no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Montserrat, the ‘sawn mountain’, is a jagged massif rising from the plain, 40km outside Barcelona, and famous for being the spot where St Peter allegedly hid a black statue of the Virgin, carved by St Luke, in a cave. The Virgin is now enshrined in a honey-coloured Benedictine monastery, set against undulating rock said to have inspired Gaudi – the setting, now a national park, is so extraordinary that it’s a famous honeymoon spot for Spaniards.

Funiculars ascend to the Santa Cova trail, Sant Joan trail, and (most spectacular) Sant Jeroni trail at the summit. Or join the pilgrims in hiking up – it takes three hours if you’re fit, four if not.

Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the FGC train to Monserrat from Plaça Espanya. Otherwise, it’s about an hour by taxi from the centre of Barcelona. There’s a self-service restaurant up at the monastery (but don’t expect haute cuisine), plus market stalls and picnic tables on the Mirador dels Apostols. It’s cool at the summit, so wear layers and wear sturdy shoes for the trails, and bring water and binoculars. Montserrat is most magical early morning before the crowds appear; book a room at the Hotel Abat Cisneros to get in first.

When to do it

The basilica is open all year round. Try to be there for 1pm (noon on Sundays) or 7pm, when the choirboys of the 13th-century Escolanía (the oldest music school in Europe) perform songs of worship. In July, the choir is on holiday. Avoid rainy, overcast days which wipe out the views.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Morning Access to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona

Morning Access to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona

Barcelona

Discover the jewel in Catalonia’s crown before the crowds arrive on this morning access to Monserrat. With this tour, you will visit the San...

€50 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [507 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Montserrat Monastery Visit & Natural Park Hiking with Railway from Barcelona

Montserrat Monastery Visit & Natural Park Hiking with Railway from Barcelona

Barcelona

Experience Barcelona’s holy mountain, Montserrat. The experience starts in the upper part of Passeig de Gràcia, before journeying to exper...

€63 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [802 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Montserrat Monastery and Hiking Experience from Barcelona

Montserrat Monastery and Hiking Experience from Barcelona

Barcelona

Montserrat Natural Park is located 50 kms away from Barcelona. We get there enjoying the amazing and UNIque views from our fully equipped pr...

€64 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [62 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Montserrat Half Day Experience from Barcelona

Montserrat Half Day Experience from Barcelona

Barcelona

Discover the wonders of the famous mountain Montserrat, a national Park and place of pilgrimage from millions of people around the world. Jo...

€65 | Rating 4.86 / 5 [405 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand Hotel Central

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A stylish, central hotel in the hip El Born district, with 1920s features and one of the best rooftop pools in town.

Official star rating:

Hotel Neri

Barcelona, Catalunia, Spain

Historic charm, contemporary chic and great food combine in this beguiling bolthole, on a picturesque square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

The MO boasts spectacular interiors, a world-class spa, double-Michelin starred restaurant and an unparalleled location on the beautiful Passeig de Gracia.

Official star rating:

W Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

This sceney, architectural waterfront hotel comes with edgy design, a party-feel pool terrace and sweeping Mediterranean views.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Penedes Wine Region

Penedes, Catalonia, Spain

The home of sparkling cava, this beautiful wine region is made up of historic vineyards set in rolling Catalan countryside.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >