Montserrat Mountain

You can reach Montserrat Mountain by train, bus, rental car, or tour, all taking around an hour. We opted for a full-day guided bus tour from Barcelona, which included a vineyard wine tasting. If you choose public transport, you'll need to take a cable car (departing every 15 minutes) or a train to reach the main square, enjoying scenic Catalonia countryside views on the way up.

What To Do in Montserrat? 

Visit the Benedictine Monastery 

The highlight of Montserrat is the 9th-century Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which is still active and home to many monks. Most of the monastery and the small city were reconstructed after a fire in 1808. You can see remnants of the old Gothic Cloister in the main square and learn more about its history in the museum.

When you visit the Basilica, you'll notice it's not ornate on the outside like many Spanish buildings, but it has beautifully tiled windows inside. This design allows the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as the Black Madonna or "La Moreneta de Montserrat," to enjoy the scenic views from her altar. The Black Madonna has a unique story and is believed to have healing powers, drawing visitors from around the world for prayers and miracles.

If you have time to stick around the Basilica, try to catch a performance from L'Esconia Montserrat, the world-renowned boy choir that dates back to 1223. 

Visit the Local Market 

Be sure to check out the local market in the main plaza. Here you'll be able to try many of the regional specialties like their famous cheese and honey, among other pastries.  

Take a Funiculars To The Top

From the main plaza, you can take a funicular further up the mountain or to the Holy Cave, where the Black Madonna was discovered. There are multiple trails you can hike and explore the natural beauty surrounding the monastery. If your main focus is to hike while visiting Montserrat, the tours won't give you enough time. 

Hike to St. Michael's Cross

One of the easiest and quickest hikes is to Sant Miquel's Cross. It's about 20 minutes each way. The views from the cross are absolutely stunning and provide you with a panoramic view of the monastery. 

Tour a Nearby Vineyard