Just an hour outside of the noisy streets of Barcelona, there’s Montserrat – … hiding in the Catalan mountains, this place is a quick escape into nature, history, and spirituality. Famous for the rock formations, panoramic views, and the Benedictine monastery with the Black Madonna – the patron saint of the area. So, if you’re into hikes, curious about its religion, and history, or just need a getaway from the city, Montserrat has a bit of all this…
… Okay, minus the beach, but come on – … I mean, just look at this.

Getting To Montserrat from Barcelona

Getting to Montserrat is pretty easy, so don’t worry. The most popular option is to take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, going to Monistrol de Montserrat.
From there, you can choose to take either the rack railway (Cremallera) or the cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) to reach the top of the mountain and the famous Monastery.
*Hint: Sit on the left side of the train for the best mountain views!

You can also book a guided tour, which includes transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes even lunch. It’s a good choice if you want a more relaxed experience. For this, we are always using Get Your Guide – I can totally recommend them!

Ooor, well… You can also hike up, the route is called Camí de les Aigües and marked with red-white-yellow trail markers leading up to the monastery. But … I mean… It’s quite a hike – … around 5 km with 600 m elevation on a very rocky, steep path.

Things to Do in Montserrat

Montserrat Monastery

The heart of the mountain is the Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11th century. There are around 70 monks who still live, work, and pray here today, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Catalonia and attracts both pilgrims and tourists all year.

La Moreneta – called the Black Madonna cuz of the dark color of the wood it’s made of. This statue of the Virgin Mary is a symbol of Catalan identity and devotion. Visitors often wait forever in long lines to see and touch her hand, so go early to avoid long queues – … especially on April 27 – La Mare de Déu de Montserrat.

While you are here, try to catch one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe, called L’Escolania de Montserrat, they are singing most days around 1 PM.

Museum of Montserrat

A hidden gem that’s surprisingly impressive for a mountain-top-hidden museum. It features amazing works by Picasso, Dalí, Caravaggio, and more. The collection also includes ancient relics, religious artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Montserrat’s history.

Hiking Trails

For a serious hike, go to Sant Jeroni, the highest point – 1,236 meters – with amazing views across Catalonia. It’s like a 7 km circular hike that takes a good 3 hours through forests and rocky parts.
There’s the Sant Joan Funicular, which is a great starter push to your hike because it saves you from the steepest section of the climb.

For an easier walk, follow the trail to Santa Cova, the cave where the Black Madonna was found. Today, it’s not really a cave anymore, it’s a small chapel carved into the rock…
It’s a nice walk, but if you prefer, there’s the Santa Cova Funicular that brings you closer to it…

Try Local food

Just outside the monastery, local vendors are selling artisan cheese, honey, and wine.
Mató is a soft, unsalted, and creamy local cheese – similar to ricotta, but lighter and smoother.
Aaaand, this brings us to the local dessert called Mel i mató – this cheese traditionally served with local honey. Sometimes, people add walnuts for crunch, and figs or dates for extra sweetness, but that’s more of a personal twist than tradition.

… maybe it’s not the most instagrammable food, but ohmygodhowgoodittastes

Inside the town, there’s a cafeteria and a buffet restaurant as well for more variety.
Also, if you packed a picnic, there are plenty of beautiful spots to eat with a view – … but please, don’t leave your trash behind, don’t be that person.

+ Bonus Tips

When to go?
Spring and autumn offer the best weather, and try for a weekday morning to avoid crowds.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes – duh… – and bring layers, it can be cold at the top.

Is Montserrat family-friendly?
Absolutely. The train ride, funiculars, and shorter walks are doable for kids. Just skip the steep hikes if you’re with small children – … or with me.

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Montserrat is more than just a day trip – it’s a peaceful, spiritual experience just after Barcelona’s lively streets.
With its unique landscape and rich history, it’s a destination well worth visiting to experience a different side of Catalonia beyond the city….

Aaaanyways…

See you at the next one,

Noémi

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