If you are coming over to Barcelona for your holidays and you have time to spare, or simply you want to get away from the city for a day, here is my recommendation, visit the Mountain of Montserrat!
I have a very special connection with this place. Not only because it represents where my name comes from, but also because for me it is one of the number one places to visit because of the combination of its historical importance (the monastery at the top is just spectacular), the amazing views, and the fact that children have lots of fun and as a family you get to do some exercise if you like a bit of trekking.
You can easily get to Montserrat by train from Barcelona heading in the Manresa direction, and then there is a special mountain train that takes you up to the top!
1. The first option to visit Montserrat is the nice and easy one. Go up to the Monastery and walk around the main square with your children. Don’t forget to look out for the rock formations that look like a giant. Then, go in to the monastery to enjoy a bit of religious culture and go up to see the Madonna of Montserrat, the queue at times can be quite long but it’s worth it and the things you see along the way are very interesting. It is a local custom to kiss, or if this is not your thing simply rub the ball the saint is holding in her hand.
2. With this second option you will get to have a walk of about one hour and a half there and back,(of course this will depend on how fast your little ones walk around or if you are a F1 star pushing the trolley or a Sunday driver) Take the steps to your right as you come out the train you will start descending downhill. This path takes you to the original location where the Madonna was found, now converted into a little church but originally was a cave at the time. Along the path, you will discover the stages of the cross, even if you are not a very religious person is nice to see and if your kids are a bit adventurous they will enjoy the walk.
3. Last and third option (but personally my favourite one) the ride to the actual top of the mountain where locals go to do the route of the 15 chapels. Obviously you do not need to do them all. I would recommend that this option is for the brave adventure looking family!
You can walk to the top but a nice option to save your energy for later and take the “cremallera”, a vertical train that slowly takes you to the top and then when you are ready to come back down I would suggest that you walk (so only buy a single ticket). This option is easier and fun especially when you do it with kids as going up can be very tiring for them. As you come out the train, take the path to St. Joan chapel. Again for me, this is one of the prettiest ones plus the first one along the route. If you are lucky, on a good day you can also see some wild animals like eagles, mountain goats... To walk down you need to go back to the station and then follow the path.
Remember to take everything at your own pace, apply plenty sun cream because even though you may feel nice and fresh, you will be around 1200 meters high! Drink plenty of water, and bring something to eat. There are shops and a good and reasonably priced restaurant up there to in case you need to fill you bags or belly with good things!
We would love to know if you are more of a chilled out family or the adventurous type.
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