One of our favorite day trips from Barcelona was a visit to Montserrat, an easy 45 minute drive north west of the city. Montserrat (or saw mountain) is part of Spain's pre-coastal range, and rises from the surrounding flat landscape as pillars of pink/orange sedimentary rock. Each time we visited, we were struck by how unique this area is. We couldn't help but wonder what powerful things in history had occured to form the incredible rock formations that rise up creating this majestic landscape.
Many people visit Montserrat for the famous Benedictine Monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat, that is perched in the midst of the mountains. The monastery can be reached by road, train, or cable car, and is one of the most popular day trips for tourists who visit Barcelona. We loved visiting the monastery to hear the talented boys choir who performs there each day, and to shop at the local farm stands whose farmers met you with a smile, shared free samples of their goods, and sold an incredible selection of fresh cheese and honey. You have to try a little cup of their fresh cheese curds toped with honey, it was one of my favorite things to eat in all of Spain!
As you probably already know, one of our favorite things to do is to get outdoors and explore! Our favorite thing about Montserrat its many hiking trails that wind in and out of the saw-like rock pillars, and offer sprawling views of the Catalan countryside below. A number of the trail sections take you through carved paths along the rock face, through green covered valleys, up long flights of stairs, and lead you to peaks with a stunning views!
Our favorite hiking trail, and by far the most rewarding, is Sant Jeroni. To reach this epic hike, we took the funicular from the monastery to the top of the mountain and took the trailhead to the far right. The trail is clearly marked and should take you 2 - 3 hours round trip from the top of the funicular. Since the trail is moderately challenging, be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, pack snacks and bring lots of water! Also, I wouldn't recommend doing this trail if you're afraid of heights because at times the path goes right along the edge of a cliff. The trail twists and turns, offering some of the best views of the amazing rock formations all around you, and ends on a rock pinnacle at an elevation of 1236 m. On a clear day, this lookout offers a 360 degree view of the distant Mediterranean sea and beautiful countryside of Catalunya. It'd definitely worth it!
Labels: Barcelona Day Trips, Hiking Montserrat, Montserrat Blog, Montserrat Day Trip, Sant Jeroni Hike Blog, Santa Maria de Montserrat Blog, Spain, The Road Less Traveled, Travel Blog, Travel Photography, TRLT
