Montserrat in Catalonia, Spain, is a breathtaking spot that should be on your travel list. Rising 1236 meters above the Catalan lowlands, this picturesque spiritual retreat offers incredible panoramic views and a rich blend of natural beauty and religious significance.
Planning a trip to Montserrat can be straightforward with these insider tips. Spain ranks as one of the more affordable countries to visit, making it a great destination for travelers and ex-pats. Dedicate a full day to fully appreciate Montserrat’s beauty. Apart from the stunning scenery and the magnificent Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, there are two trails around the mountains that offer incredible views of the valley.
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to avoid crowds and long queues. The journey from Barcelona can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the season. Montserrat is about 30 miles (48 km) from Barcelona, easily reachable by bus, car, or the popular train route from Plaza Espanya rail station. If you choose the train, purchase your tickets from the machines, and then take Line R5 toward Manresa.
Decide whether you prefer to reach Montserrat via the cable car or the funicular railway. Here are your ticket options:
1. Train ticket combined with the cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) – €22 ($24.59 USD) per adult.
2. Trans Montserrat ticket – €29.50 ($32.97 USD) per adult.
3. Train ticket combined with the funicular railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) – €20 ($22.35 USD) per adult.
We found the second option to be time-saving, allowing us to use the two funiculars in Montserrat without additional purchases. The train drops you at Montserrat AERI station. From there, it’s a short walk to the cable car station. The cable car ride takes about 5 minutes, offering extraordinary views despite its limited space and lengthy queues during peak times.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat and then board the Cremallera de Montserrat for another scenic ride up the mountain, which takes about 90 minutes in total.
If you’re driving, park at the free Monistrol Vila parking lot, where you can also buy your rack railway ticket. Upon arriving at Montserrat, savor its beauty and explore the architectural monuments before embarking on the mountain trails.
A must-see is the Black Virgin of Montserrat, a holy Romanesque wood-carved statue with monumental significance. Even non-religious visitors will find the setting impressive, though it comes with long waiting times.
Take time to appreciate the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey’s beauty and tranquility and consider lighting a candle in the passageway outside the main door.
History buffs will enjoy the Montserrat Museum, which houses over 1,300 artifacts across six permanent collections.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Sant Jeroni summit, the highest point of Montserrat at 1,236 meters, offers a spectacular trek. You can take the Sant Joan funicular railway partway up and then hike for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach the summit, depending on your fitness level. Alternatively, a shorter trail leads to the Sant Joan Chapel, providing magnificent views with less exertion.
For another scenic route, take the Santa Cova funicular railway to the Rosari Monumental, showcasing important modern Catalan sculptures and a chapel marking an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the rock.
Despite Montserrat’s rugged appearance, regular comfortable wear is sufficient unless you’re planning more serious hiking. Remember to cover your shoulders when visiting the abbey and wear comfortable footwear for the walks.
Though food and drink are available, they can be pricey. Consider packing a picnic from Barcelona’s markets and bakeries to enjoy during your visit.
Have you visited Montserrat? Share your experiences in the comments!
