Montserrat: Rack Railway, Basilica & Black Madonna Tour

Summary

Montserrat’s peaks, rack railway ride and a quiet morning with the Black Madonna

You’ll ride Montserrat’s rack railway before crowds arrive, step inside Santa Maria Abbey’s quiet halls with your guide, see the Black Madonna up close, and taste local mountain liquors before returning to Barcelona. It’s a morning full of small surprises and honest moments — you might find yourself thinking about those mountain views long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how cool the air felt when we stepped off the bus at Montserrat — not cold, just that kind of mountain chill that wakes you up better than coffee. Our guide, Marta, grinned and pointed at the jagged skyline. “That’s why they call it serrated,” she said, and I could see what she meant. The rack railway was waiting for us; it looked almost toy-like against those cliffs. We squeezed in by the window (I’m glad we got there early — fewer people), and as we climbed up, sunlight flickered through the glass and over olive trees. There was this faint smell of pine every time someone opened a window.

I’d seen photos of Montserrat Abbey before but walking into that courtyard felt different — maybe because it was still pretty empty. Marta kept telling stories about monks and pilgrims; her voice echoed a bit under all that stone. Inside the Basilica, everything went quieter somehow. People shuffled slowly toward the Black Madonna — some crossing themselves, others just staring up at her. I didn’t expect to feel much but being there in that hush… well, it got to me more than I thought it would. My friend tried to light a candle but fumbled with his coins; an old woman next to us smiled and showed him how.

Afterwards we had free time — I wandered off to look at those weird rock formations (they really do look like giant fingers). The sun started warming things up by then, and you could hear birds somewhere above all the chatter from new arrivals. Before heading back down, we tried these little glasses of Montserrat liquor in a tiny room off to the side. Honestly? Some were sweeter than I expected; one burned a bit going down but tasted like wild herbs. Not sure which one was my favorite — Li laughed when I tried to say “herbes” in Catalan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montserrat mountain visit and tasting

• Leave Barcelona early by bus
• Travel 1 hour by bus
• Take 15-minute Montserrat rack railway
• Admire mountain views from train
• Explore Montserrat mountain area
• Visit Abbey, Basilica, and Audiovisual Room
• Enjoy Montserrat liquor tasting
• Return to Barcelona by bus

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Barcelona to Montserrat?

The bus journey from Barcelona to Montserrat takes about 1 hour each way.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a professional guide leads you through Montserrat Abbey and provides commentary throughout.

Does this day trip include entry tickets?

Yes, tickets for the Montserrat rack railway and access to key sites like the Basilica are included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but those under 11 must have their own car seat as it's not provided by the tour.

Are drinks or tastings included?

Yes, you'll enjoy a tasting of local Montserrat liquors during your visit.

How much free time do you get at Montserrat?

You’ll have some free time after the guided portion to explore or relax on your own.

Is pickup included for this Montserrat day trip?

The tour includes round-trip transfer from a central meeting point in Barcelona.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The tour runs in both English and Spanish.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from central Barcelona by bus plus a scenic ride on Montserrat’s rack railway up into the mountains. You’ll get guided access inside Santa Maria Abbey and its Basilica (including seeing the Black Madonna), entry to the Audiovisual Room for background on Monastery life, plus a tasting of traditional Montserrat liquors before heading back down together.