Introduction
Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona is a smooth and easy experience, making it one of the most popular choices for day trips. It’s not just about reaching a beautiful destination—it’s an opportunity to explore the Spanish countryside, which offers scenic views along the way.
The views from the monastery itself are absolutely breathtaking, and the journey there is well worth your time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, it’s a perfect escape from the busy city life of Barcelona, offering a peaceful retreat with unforgettable sights. The trip is simple to plan, and in just a few hours, you'll be surrounded by nature’s beauty and historic architecture.
What is Montserrat?
Montserrat is a stunning rocky mountain range located in Catalonia, Spain. The name Montserrat actually translates to “saw mountain” in Catalan, which perfectly describes its jagged, sawtooth appearance. At the top of this unique mountain range sits Santa Maria de Montserrat, a historic Benedictine monastery.
Inside the monastery, you’ll find the famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the few black madonnas in Europe. This place is not only a popular destination but also an important religious retreat for many visitors. Some people even take an overnight hike to the peak of Montserrat to catch a breathtaking sunrise.
Reasons to Visit Montserrat for a Day Trip:
A visit to Montserrat offers something for everyone, whether you're on a religious pilgrimage or just looking to explore a unique mountain range. The views from the top are incredible, giving you a sweeping look over Catalonia. You can be whisked to the top by a scenic cable car ride or take a funicular to go even higher, where you'll be treated to better views of the surrounding landscape.
For those who love hiking, the short hikes around the mountain peaks are perfect, and for a challenge, you can trek to Sant Jeroni, the highest peak of Montserrat. Whether you’re enjoying the peaceful atmosphere or adventuring through the trails, a day trip to Montserrat offers a memorable experience.
How to Get to Montserrat:
Train Ride and Cable Car Journey:
The quickest and most scenic way to reach Montserrat is by taking the R5 line from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona to Aeri de Montserrat. The train ride takes approximately one hour, with a one-way ticket costing €6.15 and a round-trip ticket priced at €12.30.
Once you arrive at Aeri de Montserrat, hop on the cable car to reach the top. A one-way cable car ticket is priced at €8.95, and a return ticket costs €13.50.The cable car runs every 15 minutes, but during busy times, it can operate as frequently as every 5 minutes, depending on the number of passengers. However, keep in mind that the service closes from early January through late February for maintenance.
If you choose to take the round trip for both the train and cable car, the total cost is €25.80, and combined tickets can be easily purchased at the Plaça Espanya station.
Train and Funicular Railway:
If you prefer a slightly longer journey than the cable car, you can take the train from Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. This ride is one station farther than Aeri de Montserrat, and you’ll start your trip from Plaça Espanya. The R5 line takes you to Monistrol de Montserrat, where you’ll switch to the rack railway, a green railway that runs up to the top of the mountain.
The train journey takes approximately one hour and five minutes, costing €6.15 for a one-way ticket or €12.30 for a round trip. The rack railway costs €8.40 for a one-way ride or €14 for a return ticket, with high season prices applying during the summer months, holidays, and certain weekends. If you decide to go for the round trip, the total price is €26.40, and combined tickets can be purchased at Plaça Espanya.
Round Trip Ticket:
The Round Trip Ticket is a combination ticket that offers everything you need for a visit to Montserrat. It includes round trip transportation from Barcelona, either by train, cable car, or rack railway. The ticket also covers lunch, free admission to the Montserrat Monastery Museum, and unlimited rides on the Sant Joan funicular. After enjoying your visit, you can use the same ticket for your return trip to Barcelona.
Ticket prices start at €68.25 per person, with children under 4 traveling for free. The Barcelona Tourism website is where you can purchase the ticket, though GetYourGuide may offer a slightly more expensive option but with a better cancellation and refund process. After buying your ticket, you will receive a voucher which you can exchange for the actual Tot Montserrat Card at the Tourist Information Office located in Plaça Catalunya.
Train and Hiking:
For a healthy and cost-effective way to reach the monastery, you can take the train from Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat on the R5 line. From there, it's a scenic walk through the town of Monistrol, leading to trails that wind up the mountain.
The hike takes about an hour and a half, offering wonderful views along the way. There's something truly special about arriving at the monastery on foot, which adds a sense of achievement to your visit. We personally hiked to Montserrat and have a detailed guide if you're interested in the journey!
Montserrat Museum:
The Montserrat Museum is located near the monastery, which was attacked and burned down by Napoleon’s troops in 1811 and 1812. During these attacks, all historical treasures and artifacts were lost. Following an extensive restoration, the monastery reopened in the mid-19th century.
In the early 1900s, the museum was opened to showcase a diverse collection of artifacts from places like Egypt, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia, alongside artwork by Catalan artists and famous French Impressionists such as Renoir, Monet, and Degas. While the museum offers many fascinating pieces, it doesn’t display any historical artifacts from the monastery, which may make a visit to this museum less worth it for some people.
Santa Cova Chapel:
The Santa Cova Chapel is located in a spot where the Holy Cave of Montserrat once housed the Virgin of Montserrat. About three hundred years ago, a chapel was built here. To reach it, take the Santa Cova funicular down from the monastery and follow the winding, paved trail along the mountain cliffs. The walk offers stunning views, and you’ll need about an hour to complete the entire journey.
Stairway to Heaven:
. Over time, it has become an overrated attraction, especially compared to the Monastery, breathtaking views from various viewpoints, and the Santa Cova Chapel. If you're thinking of climbing the stairway, note that it’s illegal to do so. The Stairway to Heaven is situated just east of the Mirador Restaurant and can be found on Google Maps as Escala de l'enteniment.
The Stairway to Heaven in Montserrat consists of concrete blocks arranged in a unique helical pattern. It was once a popular spot where visitors would come to climb and take a photo, but now a fence surrounds it for safety reasons. This structure is considered a work of art, not meant to be used as a jungle gym
Though it may spark your curiosity, be aware that it is now protected by a construction fence, making it not worth a special visit.
Dining Options:
When visiting Montserrat, you have a few dining options to consider. For a more upscale experience, Hostal Abat Cisernos is the most expensive choice, offering a wonderful setting in a historic 16th century building. If you're looking for something more casual, the cafeteria provides a lunch buffet with a variety of food, though the quality is mediocre and nothing special.
For those who prefer a more personal touch, the best option might be to bring your own picnic. You can assemble a picnic lunch at Boqueria Mercado before starting your journey to Montserrat, ensuring a relaxed and budget-friendly meal.
FAQs:
1. How do I get to Montserrat from Barcelona?
Take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya to either Aeri de Montserrat or Monistrol de Montserrat, then use the cable car or funicular to reach the top.
2. What’s the best way to get to Montserrat?
The R5 train to Aeri de Montserrat with a cable car ride is the quickest and most scenic option.
3. Can I hike to Montserrat?
Yes, hike from Monistrol de Montserrat to the monastery; it takes about 1.5 hours.
4. What ticket options are available for Montserrat?
You can purchase single tickets for the train and cable car or a round trip ticket with lunch and museum entry for €68.25.
5. Is the Montserrat Museum worth visiting?
The museum features artifacts from Egypt, Cyprus, and France but lacks items from the monastery itself.
6. What is the Stairway to Heaven?
The Stairway to Heaven is a set of concrete blocks, now fenced off for safety. Climbing it is illegal.
Conclusion:
Getting to Montserrat is simple and rewarding. Whether you opt for the scenic train and cable car, the funicular railway, or a peaceful hike, the journey offers spectacular views and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. From the stunning monastery to the fascinating Montserrat Museum and the iconic Santa Cova Chapel, Montserrat is a perfect day trip. The breathtaking scenery, combined with the rich history and culture, makes this a memorable destination for all types of visitors.