Quick Facts
- Starting point: Astorga
- Destination: Foncebadón
- Distance: 26 km (16 miles)
- Walking time: Around 6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Special features: Second-highest point on the entire Camino!
Where to Stay in Foncebadón
Alternative: Rabanal del Camino (5 km before Foncebadón)
What You Need to Know About Stage 23
Okay, time to get real – today’s gonna be tough! Stage 23 on the Camino de Santiago is one of those days that’ll test you. From Astorga, you’re heading to Foncebadón, and it’s pretty much uphill the entire way through the León mountains.
Fun fact: Astorga is where the Via de la Plata (the Camino route coming up from Seville) merges with the Camino Francés. So you might notice an influx of new pilgrims joining your route today!
About that climb: You’ll be tackling the second-highest point on the entire Camino Francés today. Your legs will definitely feel this one! But hey, you’ve been training for 23 days straight – you can handle it.
The landscape changes dramatically: Say goodbye to the Meseta! You’re now walking through the Maragatería region – a barren, hilly landscape that’s completely different from what you’ve seen before. It’s rugged and beautiful in its own stark way.
About Foncebadón: This tiny village is super atmospheric. It was actually a completely abandoned ghost town until relatively recently when it was gradually repopulated to serve pilgrims. Pretty cool, right? It’s got that end-of-the-world vibe at 1,400 meters altitude.
Not feeling the full climb? You can stop in Rabanal del Camino, about 5 km before Foncebadón. No shame in splitting this tough stage – listen to your body!
Preparing for mountain stages? Our eBook „Camino Francés for Beginners“ gives you detailed tips on tackling the mountain sections, what to expect weather-wise, and how to adjust your pace for sustained climbing.
Bottom line: A challenging mountain day that rewards you with incredible landscapes and the satisfaction of conquering one of the Camino’s toughest climbs!
Buen Camino! 🥾⛰️
Map of the Stage: