Above Barcelona: The Majesty of Montserrat

A day trip hike to Montserrat, near Barcelona, offers a fantastic blend of stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. The jagged peaks of the Montserrat mountain range rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your hike. You can start with a train journey from Barcelona to the base of the mountain. From there, you can choose from various hiking trails, ranging in difficulty, that wind through the unique rock formations and offer panoramic views of the Catalan countryside. Many trails lead to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a historic monastery perched high on the mountainside, home to the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), the patron saint of Catalonia. Exploring the monastery, including its basilica and museum, is a highlight of the trip. We took the cable car up to the monastery, before taking the furnicular up towards the peak. Afterwards, it is a short 300m elevation climb to the peak of Montserrat at 1236m above sea level. After your hike and exploration, you can enjoy the views and perhaps a meal at one of the restaurants near the monastery before returning to Barcelona by train, filled with the fresh mountain air and the inspiring scenery. #hiddengems