Montserrat in Spain: Unique Barcelona day trip

Believe it or not, Montserrat in Spain is real. A gorgeous mountain range which offers beautiful views over Catalonia is, in fact, a natural wonderland. It is easy to see why this place draws crowds. Montserrat in Spain is hardly a stranger to international tourists – hundreds of thousands of people cannot be wrong. We cannot deny that it is well worth adding it to your bucket list.

Tooth-shaped Mountain range near Barcelona

In this article, you will find everything about visiting Monserrat in Spain. You should know that although it can get crowded during the day, Montserrat was for us one of the biggest travel surprises in Barcelona. A visit to Montserrat needs to be on your list, even if you are a non-believer.

 

Is Montserrat in Spain worth visiting?

Montserrat in Spain is worth visiting because it is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. It’s easy to get to and allows you to see the breathtaking Spanish countryside. A day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona is also an excellent getaway to Catalonia.

Visiting Montserrat in Spain is more than just taking a trip to the mountain.

 

What is Montserrat in Spain known for?

Montserrat is one of the most important symbols of Catalonia. But it is more than a set of historic stones. Montserrat in Spain is famous for its beautiful landscape, unique rock formations and the monastery, which houses the miracle-working wooden statue of the Black Madonna.

A day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona is also a popular tourist attraction because it allows experiencing Catalonia’s cultural heritage. Many tourists come here for architecture and social values. Montserrat is rich in history, and, for many, it is also a pilgrimage site.

 

This mountain range is also a popular destination for everyone who loves outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing and mountain biking.

 

WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

 

The region with oddly shaped dramatic mountains, a hidden monastery, and incredible flora and fauna is a getaway for many reasons. For many pilgrims, a journey to Montserrat is only a religious experience. However, for the vast majority of visitors, hiking and climbing are the main appeals of this national park.

Whatever your reasons are, make sure you have plenty of space on your camera. There are plenty of photo opportunities everywhere you go. You will be forgiven for thinking this was just another tourist trap.

A day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona allows you to experience the tranquil Catalonia countryside. It is also an excellent way to spend a day away from overwhelming Barcelona.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Do not confuse Montserrat Island in the Caribbean with Montserrat in Spain. This unusually shaped mountain is the symbol of Catalan identity. It is also one of the most beautiful national parks in Spain.

It’s no surprise to learn that Montserrat means “saw mountain” in Catalan. 

 

How much time do you need for Montserrat in Spain?

A visit to the Monserrat Monastery and museums takes about 2-3 hours. Although it does not include the time it takes to get there. If you plan to do some hiking, you will need a whole day.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Try to arrive in Montserrat as early as possible. The monastery gets crowded, and long queues for the black Madonna in the basilica are also very common.

 

HOW TO GET TO MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

Getting to Montserrat on a day trip from Barcelona is quick and very easy. There are numerous options you can choose from – train, bus, rental car, or even tour.

 

• BY TRAIN

The most popular way of getting to Montserrat is surely travelling by train. Take the regional “FGC train” on the R5 line towards Manresa from the Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona, which leaves every hour. The journey to the bottom of the mountain takes about one hour and five minutes. The FGC train to Montserrat departs hourly from 08:36 am.

TIP:

You should know that the trains to Montserrat are not marked clearly. You need to look for an “FGC” sign.

GOOD TO KNOW:

When buying a return ticket to Montserrat, you plan ahead and decide whether you want to take the cable car or the funicular (the rack railway).

You can buy combined and single tickets for the “FGC train” to Montserrat from Barcelona in advance at the Plaça d’Espanya station or online.

 

USEFUL TIP:

Those who would like to take the cable car need to get off the train at the station “Aeri de Montserrat”. Alternatively, for the funicular, you need to get off the train at the next station, “Monistrol de Montserrat”. Don’t forget to check the train schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss the last train back to Barcelona.

A five-minute cable car ride to Montserrat Monastery offers stunning views. The queues for the cable car during holidays can be longer, though.

The 15-minute rack railway ride to Montserrat also offers beautiful views. A rack railway ride is also an excellent option for those with a fear of heights.

 

• CAR

Driving to Montserrat from Barcelona is a quick and also convenient option. The journey to the hidden monastery is one of the most scenic roads in Spain but has some hairpin turns.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

When driving to Montserrat, you need to decide whether you want to park right next to Montserrat Monastery or at the bottom of the mountain.

After arriving in Montserrat, you can park right next to Montserrat Monastery. The paid parking at a monastery that requires the walk up the hill is open 24 hours. As the parking spaces near the monastery are limited, it is worth remembering that another car park with a greater parking capacity is located at the Cremallera de Monistrol station. After you park your car, take the funicular (the rack railway) to the top.

If you leave your car at a free car park (the Monistrol Vila Car Park), don’t forget to check the schedule for the last funicular. Otherwise, you will need to walk 8 km (5 miles) to your car.

 

• TAKE A GROUP TOUR – BUS

Those who don’t want to rent a car or travel by train can take an organized group tour to Montserrat. Several companies offer organized trips to Montserrat from Barcelona with the possibility of exploring the area at your own pace.

Besides, affordable bus tours are a more sustainable option than renting a car and driving. With the logistics sorted out, travelling in a group tour also ensures that you will minimize your carbon footprint.

 

Don’t forget to bookmark this post so you can quickly find it when planning your day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona.

 

Best things to do in Montserrat in Spain

You’ve made the easy decision to visit this beautiful place. Now comes the harder part, when you need to decide what to do in Montserrat in Spain. Here is our list of activities you can do on a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona.

 

1. MONTSERRAT MONASTERY

 

One of the first places most people head to in Montserrat in Spain is the Montserrat Monastery, and there is a reason for that. The legend has it that the statue of St. Mary was discovered in a cave on Montserrat Mountain, and the convent sprang up around it. The holy place has been gaining in popularity ever since.

The Montserrat Monastery has thousands of years of history and attracts people to worship the image of St. Mary. This religious pilgrimage site is home to a community of seventy Benedictine monks devoted to prayer. They follow the Orders of St. Benedict (6th century).

GOOD TO KNOW:

You should know that it is not possible to visit the monastery. 

 

2. ST. MARY’S SQUARE IN MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

You cannot spend a day in Montserrat without exploring St. Mary’s Square. The locals call this square la Plaça de Santa Maria. The large area carved out of the mountain consists of three squares. Stop here and truly appreciate the beauty of architecture.

 

3. THE BASILICA – SANTA MARIA DE MONTSERRAT

Santa Maria de Montserrat

 

Santa Maria de Montserrat is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in Montserrat in Spain for many visitors. The construction of this church began in the Gothic tradition. However, it also uses Renaissance shapes and traditional Catalan architecture. 

The Basilica was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by the Napoleonic war. Santa Maria de Montserrat, which we can see today, is the result of the 19th-century renovation. Exploring Santa Maria de Montserrat is one of the best things to do in Montserrat in Spain because the legend has it that the Benedictine Abbey was once home to the Holy Grail. That is why the Napoleonic troops demolished it. 

The highlights of the church are its beautiful dome, marbled floor and gold interior. The main draws are also the Montserrat choir and the famous statue of the Virgin Mary.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

You should know that there is no charge if you want to visit the basilica. 

 

4. THE BLACK MADONNA IN MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

 

On any list of the best things to do in Montserrat in Spain, seeing the Black Madonna should not be far from the top. The locals call it La Moreneta or the St. Mary of Montserrat.  If you do not know, many say that the wooden statue of the Black Madonna has healing powers. The Black Virgin, located above the high church’s altar, is the Patroness of Catalonia.

GOOD TO KNOW:

It is possible to touch the statue of the Black Madonna and her infant son. However, expect a long queue during busy times. The stairs to the Cambril de la Mare de Déu (where you can find La Moreneta) are to the right of the main entrance.

 

 

5. CHOIR AT MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

Did you know that Montserrat’s Boys’ Choir is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe? The first performance of this choir dates back to 1223. Yes, that is right, the Boys’ Choir, known as L’ Escolania, is another typical symbol of Montserrat. This internationally famous choir consists of about fifty-five 14 years old boys. 

The choir recognized for a specific type of singing enjoys concert performances all over the world. If you want to see the famous choir, plan your visit to the church accordingly. It is because the Boys’ Choir performs only twice per day (at 1 PM and 7.10 PM). 

 

6. MONTSERRAT MUSEUMS SPAIN

The various rooms in the museum contain an extensive collection of artefacts. 

After visiting the basilica, don’t forget to visit the museums at Montserrat. There are 2 museums: Montserrat Museum and also the Espai Audio Visual.

 

• MONTSERRAT MUSEUM

If you have a spare hour, visit the Montserrat Museum. It is just around the corner from the monastery. Over the years, this museum has become one of the best museums in Catalonia. 

Visiting the Montserrat Museum is one of the best things to do in Montserrat in Spain because this museum has an extensive collection of artworks. You can find here works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Caravaggio, and many others. The museum also hosts treasures from Ancient Egypt.

 

• ESPAI AUDIO VISUAL

  

The Espai Audio Visual, located inside the monastery’s bookshop, is another museum. Inside the audio-visual room, you will find an exposition providing information about the history of Montserrat in Spain. The Espai Audio Visual illustrates the daily lives of the monks. It also informs about a legend of the statue of the Black Virgin and Montserrat’s geology.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Those who miss the Boys’ Choir performance can see some videos here.

 

7. MARKET IN MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

After a long day exploring Montserrat, don’t forget to stop at the market opposite the Mirador dels Apostols. Buying traditional products such as olives, fresh cheese, or honey is a great way to support the locals.

 

8. HIKING AROUND THE MONTSERRAT NAURAL PARK

If museums aren’t your thing and you prefer to spend time outdoors, Montserrat in Spain has some beautiful hiking trails. You are quite right to think Montserrat National Park is one of the most beautiful regions in Catalonia. There are many hiking paths with scenic views. Some of them are easily walkable, while others are more intense.

TIP:

When deciding what hike you should go for, consider your fitness level and how much time you have for exploring the area.

It is easy to see why Montserrat Natural Park attracts nature lovers.

 

9. MONTSERRAT HIKE

 

If you are looking for a more challenging hike, consider hiking from the valley to the Montserrat Monastery. The Montserrat hike is undoubtedly one of the longest tracks. It is an alternative to taking the funicular or the cable car. This hike is only for adventurous hikers. Expect a strenuous journey with stunning views. 

TIME NEEDED: 2-3 hours one way, depending on your fitness level

 

10. CROSS OF SAINT MIGUEL

The Cross of Saint Miquel is another popular hike in Montserrat in Spain. This 45-minute walk from the Montserrat Monastery is an easy hike with spectacular views over the valley of Catalonia.

 

11. SANTA COVA

The hike to Santa Cova’s chapel is one of the most popular and is easy. According to the legend, an image of the Virgin Mary has been seen in Sancta Cova. In fact, somebody found the statue of the Black Madonna here.

TIME NEEDED: 1 hour (one way)

GOOD TO KNOW:

Those who want to visit Santa Cova but don’t want to hike here can also take the funicular to Santa Cova.

 

12. SANT JOAN CHAPEL

Sant Joan Chapel

 

If you have spare time, there is one more hike you should do on your day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona. Hiking to the San Joan Chapel is one of the best things to do in Montserrat in Spain because it offers breathtaking views of Catalonia. About 1 hour and 15 minutes long hike is perfect for everyone who wants to see the local countryside. 

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

To get to Sant Joan’s, you have three choices: 

• take St Michael’s Path (Cami de Sant Miquel) or
• the Stairway of the poor (Escala dels pobrees).
• The easiest way to get to San Joan is to take the funicular railway. The lower station of the funicular railway to St Joan is to the right of St. Michael’s Path. 

The ride with the panoramic views of the monastery takes about 7 minutes.

 

Once at the top, you will find yourself at “Tarantula square”. You can take several different hikes from there. If you continue further along Sant Joan’s path, you will reach the cave where the shrines of St Joan and St. Onofrius were located.

 

13. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN MONTSERRAT

The Stairway to Heaven. A big gate to prevents people from climbing it. 

 

If you’re after the “Stairway to Heaven” when visiting Montserrat in Spain, you should know it is illegal to climb it. A monument of nine large concrete blocks stacked together to look like a stairway has gained popularity on social media.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can find the famous Stairway to Heaven near the car park, just east of the Mirador Restaurant. The locals call it Escala de l’Enteniment.

 

At one time, the sculpture was a popular object to climb. However, due to the lack of safety standards, now a fence surrounds it. Unfortunately, some people don’t respect barriers. They climb this work of art when the guards are not looking.

 

14. ROCK CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

 

 

WHERE TO EAT IN MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

When visiting Montserrat in Spain, it is worth mentioning that there is a limited number of places where to eat. Though restaurants are not very expensive, be ready not to have your taste buds blown away.

La Cafeteria and Self-service restaurants offer more affordable options with a variety of fast food and also drinks. Bar de la Plaça is another café where sandwiches or hamburgers can be purchased. 

Those who are looking for formal restaurants, Restaurant Montserrat and Restaurant Abat Cisneros are your only options. If you are short on time, consider bringing your own snacks. Alternatively, buy a meal in a small supermarket or in one of the local market stalls.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT MONTSERRAT IN SPAIN

Pin a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat in Spain for later!

Have you been to Montserrat in Spain before? Which trail did you hike during your visit? If you like our post, please save it to Pinterest.

 

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

READ MORE:

 

Last updated: 25/03/2023