Hermitages Path via Sant Miquel and Sant Joan

What it is

It is the path that leaves the Montserrat sanctuary for the mountain's old hermitages. It begins as a paved walk to the viewpoint and chapel of Sant Miquel, climbs steeply to the Pla de les Taràntules and continues along the Sant Joan path to the ruins of the Sant Joan and Sant Onofre hermitages, set in a long crack in the rock. According to Montserrat Visita, the full route is about 7 km and about two hours. It is free and open to all. The first part, as far as Sant Miquel, anyone can do; the climb to les Taràntules calls for legs.

The route step by step

1. Abat Oliba hostel: the start, in front of the hostel, within the sanctuary grounds. Go up the paved path that passes the lower station of the Sant Joan funicular.
2. Creu de Sant Miquel viewpoint: a signposted detour leads to the cross, with wide views. A few steps further on is the Sant Miquel chapel, at 841 m, about 1.4 km and 25 minutes from the start.
3. Bassa de Sant Miquel and Pla de Sant Miquel: the path keeps climbing to the pool and, within five minutes, to the Pla de Sant Miquel, a crossroads.
4. Climb to the Pla de les Taràntules: the steep section. From the Pla de Sant Miquel it is about 200 m of ascent. You reach les Taràntules, at 994 m, about 2.8 km and 55 minutes from the start, next to the upper station of the Sant Joan funicular, where there is a nature room with information about the mountain.
5. Sant Joan path: take the left branch. You reach the Sant Joan chapel and, continuing, the remains of the Sant Joan and Sant Onofre hermitages, wedged into the crack.
6. Optional, Santa Magdalena: the restored Jacob's ladder (escala de Jacob) climbs to the Santa Magdalena hermitage. It adds difficulty and time.
7. Return: by the same path to the monastery, or on the Sant Joan funicular from les Taràntules, if it is running.

The Sant Joan funicular

It saves you the climb or the descent between the sanctuary and les Taràntules. In July 2026 Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat took it out of service until further notice because the Pla Alfa had been activated due to fire risk, and it also closes for a few weeks in winter for maintenance. Check on the Turistren website whether it is running and its timetable on the day you go.

Getting there

You get up to the sanctuary by car, by the rack railway (cremallera) from Monistrol or by the cable car from the Aeri. The path starts inside the grounds, a few minutes' walk from the monastery square.

When to go

Spring and autumn. In summer, set off early: the path runs largely in the sun over rock, and with the Pla Alfa activated because of fire risk, access and services can be closed. In winter the days are short, but the clean air gives the best views. In rain, the conglomerate rock and steps are slippery.

Water, shade and services

Montserrat Visita lists no fountains on the route: fill up with water at the sanctuary before setting off. Shade is scarce beyond the Sant Miquel chapel. At the sanctuary you have a café, restaurants and toilets; on the path, nothing.

With children and a dog

With children, the walk to the Sant Miquel viewpoint is comfortable and short, along a paved path and then a track. The climb to les Taràntules is steep; if they are keen, the branch to Sant Joan and Sant Onofre from above is short, the easiest on the network according to Turistren. With a dog, on a lead.

Natural Park rules

Stay on the signposted paths and don't take shortcuts, which erode the ground. Fires and wild camping are prohibited. Don't pick plants or take rocks or animals, and respect the hermitages and private property.

Where to eat

At the sanctuary, the Hostal Abat Cisneros Restaurant serves à la carte at midday and a buffet in the evening, in the former 16th-century stables.