Montserrat very early : Hiking, Abbey, very small group

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Barcelona, Spain

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Oleksii_K ·

Jan 2026

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.

· harsha_t ·

Jan 2026

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!

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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
Entrance to the Abbey and the Black Madonna when there are still no tourists
Guided tour and hiking tour with different difficulty options
Pick-up and drop-off from different meeting points in Barcelona

Breakfast

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.6:45 am

Itinerary

Barcelona

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Montserrat Mountains

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 129 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Montserrat early morning hiking tour

Marcelo_A, Mar 2026

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.

Amazing hiking adventure!

Lyndsay_B, Mar 2026

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!

Incredible sunrise and hiking

Kendra_F, Feb 2026

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.

Difficult hike

Marni_V, Feb 2026

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...

Oleksii_K, Jan 2026

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...

harsha_t, Jan 2026

A great way to experience...

Rohan_S, Dec 2025

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

History and Outdoor Enthusiasts welcome!

Trisha_H, Dec 2025

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!

Our best tour in Spain

veronique_p, Nov 2025

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!

Must-Do Montserrat Experience

Stephanie_C, Oct 2025

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!

Stood up by tour guide.

Pamela_A, Oct 2025

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

Fantastic experience, great host, early is the way to go!

Chris_P, Oct 2025

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.

A "Must Do" while in Barcelona!

Rosemary_K, Sep 2025

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!

Optimal Trip to Montserrat!

Bailey_M, Sep 2025

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...

Haydee_A, Sep 2025

Albert was a fantastic tour guide. Full of knowledge and information. Punctual and accommodating. We had an amazing experience. Highly recommended.

Faith, Goats, and 15,000 Steps – My Montserrat Adventure

Susan_N, Sep 2025

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...

Matthew_C, Aug 2025

Awesome experience. Worth getting up early for. Beat the rush before crowd. Great views from the top.

I can’t say enough!! ⛰️ 🥾 🌄

Marissa_S, Aug 2025

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 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

Beat the crowds and beat the heat. Just make sure you are at least of average fitness.

Shane_L, Aug 2025

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!...

Sean_M, Aug 2025

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...

Christina_V, Aug 2025

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!

Early Morning hike is a winner!

Christy_A, Jul 2025

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.

"Hiking" means "mountain climbing" with incredible views

Amber_W, Jul 2025

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. ;)

Early Small Group the only way to go....

ELOYRAMIREZ, Jul 2025

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.

One of the best experiences

Lynne_M, Jun 2025

Albert was more than just a guide—he was genuinely dedicated to making sure everyone was enjoying themselves, always going the extra mile for each of us. He led us on an incredible hike with stunning views, though I’ll say it’s definitely a challenge if you’re not at least a bit athletic. He even brought water for us, which he carried all the way up the mountain, and the moment we reached the top, he opened a bottle of wine to celebrate! Afterwards, he recommended a great spot for lunch and even dropped us off there. What an amazing experience and such a lovely guide. Albert, I can't thank you enough for this On another note, i highly recommend to take the morning trip to avoid tourist jams (youll take the best pictures because the church will be empty). Met some amazing people that I ended up spending then day with, we visited Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus after we finished our trip with Albert if you like another amazing spot!

Perfect morning! Highlight of our trip!

Kirstin_P, May 2025

This was an absolute highlight of or trip to Spain. Montserrat was breathtakingly beautiful and the experience of arriving early before the crowds, was what really made it special. Albert was a wonderful guide. There was excellent communication before the trip, he even sent links about some of the history as well as maps and very detailed pick up instructions. Transportation by van was comfortable and we even got to experience the funicular and zipper train! The hikes were just the right amount of challenge for us, with rewarding views at the top! Albert was well prepared for the hiking and prompt with getting us where we needed to be on time. We were back in the city by 1:30 and felt very accomplished having seen and done so much. Highly recommend this experience!

Amazing

Louis_C, May 2025

Incredible and challenging experience. Loved everything thing about it. Amazing sights, views and a hell of a work out

Albert was great. Views...

Kim_p, May 2025

Albert was great. Views were spectacular ! Even though it was raining when we arrived we were still able to enjoy the sight

Albert was an amazing...

Meredith_S, Apr 2025

Albert was an amazing communicator leading up to our excursion. He provided us with information about the day and was punctual when he arrived. The ride to the monastery was beautiful, and he insured we were there just as the sun came up. He provided us with all of the knowledge we needed to know to enjoy our time there. The hiking itself was tiring, but it was worth every step! Make sure you are comfortable shoes - good sneakers or even hiking shoes. Albert will accommodate everyone's skill level, and be considerate to make sure that you have a wonderful experience. I could not imagine coming to Barcelona without doing this excursion. Thank you Albert for an amazing time and one that we will not forget!

Wear your hiking shoes and come prepared to hike

France_B, Apr 2025

Although the guide was very knowledgable and pleasant. It turned out to be a different experience than expected. We were matched with people that maybe didn’t understand the type of excursion that was advertised: a hike. The guide did his very best to acomodate everyone making these few hours really enjoyable. My suggestion is to make sure that everyone who has signed up with you knows what they are getting themselves into.