Day Trip to Montserrat: Monastery on Top of the Mountain (from Lloret de Mar)
If you're looking for a day trip to Montserrat from Lloret de Mar, you're looking at one of the most complete excursions on the Costa Brava. Just over an hour and a half by car, the monastery and mountain offer art, nature and spirituality all in one place. In this guide I'll tell you how to organise the visit, basic timetables and what to see so you don't miss a thing.
Montserrat is not just a religious destination: its rock formations, the funiculars and the museum with works by Caravaggio or Dalí make it an unmissable stop. And the best part is that it can easily be done in a day, leaving from Lloret and returning to your accommodation in time for dinner.
Getting to Montserrat from Lloret de Mar
The most flexible option is by car. From Lloret, take the C-32 motorway (toll-free since 2021) and follow the signs to Montserrat. The journey takes about two hours, depending on traffic. Parking near the monastery is paid; check the official website for updated prices.
If you prefer public transport, the most common combination is to take a bus from Lloret to Blanes or Barcelona train station, then the FGC train to Monistrol de Montserrat, where you connect with the rack railway. It's a slower option (around 3 hours) but works if you don't have a car. Do check the timetables carefully, as frequencies are lower at weekends.
Another convenient alternative is to join an organised tour. That way you don't have to worry about driving or parking. A guide will explain the history of the site and take you straight to the monastery.
For those who want a hassle‑free experience, guided tours from Lloret are an excellent option: they include transport, entrance fees and commentary.
Monastery opening hours and best time to visit
The Monastery of Montserrat usually opens from 8:00 to 19:30, but I recommend checking the official website before you go, as times may vary on public holidays. Entry to the basilica and access to the Moreneta are free, though there may be queues to see the image.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons: the weather is mild, the landscapes are green or golden, and there are fewer people than in summer. Weekends and holidays get very busy, so if you can, choose a Tuesday or Wednesday. In August, avoid the midday hours; get up early to enjoy the monastery in soft light.
What to see in Montserrat: monastery, funiculars and museum
The heart is the basilica, where the Moreneta is venerated. Go up to the chamber to see it up close (you'll have to queue, but it's worth it). The Montserrat Museum houses a surprising collection: works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Picasso and Dalí. There is an entry fee – check the official website for the latest prices.
The funiculars are a must. The Sant Joan funicular climbs up to the hermitage of the same name, offering panoramic views of the entire mountain range. From the top you can go hiking along marked trails. The Santa Cova funicular goes down to the spot where, according to tradition, the Virgin's image was found. The combined ticket for both funiculars has a price that should be checked on the official website. It's worth it if you have at least half a day.
To save time at the ticket office, it's a good idea to book museum and funicular tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Where to eat and stay in Montserrat
If hunger strikes, the Abat Cisneros Restaurant is right on the monastery square. It serves traditional Catalan cuisine with mountain views. Don't expect menu del día prices, but the quality and setting justify it. There's also a café and a picnic area if you prefer something more informal.
For accommodation, the Hotel Abat Cisneros is the only one inside the grounds; a historic building with simple but well‑equipped rooms. Perfect if you want to wake up on the mountain or go on walks at sunset. However, it's not necessary: from Lloret you can do the excursion in a day without any problem.
Practical tips for your visit to Montserrat
Wear comfortable shoes, because although the monastery centre is flat, the funiculars and trails require walking. Water and sun protection are a good idea, and a light jacket always comes in handy: it's windy up there even in summer.
If you go by car, the paid car park is about a 5‑minute walk from the monastery. Booking tickets online will save you queuing, especially for the museum and funiculars.
Finally, don't forget to check the funicular times on the day of your visit; in low season they may run less frequently. And if you're travelling with children, the Sant Joan funicular will be a hit, but the longer hiking trails can be demanding for them.
Return to Lloret de Mar and rest at your accommodation
After an intense day, the best thing is to head back to Lloret at a relaxed pace. The return journey takes about two hours, so plan to leave the monastery before 18:00 to avoid late‑afternoon traffic in Barcelona.
Back in Lloret, relaxation awaits. If you're staying at Apartamento Remo, you'll enjoy a pool to cool off, a terrace for a quiet dinner, and WiFi to share your photos. And the best part: it's just 800 metres from the beaches and a 15‑minute walk from the centre, so the next day you can wake up and head to the sand without rushing.
If you organise your visit, this selection of activities usually fits well with this plan.
Visiting Montserrat from Lloret de Mar is a plan that combines art, nature and culture in one day. With a car or an organised tour, it's well worth it for the landscape and the richness of the monastery and its museum. The key is to get up early, wear comfortable shoes and, above all, enjoy the surroundings without rushing.
To make the excursion perfect, staying in a well‑located place makes all the difference. Apartamento Remo is just 800 metres from Lloret's best beaches and a 15‑minute walk from the centre, with parking available and a pool to relax in when you get back. That way you can combine the Montserrat trip with beach days hassle‑free.