Drive from Barcelona to Montserrat

The route

Leave Barcelona on the B-23 and the A-2 towards Lleida. At Martorell, take the C-55 towards Manresa, past Olesa de Montserrat and along the Llobregat valley to Monistrol de Montserrat. From there the BV-1121 climbs to the monastery in a series of hairpins with open views over the valley. An alternative, depending on where you start, is the C-58 towards Terrassa and then local roads to Olesa de Montserrat. For a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat by car, count on about 120 km in total, well within the 300 km per day included.

Parking at the monastery

There is a paid car park at the monastery, right next to the basilica and the funicular stations. On weekends, public holidays and in summer it fills up by mid-morning, and traffic on the BV-1121 slows down near the top. Arrive before 10:00, or come in the late afternoon when day-trip coaches have left. Opening hours and rates are published on the official Montserrat website. As with any car, keep the roof up and valuables out of sight while you visit.

Rack railway or cable car instead

If you prefer not to drive the last climb, there are two alternatives. Park in Monistrol de Montserrat and take the Cremallera rack railway up to the monastery, or park at the Montserrat Aeri station on the C-55, which has a car park, and ride the Aeri cable car up the cliff face. Both are good options on the busiest days, and the rack railway and cable car are sights in their own right. Check timetables on the official websites before you go.

What to see

Visit the basilica and the Black Madonna, La Moreneta, which draws long queues on weekends. The Sant Joan funicular takes you higher up the mountain to viewpoints and marked footpaths, and the Santa Cova funicular leads down to a path towards the chapel of the Holy Cave. The Escolania boys' choir sings on many days; the times vary, so check the official schedule. Allow at least half a day at the top.

Tips for the day

Go early on weekends and holidays, when both the car park and the road are at their busiest. The mountain is often cooler and windier than Barcelona, so bring a jacket even in summer. The BV-1121 is a mountain road with cyclists and coaches: take the hairpins calmly and use the pull-outs for photos. For four people, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has quattro grip and room for everyone; for two, the Porsche 911 or BMW Z4 turns the climb into the highlight of the day.