You can never be short of things to do in Barcelona. Indeed, the Catalonian capital is worthy of many repeat trips, with no shortage of festivals, food markets, Gothic architecture and Gaudi galore to keep you busy. As well as easy access to the beach - which is why for many, it trumps Madrid for Spanish cities to visit.
But a short distance away, tucked away among cliffs and rocks, high up in the clouds overlooking its coastal neighbour, and way out to the Pyrenees, is the sacred mountain of Montserrat and the historic Benedictine monastery named after it.
If you’re looking for some real respite from Barca’s bustling streets, a day trip in search of the serene tranquillity of Montserrat monastery and the hiking offered by its gorgeous natural park is very achievable, as long as you plan a bit.
And luckily we’ve done the hard part for you! Here’s the things to look out for when you make the day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona.
Getting there
By far the biggest mistake people make day tripping to the holy mountain is that they left too late from Barcelona and didn’t have enough time to explore Montserrat at a comfortable pace. If you’re planning to visit the monastery and other sites, like the Holy Cave, you’ll want to give yourself ample time so you’re not rushed.
From Plaza Espanya station (Google Maps)
Don’t assume that Montserrat is very close to the city, either. While it’s not a million miles away, it will still take you around 1.5 hours on the train to get there. And the same on the way back. Barcelona is big, so you’ll also have to factor in the time it takes to get from your accommodation to the station. Trains leave only every hour, seven days a week from Barca’s Plaza Espanya station, so if you miss the train, it could seriously scupper your plans for the day. Make sure you factor in typical transport delays that can happen in Spain, especially during the high season, and the rail strikes that are sadly more and more common these days
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Luckily, once you arrive in Montserrat, the train station is linked to cable car and rack railway stations, so you can simply hop on and begin your adventure!
Top tip: buy the Trans Montserrat Ticket, which covers all your transport for the day. It’s a combi-ticket that includes the journey there and the return back to Barcelona, 2 return journeys on 2 different funicular rides in the mountains and 2 metro rides. Trust us, you don’t want to be fumbling around for change at the ticket machine while the train is about to take off.
Morning View
If you’ve taken our advice, you should hopefully arrive at Montserrat station no later than 9 or 10 am and will have plenty of time to explore. So, beginning your ascent you have two options: Laid back travellers will want to hop on the Cremallera de Montserrat scenic train, which offers stunning panoramic vistas as it climbs through lush green landscapes at a leisurely pace. It’s truly a unique and unforgettable experience taking a train ride right through the dense forest along the mountainside.
Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car
Or if you’re planning on a spot of hiking, you’ll want to make use of the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car and various funiculars dotted around the area. These will allow you to get to higher elevations and access the numerous way-marked hiking trails, while taking you on a breathtaking journey over the Llobregat River and adjoining Valley. Definitely a satisfying feeling when you’ve reached the top and are rewarded with the monastery in all its glory!
When you’ve arrived at this aesthetically pleasing abbey, take a moment to admire its unique setting, perched high on the cliffside with the majestic mountain behind it. With its peculiar, pinkish serrated rock formations from centuries of erosion jutting out, it’s not hard to see why the mountain was a holy site and place of pilgrimage for many. From certain angles it can seem that the monastery is even hewn from the rock itself!
"Take a moment to admire its unique setting, perched high on the cliffside with the majestic mountain behind it."
Take a stroll through its impressive basilica and marvel at the architectural beauty of the site, while taking a moment to soak in its serene atmosphere.
If you're lucky enough that your arrival to the peak works out with it, be sure to check out a performance by the Escolania Choir, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe; the achingly beautiful music, along with the marvelous setting, is sure to add a spiritual touch to your visit.
Usually, reservation is required for the Salve and Virolai mass performance (Monday to Friday at 13.00) and for the Sunday Mass (11.00), and a certain amount of tickets are always reserved for locals - so definitely worth booking ahead to catch this unique experience. While you’re at it, you may want to book ahead for Montserrat Basilica and the museum, too - especially if you’re visiting during peak season - to avoid disappointment, or long queues in the harsh summer heat…
Montserrat Basilica
Afternoon Delights
To really make the most of your short time in this beautiful locale, be extra prepared and bring a packed lunch and snacks with you. Yes, there are restaurants in Montserrat, and yes, just like any tourist hotspot, they are overpriced, overcrowded and the service can leave a lot to be desired. So find a shaded spot, tuck into your lunch and then hit the Montserrat museum to admire some avant-garde Catalan masterworks (and beat the heat - it’s fully air conditioned). There’s plenty of paintings of the mountain itself held within too, highlighting its cultural and religious significance.
Next up, you have an opportunity to get even higher. The Funicular de Sant Joan goes right to the very top of Montserrat mountain, 1000 metres above sea level, giving you a unique birds eye view of the monastery now far below and surrounding picturesque landscape.
Sant Jeroni PeakIf you’re mainly interested in the hiking trails of Montserrat, you’re in luck, because the funicular drops you right at the start of the mountain's highest trail-route, Sant Jeroni Peak. At this point, you should really consider how much time you have before you need to get back to Barcelona, because while the circular hiking route is pleasant and easy to medium in difficulty, you’ll be walking up to a final elevation of 1237 metres and it’ll will probably take you an hour to complete the 11.9km to the mountains highest point. Then you need to begin your descent, too…
While the altitude is impressive, it shouldn’t pose too much trouble for experienced hikers. But it always makes sense to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and know your limits.
The Journey Home
If you’ve taken our advice and you’re not sprinting down the mountain to catch the last train back to Barca, you should have some downtime in Montserrat town, so there’s an opportunity to put your feet up, sample some of the local wines and watch as the sun sets majestically behind the mountain. When you’ve rested those weary feet sufficiently you can amble back to the station to begin the return leg of the journey. And if you picked up the Trans Montserrat ticket, you’re guaranteed a seat and won’t have to scramble to try to get to the front…
The perfect end to a perfect day.
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