One hour from Barcelona, you can experience the breathtaking mountain landscape of Montserrat and visit the important monastery that attracts many pilgrims. Enjoy a wonderful Montserrat day trip from Barcelona, complete with all our tips so your experience is an unforgettable one! The monastery at Montserrat is home to a famous black Mary statue, making it an important destination for many pilgrims.
Discover what to do in Montserrat when you visit with a guide or independently, how to get there, and plenty of other useful tips. We have visited Montserrat on numerous occasions since our family is from the area, so we know just what an amazing experience awaits you!
Why Montserrat day trip from Barcelona is fun to do?
Montserrat is a beautiful mountain range located just outside Barcelona, Spain. The distinctive rocky landscape of Montserrat makes it a great destination from Barcelona to Montserrat day trip. Besides the unique landscape, the area is home to an iconic monastery that adds to its charm and beauty.
When visiting Montserrat, you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountain range. From its summit, you can see all the way to Barcelona and enjoy stunning panoramic views. If you’re looking for a more active experience while on your Montserrat day trip from Barcelona, there are plenty of hikes available with varying levels of difficulty. There are also plenty of churches and other interesting buildings to explore.
The highlight of your Montserrat day trip from Barcelona is without a doubt the spectacular Sant Benet de Montserrat Monastery, which dates back to 1025 and is dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat. This sacred site draws people from all over the world, who come to admire its beauty and unique history. You can even listen to the singing of the “Escolania”, a boy’s choir that has been formed since the 12th century at the monastery.
Overall, Montserrat is an amazing day trip experience from Barcelona and you can visit Montserrat all day but it is not required as you can also visit it in +/- 6 hours. Keep in mind that Montserrat is a popular place to visit by tourists but it’s still worth a visit! Especially because of the views and the fact that it feels like you enter a completely different world.
What can you do during your day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona?
Montserrat is a great destination for nature lovers and culture vultures alike. From hiking to Sant Jeroni peak to taking a guided tour of the Museu de la Natura i de l’Home, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Montserrat. For a more spiritual experience, visitors can take part in The Escolania de Montserrat, the boys’ choir, or visit the iconic statue of La Moreneta. The area is full of natural and spiritual beauty waiting to be explored. Montserrat offers an unforgettable experience for all its visitors! Read below in detail what you can do during your day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat.
Tip: use the map below to see where all the highlights in Montserrat can be found. Click on the top right corner to enlarge the map. If you click on the star symbol next to the title you can save this map in your Google Maps account. In the map, you can show or hide different categories. You can then use this map to navigate when you reach your Montserrat.
#1 Monastery of Montserrat
If you’re looking for a day trip from Barcelona, the Monastery of Montserrat should definitely be on your list. Located in the beautiful mountain range of Montserrat, this Benedictine abbey is home to some incredible history and culture that can’t be found anywhere else.
The history of the monastery goes back to 880 when a light was seen coming from the mountain and locals built a priory here. During the Pope’s visit, a painting of the Virgin Mary was found in a cave. Due to its weight, it couldn’t be moved so he decided to build the monastery that we can admire today at this place.
Inside the monastery, visitors can admire the statue of the Holy Black Mary. This is an important symbol for Catalans as it was during Franco’s rule that they were not allowed to speak Catalan and many still did within this sacred space. Visitors are welcomed daily from 7:30 am – 8:00 pm to take in the sights and make a kiss to greet Mary.
The Monastery of Montserrat is situated in an incredible mountain range, so visitors can enjoy breathtaking views while exploring this unique destination. There are also several activities located near the monastery such as hiking trails, rock climbing, and more. As with any trip from Barcelona, there are plenty of souvenirs to choose from so visitors can take a little piece of the monastery back home with them.
For those looking for a memorable day trip from Barcelona, a visit to the Monastery of Montserrat is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates and honors its incredible history and culture. So make sure you put the Monastery of Montserrat on your list for a day trip from Barcelona!
If you want to visit Montserrat with a tour, check out the Montserrat day tours below
There are several tours available, we recommend two tours. The half-day tour is perfect if you don’t have much time and still want to visit Montserrat. If you have more time it’s nice to follow a full-day tour. While booking the full-day tour you have the option to book a Spanish wine tasting as well. This is fun to do if you love wine or want to learn more about it.
Check current availability and prices here: half-day tour & full-day tour.
#2 Hiking at Montserrat
Barcelona to Montserrat day trip is the best way to explore and enjoy this stunning mountain range. The journey starts with a beautiful drive through the Catalan countryside before arriving at Montserrat. Montserrat is a special mountain range where you can do great hikes. You have the choice to hike a small circle or hike for hours through the mountains. You can also choose to hike from the bottom of the mountain to the Montserrat monastery instead of using the bus, cable car, funicular, or train.
We recommend using the funicular from Montserrat Monastery to the top of the mountains. At the top, you have the choice to hike two routes. The route on the left is the simple route where you walk back to the monastery. This route takes about 1 hour to walk. This hike is mainly for people who want to see something off the mountain range but do not want to hike too long.
If you turn right at the top you walk to Sant Jeroni. This is the highest point in Montserrat. From this point, you have a spectacular view! This route takes +/- 3 hours of hiking in total. The route is recommended for travelers who like to be active and who want to hike through this special nature reserve.
#3 The choir of Montserrat
The choir of Montserrat is one of the most popular and beloved choirs in Spain. This group of 50 boys, ranging from ages 9-14, can be seen performing for free every Monday to Friday at 1:00 PM and 6:40 PM and Sunday at 12:00 pm in the monastery of Montserrat. People come from all around to witness and experience the beautiful singing of this choir. It is beautiful to hear the choir because they are so good and the environment makes it very special. So highly recommended to be at the monastery at one of the two timeslots.
#4 Cable Car
To get to Montserrat from the train station Aeri de Montserrat you can take the cable car instead of the cable train. The cable car is a thrilling experience that allows you to ascend 800 meters in just 10 minutes and provides stunning views of Montserrat and Barcelona along the way. Tickets are €8.60 / $9.15 per person.
When you arrive in Montserrat you can visit the monastery, museum, restaurants, and other beautiful buildings. You also have a funicular de Sant Joan to go to the highest viewpoint.
The journey from Barcelona to Montserrat is a perfect day trip, and taking the cable car gives you an unforgettable experience. Make sure to bring your camera and capture your breathtaking journey on one of Europe’s most iconic cable cars!
#5 Funicular de Sant Joan
To get to the highest peak of Montserrat, the Sant Jeroni viewpoint, you can take the funicular. The funicular ride up to the Sant Jeroni viewpoint is a thrilling experience. While slowly ascending, you will feel as if you are entering into some other world with its majestic views of Barcelona and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the top, you can take in the amazing panoramic views of the region and enjoy several activities such as trekking or visiting some of the natural monuments that are situated along its path. A one-way ticket for the funicular costs €9,75 / $10.38 per person. A return ticket is €15 / $15.97 per person.
#6 Museum of Montserrat
The Museum of Montserrat offers a great opportunity to learn more about the picturesque and iconic site of Montserrat, which is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Barcelona. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and artwork that help tell the story of Montserrat’s history and its spiritual significance. Visitors can tour the museum’s various galleries and see religious artifacts, artworks, and photographs related to the monastery. They can also learn about Montserrat’s cultural heritage, including its traditional folk songs and dances. Moreover, visitors can explore the fascinating archaeological sites located around the area. For those interested in taking a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat, the Museum of Montserrat is an excellent way to extend their visit and gain further insight into this popular destination.
The Museum of Montserrat can be visited for €8 / $8.52 per person, with tickets available on the spot. It’s a great way to make the most of your Montserrat day trip from Barcelona, learning about the area’s unique history and culture.
Where to eat in Montserrat?
First of all, Montserrat is located high in the mountains, which means that transport costs for products are high. As a result, the prices for drinks and food are higher compared to other places. But also because it is popular among tourists prices are high.
If you are at the top of the mountain, we recommend visiting La Cafeteria. Here you can grab your food, they have excellent sandwiches, salads, and various warm dishes in the afternoon. Expect nothing special!
When you are at the bottom of the mountain you need to visit Restaurante Bartomeu. This is a local restaurant where you can eat very well. The great thing about this place is that it is cozy because of the locals.
Visit Montserrat independently or with a tour?
The short answer: it depends on what you want to do. If you want to visit Montserrat without having to arrange everything yourself and if you want to learn everything about the area through the guide, it is recommended to book a tour. There are several tours available, we recommend two tours. The half-day tour is perfect if you don’t have much time and still want to visit Montserrat. If you have more time it’s nice to follow a full-day tour. While booking the full-day tour you have the option to book a Spanish wine tasting as well. This is also fun to do if you love wine or want to learn more about it. Check current availability and prices here: half-day tour & full-day tour.
If you prefer to do everything independently, this is also possible, below you can read how to get to Montserrat.
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How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona?
Montserrat can be reached by using a (cable) train, cable car, and car.
First, you need to travel by train from Plaza Espanya in Barcelona to Montserrat. If you want to travel by cable train you have to get off at Monistrol de Montserrat.
If you want to travel by cable car, get off one stop further at Aeri de Montserrat. Here you can use the Cremallera de Montserrat cable car.
At Plaza Espanya in Barcelona train station, you can buy a combination ticket for the train and a funicular or cable train. Both options cost €24 / $25.55 per person. You cannot switch your tickets on the spot, so choose upfront what you want to do. The cable train is the most common way to travel to Montserrat because it is easy. The funicular is the most beautiful route because you have an amazing view during the trip up to the mountain.
If you travel by car you arrive in Montserrat in about 1 hour from Barcelona. You can park your car for free at Monistrol Vila. Here you can take the cable train (€13,25 / $14.10 per person return ticket) at Cremallera de Montserrat. You can also park at the Aeri de Montserrat and take the cable car for €13 / $13.84 return ticket per person.
If you travel to Spain by plane and you are looking for a car to rent, you can rent it through Rentalcars. We use Rentalcars when we want to travel by car to discover new destinations. They’re easy to use and book with.
How long to spend in Montserrat?
If you do it through a tour it depends if you follow the half-day tour or full-day tour. If you do it independently, it takes about 1.5 hours from Barcelona on public transport to get to Montserrat. You need about 3 hours to visit Montserrat, this includes the funicular and the walk from the top back to the monastery. With breaks and food, you need about 7 hours for Montserrat. If you want to walk to the highest point of Sant Jeroni you have to count on about 2 hours extra.
Montserrat itinerary
When doing a Montserrat day trip you have many options. Based on our experienced and many visits we recommended following the below Montserrat itinerary. Of course, you can use this overview as a basis and you don’t have to follow it to the minute :).
- 09:00 am: take the train at Barcelona station Plaza Espanya
- 10:00 am: arrive at Monistrol de Montserrat (cable train) or Aeri de Montserrat (cable car)
- 10:30 am: arrive at Montserrat
- 11:00 am: visit Monastery of Montserrat
- 12:00 pm: lunch at La Cafeteria
- 01:00 pm: the choir of Montserrat
- 01:30 pm: take the funicular de Sant Joan
- 02:00 pm: hike to Sant Jeroni (take the hike right at the top)
- 05:00 pm: visit Museum of Montserrat
- 05:45 pm: take the cable train or cable car back
- 06:15 pm: take the train back to Barcelona station Plaza Espanya
- 07:15 pm: arrive at Plaza Espanya
When you do not want to do a full day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona you can follow below Montserrat itinerary. Also, use this Barcelona day trip to Montserrat time schedule as a basis.
- 08:00 am: take the train at Barcelona station Plaza Espanya
- 09:00 am: arrive at Monistrol de Montserrat (cable train) or Aeri de Montserrat (cable car)
- 09:30 am: arrive at Montserrat
- 10:00 am: visit Monastery of Montserrat
- 11:00 am: take the funicular de Sant Joan
- 11:30 am: enjoy the view and take the route left back to the monastery
- 12:00 pm: bring your own lunch and enjoy while walking
- 01:00 pm: the choir of Montserrat
- 01:30 pm: take the cable train or cable car back
- 02:00 pm: take the train back to Barcelona station Plaza Espanya
- 03:00 pm: arrive at Plaza Espanya
Best day to visit Montserrat
When visiting Montserrat near Barcelona, it is best to go on a Monday to Friday working day. Because many locals spend the weekend in Montserrat, you will get more rest during the week and find fewer people. Moreover, you can also experience the sights better because there are not so many people around. In addition, fewer crowds also mean that you can enjoy better prices for accommodation and other facilities. So try to visit Montserrat on a weekday!
Where to stay in Montserrat?
If you are making a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat, there is no need to stay overnight here. If you would like to stay in Montserrat Hotel Abat Cisneros Montserrat is recommended. The advantage is that you have plenty of time to take long walks. This hotel is the only hotel that is on top of the mountain. Other hotels are down the mountain. Check actual prices and availability for Hotal Abat Cisneros Montserrat here.
What is the best period to visit Montserrat?
Montserrat can be visited all year round. The best period is during the spring and summer. During these periods the temperatures are most pleasant. This is especially nice if you want to take a long walk to Sant Jeroni. Nevertheless, you can visit Montserrat in autumn and winter without any problem. Keep in mind that you are 1000 meters above sea level, so it can be cooler here.
Montserrat day trip FAQ
Is Montserrat worth visiting?
Montserrat is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Barcelona. It’s a haven of natural beauty, and the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The monastery is perched atop a mountain range, offering spectacular views across Catalonia. Visitors can explore traditional architecture, observe ancient monastic traditions and take part in spiritual activities. There are also endless outdoor activities available, such as hiking, climbing, and cycling along the many trails. Additionally, Montserrat is home to unique wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. With its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, it’s no wonder why Montserrat is worth visiting when you’re in Barcelona.
Want to see more of Spain?
You will probably visit Montserrat as a day trip from Barcelona. If not and you haven’t been to Barcelona yet, this is your chance to discover one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Read here our 3 days Barcelona itinerary.
If you are looking for a road trip to discover the north of Spain, you can find inspiration in our article. From Montserrat / Barcelona it is best to travel to Zaragoza, Ordesa National Park, or discover more of the province of Catalonia. Zaragoza is a typical Spanish city where you can discover some beautiful sights. Ordesa National Park is the greenest part of the Pyrenees where you can walk beautifully. in the province of Catalonia, there are places such as Girona but also coastal towns such as L’Escala.
Also, useful to read is our guide for beginner hikers in which we answer all questions that beginner hikers have. This comes in handy when you go hiking in Montserrat.
What do you think of Montserrat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: the prices mentioned in this article may differ from the current situation. We regularly update our articles. Would you like to help us to provide to best possible insights to help other travelers leave a comment with the latest information. Thanks!
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