If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike in Catalonia that combines natural beauty, history, and a serious workout — all without spending much — this is the one. The route from Monistrol de Montserrat to Sant Jeroni, the highest peak of Montserrat, is a must for nature lovers and budget travelers alike.
🗺️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM BARCELONA
Getting to the starting point of this hike from Monistrol de Montserrat to Sant Jeroni is super easy — no car needed!
🚆 BY TRAIN
• Line: R5 (Barcelona → Manresa)
• Departure: From Barcelona-Sants Station
• Stop: Get off at Monistrol de Montserrat
• ⏱️ Travel time: Approx. 1 hr 15 min
• 💰 Cost: Around €5-6 one way
Trains run regularly throughout the day and are a scenic and stress-free way to reach the village.
🚗 BY CAR
• Drive from Barcelona to Carrer de Manresa, 69 in Monistrol de Montserrat.
• 🅿️ Free parking available at Área Autocaravanas — camper-friendly with basic water services.
🥾 THE ROUTE AY A GLANCE
• Start: Monistrol de Montserrat
• Finish: Sant Jeroni peak (1,236 m)
• Distance: Around 16 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Medium to challenging
• Duration: 5 to 7 hours (round trip, depending on pace)
• Elevation gain: Approx. 1,200 meters
🚶♂️ WHY THIS HIKE?
Montserrat is famous for its jagged mountain range and the historic Benedictine monastery, but beyond the crowds visiting the basilica lies a stunning network of trails that lead you up to Sant Jeroni. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views that stretch from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day.
🗺️ THE ITINERARY
1. Start in Monistrol de Montserrat
A charming village at the foot of the mountain. You can reach it easily by train from Barcelona (R5 line to Manresa), or by car — there’s free parking at Carrer de Manresa, 69, marked as “Área Autocaravanas” on Google Maps. It’s camper-friendly and has basic water services available.
2. Climb to the Monastery (Monestir de Montserrat)
Skip the funicular — the Camí dels Degotalls and Camí de les Aigües offer a scenic and peaceful hike up to the monastery (approx. 1.5–2 hours). We did the Camí dels Degotalls, which is a bit harder than the Camí de les Aigües, with some steeper sections, but it’s doable for anyone.
3. From the Monastery to Sant Jeroni
Once you reach the monastery, follow the trail signs toward Sant Jeroni. The path becomes steeper and more rugged but is well-marked. You’ll pass through beautiful landscapes, stone steps, and lookout points like Mirador de Sant Jeroni. There are two routes to the peak of Sant Jeroni: one is the steeper staircase route, and the other is the funicular route. We chose the staircase route to ascend, which was more challenging but rewarding. For the descent, we took the funicular route, which is a bit longer but much more relaxed and scenic, making it a more leisurely way to come down.
TIP:💡 There is a drinking water fountain at the monastery where you can refill your water bottle before continuing your hike.
4. At the Top
Reaching the summit is incredibly rewarding. Bring snacks and water — and your camera! The view is epic.
5. Return
Retrace your steps back down to Monistrol, or, if you’re tired, you can take the cremallera train or funicular (but that adds cost).
🏕️ FINAL THOUGHTS
This hike is a perfect blend of adventure and culture. It’s physically demanding but absolutely worth it. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this route will leave you with memories (and leg soreness) for days.
📏 Total distance (round trip): approx. 16 km
⏱️ Estimated duration: 5–7 hours (depending on pace and breaks)
📈 Elevation gain: +1,096 m
Additionally, if you’re up for another incredible adventure, check out the Ruta de los 7 Gorgs (Seven Waterfalls Trail), a stunning hike that combines nature, waterfalls, and spectacular views. You can find more information on this route at Ruta de los 7 Gorgs
We also recommend some amazing gastronomic activities to make the most of your day in Montserrat.
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