Montserrat is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Located near Barcelona, Montserrat is a stunning mountain range with many amazing sites to explore and activities to enjoy.
And taking one of the best Montserrat tours from Barcelona is a must when visiting Spain.
If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you breathless, then visiting Montserrat should be on your list!
In this ultimate guide, we will go through the best Barcelona to Montserrat tours, as well as all the details you should know. From what to pack for the tour to the inclusions and all the activities, this is the only guide you need.
Montserrat Tours from Barcelona: Overview
I understand you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so here below you’ll find the best-rated Montserrat Barcelona tour to make the most of your time.
Best-Rated Tour
Montserrat Monastery Tour With Wine & Lunch
- Visit Montserrat and the monastery
- Delicious lunch and wine tasting session
- Learn about the mountains with a fun guide
Includes
- Entrance to the monastery
- Expert guide and walking tour
- Tapas lunch and 3 local wines to taste
Where is Montserrat?
Montserrat is located in Catalonia, Spain, just a short drive from Barcelona. It’s made up of the Montserrat mountain range with its iconic peaks (known as ‘els tres dits’) jutting out above the rest of the terrain.
How Far is Montserrat from Barcelona?
Montserrat, the stunning mountain range with its famous monastery, is located about 60 kilometers (approximately 37 miles) northwest of Barcelona, Spain.
The trip to Montserrat from Barcelona offers a scenic and pleasant experience, whether you’re driving, taking a train, or joining a guided tour. It typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Montserrat from Barcelona, which makes it a great half-day or full-day day away.
Should You Join a Montserrat Tour From Barcelona?
Absolutely! Joining a tour from Barcelona is the best way to experience Montserrat’s wonders, from its spectacular views and unique wildlife to its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history.
A tour is a great choice if you prefer a structured day with transportation and guidance taken care of. Tours also include insightful commentary about the history and significance of Montserrat, and sometimes even additional stops at local wineries or other attractions.
What to Take on a Montserrat Tour?
No matter which tour you choose, bring plenty of water and snacks. You should also wear comfortable shoes for walking around the mountain range and a jacket and sunscreen. There’s more, here are a few essential items to take:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Insect repellent
- Cash: Many places in town only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough to buy souvenirs
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10 Top Montserrat Trips From Barcelona
So now you must be ready to take on an adventure. Here are 10 incredible guided tours from Barcelona that will guarantee the ultimate experience:
1. Montserrat Monastery Tour With Wine & Lunch
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 2,000+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
This full day, morning tour from Barcelona to Montserrat is one that includes wine and lunch, and you can pick tapas or a multi-course meal, depending on the duration you choose.
Your tour will start with pick up in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. You’ll then make your way to Montserrat, passing through the stunning Catalan countryside.
Once you arrive , you’ll enjoy a guided orientation tour of the area. You’ll learn all about this unique place’s fascinating history and culture.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore independently. You can visit the Monastery
, take the rack railway up to the summit of Montserrat Mountain, or enjoy some of the restaurants and cafes in the area.
Before heading back to Barcelona, you’ll have some time to do some souvenir shopping at the gift shop in the Monastery of Montserrat. You’ll then board your coach for the return journey back to Barcelona, where you’ll be dropped off near the Arc de Triomf for added convenience.
The catch? This tour often sells out, and I recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your spot.
2. Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 400+
🕗 Duration: 6 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
In the mood for a stunning hike? This may be just what you’re after.
This tour will start with convenient pick-up in Barcelona before heading out into the countryside to the mountain range. When you get to Montserrat, you’ll take a cogwheel train to the monastery grounds.
Once you reach Montserrat, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the monastery complex and see the Virgin of Montserrat before allowing you some free time to explore on your own.
Be sure to make time to see some other highlights, including La Moreneta (the Black Madonna), The Royal Basilica de Santa Maria (a beautiful example of Catalan Gothic architecture), and The Escolanía de Montserrat (Europe’s oldest boys’ choir).
After that, you’ll take the Sant Joan funicular and start the hike, which is probably one of the best you can do in Catalonia.
All in all, if you want to combine an active day with a visit in Montserrat, then this is the day trip from Barcelona you need to book.
3. Montserrat Guided Tour With Bus Transfer
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 6 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Join this affordable, yet high-quality journey to the heart of Montserrat on a scenic bus ride to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Montserrat.
Once there, you’ll be captivated by the majestic monastery and its rich history, and you’ll get all the explanations by your local guide.
Enjoy ample free time to explore the enchanting landscape, whether you choose to hike the mystical hills, indulge in an all-you-can-eat lunch with stunning views, or just roam around.
This tour is perfect for those who travel on a budget but still want to experience the key spots in Montserrat for a few hours.
With round-trip transportation and an expert guide included, you’re in for a hassle-free and enriching experience. Just remember, entrance to specific areas like the Basilica and Throne Room is not included, so plan ahead if you want to explore these!
4. Montserrat Half-Day Wine and Tapas Tour
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Escape Barcelona for a half-day tour filled with the natural wonders and rich flavors of Catalonia – That’s right, this Montserrat tour is all about flavor!
This tour takes you to the mountains, a place of serenity and spiritual significance, home to the Benedictine monastery and the revered image of Our Lady of Montserrat.
After exploring the historic monastery, you’ll get to a boutique winery nestled in a thousand-year-old castle. Surrounded by over 1,000 acres of picturesque landscapes, you’ll get an intimate glimpse into the world of Catalan winemaking.
This tour is limited to a small group for a personal experience and includes a guided walk through the vineyards and aging cellars, showing you the secrets behind their exceptional wines. Needless to say, this is a must-see for wine lovers.
Complemented by a spread of traditional Spanish tapas, this tour is a nice mix of cultural heritage and great food and drinks, promising a memorable experience just a stone’s throw from Barcelona.
5. Montserrat Monastery & Horse Riding Experience
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 500+
🕗 Duration: 5.5 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator
For an experience slightly off the beaten path, consider a half-day Montserrat & Horse Riding Tour.
Once you make it to Montserrat, you’ll start with a guided horseback ride through the stunning Catalan countryside with an experienced monitor. Then, it’s off to the famous Abbey, one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites.
As you explore, your bilingual guide will share interesting facts and stories about this historic site. Finally, you’ll be transported back to Barcelona in a comfy luxury minibus.
The tour lasts 5.30 hours, so this is not a comprehensive day trip to Montserrat, but it’s a one of a kind experience that it’s still worth considering – Especially if you’re into horseback riding.
This tour is the perfect way to experience some of the best that Catalonia has to offer, so make sure to check this unique Barcelona Montserrat tour!
6. Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 700+
🕗 Duration: 12 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator
Next on this list of Montserrat tour from Barcelona is a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty, rich history, and stunning coastal landscapes
You’ll start the day with a visit to the majestic Montserrat Massif. Here, see the unique needle-shaped rock formations and visit the Monastery, home to the ‘Black Madonna.’
Learn about the monastery’s significance in Catalan culture from your knowledgeable guide.
After some free time in town, get back on the bus and travel to the historic city of Girona. Wander through its well-preserved Jewish quarter, discover the Gothic cathedral, and stroll across the Eiffel Bridge for picturesque river views.
Girona’s colorful houses and medieval walls offer a perfect backdrop for exploration and photography.
The tour concludes in the charming village of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava. This coastal town invites you to relax by its beautiful beaches, explore hidden coves, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea.
Throughout the day, enjoy comfortable bus transportation and the live commentary from your guide, making this a perfect day out from Barcelona. Plus, it’s the best tour you can join if you have limited time in town.
7. Sagrada Familia & Montserrat Full-Day Trip
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 70+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
One of the best activities in Barcelona is the gorgeous Sagrada Familia, and if you want to combine it with a day tour of Montserrat, then this is the one you’re after.
Start with a journey through time as you learn about Barcelona’s Roman origins and its evolution through the Middle Ages with your guide.
The highlight is a visit to Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, where you’ll skip the line and see the impressive, stunning interior.
After that, you’ll see Montjuïc hill for breathtaking panoramic views from the Mirador de l’Alcalde. Here, you can take a stroll around the historic alleys of the Gothic Quarter, which is another nice thing to do around.
And in the afternoon, you’ll make your way to Montserrat. Your tour guide will first take you to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery to understand the spiritual significance and the story of the Virgin Mary.
This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free day. Plus, with a small group size, personalized attention from your professional guide is guaranteed. What else do you need from your Montserrat tour?
8. Montserrat Hot-Air Balloon With Monastery
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 50+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride from Barcelona and enjoy stunning aerial views of the mountain range and beyond.
Your journey will begin with roundtrip transportation from Barcelona, followed by a briefing on the activity. Then, it will be time to take flight! You’ll float above the landscape for approximately an hour, taking in breathtaking panoramas.
Throughout the activity, you’ll be assisted by a 4WD vehicle with a permanent radio connection to the balloon.
Upon landing, you’ll be treated to a snack and a drink, as well as a flight certificate signed by the pilot. In addition, you’ll receive a photostory documenting your experience.
Finally, when you’re done with the hot air balloon ride, you’ll be visiting the monastery, which is a must-do when in Montserrat, and you’ll love the tour with your guide.
Book your Barcelona hot air balloon ride today for an unforgettable experience. I can’t think of more original Barcelona to Montserrat tours!
9. Montserrat Monastery With Lunch at a Farmhouse
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
This list of Montserrat Barcelona tours wouldn’t be complete without this 8-hour guided journey that includes a traditional meal at a farmhouse. Travel in comfort with private transport, guided by a mountain expert to make the most of it.
Your tour starts at the meeting point in Barcelona, where you’ll start the day heading to the Montserrat Massif. Explore the Monastery, dating back to the 10th century, and learn about its ongoing monastic life and the dark figure of La Moreneta, Catalonia’s patron saint.
After soaking in the panoramic views, the tour takes a delightful turn to a local farmhouse.
And you’ll be able to indulfe in a sumptuous 3-course meal, offering a range of options including vegetarian. Enjoy the rustic charm and stunning views before returning to Barcelona by private transport.
With over 1,000 positive reviews online, you know you won’t be disappointed with this private tour!
10. Private Montserrat & Cava Wineries Trip from Barcelona
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 100+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Last but not least on this selection of Montserrat tours is a day trip that includes Catalan winemaking and some free time in Montserrat.
Once you get here from Barcelona, you can marvel at the monastery, the Romanesque icon of the Black Madonna, and the stunning landscapes of Montserrat, declared a national park. Visit the Santa Cova, where legend says the Virgin appeared in a vision.
The journey continues to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the heart of Catalonia’s cava-producing region.
At a premium winery, discover the secrets of centuries of sparkling wine tradition. Explore the cellars, learn about vineyard maintenance, and taste three varieties of local wines and cavas, paired with traditional cheeses and cold meats.
This tour is perfect for nature and wine enthusiasts and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience that you won’t forget anytime soon!
Montserrat Tours From Barcelona – FAQ
Now that you know the best tours of Montserrat from Barcelona, let’s discuss some more essentials that first-timers often ask, and that you might find helpful too.
Is Montserrat Worth Visiting?
Montserrat is well worth the trip for its stunning mountain views, historical monuments, and spiritual atmosphere. From breathtaking panoramic views of Catalonia to the serenity of the Monastery, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Why is Montserrat Famous?
Montserrat is famous for its iconic mountain landscape, 11th-century Monastery, and the Black Madonna. It’s also known as a religious pilgrimage site and one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona.
How to Get to Montserrat?
Montserrat is located just outside of Barcelona and can be reached by car, train, or bus. But the best way to visit is by booking a tour. There are also several Montserrat tours that include roundtrip transportation to the Monastery. So, you can choose a tour that fits your needs and interests.
What is the Best Time to Visit Montserrat?
The best time to visit Montserrat is in April and May when the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds. But you can also visit in winter for some snow-covered mountain range views.
Conclusion: Tours of Montserrat from Barcelona
Montserrat is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Barcelona. With its stunning mountain views, spiritual atmosphere, and historical monuments, you will surely have an unforgettable experience.
And with the help of a tour, you can make the most of your time there without worrying about transportation or getting lost. So, don’t wait any longer and book your Montserrat tour from Barcelona today!
