Horseback riding in Montserrat: Walk and ride with a small group

Walk the pilgrimage paths, then ride across the sawtooth mountain.

A horseback riding tour from Barcelona combines a guided walk through Montserrat Natural Park with a one-hour ride at a gentle pace across the park's hillsides, ending at a farm with views of the mountain. You visit the Montserrat Monastery Basilica, follow the same routes pilgrims used for centuries, and ride past Romanesque hermitages in a small group of up to eight. The guide speaks English, Spanish or German, and the activity suits all fitness levels and riders with no prior experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Montserrat walk and horseback riding

• Drive from Barcelona to Montserrat
• Visit Montserrat Monastery and Basilica
• Walk around Montserrat Natural Park
• Horseback ride on Romanesque hermitages route
• Return to Barcelona by vehicle

The experience

The day starts with a drive from Barcelona through the city's landmarks (Paseo de Gracia, the Royal Palace, the University), and takes about an hour to reach Montserrat. Once there, you walk from the monastery through the Natural Park's dramatic rocky landscape, treading paths that pilgrims have used for hundreds of years. The walk shows you the mountain's unique geology: ravines, rocky pillars, and the hidden springs that feed the massif. You also visit the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat and learn about the monks' daily life from your guide.

After the walk, you head to a farm perched on one of the park's highest hillsides. Here you mount for a one-hour horseback ride at a walking pace, following a route past three Romanesque hermitages. The ride suits all skill levels and requires no experience. The horses move gently across the countryside with the sawtooth mountain range in view the whole way. The farm itself sits in an area known for its religious architecture along the Way of Saint James.

The return to Barcelona is by air-conditioned van, giving you time to rest before lunch or afternoon sightseeing. The group stays small, a maximum of eight people, and your guide is a certified local who speaks English, Spanish or German.

What’s included

• Entrance to Montserrat Monastery Basilica.
• guided walk through Montserrat Natural Park with a certified professional guide.
• one-hour guided horseback ride in the Natural Park.
• air-conditioned eight-seater van for the group of up to eight people.
• round-trip transport from Barcelona.

Information

Lasts 6h 30m, runs Tuesday to Friday at 08:00, from € 109 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and German, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDeparts at 08:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (12 to 14 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Tours by Uni - UNIque Tours Barcelona

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, Spanish or German, so you follow the commentary in your chosen language throughout the day. The small group size, eight people maximum, keeps the pace relaxed whether you're walking the monastery grounds or riding across the hillsides.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 14 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride a horse if I've never done it before?

Yes. The horseback ride moves at a walking pace and suits all skill levels with no prior experience required. The farm and guide are set up for beginners.

What is the Montserrat Monastery and why do people visit it?

Montserrat Monastery is the heart of Catalan tradition, known for its profound religious significance and cultural heritage. You visit the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat and learn about the monks' daily life. The monastery sits at the center of the Natural Park with views across Catalonia.

How much of the day is spent walking versus riding?

The walk through the Natural Park is moderate in difficulty and takes place after you arrive at Montserrat. The horseback ride lasts one hour. The full experience, including the drive from Barcelona and time at the monastery, runs 6.5 hours.

Are there weight or age limits for the horseback riding?

Riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh no more than 90 kg (200 lbs). These limits exist for safety and animal welfare. If you're unsure whether you meet them, contact the operator before booking.