Visiting Barcelona I enjoyed hiking Montserrat so much that I went back for a full day of hiking the day before my flight back to Austin TX. Did you know that a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona is so easy? There is a train that leaves from Pl Espanya and drops you at either Aeri (cable car) or St Joan Funicular (rack train) at the base of Montserrat. From there you can do the beautiful hike up to Sant Jeroni in Monserrat.
This post will show you some of the beautiful wildflowers that you will find in the mountains of Spain. I visited in springtime so there were a lot of flowers blooming and the weather was pleasant for walking the trails.
On my day trips to Montserrat I enjoyed being out in the fresh air, hiking, listening to the birds, chatting with fellow hikers, picnic lunch, and the beautiful wildflowers along the hiking trails.
It is amazing how many different types of wildflowers grow and thrive along the rocky pathways of Montserrat hiking trails. Put on your favorite hiking shoes and hit the trails!
Another place with pretty wildflowers in Spain is the city of Lloret de Mar with a wonderful coastal hiking trail. It’s about an hour from Barcelona as well, so another nice day trip if you have the time.
Learn More: Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Wildflowers Montserrat Spain
Some of the plants and flowers are not native to this region of the world – the Century Plant (as seen above) introduced to Spain, along with the prickly pear cactus, by explorers returning from the Americas.
Pretty pink blooms of the grey leaved Cistus wildflowers were abundant along the hiking trails at Montserrat. The bees loved these flowers!
Picnic Lunch at Montserrat
Why not enjoy a picnic lunch while visiting Montserrat especially if you will be hiking the trails. I did not think to bring much with me on my first visit to Montserrat but on the second visit I enjoyed a big breakfast at the café near Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. For my picnic lunch I purchased a sandwich and a few other items at the well stocked shop close to the Aeri (cable car).
Since there are no shops once you get to the top of Montserrat via cable car or funicular bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at Montserrat is advised. I ate my picnic lunch along with a few other hikers at the summit of Sant Jeroni trail. A group of German travels unveiled their collection of wine, cheese, sausage, fruit, etc – complete with a checkered table-cloth.
More Wildflowers at Montserrat
A striking variety of wildflowers bloom in the sedimentary rock of Montserrat.
Visiting Montserrat from Barcelona
Take the train from Pl Espanya metro station (L1 – red) and decide whether you want to take the Aeri (cable car) or the funicular (rack train) to Montserrat.
Many people told me I was brave to take the cable car – they must have a phobia about cable cars or maybe they just don’t like the way it moves with the wind. I enjoyed it a great deal.
I took the funicular on the way down and enjoyed the view and relaxing after my day of hiking. On the cable car you need to stand up but it is faster than the funicular.
Aeri (cable car) timetable website
If you visit for several days then a Barcelona Montserrat day trip is just perfect to escape the city and enjoy some hiking for a few hours. You can enjoy the scenic Catalonia vistas and return to Barcelona to enjoy some tapas in the evening. Happy travels!
How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona
By Bus: There is one direct daily bus to and from Montserrat. It leaves from the bus station next to Estació Sants train station in Barcelona. You can find the exact times on the company’s website, AutoCars Julia.
By Train: From the Plaça Espanya train station, take the FGC’s R5 train to either Aeri de Montserrat or Monistrol de Montserrat. Which stop to get off depends on whether you choose to take the cable car or the rack train to the mountain. You can purchase combination tickets (called ToT Montserrat ticket) at the train station in Barcelona and find out more about prices and options.
Perfect timing as we will be in Barcelona soon and this is on our list
Isn’t it amazing the number of different wildflowers that are there under one’s nose, if only we take the time to slow down, look and take notice of them :)
I went to the Abbey at Montserrat many years ago but I didn’t realise that it was such a good area for walking. Time for a return visit I think!
I’ll also be in Barcelona soon on my way to TBEX in Lloret del Mar, but I don’t think I’ll have time for a Monserrat hike on this trip. I haven’t been there since 2009 and I think I need to get back to La Sagrada Familia to check on the progress. I love flower photos and it looks like you found plenty worthy of your lens. (Germans do know how to “comfortize” their outdoor adventures. I remember camping in Europe with my family in 1970. We saw a few German caravans literally with white picket fences around their site, outdoor tables and chairs, etc, while we were sitting on the hard ground.)
Thanks for your directions on how to visit Montserrat from Barcelona. Your photos are fabulous and I can’t wait to visit this amazing city. We’ve rented an apartment in Barcelona for the whole month of May as there’s so much to see and do in this area. Woo-hoo! Here we come!
Unexpected wildflowers are such a treat!
Beautiful flowers. I would have taken the cable car as well. I love them!
I will be in Barcelona for the first time later this month. I hadn’t planned on going to Montserrat but you have me considering it! I love the variety of wildflowers.
It is amazing how something as simple as wildflowers can look so beautiful. Lovely photos!
Perfect, I was planning a Montserrat visit on my trip to Barcelona, but was thinking of doing a guided tour. This helps me choose to just go cheaper by train and enjoy the whole day.
So lovely! What a wonderful way to spend a day! It seems like a lot of people I know are going to Barcelona! I have the itch to go back and I will include a day trip like yours. Thank you!
I’ve been to Barcelona several times and never heard of Montserrat. It sounds like a great day trip. Loved your flower images.
I love wildflowers. Your photos are beautiful. I didn’t make it to Montserrat when I visited Barcelona. Maybe next time.
I love the photo of the hermitage! Great shot.
This post has inspired me to add Montserrat to our “must do” list when we are in Barcelona later this month! Just beautiful, and I feel like I know exactly how things will go. Thank you!
Sounds and looks wonderful. Next time I’m in Barcelona I’m going to do a Montserrat day trip! You went at a great time of year, with all the wildflowers in bloom.
The wildflower memories you brought home from Montserrat are stunning. You should frame this as a collection!
Hi Susan,
Lovely photos! I love that you took time to slow down and smell the roses!!!
I have taken several of the hikes on Montserrat and love the vistas, the serene ambiance, and smelling the growing things everywhere.
In terms of food, the ever-present street vendors sell wonderful cheeses, fig treats, cookies, cakes, etc., albeit a bit expensive. But we had fun munching on some purchased almonds while hiking the trails. One time we chose a shady tree-lined trail on the west side of the mountain, and another time walked the stony sunny dramatic trails on the east side. Either way, a glorious place to spend time. There’s so much to do too, such as purchasing the inexpensive, (6 Euros I think), self-guided audio tour which allows you to roam as you like through the basilica, museums, and grounds.
By the way, we took the cable car and loved it. Just stand more towards the center if the swinging and heights bother you!
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Josie
What an assortment of wildflowers. Your post has gotten me even more excited about visiting Spain during TBEX. Not sure i’ll have the time to visit Montserrat, but since it’s my first trip there, i’m sure i’ll enjoy all i get to see!
Great blog. Last week I saw the cistus flower with a bufftail bumblebee on it right at the top of Montserrat (last week of April 2026). I haven’t identified all the flowers I saw but you were very helpful and helping me identify that one. Thank you!