Barcelona to Montserrat: Monastery Tour & Horseback Ride

Summary

Montserrat’s wild peaks, guided monastery walk and horseback ride from Barcelona

You’ll start your day leaving Barcelona behind for Montserrat’s dramatic peaks—first on horseback through quiet trails with a local guide, then wandering ancient monastery halls where monks still pass by unnoticed. Taste local cheese at market stalls before heading back to city life with new stories (and maybe a bit of trail dust).

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Barcelona when our guide Marta started pointing out all these little things I’d never have noticed—old farmhouses tucked into the hills, the way the light hit the rocks as we got closer to Montserrat. The mountain itself looked almost unreal, like something out of a storybook, all jagged and pale against the sky. I remember rolling down the window just to catch that first whiff of pine and dust. It’s not far from the city, but it feels like slipping into another world.

The horse ranch was quieter than I expected. A couple of locals were already saddling up—one guy gave me a nod but mostly kept to his own rhythm. Marta handed out helmets and did this quick demo in Spanish and English (she switched between both without missing a beat). My horse was called Lluís. He seemed patient enough for a beginner like me. The ride itself—well, there’s something about moving through that landscape at such a slow pace, hearing only hooves on dirt and distant birds. At one point I caught this sharp scent of wild rosemary when we brushed past some bushes. Didn’t expect that.

Afterwards we drove up to the Montserrat Monastery itself. There were more people around now—families, older couples, even some monks in brown robes weaving through the crowd like it was nothing special. Inside, Marta told us about the Black Madonna (La Moreneta) and how sometimes you can wait hours just to see her up close. We didn’t try our luck; instead we wandered through side chapels and stood quietly in front of stained glass windows while sunlight did its thing on the stone floors.

I spent my last few minutes at one of those little farmers’ stalls near the entrance—tried some local cheese that tasted way saltier than I expected, but honestly pretty good. On the drive back to Barcelona I kept looking out for that first glimpse of Montserrat again in reverse, half-hoping to spot Lluís somewhere in the fields below. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montserrat Monastery and Horse Riding Tour

• Meet guide at World Experience office
• Drive through Diagonal avenue and countryside
• Arrive at ranch and get horse riding briefing
• Start 1-hour horseback ride in Natural Park
• Finish riding and visit Montserrat Monastery
• Explore Basilica and learn monastery history
• Enjoy free time at market and souvenir shops
• Meet guide and return to Barcelona

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat?

The experience lasts most of a day, including travel time between Barcelona and Montserrat plus activities at each stop.

Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?

Yes, there’s a short briefing before you start and guides help you along the way—it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

Are there weight or age restrictions for horse riding?

Yes, riders must be under 95 kg and over 12 years old for safety reasons.

What is included in this Montserrat tour?

The tour includes transport from Barcelona, guided horseback ride with equipment, monastery entry ticket, and a multilingual guide.

Can I visit La Moreneta during this tour?

A visit isn’t guaranteed due to possible long queues; access depends on season and crowd levels.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s free time at Montserrat with options to buy food at cafes or market stalls.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The maximum group size is 8 people; larger groups are split up for activities.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location in Barcelona before departure.

Are tours offered in languages other than English?

Tours may be available in other languages if enough participants book; otherwise they’re conducted in English.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from central Barcelona out into Catalonia’s countryside, an hour-long guided horseback ride (with helmet and instructions), entry tickets for Montserrat Monastery plus a guided visit inside its basilica—and time after to explore farmers’ stalls or grab a snack before heading back together.