Montserrat Day Trip

I was there in January 2010, stayed over in Barcelona three days after a business trip. During our 2005 trip to Spain on vacation, I always regretted not having had time for Montserrat. So I made it a point to go there in 2010. There was a short concert near midday from a boys choir in the church, even in January. The overall complex was not that exciting due to the austerity of the architecture. The setting is really spectacular though. The art museum was very pleasant. There were a fair number of people who rode up with me but oddly, I had the museum to myself. Since you like hiking and the outdoors, you would probably enjoy the hikes around there. I am in pretty good shape but even so found the hike into the mountains challenging with lots of stairs. This was a Saturday if I recall correctly, so it might not be open that time of year during the week. Overall I recommend it and think Rick underrates it, especially for you given your affinity for the outdoors. If a few days is more that three, I would consider it.

Montserrat was one of the high lights of our trip to Spain in April 2010 and we went all over the country. We began by parking the car at the train station and taking the aerial tram up....just great views! Everything was open and we were lucky enough to hear the boys choir and see the black madonna. We had an enjoyable lunch in the cafeteria then we took the funicular train up to the top and strolled down the smooth, easy trail (about 40 min.+/-) back to the monastery. You can hike on other trails up top if you care to. The weather was warm and comfortable in April. Rick has some great guide books but we sure don't always agree with his likes and dislikes. Don't miss it!

We also enjoyed Montserrat a lot, spectacular scenery.
We did the hike to the top, it was challenging but very rewarding!

I was there in March and it was fine, everything was open. Getting there by train was easy and the funicular up was just going out one door and into another, at the train station. The way of the cross up there is a nice walk. Go.

Meagan, Montserrat is a must !
We were there in September and both me and my husband love hiking and the out doors. It has spectacular views. The Cathedral was lovely! We got to hear the choir boys and it was magical !. We were so entranced by the views that did nt even do the museum. The cafeteria was affordable and had good variety. The ride up to Montserrat was unforgettable. We hiked up and down all over the mountain and had one of our most memorable day trips!

I was there last April and it was well worth the trip. The scenery is spectacular, although you can naturally expect it to be chilly this time of year. I feel that no trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Montserrat. I was with Spanish friends who had a car so we drove but I would a have loved to have gone up on the cable car the same way I visited "the other" Montserrat in Bogota, Colombia.

Thank you for your insights. We will definitely be going to Montserrat now. Rain or shine and since the weather report shows rain everyday from March 11 (arrive in Madrid) through the 17th so far, it shall be rain. Happy travels, Meagan