Montserrat Monastery Half-Day Tour from Barcelona
Admire Montserrat’s mountain views, skip the line at the monastery, and visit the Black Madonna
Montserrat is a must-see destination known for its stunning landscapes and spiritual significance, but reaching it and fully experiencing all it offers can be time-consuming and complicated. Our tour makes it easy with smooth transportation and an expertly guided visit to the monastery, where you'll also see the revered Black Madonna. Enjoy exclusive features like a delicious lunch and a visit to a local winery, making your Montserrat experience both effortless and unforgettable.
- Meeting point
- Roundtrip transportation
- Santa Maria de Montserrat
- Views
- Montserrat Abbey
- The Monastery
- Free time
- Local delicacies
- End your tour in Barcelona
Your adventure begins in Barcelona’s Estación de Francia, where your expert guide and fellow group members will be waiting with your comfortable, air conditioned bus. Hop on board and enjoy a calm ride through the countryside as your guide details Montserrat’s fascinating history.
Once you arrive, admire Montserrat’s jaw-dropping scenery as your helpful guide gives a quick orientation. Follow your guide into the Gothic Basilica, where you’ll cruise past the crowds with your skip-the-line tickets.
Montserrat Monastery Tour from Barcelona Description
Your 5-hour tour includes:
Expert, local guide
Roundtrip transport from Barcelona on air-conditioned bus
Skip-the-line tickets to Montserrat Monastery
Visit Montserrat Monastery
See the Black Madonna up close
Free time to explore stunning mountain scenery
Commute to Montserrat
Your adventure to the unique, rugged landscape of Montserrat begins with a convenient morning or afternoon departure. Meet your friendly guide on Estación de Francia, where they’ll welcome you and the rest of your group before boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Whether you leave early or later in the day, the journey from Barcelona takes about an hour. During the ride, your knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating history and legends of Montserrat—setting the stage for an unforgettable visit.
Admire a Breathtaking View
Upon your arrival, you’ll be instantly mesmerized by the monastery’s breathtaking setting. The area’s jagged, mountainous landscape is truly unique, as are the panoramic views that surround you. Crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea can be seen to the east, while the looming Pyrenees Mountains in the distance will leave you speechless.
La Plaça de Santa María and the Monastery of Montserrat
Your guide will start with a brief orientation in La Plaça de Santa María, the main meeting point for pilgrims and visitors. From here, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the remarkable monastery itself, seemingly carved into the mountainside. Follow your guide toward the Gothic Basilica, nestled between Montserrat’s iconic spires and cliffs. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll bypass the crowds and step directly into this sacred Benedictine site. The original basilica was built in the 16th century, but after severe damage during the French War (1808–1814), much of it was reconstructed, the current façade and atrium date back to the 20th century.
Please note that the Benedictine Monastery is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your Montserrat tour. We understand the summers in Barcelona are hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/sweater to wrap around you when necessary.
The Black Madonna (La Moreneta)
No visit to Montserrat is complete without a stop to greet the Mare de Déu de Montserrat, affectionately known as La Moreneta. Carved in the 12th century from poplar wood in the Romanesque style, this revered Black Madonna is famed for her darkened hands and face, an effect caused by the aging of varnish over time. You’ll have the opportunity to see her up close, a meaningful moment for many visitors and pilgrims.
Enjoy Free Time to Explore
Following your visit to the Black Madonna, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. For an unparalleled view of Montserrat, take a cable car ride above the mountainous landscape to admire the rugged scenery from above.
Otherwise, history buffs can take part in an interactive and immersive historical exhibition to learn more about the history of Montserrat.
For art lovers, there’s a wonderful museum of contemporary art, housing impressive works by Monet, Picasso, and Dalí. Afterward, slip back into your comfortable bus for an easy journey back to the initial meeting point in Estación de Francia, Barcelona, where you'll be dropped off.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
15 total reviews
Leave a reviewGreat Stress free 1/2 day trip
Mary Beth Calvin
Perfect tour for us! We had about an hour ride in a coach bus. Angie and Roberto spent about 30 min giving us info about Barcelona and Montserrat. When we got there, the group was split in 2 ( so you weren’t with the entire coach!) Angie showed us around, gave us suggestions for things to do and then took us to see The Black Madonna. Then we had 2 hours to explore on our own. Everything was on schedule, very well explained and our guides were very knowledgeable.
Chris Kroll
Yelena Rykalova
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes!
What to bring?
Be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes!
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Barcelona.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchair or motorized scooter users on this group tour, as we do not have access to life and ramps.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Monastery might refuse entry and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Barcelona can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, but you will be treated to samples of local delicacies, including cheeses, cured meats, honey, and a pastry tasting.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this tour, and infants under 1 may join for free.
Will I get to see La Moreneta?
Yes! A close look at the Moreneta is included in this tour