Montserrat Sant Jeroni Summit Hike from Collbató via Bus

About Sant Jeroni summit from Collbató Hiking

This is a medium‑hard difficulty 17 km circular hiking route from Collbató to Sant Jeroni, the highest point in the Montserrat mountain range. Unlike the popular monastery routes, this trail does not pass directly through the Montserrat Monastery, but offers spectacular elevated views of the abbey complex from mountain paths.

The hike begins in Collbató, winding through vineyards before climbing the lower slopes of Montserrat. Along the way, walkers encounter several abandoned hermitages — Sant Joan, Sant Onofre, Sant Antonio, and Sant Jeroni — each a reminder of the mountain’s monastic past. The ascent is physically demanding, with the final section to the summit reached via a concrete stairway. Multiple viewpoints overlook the Llobregat valley and the jagged Montserrat peaks.

On one particularly crisp morning when I did this route, I rounded a bend below the hermitage of Sant Onofre and found myself face to face with a herd of wild Iberian ibex. They were resting on the rocky slope, completely unfazed by my presence — one lying down with majestic curved horns, the others perched nearby. It was a rare and humbling moment, a reminder of how deeply wild and untamed Montserrat still is beyond the tourist paths.

On the descent, the route passes the La Vinyanova Restaurant, a converted rural farmhouse renowned for its Catalan cuisine. Meal times are fixed, so hikers should plan to arrive early if aiming for the traditional 14:00–15:00 lunch service.

Restaurant la Vinyanova Homepage

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Visiting During Calçotada Season

This hike is especially rewarding in late winter or early spring, when it can be combined with a traditional Calçotada meal at La Vinyanova. Calçots are a type of Catalan green onion, grilled over open flames, wrapped in newspaper, and served with salvitxada sauce (made from almonds, garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil). Eating them is a lively tradition, complete with bibs, gloves, and wet wipes.

The Calçotada festival originated in the town of Valls, Catalonia, where the harvest of calçots has been celebrated for over a century. Today, gatherings take place across the region, from rural farmhouses to city restaurants. For more details, see the Valls Calçotada Festival guide.

Pairing the Sant Jeroni summit hike with a Calçotada lunch at La Vinyanova blends mountain adventure with Catalan culinary heritage.

Sant Joan Chapel and Surrounding Hermitages

Midway up the mountain, the trail passes the Sant Joan Chapel, one of Montserrat’s most evocative hermitages. Built in the 15th century, it formed part of a network of retreats scattered across Montserrat.

Nearby hermitages include Sant Onofre and Sant Antoni, each hidden among cliffs or rocky ledges. These sanctuaries offered monks silence and seclusion, linked only by narrow paths. Exploring them today provides a glimpse into Montserrat’s monastic past, when nearly twenty hermitages dotted the mountain.

Behind Sant Joan, the path reveals sheer drops and wide vistas across the Llobregat valley — a reminder of the isolation once sought here.

Mirador de la Serra de les Paparres

Along the Camí Nou de Sant Jeroni, hikers can climb to the Mirador de la Serra de Paparres. This viewpoint offers one of Montserrat’s finest panoramas, with serrated ridges stretching across the horizon and the town of Collbató visible far below.

Sant Jeroni Hermitage and Ravine Viewpoint

Before the summit, the trail passes the abandoned hermitage of Sant Jeroni, modest in scale but rich in history. Once a retreat for solitary monks, it now stands weathered against the cliffs.

Walking behind the hermitage reveals a hidden ravine viewpoint, where cliffs plunge into forested valleys. It’s an unexpected highlight of the route, often overlooked by hikers intent on reaching the peak.

Monument de Verdaguer and Ruined Chapel

Just before the final ascent, a short diversion leads to the Monument de Verdaguer — a tribute to the 19th‑century poet Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer, whose works celebrated Montserrat’s grandeur. The monument stands on a rocky outcrop with commanding views of the range and the Llobregat valley.

Beside it lie the remains of the Ermita de Sant Jeroni, built in the 15th century and abandoned after the Napoleonic invasions of the early 19th century. Roofless and partly carved into the rock, the ruin still conveys its austere past. At floor level, a metal trap door opens to a small chamber cut into the mountain — a haunting reminder of the hermits’ lives.

Summit Orientation Table at Sant Jeroni

At 1,236 metres, the summit of Sant Jeroni hosts a circular orientation table, or taula d’orientació. Set on a stone pedestal, it displays a compass rose and engraved markers pointing to distant towns, peaks, and regions across Catalonia.

Inscriptions such as Comarques de Barcelona help visitors identify the landscape. On clear days, views extend from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. The table is a natural gathering point for summit photos and a fitting conclusion to the climb.

What to take for Sant Jeroni summit from Collbató Hiking

This is a medium‑hard level hike with sustained uphill sections. Carry a small rucksack with essentials including a first aid kit. An emergency waterproof jacket is advisable in case of sudden weather changes. Bring 2–3 litres of water, as there are no refill points along the trail. Sturdy ankle boots are recommended for rocky, uneven paths.

Sant Jeroni summit from Collbató Hiking Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 12.00 FREE Child € 12.00 FREE Group/Family Ticket? N/A Notes Walk is free, Return bus ticket costs 12 Euros.

Getting to Collbató via Bus

Address: Carrer pau Bertran S/N, Collbato, 08293

The route begins in Collbató, accessible by bus from Plaça Maria Cristina in Barcelona. The service is operated by Hispano Igualadina–Monbus. Tickets and timetables can be checked on the official Monbus website by selecting origin “Barcelona” and destination “Collbató.” For real‑time updates, the Moovit app is recommended.

See the bus route map in the documents section of this page.

Igualadina Bus homepage Movit Bus App Barcelona to Colbato