Best day trip from Barcelona: Montserrat (last updated 13 December 2024). Montserrat is one of those places where you have to pinch yourself to confirm that what you’re seeing is real, as you will hardly be able to comprehend how amazingly beautiful this place is. I knew I would see some incredible places on my travels – but when you actually see this place in real life it’s like your brain can’t actually take in what’s in front of you. Montserrat is a mountain range near Barcelona, whose name means saw-edge due to the unusual jagged shapes of the mountains. There are some fabulous hiking trails in the mountains, and you’ll also find an 11th century abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, nestled amongst the cliffs.
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What to see at Montserrat?
The Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat dates back to the 11th century. It’s incredible to think of it being built up in these remote mountains back then! The abbey is famous for housing the Black Virgin of Montserrat. This is one of the black Madonnas of Europe (you’ll need to queue to see her).
Hiking Trails at Montserrat, Barcelona
There are well-marked hiking trails from the top station of the Funicular Sant Joan. These take you up to the peak of Sant Jeroni, from where you’ll be able to look out over all of Catalonia. On a clear day you might even be able to see the island of Mallorca! The sunrises and sunsets from Sant Jeroni are absolutely breathtaking.
How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona
Best of all, Montserrat is only a short day trip from Barcelona itself. Within an hour you’ll have left the hustle and bustle of the city behind and be in the beautiful village of Montserrat surrounded by jagged mountains. You can get there either by train+cable car or train+funicular from the centre of Barcelona. The trains leave from Montserrat-Aeri and Monistrol de Montserrat respectively (depending on whether you want the train for the cable car or funicular), both on the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (R5 Line) train from Plaça d’Espanya. The cable car is the quicker and more scenic option, however the funicular is more budget-friendly.
Planning a trip to Barcelona? See my other article for what to see and do in the city.
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I only ever knew of Montserrat as a font, so you’ve educated me today. It looks like an amazing place to visit, and great that you can get there so easily from Barcelona. I’d love to do the funicular.
Wow, I didn’t realize Montserrat was a place. Thought it was just a font too. But I agree with you — the mountains are really jaw-droppingly beautiful.
I wish I had more time in Spain!! I only had a few days in Barcelona before moving on to Madrid, then Lisbon – I really regret not spending more time up in Barcelona and the area in general. Monserrat looks incredible – now I not only have to return to Barcelona, but Monserrat too!
Montserrat looks absolutely stunning. I had no idea this was near Barcelona!
Wow! I had never heard of Montserrat but I’m saving this for my Spain trip in 2023! Love it!