FGC
11.1k views
Complete 2025 Montserrat Monastery & Mountain Day Trip Guide
Discover the geologically unique Montserrat mountain range & world famous monastery. Plan a day trip with transport guide, train times, hiking trails, maps & tickets
Views:
10.7k
About Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
The number one tourist excursion is a Barcelona day trip to Montserrat. Montserrat is the religious centre of Catalunya with a monastery, basilica, Museums, restaurants and a hotel. It is a mountain top religious centre and world famous pilgrimage destination. The Benedictine Monk retreat at Montserrat offers you some of the most spectacular mountain views of Catalunya.
Montserrat Mountain Hiking
For an easy family day trip to Montserrat I recommend visiting the Montserrat Monastery Basilica first and walking around the main square. The Easy Santa Cova walk can be done with young children or enlderly relatives after you have finished in the basilica.
For a family day trip to Montserrat with children I recommend a visit to the Montserrat Monastery Basilica first followed by the Easy Montserrat walking route. This combination will allow you to explore some of the mountain hermitages as well as the basilica.
For a more challenging Montserrat day trip hiking experience, I recommend a quick visit to the Montserrat Monastery Basilica followed by the Sant Jeroni from Montserrat Monastery route. Sant Jeroni is the highest summit in the Montserrat natural park and you will enjoy magnificent views of some of the most unusual rock formations in Catalonia consisting of a sedimentary geology of pebbled stone with its flora, fauna and abandoned hermitages along the way.
Alternatively the monastery complex can be reached from Monistrol de Montserrat with a spectacular hiking route up the side of Montserrat mountain via the Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig and Santa Cecília Hermitage.
For the ultimate Montserrat hiking route from Colbató, walk up the entire height of the Montserrat mountain range rather than starting half way up from the monastery complex. The Sant Jeroni from Colbató circular route from Colbató is reachable by bus and provides great views of the opposite side of Montserrat mountain from the Monastery. This route is challenging because it involves walking up the entire height of the Montserrat mountain range rather than starting half way up from the monastery complex.
Not on the Montserrat mountain range but in the valley below is La Puda abandoned thermal bath complex and this hiking route gives spectacular views of Montserrat mountain from Sant Salvador de les Espases hermitage.
Things to do and see in Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
FGC
FGC
7.7k views
Montserrat Monastery to Santa Cova Walking Trail
Easy 1.4 km walk from Montserrat Monastery to Santa Cova chapel via ornate Rosari Monumental statues and La Aguilla de la Creu monument
Read more >
FGC
5.3k views
Easy Montserrat Hermitage Circular Hike from Monastery
Easy 7 km circular hike from Montserrat Monastery through abandoned hermitages and scenic viewpoints in the Montserrat mountain range
Read more >
FGC
4.7k views
Inside Montserrat Abbey: Basilica, Black Madonna & Choir
Visit Montserrat Abbey near Barcelona: explore the basilica, see the Black Madonna, hear the boys choir, and discover the museum and cloister
Read more >
Map of Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
Events in Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
- Festividad de Nuestra Señora de Montserrat: Every 27th of April, the Montserrat Monastery is decorated to celebrate the Patron Saint of Catalonia. This two‑day event draws thousands of pilgrims. The festival begins on the 26th of April in the afternoon with various activities, including the Vetlla de Santa Maria, which brings together young people with music, psalms, and special readings. The following day is filled with liturgical events starting at 9:00h, when the Escolania choir performs the Canto de la Salve y el Virolai. The monastery also hosts folklore celebrations such as sardana dancing, castells (human towers), and the traditional Dance of Sticks.
- Montserrat Boys Choir: One of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe, dating from the 14th century. The choir accompanies religious ceremonies and communal prayers in the Santa Maria Abbey.
- Monday to Friday: 13:00h Salve and Virolai
- Monday to Thursday: 18:45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina, and Polyphonic Motet
- Saturdays: No choir performance
- Sundays and religious holidays: 12:00h Salve and Virolai, 18:45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina, and Polyphonic Motet
- Christmas period: No performances, as the choir is on holiday
Getting to Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
Address: Monasterio de Montserrat s/n, 08199
When planning a Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat there are five options for getting to the Monastery from Barcelona:
FGC train + Montserrat Cremallera train
Take the FGC train from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat station and change here onto the Montserrat Cremallera rack railway, which terminates in the main square of the Monastery complex.FGC train + Montserrat Cable Car
Take the FGC train from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat station, one stop before Monistrol de Montserrat. Exit the station and immediately outside is the Montserrat yellow cable car lower station. The cable car terminates in the main square of the Monastery complex after climbing some steps upon exiting the upper cable car station.Walk via Abandoned Hotel, Sant Benet Monastery & Santa Cecília
following this beautiful route from Monistrol de Montserrat train station.Hire a car and drive
Take the A2 (not AP2) motorway leaving Barcelona and at the 582A junction take the C55 dual carriageway towards Manresa. At Monistrol de Montserrat take the BP‑1121 mountain road, which ends at the Montserrat Monastery public parking. Parking costs €7 for the whole day.Book a Guided Coach Tour
from the list of coach excursions from Barcelona.
FGC train + Montserrat Cable Car is the fastest way to get to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona, with the train taking about 1 hour and the cable car 5 minutes. FGC train + Montserrat Cremallera train takes about 1 hour 50 minutes in total, with the Cremallera rack railway journey segment being 40 minutes.
FGC
6.9k views
Barcelona to Montserrat by Train + Cremallera Railway
Guide to the Montserrat Cremallera rack railway and funiculars, with history, tickets, timetables, and tips for visiting the monastery
Read more >
FGC
6.7k views
Barcelona to Montserrat by Train + Aeri Cable Car
Since 1930, the Aeri de Montserrat offers a 6‑minute scenic cable car ride from the FGC train station to the monastery
Read more >
FGC
4.3k views
Montserrat Hike via Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig Ruins
11 km linear hike from Monistrol de Montserrat past the abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig, Sant Benet & Sant Cecília, finishing at Montserrat Monastery
Read more >
COACH
1.7k views
Montserrat Coach Tours from Barcelona: Guided & Private Options
Book Montserrat coach tours from Barcelona: guided day trips, private minivan transfers, wine tastings, and family‑friendly options
Read more >
Where to Eat in Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
- Plaça Abat Oliba: Leaving the main square in front of Montserrat Abbey by the descending ramped street with the orange trees goes down through a gate into Plaça Abat Oliba where you will find Queviures supermarket that sells sandwiches, drinks, and food gifts like honey. Opposite is another cafeteria, Bar de la Plaça. In Plaça Abat Oliba there is also a drinking water fountain.
-
Queviures supermarket:
- Monday to Friday: 09:00h to 17:30h
- Weekend: 09:00h to 18:30h
-
Bar de la Plaça:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00h to 17:30h
- Weekend: 09:00h to 18:30h
- Montserrat Buffet Restaurant & Cafeteria: Opposite the Montserrat Cremallera Station is a cafeteria‑style restaurant that offers meals of traditional Catalan food as well as sandwiches, cakes, and drinks.
-
Buffet Restaurant:
- Monday to Sunday: 12:00h to 15:15h
-
La Cafeteria:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00h to 17:30h
- Weekend: 09:00h to 18:30h
- Restaurant El Mirador: A 1976 architectural monstrosity perched on the side of the mountain underneath Mirador dels Apòstols next to the bus and coach parking area. Despite the ugliness on the outside, the dining room commands superb panoramic views over the mountain, the Santa Cova, and the Llobregat river valley.
- Monday to Sunday: 12:15h to 16:00h
- Restaurant Abat Cisneros: This is the restaurant inside the Hotel/Hostal Abat Cisneros, former monastic buildings.
- Monday to Sunday: Breakfast 08:00h to 10:00h, Lunch 13:00h to 15:30h, Dinner 19:45h to 21:30h
- Bar El Rincón: My secret pick of where to eat in Montserrat is not in the Monastery complex but is a small garden restaurant accessible from the end of the Aeri de Montserrat FGC train station. It is a shed kitchen with 3 or 4 outside dining tables in a forested plot of land. The food is fresh, delicious, and cooked when you order — unlike the reheated canteen food served in the Monastery complex.
Documents for Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
Click on any of the PDF thumbnails to view in full screen and download
Weather for Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
Mountain Forecast weather for Montserrat Mountain
What to bring for Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
If you are just visiting the monastery area, be aware that this is the religious centre of Catalunya, so there is a dress code to enter the basilica. No see‑through clothes, beachwear, or bikinis are allowed. Skirts must be at least mid‑thigh length. Shorts are permitted, but not hot pants. You will also be asked to remove your hat when entering the basilica.
In the winter months it can get windy and cold at the monastery. If you are visiting Montserrat for a hiking activity and also plan to enter the basilica, pack appropriate clothing that you can put on over your sportswear if you do not meet the dress code for the Abbey.
If you visit the Museum of Montserrat, it is worth bringing headphones for the audio guide to enhance your experience.
Accommodation at Montserrat Monastery
For those wishing to extend their Montserrat day trip from Barcelona into an overnight stay, the monastery complex offers several options, ranging from hotels to a simple campsite. Staying here allows you to enjoy the Montserrat viewpoints at sunrise and sunset, when the mountain is at its most peaceful.
- Montserrat Abat Marcet — serviced apartments ideal for families or longer stays.
- Hotel Abat Cisneros — a historic hotel located next to the basilica, offering traditional Catalan hospitality.
- Apartamentos Montserrat Abat Marcet — self‑catering apartments within the monastery complex.
- Area Esportiva i d'Acampada de Montserrat — a simple and affordable campsite (3.5€ per tent + 4€ per adult), about 10 minutes’ walk from the monastery via the Sant Miquel path towards the Creu de Sant Miquel. Open only in summer, it is popular with mountain climbers and hikers. Reservations can be made by calling (+34) 93 77 77 77.
How much does a Montserrat Day Trip Cost?
Let’s talk about prices and Montserrat combined tickets versus Montserrat individual tickets for each section of the journey, plus what you can pay on the day at the monastery.
Tot Montserrat Ticket
- Includes:
- Metro ticket to and from Plaça Espanya FGC train station
- Return FGC train ticket to Monistrol station link (connecting with the rack railway line)
- Return ticket for the Montserrat rack railway
- Return ticket for the Montserrat Aeri cable car
- Sant Joan & Santa Cova funicular railways (when operational)
- Entrance to the Audio‑visual Space
- Entrance to the Montserrat Museum
- Direct access, without previous reservation, to the Throne of the Virgin
- Buffet lunch
Powered by GetYourGuide
Tot Montserrat is an all‑in‑one ticket that includes using the Cremallera or Aeri cable car to go up and return from the Monastery, plus rides on the two funiculars. This ticket is ideal for visitors who want to spend the day exploring the Monastery basilica and Museum (religious art collection) with some easy walking in Santa Cova and Sant Joan.
Trans Montserrat Ticket
- Includes:
- FGC train return trip to Monistrol de Montserrat
- Montserrat rack railway return trip
- Museum of Montserrat entry ticket
- Montserrat Audio‑visual Space entry ticket
- Liqueur tasting
- Pre‑booked visit time to the Virgin of Montserrat
- Audio guide
- Map
- Informative booklet
Powered by GetYourGuide
This all‑in‑one ticket includes the Cremallera for the journey up and down from the Monastery. It’s ideal for visitors who want to quickly explore the Monastery basilica and then spend the rest of the day hiking via my Easy Montserrat route or the Santa Cova route.
Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car Only Ticket
- Includes:
- Return or one‑way Aeri de Montserrat cable car
NOT INCLUDED: FGC train ticket to Aeri de Montserrat. This must be purchased separately at ticket machines in Plaça Espanya FGC station.
Powered by GetYourGuide
The Aeri de Montserrat cable car is the fastest way to reach the Monastery. It’s ideal for visitors who want to be among the first to visit the basilica before heading into the mountains for a hike such as the Sant Jeroni Summit from Montserrat Monastery.
Buying Separate Tickets
Buying separate tickets for each section of the journey to Montserrat Monastery can work out a little more expensive, depending on what you do once there.
- €6.15 Single ticket FGC R50 or R5 from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat or Aeri de Montserrat
- €12.30 Return ticket FGC R50 or R5 from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat or Aeri de Montserrat
- €8.40 Single ticket Cremallera de Montserrat rack railway
- €14.00 Return ticket Cremallera de Montserrat rack railway
- €8.95 Single ticket Aeri de Montserrat cable car
- €13.50 Return ticket Aeri de Montserrat cable car
- €8.00 Montserrat Museum
- FREE Montserrat basilica
- €3.50 Throne of the Virgin (Black Madonna)
- €15–20 Buffet lunch at Montserrat
I only recommend buying individual tickets when completing hiking activities to Montserrat, such as Hiking to Montserrat via Abandoned Hotel and Santa Cecília.
Things to do and see Near Montserrat Mountain, Natural Park & Monastery
FGC
5.1k views
La Puda de Montserrat – Abandoned Spa & Graffiti Ruins
Explore La Puda de Montserrat, a 19th‑century sulphur spring spa now abandoned. Famous for healing waters, neoclassical ruins, and striking graffiti art
Read more >
BUS
3.1k views
Montserrat Sant Jeroni Summit Hike from Collbató via Bus
17 km meduim-hard circular hike from Collbató to Sant Jeroni, Montserrat’s highest peak, via vineyards, hermitages, viewpoints, and La Vinyanova restaurant
Read more >
BUS
2.9k views