15 Best Things to do in Montserrat

Illustrated by the multi-peaked, mountainous landscape of none other than Montserrat, this rugged region boasts sublime sights all ‘round. Here are the 15 Best Things to do in Montserrat, Catalonia.

Sightseeing in Spain promises plenty of pursuits, from beautiful beaches to bustling cities. If you’re on the hunt for a swift trip away from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere, this is it. Painted by panoramic rocky pillars and the quaint, Catalonian countryside, there’s a handful of highlights and hidden gems to delve into. Vale, vámanos!

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• 15 Top Things to do in Montserrat

• How to Get to Montserrat from Barcelona

• FAQs

• Top Travel Destinations in Europe

15. Discover the Montserrat Monastery

If the region’s jagged pillars and sweeping vistas aren’t enough to entice you, then the Montserrat Monastery might do the trick.

Capped with column-like crests and straddling the abrupt rocks, this Benedictine Abbey is packed to the brim with history.

Dating back to the 9th century, this charming complex harbours local legends. Coined for replete religious significance, the abbey is a strong symbol that draws in pilgrims of both Spanish and international backgrounds alike.

14. Feast Your Eyes on The Black Madonna

Beneath the surface of the teeming gems of the Montserrat Basilica, tucked away at the back, is the famous shrine of the Black Madonna.

Locally known as La Moreneta, this statue has stood the test of time. Legend depicts that in the 9th century, local shepherds stumbled across the wooden sculpture in the Santa Cova (Holy Cave of Monsterrat).

To the present day, the miracle-working La Moreneta is strongly believed to withhold mystical healing powers that grant protection against negative energy.

13. Trek the Trails in Montserrat

Are you thinking about sprinkling some good old-fashioned physical activity into your visit? Montserrat is guaranteed to have what you need in store. Encompassing an eclectic array of hiking trails, the region resounds in many opportunities. Revel in the natural splendour of the various routes, and soak up all the scenery.

There’s no doubt that hiking is one of the best things to do in Montserrat! Check out this Map of Montserrat to obtain a clearer picture of the variety of trails and the panoply points of interest.

The highest summit, Sant Jeroni, sits at 1,236m. There are two other main peaks, Montgrós, which lies at 1,120, and Miranda de les Agulles, which sits at 903m.

These multi-peaked mountains offer scintillating views of the Catalonian countryside, undoubtedly pleasing even the most ardent adventurers.

Top hiking routes in Montserrat include:

• Montserrat Monastery to the Degotalls

• Montserrat Monastery to the Santa Cova

• Sant Joan Funicular (Upper Station) to Montserrat (via Sant Jeroni and Flat of Ela Ocells)

• Sant Joan Funicular (Upper Station) to Montserrat (via the path of La Serra Llarga and the Holy Cave)

Before setting your plans into stone, it’s crucial that you consider which of the following trails are best suited to you and your hiking abilities.

For comprehensive details on the length of the walks, difficulty and duration with estimated times, as well as top tips and local advice, check out this post here on the 4 Best Hikes in Montserrat.

12. Choose Between the Cable Car or the Cremallera

Visiting Montserrat from Barcelona is relatively fuss-free when it comes down to public transport. But to reach the soaring summit of the mountain, you’ll have to pick between the cable car or the cremallera train.

Arriving at Montserrat’s peak only takes 5 minutes with the cable car. Along with it being an appeasing, time-friendly choice, the steep surrounding scenery will paint some colourful impressions in your memory banks. Alternatively, the cremallera train ride will last around 15 minutes. While it takes a bit longer, it is the more laid-back option.

11. Get Funky on the Funiculars

Take your adventure to new heights! Hop on the funiculars to Santa Cova and Sant Joan. Although it seems pretty simple, the views make it one of the best things to do in Montserrat, Spain.

Spanning the sides of the Benedictine Abbey, head to the central observation platform and take your pick between the two. The Funicular de la Santa Cova will bring you to the Holy Cave.

Traipse the stomping grounds where the Black Madonna was believed to have been discovered and get lost in the delights dotted around the landscape.

Don’t miss out on the verdant, sculpture-filled park known as the Rosari Monumental, and check out the quaint chapel.

If you’re afraid of heights, this next option won’t be for you. The Funicular de Sant Joan ascends even higher than the other observation platform.

You’ll encounter a larger corpus of hiking routes and natural scenery from this point. This is a must-see if you’re an adventure enthusiast!

10. Check out the Santa Cova

Montserrat’s Santa Cova, also known as the Holy Cave, is a site that will ignite the spirited explorer within you…

Legend tells tales of it being where the Black Madonna statue was first found, and for this reason, it plays a significant role in pilgrimage for religiously-inclined visitors.

The little chapel and the Holy Cave are two of the biggest tourist attractions in Montserrat. The tree-lined path leading up from the monastery is a visual delight in itself, and it’s one of the easiest and shortest hikes in the region.

Alternatively, any arid exercisers or aversive hikers can catch the funicular.

9. Soak up the Sounds of L’ Escolania

Get lost listening to the mystical melodies and harmonic sounds of none other than the Escolania de Montserrat. Made up of 14-year-old boys, this choir is internationally renowned as a distinctive symbol of Montserrat. With files from the 14th century, this remains the oldest-running ensemble in the country. Check out their website for the specific schedule.

8. Get Inspired at the Art Museum Of Montserrat

Harbouring myriad masterpieces and a large corpus of collections, the Museum of Monserrat melds religious, cultural, and creative influences together.

Hosting an extensive expanse of 13th to 20th-century pieces, this makes for one of the top things to do in Montserrat. Keep an eye out for genial gems by Caravaggio, Picasso, Dali, Monet, El Greco, and Degas, juxtaposed alongside ancient Egyptian artefacts and other miscellaneous items.

Amidst the artistic jewels weaved throughout the complex, the museum will also appease archaeological and architectural aficionados.

Admission is as follows:

• Adults: 7€

• Students & Pensioners: 6€

• Children (8 to 16 years old): 4€.

7. Suss out Santa Cecilia’s Monastery

Undoubtedly, this Catalonian respite is home to monasteries in the masses, but if there’s one of them you simply shouldn’t miss, it’s this. Despite the fact that it dates back to the 11th century, this Roman Church is teeming with abstract art inside.

The Monastery of Santa Cecilia is tailored to please historical and architectural fanatics alike, thanks to its recent restoration. In the early 20th century, famed modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch graced the construct with his artistic touch.

The interiors were later upended by abstract artist Sean Scully, whose domineering design took it to the next level. Expect grandiose, geometrical paintings that fuse vibrant colours against the traditional stone church walls. Located only 5 minutes by car from the Benedictine Abbey, this is a truly unique thing to see in Montserrat.

6. Relish Your Taste Buds at a Local Farmhouse

Want to put the cherry on top of your Montserrat day trip? Indulge in traditional Catalonian cuisine as you peer over the plundering mountain tops.

This half-day guided tour of Montserrat poses an opportunity to delve into the best of the best on offer. Including private transport from Barcelona and a bilingual guide, you can ditch all the hassle of navigating a foreign landscape yourself.

The day trip fosters fascinating vistas through the Massif of Montserrat, a multi-peaked mountain range that dominates the region.

After visiting the Monastery of Montserrat, La Moreneta, and the handful of highlights, enjoy a delectable 3-course menu in a farmhouse.

This is a stellar experience for those looking to experience the popular pin-points while doing something different.

5. Show off Your Rock-Climbing Skills

In addition to the alluring extent of historical and religious gems, these mountain tops are one of the token climbing spots in Catalonia.

If you’re an adrenaline aficionado or an avid adventurer, rock climbing is easily one of the best things to do in Montserrat. Soaring over 7km in length and 2.5km in width, this place is a piece of paradise.

Encompassing more than 5000 open roads to choose between, this is a prime spot that’s graced by locals aplenty. Be sure to check out Vermell del Xincarró, el Clot del Boixar and L’Agulla del Senglar.

4. Get Lost in the Caves Of Salnitre

Besides the breadth of activities above and attractions, there remains so much more to explore. Montserrat is teeming with speleological experiences, making it well worth a visit for cave enthusiasts. Located nearby in Collbató, the Caves of Salnitre abound in unique, underground gems.

Guided tours provide visitors with an insight into the initial 500 meters, the icicle-shaped stalactites, and the eery architecture hidden throughout the caves. A major highlight includes the notorious La Sala del Pozo del Diablo (Cave of the Devil’s Well), where you’ll head down into the darkness along the narrowest and steepest steps.

3. Visit the Local Market

Amid your voyage towards the monastery, you’ll encounter a series of stands selling typical Catalan products.

Pick up local honey, monk-made chocolate, fresh cheese, cured ham, olive oil, and other artisan goods.

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the store holders; you never know what you might learn…

2. Discover Montserrat Natural Park

Undulating mountain tops, veritably verdant landscapes, winding walking paths, oak forests, jagged rock faces, and quaint villages abound the Montserrat Natural Park.

This part of Catalonia is truly something spectacular. Traverse through the various villages and exhibitions dotted in the park, and soak up all the sublime scenery.

With a rich scope of over 1250 wildlife species, keep your eyes peeled for birds, reptiles, boars and bats that roam the region. If you’re interested in photography and nature, this natural park is one of the top things to do in Montserrat.

1. Get a Taste of the Local Cava Wineries

This guide would be incomplete without a trip into the surrounding cava region. This day trip to Montserrat includes all the pinnacle points and a tour into the very heart of the Cava wine region.

From Barcelona, enjoy a hassle-free journey into the pilgrim’s paradise. Stroll through the entrancing landscape of Montserrat before heading out to a family-run, centuries-old winery.

Seduce your senses and taste three different varieties of cava perfectly paired with a selection of local tapas.

As you indulge, you’ll be fortunate enough to learn about the traditional methods used to produce Catalonia’s renowned wine and a little background of the Sant Sadurní d’Anoia region.

This day trip from Barcelona offers the best of both worlds - local wine and history!

How to Get to Montserrat from Barcelona

Monserrat by train

From Barcelona’s city centre, head to Plaça Espanya and hop on a Rodalies Line R5 train towards Manresa. You can purchase your train ticket from the main boxes for around €20,00 return. When you buy your tickets, you must specify if you want to include the cable car or the Cremallera funicular. The train will arrive in Montserrat after about an hour.

To arrive at the Montserrat Monastery, hop off at Montserrat-Aeri and take a cable car (which comes in 5 minutes). Otherwise, you can get off at the next stop, Monistrol de Montserrat, and take the Cremallera de Montserrat (which takes around 15 minutes).

Driving to Montserrat

Alternatively, you can drive up to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, with free parking. Just keep in mind that parking is limited and it can fill up pretty quickly. The earlier you arrive, the better. If you’re planning on manoeuvring the roads like a local, you’ll need to set aside at least one hour to reach via car.

FAQS

What do people do in Montserrat?

Aside from sightseeing, one of the most popular things to do in Montserrat is hiking. With a wealth of trails, there’s something for every level of visitor.

What is the best day of the week to visit Montserrat?

The best time to visit Montserrat is from Monday to Friday. Not only can you avoid the weekend crowds, but you can see the Escolania de Montserrat choir sing at 1 pm.

How long should I spend at Montserrat?

If you plan on sightseeing, you can visit Monsterrat’s main sites in under 3 hours. If you’d like a mix of exploring and hiking, you can aim to spend anywhere upwards of 6 hours in Montserrat.

What is the most famous part of Montserrat?

The highest point of the Montserrat mountain range, Saint Jeroni, is the most famous. From this viewpoint, you can bask in the views of the valley down below.

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Why Visit Montserrat?

Escape Barcelona’s bustling boulevards and explore the rich expanse of mountainous Montserrat. This charming Catalonian respite is replete with ancient gems, natural splendour, and hidden gems in every nook and cranny. These are the 15 Best Things to do in Montserrat, Catalonia.

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