Montserrat very early, hiking, maximum 7 participants
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Barcelona, Spain
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Said to perform miracles, Montserrat Mountain’s Black Madonna draws long lines at most times of day. Get there before the tourist hordes when you book this early-morning tour with round-trip transfers from various central Barcelona pickup points. After you discover the famous statue and the abbey, enjoy free time to explore independently and then take a short, guided hike along a forest path. Return to Barcelona in time for lunch.
- Arriving before the crowds lets you see the Montserrat Abbey quickly
- The early start means you hike before the midday heat builds up
- Enjoy a guided hike or choose from a range of recommended routes
- Get personal attention from your guide on this very intimate tour
What's Included
- Transportation in a van for only 7 participants
- Hiker route that is not difficult where there are no tourists
- 1 : 30 hours of free time
- Professional guided tour
- Entrance to the Abbey and to Black Mary
- Breakfast
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Carrer de Pau Claris, 119, Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
At 6:45 sharp we will leave for Montserrat. There is a coffee shop at the meeting point that opens at 6 am. You cannot drink or eat inside the van.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.6:45 am
Itinerary
1
Barcelona
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Montserrat Mountains
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Barcelona
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- People with mobility problems are not accepted
- People who cannot walk at a normal pace are not accepted
- People over 65 years old are accepted but who do not have any mobility problems
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 135 reviews
Review summary
Last 12 months
38 reviews
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Travelers praise the tour for its stunning mountain vistas and scenic hiking routes that offer memorable sunrise views and invigorating physical challenges. Guides receive high marks for passionate historical knowledge, engaging storytelling, and professionalism, contributing to a seamless and safe experience. The combination of challenging hikes and exceptional natural scenery stands out, making the tour well regarded for both its visual appeal and well-executed guidance.
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Alberto gives you a very personalized experience for a small group and no waiting in lines. Our Lady of Montserrat will not disappoint.!
The hike was absolutely breathtaking. Alberto is an amazing guide and knowledgeable. His Renault van is clean, comfortable and has air conditioning.
This tour is for you if you want:
(a) an early departure with arrival at the Abbey early, before anyone else is there;
(b) an “off-the-beaten path” hike at a good pace that is not technical, but is challenging at a few places;
(c) a small group; and
(d) an absolute expert guide, Albert.
We had an incredible time on this tour, led by Albert, and cannot imagine having seen Montserrat any other way.
We enjoyed our visit to Montserrat and the wonderful hiking trail . The hike is not super hard- but the trail is rocky and you should have good shoes . Don’t training flip flops!
This Montserrat tour was one of the best experiences of my life. Our guide, Albert, was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and made the whole day feel seamless. While you can definitely visit Montserrat on your own, the convenience of being picked up and having everything organized was a huge highlight. It made the experience so much more relaxing and enjoyable. The views and hiking were absolutely incredible—something I’ll never forget. Highly recommend!
This was a highlight of our trip! Being able to see the Abbey with almost no other visitors early in the morning was so peaceful. Our guide Albert was great, proving the context and history of the abbey.
In our opinion, the best part is the hike through the mountains. The mountains side and views from the top are really something else - a beautiful way to take in all the natural beauty. Here too Albert was a great guide! High energy and clearly a passion for the outdoors.
Comfy shoes are an absolute must. The hiking trail can be challenging in parts but totally worth it once you are at the top.
Albert was a very knowledgeable about the history and was an excellent and safe guide on the hike. The views on the hike were just amazing and breathtaking. The hike can be difficult at times so highly recommend you are in good condition for the hike. Albert took us to a small town after our hike, where we were able to have as small snack and enjoy a glass of wine. If you have time during your stay in Barcelona, I highly recommend this experience. You won't regret it.
The tour was breathtakingly awesome! The tour started early and on time. There was no problem going to the pick up point because Albert, the tour leader was giving us updates ahead of time. Albert went above and beyond during the tour. He made us all safe during hiking of Montserrat. He’s very professional and friendly. He also gave us some history and insights about Monserrat and the monastery. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience a hiking adventure and breathtaking sceneries of Montserrat.
This is the Montserrat tour to book! The hike is the main feature, and it was an amazing adventure! Be prepared to do a little amateur rock climbing up a ravine if you want the most spectacular view! (You can also choose not to do the most strenuous climbs) Albert is fun and very knowledgable. PS. it can be extremely windy on the mountain, so wear layers if the morning is cold!
I highly recommend this experience to see an incredible sunrise, beat the crowds and see amazing viewpoints. Albert was very responsive and helpful leading up to the trip and confirmed convenient pickup points near our hotel. THE DRIVE: The van was spacious and comfortable. Albert is a speedy driver up that mountain so be prepared for a wild ride. I recommend Dramamine if you get carsick easily- lots of twists and turns up and down the mountain road. THE WEATHER: It was quite chilly and windy the day we were there in January so dress in layers. The sunrise was breathtaking! THE BASILICA VISIT: One important thing to be aware of is that for this specific experience, we were visiting before the Basilica opens. We went through very quickly and were not given a lot of time to really take in the different chapels and sights. The "pro" was that it was literally just our small group of 5 so it was empty and peacefully quiet. After we returned from the hike though, I was disappointed to learn that we didn't have official tickets to go back inside to visit with the limited time we had left. THE HIKE: Albert warns several times in his listing that this isn't a light stroll. You need to be prepared for a hike up 800+ stairs, take routes off unmaintained routes off the path with elevation gain. The pace was medium to hard. He took us to incredible viewpoints that you might not see otherwise which made it worth it. We also got lucky with the weather- sunshine and no rain. Although it'd rained a bit beforehand, so some areas were slippery and/or muddy. Real hiking shoes with traction would have been ideal but we made due with our normal Nike sneakers since we were limited on luggage space.
Overall, great trip with Albert. He's friendly, very knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor. Book it!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks for your review. Finally, I decided to make a different hiking trip without stairs from another place in Montserrat, and not from the Monastery. Have a nice time.
This tour is hike focused and it is a long and hard hike. Over 800 stairs to start. I would rate it difficult. My friends watch recorded 99 floors and the other couple with us would have liked a little more of a relaxed pace also. If you want an invigorating hard workout in a beautiful setting this is great - but if you weren’t expecting this level of exertion it wasn’t great. The best part was comfortable transport to the mountain - and early arrival. We were alone with the Madonna and could have had a very peaceful experience but we literally ran through the montestary and were rushed along to get hiking. My recommendation- definitely get an early morning ride with someone who already has the tickets. Dress warm. There is easier hiking to enjoy the mountains but this was hard with not a lot of time to enjoy the quiet early mornings at the site. Great tour if you just want a ride to the mountains and get a killer workout.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks for your review. 99% participants to my trip don't have any problem with the hike. Before hiking, I told you about that the first part is 800 stairs very clear, and I tell you if you think you cannot do it, you can take a very easy hike by yourself. When we are inside the Abbey, I go out and I leave you inside in other to be all the time (let's say) that you want. Have a nice time!
We are happy to visit this place. With such an inspiring guide as Albert, this morning at the monastery was unforgettable. The hiking was interesting: magical mountains, beautiful clouds.
Had an amazing morning watching the sunrise over Montserrat! No crowds or queues. Albert was a great guide, took me to all the best view points, had great knowledge and was lovely to talk to. Would definitely recommend!
A great way to experience Montserrat and the hike was a great challenge with stunning views that were worth the challenge. Albert was a great tour guide and kept the journey fun. Overall it was a great experience
So wonderful to be in the cathedral before the crowds of people and busses arrive! In addition, the hike was a road less travelled and had amazing views! Albert is a true historian with a delightful delivery! Totally recommend for the outdoor enthusiast!
This is a fantastic tour. First, extremely convenient transportation as Albert will pick you up at 2 min walking from your place. Secondly, if you wish to see the monastery without crowds and with the sunrise as a bonus, this is the tour. Absolutely breathtaking. Third, if you love hicking, please do yourself a favor and book this tour. The hikes were awesome and the views stunning. However, these are moderate in difficulty with some good inclines at times. Please make sure to be able to handle the pace (moderate speed) or simply plan to take the funicular if your fitness isn’t quite there. But if you are in good shape you will love this!
Albert is very nice and quite funny. Highly recommended!
This hike absolutely blew my mind! Be ready for an adventure you’ll never forget. It’s definitely challenging, but the views are beyond words totally worth every step. Albert was hilarious, super knowledgeable, and full of great energy and positivity. Be prepared for lots of stairs, but trust me, it’s so worth it. A must-do experience!
I got up at 4:45 AM and stood on the street corner in the dark, where I was told to meet my guide. He never showed up. Later he admitted he went to the wrong corner. He left me standing there and went on the tour without me. He deleted me from the group chat and refused to come back and get me even though he was only five minutes or less away . He never called to check on me. I really wanted and needed this spiritual experience. Very disappointing.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hola! I'm sorry for what had happened. Anyway, my trip is not an spiritual experience, is a hiking experience (and much more). Regards
Such a great experience from start to finish! Albert was a great host, all instructions were very clear and simple. Starting very early is definitely the way to go, arriving at the monastery as the sun rose was magical. Seeing the black Madonna with no queues, no question I would prefer that to crowds. I took the hike to the top, it is very tough, you need hiking/mountain experience as it's up-up-up. The views along the way and the top are an ample award. The cable car on the way down was awesome, I don't like heights but when in Barcelona! The train down was an option. Albert was a great host for our group throughout, apparently he doesn't have super-powers to change the weather but maybe offer your prayer to the black Madonna for a clear day. Albert was definitely the (mountain) G.O.AT, thanks for making this the best day of my visit. Id recommend to anyone, and even if you are not mountain-fit just the sunrise, early start and a smaller walk to the cross and church would be worth every penny.
Montserrat is a unique and spiritual experience. Words cannot adequately describe it. Being there so early when the sun rises (and before all the tourists get there) is the only way to do it. Albert is a superb tour guide and driver. He gave us all the options... whether to hike to the top, or hang out on the main level and go at your own pace. I went to the 11 am mass in the monastery. Took the funicular up to the top, and then met the group via zip train down the mountain. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience... take this tour with Albert!
This is the way to do Montserrat! Got there with plenty of time to see the monastery and Black Madonna before any big groups arrived. It was awesome to see the sunrise as well! Albert was a great guide and was chill and flexible when I decided to change hiking plans along the way. Van was comfortable and convenient. Highly recommend!
Albert was a fantastic tour guide. Full of knowledge and information. Punctual and accommodating. We had an amazing experience. Highly recommended.
Today’s journey with Albert to Montserrat was unforgettable. ✨ I can not imagine a better way to visit this magnificent place. You arrive well before the crowds.
Visited the Black Madonna in the chapel, where I felt such closeness to God. 🙏 Then hiked to the summit of Santa Magdalena — truly an act of God in itself! 🏞️ Motivated by some friendly goats along the way, I climbed 15,000 steps, and 100 flights of stairs to reach the top. 🐐⛰️
Awesome experience. Worth getting up early for. Beat the rush before crowd. Great views from the top.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Albert, our guide, was incredible! Immediately after booking the tour, he began communicating with me via WhatsApp providing me with articles and information to prepare myself for the experience.
🚐 ⏰ This trip included pick up, which made things very easy and Albert was punctual to the dot. He picked me up in a clean and comfortable van and pointed things out in the city on the way to pick up more members of the group, 🏙️ so we got a little mini city tour before the hike even started.
🌄 Because this was an early morning hike we were able to witness the incredible sunrise and fog in the mountains completely by ourselves as no other tour buses arrive that early -it honestly felt magical. This also meant that we were able to tour the monastery ⛪️ and take photos with no one around. 🥾 The hike itself was the best part! It was no joke (we climbed over 1,000m), which took our whole small group by surprise in the best way possible! Because of the challenge it felt very exhilarating and accomplishing to reach the summit! ⛰️ During the hike Albert chatted with us and felt more like a friend than a tour guide. He also balanced our small group perfectly -making sure everyone was looked after individually and that no one fell behind as well as communicating in both English and Spanish for the needs of our group.
⭐️ Albert really went above and beyond. He offered us hiking shoes in case anyone needed them, carried water 💦 in a backpack for us up the mountain, offered to take photos 📸 at the key view points and even opened a bottle of wine 🍾 at the top so we could celebrate! At the end, he shared local chocolates 🍫 with us that he purchased at the market in Montserrat before heading down!
He’s super down to earth, easy to talk to, really knowledgeable, and honestly for the price I paid (around $80), this was insanely good value. I would’ve expected something like this to cost triple
Early morning was awesome. Mountains are more beautiful near sunrise. We pretty much had the entire monastary complex to ourselves with no one to interrupt the photos. The hike to the top was in the cool of the morning which avoided the heat of noon and afternoon. The ride down on cable car empty becuase the crowds were only just arriving. There are only positives to going early if you can get ready by 600 to 630am. Alberto was lovely and knowledgeable. He provided lots of communication and background info on whatsapp prior the trip.
You have to be relatively fit to climb to the top. There are some gravelly and steep paths and the pace had everyone sweating and panting (From teenagers to 50 year olds). I wouldn't recommend to anyone with balance issues, joint issues or is of below average fitness for a 60 year old. But you could always just hang around the monastery area for the morning by yourself and forego the hike to the top.
Otherwise, this tour was one of the best decisions of our trip.
Albert was awesome! Definitely recommend the early morning booking to beat the heat and crowds. Van seats 7 so guaranteed a small group.
Best experience of my entire trip! Definitely worth getting up early - there were hardly any other people there and the views just after sunrise were simply breathtaking. Albert, my guide was extremely knowledgeable and the hike just sooo much fun!
This is a fairly challenging physical hike but well worth the early morning start and physical effort! The views are spectacular and the small group format is ideal. Albert is a fantastic, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
When they say "guided hike" they aren't kidding. We climbed to the very top which was NO JOKE. It was fantastic but be prepared to get your heart rate WAY up. Gorgeous views and our guide, Albert, was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hola! Thanks for your review! Anyway, if "climbing" means that you need your hands to climb up, then, it's not climbing what we are doing. It's hiking up the mountain, but legs are enough for 99% participants. ;)
If you plan on going to the Monstserrat the "Early Trip Small Party Tour" is the only way to go. Our driver "Albert" promptly pick us up in front of our hotel. We were transported along with 3 other passengers in a clean comfortable van.
While en-route to our destination, our tour guide, Albert, would point out points of interest and answered other question that were not tour related. He was very informative and personable. He even provided cool bottles of drinking water. The benefit of arriving early gave us an opportunity to explore without the crowds. We were fortunate to attend a portion of the mass and hear the monks sing. (Within two hours the Monstserra was packed with arriving tour buses.)
Our tour guide continued to provide informative information and gave us an opportunity to explore on our own, while still maintaining an eye on our small group.
We truly enjoyed this tour and our tour guide.
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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