Climb to Sant Jeroni with the Sant Joan Funicular

Sant Jeroni is the summit of Montserrat, at 1,236 m, and from the viewpoint indicator at the top you can see from the Pyrenees to Els Ports and, on very clear days, Mallorca. The easiest way up is to save yourself the first climb on the Sant Joan funicular and walk from its upper station across the top of the mountain, among conglomerate pinnacles. Montserrat Visita gives the circuit about 7 km and two and a half hours.

Seven minutes of funicular to Les Taràntules

The Sant Joan funicular has run since 1918 and leaves from the sanctuary precinct itself. In seven minutes it climbs a maximum gradient of 65.5% and leaves you at the Pla de les Taràntules, at about a thousand metres. In 2026 it costs €11.40 single and €17.50 return for adults aged 14 to 65, €5.70 and €8.75 for children aged 4 to 13, and €10.25 and €15.75 for over-65s. If you plan to walk back down through the valley, the single is enough.

The funicular stops for a few weeks every January for inspection, and in recent years it has also closed for other reasons: 26 days in autumn 2025, because of storm damage, and in July 2026 because of the Pla Alfa, when fire risk closes the area. Before you go, check on the Turistren website whether it is running that day. If it is not, the climb on foot from the monastery is much longer.

From Les Gorres to the viewpoint indicator

At the upper station, take the path on the right and follow the signs straight on. You pass Les Gorres, four rock pinnacles; the tallest, with a cross, is the Gorra Frígia. After a narrow passage between rocks, the Serra de les Paparres viewpoint is on the left. The path enters the forest, crosses the Santa Maria stream on a footbridge with a wooden handrail and begins to climb along a paved stretch; on the right you will see the path coming down that you can use on the way back. At the Sant Jeroni chapel turn left towards the summit. Before reaching the top, the Mossèn Cinto viewpoint is worth a stop.

Two ways back to the monastery

You can retrace your steps to the funicular and come down on it. Or you can take the detour you saw on the paved stretch and descend along the valley floor, by the old Sant Jeroni path, towards the Pla dels Ocells, which leaves you on foot at the monastery. This second option is the one that closes the circuit of about 7 km and the descent is longer.

No fountains or bar until the summit

It is a mountain path with a climb at the end, with no technical passages. Bring mountain footwear, water and something to eat: the route passes no fountain or bar. It is a natural park: do not leave the marked path or take shortcuts, do not light fires, do not collect plants or stones and do not camp. The park's website lets you download the route's GPS track. Montserrat Visita does not publish rules for dogs on this route, and the funicular does not say whether it admits them: ask beforehand if you are going with yours.

For a sandwich, the Cafetería de Montserrat opens at 8:45. If you want to go up by cable car from the valley and link everything, the plan Aeri, funicular and the Sant Jeroni summit organises it on a Sunday; if you prefer something shorter with the same funicular, the Path of the Hermitages by Sant Miquel and Sant Joan goes to Les Taràntules and the hermitages.