Please sign in with Google to view the map.
Sign in with GoogleCardona Day Trip: Salt Mine, Castle & Medieval Town
Visit Cardona from Barcelona: explore the salt mine museum, medieval castle, and Parador hotel on a cultural day trip
Views:
2.8k
About Cardona Salt Mine & Castle
Cardona is a historic town in Catalonia, about 90 km northwest of Barcelona and 30 km from Manresa. Strategically important for centuries, Cardona supplied potassium chloride (salt) used in medicine, food preservation, fertiliser, and industry.
Today, Cardona is a popular day trip from Barcelona, known for its Salt Mountain Cultural Park, medieval castle, and charming old town centre. Visitors can explore the Cardona salt mine museum, climb the Torre de la Minyona for panoramic views, and even stay overnight at the Parador de Cardona hotel inside the castle walls.
Cardona Salt Mine and Castle History
The Cardona Salt Mountain (Muntanya de Sal) has been exploited since the Neolithic era. Roman author Aulus Gellius described it as a “great mountain of pure salt that grows as it is extracted.” From 1900 to 1990, industrial tunnelling expanded the mine after potassium salts were discovered by engineer Emili Viader i Solé. Locally, the mines are nicknamed mina nieves (“snow mines”) due to the white salt crystals covering the rocks.
Cardona Castle has dominated the town since the 9th century, controlling the valley of the River Cardoner and protecting the salt mines. Between the 11th and 15th centuries, it was the residence of the Lords of Cardona, known as the “Kings without a Crown” thanks to their wealth from salt. In 1714, the castle was the last fortress to surrender during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The fortress also houses the Collegiate Church of Sant Vicenç, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque architecture. Construction began more than 2,500 years ago, and the castle remains one of the most impressive medieval strongholds in Spain.
Image Gallery For Cardona Salt Mine And Castle
Click on any of the 42 images to open full screen gallery player. Note that viewing images is subject to our Fair Use Policy.
Visiting Cardona
Highlights of a Cardona day trip include the Salt Mine Cultural Park, Cardona Castle, and the medieval town centre.
- Guided package tours — combine Cardona Salt Mine, Castle, and Montserrat Monastery with transport from Barcelona.
- Self‑guided trips — book ALSA bus tickets to Cardona and entry tickets for the salt mine and castle.
Cardona Salt Mine
Visitors begin at the reception building near the mine head shaft, where hard hats are provided. A short transfer by open‑top bus or Land Rover takes you to the tourist entrance. The 1‑hour guided tour descends 86 metres underground to explore caverns, folds, and salt seams. Afterwards, explore the Salt Mine Museum, housed in the historic mineshaft building, with exhibits on geology, mining machinery, and photography.
Cardona Castle
Entry is free, but guided tours are recommended for access to restricted areas and salt‑related exhibits. Inside the castle, climb the Torre de la Minyona for 360° views, and visit the Collegiate Church of Sant Viçenç (1019–1040). For a snack or overnight stay, the Parador de Cardona hotel offers traditional hospitality inside the castle walls.
Medieval Town Centre
Stroll through Plaza de la Fira, the historic market square with views of the castle and Sant Miquel de Cardona church. The square is lined with bars, bakeries, and shops. Book tickets online in advance for the salt mine and castle, as places are limited.
Accessibility & What to Bring for Cardona day trip
The salt mine is cooler underground, so bring a fleece jacket. Hard hats are provided for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as visiting the mine, castle, and town involves several kilometres on foot. A poncho is useful if rain is forecast.
Tickets for Cardona Minivan Tours
Cardona Salt mine & Castle Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 25.75
€ 21.00
Over 65 years 17 Euros
Child
€ 25.75
€ 19.00
12-16 Years, See Website
Group/Family Ticket?
25+ Adults - See Website.
Notes
Child Fares vary depending on age.
Getting to Cardona Salt Mine And Castle By Bus
Address: Carraterra de la Mina s/n, Cardona, 08261
Cardona is accessible by ALSA bus on the Barcelona–Andorra route. The journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes from Estació del Nord bus terminal in Barcelona. There are only two buses per day, so plan carefully: take the morning bus at 06:30 and return at 17:14 to allow time for both the castle and salt mine.
Cardona does not have a train station, but nearby Manresa (30 km away) is served by RENFE and FGC trains from Barcelona. From Manresa, you can continue by bus or taxi (approx. 60€).
Documents for Cardona Salt Mine And Castle By Bus
Map for Cardona
Weather for Cardona
Accommodation in Cardona
Inside the castle walls is the famous Parador de Cardona, a luxury hotel offering historic charm and panoramic views. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the medieval atmosphere after day‑trippers have left.