Barcelona: Montserrat afternoon tour, easy hike & boys choir

If you’re visiting Barcelona and looking to escape the city’s hustle for a few hours, a trip to Montserrat might be just what you need. The Montserrat afternoon tour offers a balanced mix of gentle hiking, spectacular scenery, and cultural highlights like the famous boys choir singing inside the Abbey. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What really drew us in are a couple of standout features: the chance to visit Montserrat when it’s less crowded, and the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, scenic walk with impressive panoramic views. Plus, traveling by a small, comfortable van with just seven participants promises a more intimate and personalized experience. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t suited for everyone—it’s designed for those with a reasonable level of mobility and fitness, and it’s not ideal if you’re traveling with very young children.

If you’re someone who loves stunning mountain vistas, appreciates a calm, unhurried pace, and enjoys listening to traditional choir performances in a peaceful setting, this tour could be a good fit. It’s also a good choice if you prefer small-group experiences over large tour buses, allowing for more interaction and flexibility.

Key Points

• Ideal for a relaxing, scenic afternoon with manageable hiking
• Small group size enhances personal attention and comfort
• Includes cultural visits like the monastery and boys choir
• Limited mobility and age restrictions apply
• Timing around sunset offers beautiful light and fewer visitors
• Perfect for those wanting an authentic Montserrat experience with fewer crowds

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Montserrat Afternoon Tour

This tour is designed to be a laid-back yet enriching way to experience Montserrat. Starting from Barcelona, you’ll leave around 15h in a cozy van that seats just seven people, making the journey feel more like a shared adventure than a typical bus tour.

The Journey to Montserrat

The drive takes about an hour, which gives you a chance to relax, chat, and get a preview of what’s ahead. The small-group vibe means you’ll have more space and personal interaction, which many travelers appreciate. When you arrive, you’ll be given about 30 minutes to explore on your own before the guided portion begins.

The Easy Hike

At around 16:45, you’ll start an easy hike that covers roughly 3 km with a maximum elevation change of 180 meters (about 590 feet). The route takes you to the Cross of Saint Michel and another viewpoint, offering some of the best panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding landscape. The pace is relaxed, and the terrain is manageable for most people who are comfortable walking on uneven paths, but it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or very young children.

Hikers have praised the route for its stunning scenery and the fact that it’s a manageable walk, even if you’re not an experienced hiker. One review highlighted the importance of good shoes, noting: “We suggest wearing good walking or hiking shoes,” which is a good tip.

Sunset and Fewer Crowds

One of the biggest perks is that you’re visiting Montserrat when the evening is approaching, meaning fewer visitors and a more tranquil atmosphere. As the sun begins to set, you’ll see the rocks bathed in warm light—an experience many travelers find memorable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Abbey & Boys Choir

By around 18:15, you’ll arrive back at the monastery area. Here, you’ll have the chance to listen to the famous boys choir singing inside the Abbey for about 20 minutes, accompanied by the monks. This is often considered the highlight for many, offering a peaceful, almost spiritual moment amidst your visit.

Following the choir, you’ll get a chance to explore the monastery itself, which is rich in history and architecture. Keep in mind that the concerts happen only on Sundays or specific dates, such as the Sundays in January listed in the tour info.

The Return Trip

After your visit, you’ll hop back into the van for the one-hour drive back to Barcelona, arriving around 21h. If you’re staying in the Eixample district, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, making the end of your day convenient.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy mild outdoor activities combined with cultural delights, and who prefer a small, relaxed group rather than a large tour bus. It’s especially good for those who want to experience Montserrat in the late afternoon, when it’s quieter and more atmospheric.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility, back, or heart issues. The tour’s walking and terrain requirements mean you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and comfort on uneven paths.

The Value of This Experience

When you weigh the cost against what’s included—travel, a guided easy hike, a cultural visit, and a boys choir performance—the value is quite solid for a small-group, personalized experience. Compared to full-day tours, it offers a shorter, more relaxed option that still hits the highlights.

One traveler from Canada called it “fabulous,” praising the guide’s kindness and the fantastic views. Conversely, a less positive review mentioned feeling that the guide was limited in knowledge and that the tour moved too quickly, which underscores the importance of choosing a good operator and being clear about your expectations.

Additional Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
• Bring a light jacket or layers, as it can get cooler towards sunset.
• Arrive on time for the pickup, especially since the guide might give more precise info on the day.
• If you’re interested in the boys choir, check if your visit coincides with the scheduled singing days in January.
• If you’re planning other visits or tours, compare this experience with similar Montserrat options, like those with train rides or different times of day.

This Montserrat afternoon tour offers a nicely paced, intimate way to experience this iconic mountain and monastery. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value relaxing scenery, cultural moments, and dislike large crowds. The combination of easy hiking, stunning sunset views, and the enchanting boys choir makes for a memorable half-day escape from Barcelona.

While it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges or very young children, it’s perfect if you want a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich experience that balances outdoor activity with moments of reflection and music. The small-group setting, friendly guide, and flexibility in timing make it an attractive option for those seeking a more personal touch during their visit to Montserrat.

If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized trip that combines nature and culture without feeling rushed, this tour could be just the right pick—especially for those who appreciate fewer crowds and authentic moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 12 due to walking and terrain requirements. It’s better suited for older kids or teens who can handle light hiking and standing for a little while.

How long is the drive from Barcelona to Montserrat?
The drive takes about an hour, making it a manageable trip that allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery en route.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven paths, and consider layers, as temperatures can change, especially during sunset.

Can I see the boys choir?
Yes, the tour includes a 20-minute performance by the boys choir inside the Abbey, but check the schedule as it’s only available on specific days like Sundays in January.

Is this a full-day tour?
No, it’s a 6-hour experience, starting around 15h and returning by approximately 21h, making it a great option for an afternoon outing.

What if I want a more comprehensive Montserrat experience?
This tour focuses on a relaxed visit with light hiking and cultural highlights. For more in-depth experiences, consider other options that include additional transportation methods or full-day itineraries.

Whether you’re after stunning views, tranquil moments, or just a break from city life, this Montserrat afternoon tour offers a well-rounded, peaceful escape. Just keep in mind the terrain and timing, and you’re likely to come away with beautiful memories of this unique Catalan landmark.

You can check availability for your dates here: