To quote Tourist Guide to Barcelona
Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour North West from Barcelona by train. Car or tour bus are other options to get to Montserrat.
Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.
If you enjoy walking there are also some interesting walks through the mountains where you will experience magnificent views of some of the most unusual rock formations in the whole of Catalonia. You can take a funicular to the top of the mountain and from there you can choose a number of different walks, all with amazing views of the Catalonian countryside.
We skipped the train ride and chose a bus tour. The views are indeed spectacular but the bus ride is not for the fainthearted. Expect a long ride up single lane winding roads through the mountains. Once at the monastery you can explore the monastery or take the funicular even higher to view the remote adjunct in the hillside. Riding in our funicular were mountain climbers with their gear who intended to get to the top of the mountain. We had the option of including sampling local wines produced by the monks. The sampling consisted of four (4) different samples about the size of a double shot. Barb, not being a drinker gave me her samples which made the trip back down the mountain more relaxing for me.
Some chose to take a car ride up the mountain.
Montserrat is built into the mountain
You are free to explore the grounds, dine at the restaurants on side , sample the wines and visit the gift shop.
Take the funicular further up the mountain where you can explore the footpaths to enjoy spectacular views.
Riding on our funicular were the more adventurous mountain climbers who opted for a view from the top of the mountain.
Barb would not let me get too close to the edge. She has not trusted me ever since I almost walked off the edge of Mount El Morro in New Mexico.
Expect many views like this during you ride along the mountain road and at Montserrat
Views from the walking path at the end of the tram.
