Day Trip to Montserrat: Go Beyond Barcelona

I highly recommend a day trip to Montserrat. The area is a National Park and is located about 1 hour from Barcelona. In addition, it has a beautiful Benedictine monastery church built high up in the Catalonian mountains. The church is active and there is also a world famous boys choir to appreciate.

I find it amazing how they built the entire structure high up in the mountains. Fortunately for us visitors we get to take in the breath taking views from the top. The cable car ride up to the monastery is a great experience by itself. The mountain measures at about 1200 meters, or 4000 feet.

In addition to the area’s natural beauty, the monastery also has important religious significance. If you have some extra time in Barcelona, plan on making a day trip to Montserrat. Read along to find out the necessary details on how to get there and what to expect.

1. Day Trip to Montserrat: How to Get There by Train

For a day trip to Montserrat you will need to catch the R5 railway train from the Espanya Train station. The station is located by Placa Espanya.

I personally prefer to use the train as it gives me the most flexibility. I can select the train time for both directions that suits my schedule.

Once inside the station look for the Montserrat information desk. Here you can buy your tickets for the train ride and also the options for getting to the top of the Monastery.

Cost for a round trip is 24 euros, including the cable car. The tourist desk is very helpful.

The R5 train (headed towards Manresa) takes about 70 minutes from Barcelona. The train stop only takes you to the foot of the Montserrat mountain.

However, there are two options going up to the top of the Montserrat mountains: Aeri Cable Car or Monistrol rack train. There is a different train stop for each of these options.

Additionally, when buying your ticket from the booth you will need to decide which option you prefer.

I recommend the Aeri cable car as it is a breath taking ride to the top of the Monastery. It is well worth it.

Aeri Cable Car:

This will be the first train station stop is called Aeri de Montserrat. It is about a 5 minute ride to the top. As mentioned, the views and ride from the cable car are amazing!

Rack Railway Train/Cremallera Funicular:

This will be the second train station stop called Monistrol. This option is better if you don’t feel comfortable with the cable car ride. The train also offers seating.

The rack train ride to the Monastery takes about 15 minutes. The views are not as spectacular from the train, as compared to the cable car. However, the views from the top of the Monastery will make up for it.

The round trip cost is 24 euros that includes the R5 train ride and either option to ride to the top.

There are other add-on options available that you can discuss at the information/ticket booth. Such as, funicular rides that take you to the mountain top (higher than the Monastery), museum entrance, and Santa Cova.

Additional Travel Options: Bus & Tours

Taking a guided tour for a day trip to Montserrat is a good option. Depending on your budget, you can book lots of extras that may enhance your experience. For example, picnic lunches or wine tours with Montserrat visit. In addition, all of the planning is done by an experienced tour operator.

Additionally, taking the bus is also an option. The bus to Montserrat leaves from Barcelona Estancio Sans station. The one-way trip is approximately 1.25 hours

2. What to Do and See in Montserrat

The Monastery: Many visitors come for the religious significance of the monastery and Basilica. The Basilica houses the Virgin of Montserrat, and is known as the Black Madonna.

There are many pilgrimages to see the statue from all over the world. The Basilica and the Lady of Montserrat is very important to the Catalonia region.

Entrance to the monastery is free. There are also daily church services. Please remember to be respectful of the Church and surroundings. The Basilica is quite impressive.

The Museum: The museum holds many works of art by Picasso and others, in addition to other historical artifacts. Admission is about 7 euros.

Montserrat Boys Choir: The world famous boys choir is one of the oldest in Europe. The performances are at 1pm and 6:45pm. Please visit the official site of the Boys Choir for additional information.

All of the performances take place in the basilica. I highly recommend making time to include the Choir on your day trip to Montserrat.

Hiking and trails: At over 4000 feet high the mountain itself is a sight to behold. The rock has formed a jagged-like structure and is very distinct. The famous and tallest peak is Sant-Jeroni.

There are plenty of trails of various difficulties. The views of the Catalonia countryside are well worth the visit.

Santa Cova: This is the location where the image of the Virgin Mary is located. The funicular will take you down a bit from the Monastery station area. It is about a 20 minute walk to the cave.

Sant Joan funicular:

This ride will take you to the tallest point of the mountain. From the top of Montserrat you can take in the most wonderous views of Catalonia. There are also many great trails to walk along the ridge. There is a separate fee to take this ride up.

3. Tips for your day trip to Montserrat

• Plan about 6 hours to take in all there is to see in Montserrat. Especially if taking in a concert.
• The round trip by train and ride up to the Monastery is 3 hours from Barcelona.
• I recommend getting an early start from Barcelona. Try and catch the train no later than 9am. Also, be aware of the train schedule back to Barcelona.
• If possible, try and go on a clear day. Check the weather and rearrange your days to avoid any rain.
• I like to pack my own light lunch, water, and energy bars to save time. There is a cafe and restaurant available on the monastery level.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

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A day trip to Montserrat is one of the most popular excursions from Barcelona. It is fairly easy to plan and only over an hour away.

The Monastery, Basilica, Virgin of Montserrat, and surrounding views of the Spanish countryside are well worth the effort.

I highly recommend adding Montserrat to your Barcelona sight-seeing itinerary.

Foody.Tipsy.Traveler | Kevin

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