MONTSERRAT: the barcelona day trip
Just outside the bustling city of Barcelona lies one of Catalonia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: Montserrat. Known for its striking jagged peaks, ancient monastery, and cultural significance, Montserrat makes for a perfect day trip from Barcelona. Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, or spirituality, Montserrat offers something for everyone—breathtaking landscapes, religious history, and outdoor adventures. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Montserrat, including how to get there from Barcelona and the top things to do once you arrive.
Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona
Montserrat is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Barcelona, making it easily accessible by public transportation or car. Here are the most convenient ways to get there:
By Train and Cable Car/Rack Railway
One of the most scenic and popular ways to reach Montserrat is by combining a train ride from Barcelona with either a cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) or rack railway (Cremallera Funicular).
Train from Barcelona to Montserrat: Head to Plaça d’Espanya Station in Barcelona, where you’ll catch the R5 train toward Manresa. The train ride takes about one hour and passes through beautiful Catalan countryside. Trains run approximately every hour, and the round-trip fare is around €5-€6.
Cable Car or Rack Railway:
For the cable car, get off at Montserrat Aeri station. From there, you’ll board the iconic yellow cable car that ascends the mountain in about five minutes. This option offers stunning aerial views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother ride up the mountain, you can take the Cremallera Funicular. Get off at Monistrol de Montserrat station and board the rack railway, which climbs the mountain in about 15 minutes, providing panoramic views along the way.
Both the cable car and rack railway cost approximately €10-€13 round trip. You can buy a TransMontserrat or TotMontserrat ticket, which includes train fare, cable car or rack railway, and entry to key sites in Montserrat.
By Car
If you prefer the freedom of driving, you can rent a car in Barcelona and make the roughly one-hour drive to Montserrat. The route is straightforward, and there are ample parking options at the base of the mountain. However, driving is not necessary given the convenience of public transport.
By Guided Tour
For a stress-free experience, many companies offer guided day tours from Barcelona to Montserrat. These tours often include transportation, guided hikes, visits to the monastery, and sometimes lunch, allowing you to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.
What to Do in Montserrat
Once you’ve arrived in Montserrat, you’ll find a wealth of activities and sights to explore. From religious pilgrimages to outdoor adventures, Montserrat is a place where nature and culture converge.
1. Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
At the heart of Montserrat lies the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 11th century. The monastery has been a key religious site for centuries and is home to around 70 monks today. Pilgrims and visitors come from around the world to visit the abbey, known for its breathtaking setting and spiritual significance.
Inside the abbey, don’t miss the chance to see La Moreneta (The Black Madonna), a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been carved in the 12th century. According to legend, the statue was discovered in a cave on Montserrat by shepherds, and it has since become a symbol of Catalonia and a religious icon. Visitors often wait in line to touch or pray before the statue.
If you’re lucky, you may also hear the Escolania Boys' Choir, one of the oldest and most famous boys' choirs in Europe. They perform daily at the abbey, adding a beautiful, spiritual dimension to your visit.
2. Hike the Montserrat Mountains
Montserrat is not only a spiritual destination but also a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The name "Montserrat" means "Serrated Mountain," and its rugged peaks make for some of the best hiking in the region.
There are several well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. For those who want a light walk, take the Cami dels Degotalls trail, which offers spectacular views and passes religious shrines and sculptures. The trail from the monastery to the Holy Cave (Santa Cova), where the Black Madonna was said to be found, is another popular option.
For more seasoned hikers, the summit of Sant Jeroni (the highest peak of Montserrat at 1,236 meters) offers a rewarding and panoramic view of Catalonia, stretching all the way to the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. This hike takes around two hours from the monastery.
3. Ride the Sant Joan Funicular
If hiking isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the stunning views, take the Sant Joan Funicular from the monastery to a higher point on the mountain. The funicular offers breathtaking views as it ascends the mountain, and once you reach the top, you’ll find several short walking trails and lookouts.
The Sant Joan Funicular is a great option for families or those looking for an easier way to experience Montserrat’s scenic beauty without the physical exertion of a long hike.
4. Visit the Montserrat Museum
For a deeper dive into the history, culture, and art of Montserrat, head to the Montserrat Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of art, including works by renowned artists such as El Greco, Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso, and Dalí. The museum also includes archaeological finds from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.
A visit to the museum provides a fascinating insight into Montserrat’s role as both a religious site and a cultural landmark in Catalonia.
5. Explore the Sacred Cave (Santa Cova)
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Montserrat is the Sacred Cave (Santa Cova). This is the spot where, according to legend, shepherds discovered the Black Madonna. You can reach the cave via a funicular ride followed by a short, scenic hike. The cave is now a small chapel, and the trail leading to it is dotted with religious sculptures and art.