Montserrat Mountain

The basics

Montserrat Mountain is one of the most popular full- or half-day trips from Barcelona. Located mid-cliff, the monastery is reachable via cog railroad or cable car, and from there, visitors are free to explore the monastery grounds, hike the numerous trails winding up and around Montserrat Mountain, or ride two funiculars to a scenic lookout or a holy cave.

Around 880, the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared here to a few shepherd boys here, or so the legend goes. Montserrat's location in Spain's cava-producing region means many travelers combine a visit with a tour and tasting at one of the several nearby wineries.

Things to know before you go

• Choose from half-day Montserrat Mountain tours or full-day excursions with a stop at a cava winery for wine tasting.

• Trips last anywhere from four to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Montserrat Monastery is wheelchair accessible, as is the cog railway leading there. Other parts of the mountain, including the funiculars, are not accessible.

• Bring layers, as Montserrat, especially the top of the mountain, is cooler than nearby Barcelona.

• Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes on your Montserrat tour or visit, especially if you plan to make use of the trail network.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Montserrat is with a guided, small-group tour that includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona. Independent travelers can reach Montserrat by catching the R5 train from Plaça d'Espanya station.

Those wishing to take the cable car should get off at Montserrat-Aeri. Those taking the rack railway should get off at Monistrol de Montserrat. The journey from Barcelona takes about 90 minutes one way.

When to get there

Montserrat is open throughout the year, but it can get very busy in summer, particularly in July and August. This time of year also brings the hottest temperatures—expect highs in the upper 80s. On a clear day, the monastery affords panoramic views, so it’s a good idea to check the weather and visit on a sunny, cloudless day.

Hear the boys choir of Montserrat

Santa Maria de Montserrat is rich in history and is home of the famous L'Escolania choir. This boys choir of altos and sopranos perform in the Basilica of Montserrat each day. The midday performance by one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe has become one of the most popular activities at the monastery. Seats fill up well before the singing begins.

Ways to explore

Montserrat is one of the most popular full- or half-day trips from Barcelona. Located mid-cliff, the monastery is reachable via cog railroad or cable car; from there, visitors are free to explore the monastery grounds, hike the numerous trails winding up and around Montserrat Mountain, or ride two funiculars to a scenic lookout or a holy cave believed to be the spot of a miraculous sighting of the Virgin Mary. Montserrat’s location in Spain’s cava-producing region means many travelers combine a visit with a tour and tasting at one of the several nearby wineries.

Accessibility

The cog railway and most of the monastery complex are accessible to wheelchair users. The hiking trails, cable car, and Funicular de Santa Cova Funicular de Sant Joan are not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunblock, scarf to cover shoulders if wearing a sleeveless shirt, camera

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat to hike, clothing covering knees and shoulders to visit the monastery

Not allowed

Flip-flops, bare shoulders and knees, flash photography inside the monastery

Amenities

Tourist information office, restrooms, eateries, monastery audio guide

Address

The easiest way to get to Montserrat is with a guided, small-group tour that includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona. Independent travelers can reach Montserrat by train or bus from Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat at the base of the mountain, and then take the cable car or cog railway up to the monastery.

Driving

From Barcelona, take highway A2 Barcelona - Lleida and exit at Montserrat, then take the BP1103 and follow the signs to Montserrat. There is paid parking both below the mountain at Monistrol de Montserrat and outside the monastery above.

Public transportation

FGC R5 trains regularly depart from the Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station and make the trip to Monistrol in less than an hour. From the Monistrol station, set off on foot along the hiking paths or take the cog train or cable car up to the monastery.

Best times to visit

Most visitors make a day trip to Monserrat from Barcelona, so head to the hiking trails and monastery complex early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday crunch of bus tours. You can also time your stop at Montserrat’s Basilica for midday to catch the 1 pm performance by the famous L’Escolania boys choir. Seats begin filling up in advance, so stake out a spot early.

Best days to visit

The monastery affords panoramic views on clear days, so it’s a good idea to check the weather and visit on a sunny, cloudless day. Avoid the weekend, when the mountain and monastery see the peak of visitor numbers.

Best months to visit

Montserrat is open throughout the year, but it can get very busy in summer, particularly in July and August. This time of year also brings the hottest temperatures, though the mountain tends to be cooler than scorching Barcelona. Tour from fall through spring for more temperate days and fewer visitors.

Special events

The monastery complex frequently hosts special exhibitions in the museum as well as the annual Golden Voices of Montserrat international choir festival each spring. Check the official website for a calendar of upcoming events.