- ⛅ 68 °F
- Altitude: 2,684 ft
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.45948, -5.88498342°27’34” N 5°53’6” W
2
Day 20
Tonight’s Stay - Albergue Verde
April 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
My favorite albergue so far ! The hosts were so kind and welcoming ! We were given REAL, freshly washed sheets and a blanket upon arrival, which is a rarity. There’s a beautiful outdoor space with hammocks, picnic tables, friendly dogs, a greenhouse, and yoga studios ! We were offered a yoga class, dinner, and breakfast all in exchange for an anonymous donation/whatever we had (I’ve met a few pilgrims who are surviving on donations).Read more
Nita Schwarz Gorgeous!! Amazing! I want to go and stay there. Is this the big Knights of Templar town where they have a huge festival every summer with jousting etc?
4/30/23Reply
Traveler Yes i think so!
4/30/23Reply
Nita Schwarz Hi. It’s Erin. I’m on your mom’s phone….such a cool stay. Love you
4/30/23Reply
Traveler love you (Auntie Erin) too ! 🤣
5/1/23Reply
Traveler There really are such giving, loving people your there!
5/3/23Reply
2 likes
The World is Out There Camino De Santiago
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- May 23, 2022, 12:52pm
- ⛅ 64 °F
- Altitude: 2,674 ft
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.463787, -5.87753742°27’50” N 5°52’39” W
3 1 2
Day 5
El Puente de Orbigio
May 23, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
In 1434 a Leonese knight by the name of Don Suero de Quinones found himself hopelessly in love with the lady Leonor de Tovar. A love that she did not return. Somehow, Don Suero convinced himself that if he and his friends could “defend” the Puente (bridge) at the Orbigio River by breaking 300 lances. Leonor would realize that he was the knight for her and return his love. He let the challenge be known far and near and was said to have booked 700 jousts.
He and his friends broke 166 lances, but incurred injuries so serious they couldn’t continue. Defeated, he sought penance for his failure by pilgrimage to Santiago. To this day, they have a terrific yearly festival with jousts. Everyone is dressed in Medieval costume and La Puente is adorned in banners, flags, and pennants.Read more
The World is Out There The competition field for the jousts is in the field to the left
5/23/22Reply
The World is Out There I tried to get these guys to joust with me down on the field but they thought I was nuts. I had visions of Monty Python trotting with my hiking stick as lance
5/23/22Reply
Traveler And the clanking half coconuts???
5/23/22Reply
The World is Out There Too migratory!
5/23/22Reply
4 more comments
6 likes
Camino Sisters 2023
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 26, 2023, 9:52am
- ☁️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 814 m
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.463963, -5.8771542°27’50” N 5°52’38” W
Day 28
What a difference a day makes...
September 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
San Martin del Camino to Astorga
Day 25 - 24 km

What a fabulous days walk! The first few kms were beside the highway, but before long we were back on our beautiful trail 👣 which led us up and down, through lovely towns, and spoit us with the views again! One of the highlights ( apart from the views) was the lovely offerings of free food and sustainance to the pilgrims , we were especially grateful when we had just finished a long 7km haul, uphill and in the hot sun, these lovely people were happy to provide a beautiful resting spot, and a feast of amazing food, all the while someone was playing the guitar in the background 😍 bliss...( donations accepted 😉)
Astorga is a beautiful town, the Cathedral spectacular and the building beside designed by Gaudi is very impressive. Great atmosphere here and many restaurants and shops to explore ( If we had the energy...) We are staying in a nice unit just off the square tonight, so decided to have a nice meal in, and a wine 🍷 🍷perfect. 😉Read more
Traveler Love the Gaudi works 🥰
9/27/23Reply
16 likes
Traveler Camino23
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 12, 2023, 9:12am
- ⛅ 57 °F
- Altitude: 815 m
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.46404, -5.8776342°27’51” N 5°52’39” W
1 1 2 2
Day 27
Villadangos to Astorga
September 12, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Left Villadagos for Astorga. 28 km's. Having hiked 33 km's the day before was very surprised that I was able to get 28 in today. After arriving we sat down for a quick lunch. After went straight to the Alberge and checked in. Washed some clothes and laid down. It was rained most of the evening, so there was no dinner. However a English chap, Jeffrey brought me back a cheeseburger. Gone in 30 seconds. Bedtime for me. Buen Camino. Haven't decided about tomorrow yet, but let me tell you I starting to think about Santiago for the first time. Beautiful countryside side today, nice place to lay my head tonight. Great day. Buen Camino.Read more
Traveler Sounds like you may have to keep up this regimen, of exercise so your muscles don’t go in shock! lol
9/12/23Reply
Traveler 👍🏽👟🙏🏽
9/12/23Reply
Traveler … an enjoyable group
9/12/23Reply
4 more comments
1 like
Traveler Diane’s Camino Frances
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- May 22, 2022, 7:00pm
- ⛅ 18 °C
- Altitude: 853 m
- Spain Castille and León Villares de Órbigo Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias 42.458015, -5.93076142°27’29” N 5°55’51” W
2 2 1
Day 32
Villar de Mazarife- Santibáñez
May 22, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
It was a bit of a noisy night as the heavy wooden bunks were loud whenever anyone rolled over in bed. But I was still up early and on the road by 6.30am. My foot takes a while to stop hurting when I begin but once I get moving it’s pretty good.

It was 10kms to the first town and as it is Sunday I wasn’t expecting anything to be open. The first thing I saw was a water fountain and I was very happy with that. Then as I rounded the corner there was a cafe open. And then as I got closer there was Lesley talking to the couple who helped me up when I sprained my ankle! So it was great to catch up with them all. Onwards through Hospital de Orbigo which would have been a good place to stay - lots of open bars and cafes and that great bridge as you enter.

But I kept on to my albergue in Santibanez de Valdeiglesias. I am in a room with three single beds with sheets and blankets already made up and a real towel and toiletries. When the owner saw my sore foot she gave me a bed that had an electric device that raised the foot and to keep my leg elevated. And made me some lunch because everything in town is closed. There is another Australian staying here, Nicole from Brisbane. And she’s a physio! So a great day!

L'Abilleiru Albergue Rural
18kmsRead more
Traveler I met Nicole from Brisbane in Leon 😊 hope your foot is feeling ok after today’s walk
5/23/22Reply
Narelle Campbell How many wonderful signs there that you should keep on trying. Sending lots of good strong ankle vibes your way. 🤗
5/23/22Reply
Traveler So many camino angels surround you on this journey Diane. Special moments every day . The way will carry you now if required ! Sending hugs and prayers your way xx
5/23/22Reply
7 more comments
11 likes
Traveler Camino Frances
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 17, 2022
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 825 m
- Spain Castille and León Hospital de Órbigo 42.463991, -5.8765342°27’50” N 5°52’36” W
2 2 4 1
Day 36
On the trail of Don Quixote
October 17, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Don Quixote is a 16th century Spanish Literary classic about a would be knight and his side kick Sancha. Hospital de Orbigo (which is a town, not a hospital) is the sort of town the mythical Quixote may have travelled to attend a jousting tournament. The jousting fields have been in use next to the long cobblestone bridge for centuries and tournaments are still held here in 2022.

Legend has it Don Suero de Quiñones and nine other knights, his friends, defended the Hospital de Órbigo bridge for a month against any knight who wanted to cross it. The bridge witnessed up to 700 combats in which knights from all corners of the Peninsula, Germany, France or Portugal participated. The chronicles speak of a single deceased, a Catalan knight who received a spear to the eye. This was all a display put on for a king to win the hand of a woman and so the tradition of a jousting tournament here was born.

The whole fairy tale was exactly that, with no written evidence of the event until at least 150 years later. Cervantes then immortalised the tales by referring to it in Don Quixote.

Tonight I find myself in the cutest of accommodation with a comfy rocking chair and a nice hot shower, after a stroll through the rain this morning.

"he who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is..." Don QuixoteRead more
What is the tower for? [Tanya]
10/17/22Reply
Traveler That is a very good question that I keep forgetting to ask someone. There are a few of them around here but this is the prettiest one I've seen. Silos??
10/17/22Reply
Or a water tower [Darryn]
10/17/22Reply
Traveler probably
10/18/22Reply
6 more comments
4 likes
Traveler Jakobsweg 2022
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 5, 2022, 7:00am
- 🌙 7 °C
- Altitude: 853 m
- Spain Castille and León Villares de Órbigo Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias 42.458333, -5.9342°27’30” N 5°55’48” W
Day 24
Etappe 20 - Rabanal 1
October 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 7 °C
Gut ausgeruht ging es heute morgen wieder einmal auf eine lange Etappe, ca. 37 km.
Ich wollte recht nah an den Übergang zum Cruz de Ferro kommen, da ca. 550 m Aufstieg und rund 1000 m Abstieg zu bewältigen sind.
Deshalb war auch nur ein Kurzdurchgang in Astorga angesagt. Hab dies dann beim Aufenthalt in der Stadt fast bedauert, da ich nur Zeit zum Kurzbesuch der Kathedrale hatte, konnte daher das Gaudi-Haus nicht besichtigen. Entscheidungen sind getroffen - werden auch konsequent umgesetzt.
Bis Astorga war der Weg sehr abwechslungsreich,
u.a. mitten in der " Pampa" auf einmal eine Oase mit vielen Leckereien. Diese mussten nicht einmal bezahlt werden. Die Inhaber freuten sich über eine Spende. Gern gegeben!!!
Am Wegesrand bis Astorga waren viele Flächen mit Baumpflanzungen zu sehen.
Der Blick auf Astorga war wunderbar.
Astorga selbst ist eine schöne und sehr interessante Stadt. Eigentlich müsste man mehrere Tage in der Stadt verweilen.Read more
3 likes
Camino de Santiago (Frances)
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 5, 2023, 3:51pm
- ☀️ 81 °F
- Altitude: 2,805 ft
- Spain Castille and León Villares de Órbigo Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias 42.45844, -5.93015542°27’30” N 5°55’49” W
1
1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1
Day 39
Day 29-Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias
October 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
We're starting to climb some small hills now. It's good training for what's to come, I suppose. We headed out just before sunrise and enjoyed cool air for most of our walk.

We stopped for lunch in Hospital de Órbigo at a place with a beautiful garden. The highlight was sharing the garden, and some of our lunch, with the roosters, hens and pheasants. The pheasants had beautiful color patterns in their plumage.

It started heating up for the final hour of our walk so we were happy to finally arrive at our albergue. 13 miles in all today. Tomorrow is a shorter day into Astorga.Read more
Definitely scary! [Phyllis]
10/5/23Reply
A warning for cows? [Phyls-osofy]
10/5/23Reply
Traveler That's SUPER funny!!! 😂
10/5/23Reply
10 more comments
4 likes
Eagle Walkers in Spain
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 21, 2022
- ☀️ 75 °F
- Altitude: 2,785 ft
- Spain Castille and León Villares de Órbigo Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias 42.45713, -5.92958342°27’26” N 5°55’46” W
1 1
Day 37
Santabaniz de Valdeiglesias
September 21, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Today we walked to Santibanez de Valdeiglesias. My fitbit says 21km. Mostly the same terrain we have been following for several days interrupted by several small towns. What made it special was meeting up with several Camino friends we have gotten to know. One couple we hadn’t seen in a while just happened to be in the town before us and we lingered to catch up and make promises to meet again. New and old Camino friends make a long day short.Read more
Traveler The people sound so wonderful “!!
9/21/22Reply
Traveler Gorgeous!
9/21/22Reply
Traveler Lovely!
9/21/22Reply
5 likes