Last updated: October 2026
I’m Sergio López Prieto and I live in Collbató, right below Montserrat. I write The Ultimate Montserrat Guide so you can plan your visit with up-to-date information I’ve checked myself in Montserrat, not copied from other websites.
Why did I create this website? Every time I go up to Montserrat, I see visitors who look lost. Despite all the information out there, they don’t know where to go, what to see, which tickets to buy or how to reach the different places, even once they’re already there.
This website was born to help you plan your visit to Montserrat before you arrive: one place with all the information you need to enjoy the experience as easily as possible.
Who I am
I was born in Terrassa, near Barcelona, more than 50 years ago, and I lived for many years in Esparreguera, which has a wonderful view of Montserrat. In 2014 I moved to Collbató and fulfilled my dream of living in a village at the foot of the mountain. I’ve been going up Montserrat regularly since around 2002.
My mountain experience
I’ve climbed Sant Jeroni, Montserrat’s highest summit (1,236 m), more than 50 times, and I’ve walked almost every trail on the mountain. Most of the time I’m hiking, climbing summits and exploring the canals (the steep gullies that cut through the rock), but I’ve also done canyoning and rock climbing here, and I’ve explored Montserrat’s main caves. I’ve loved the mountains all my life, and living next to one as impressive as this is a real privilege.
As a nature lover and regular sportsperson, I’ve also practised canyoning, mountaineering and caving in many places around the world, mainly in Europe but on other continents too: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Slovenia, Albania, Morocco, Guatemala, Malta, Bulgaria, Costa Rica and Romania. I’ve also opened new canyon descents on expeditions to places such as the Jamaican jungle. Over the years I’ve trained with different mountain federations, but I’m not a certified mountain guide.
How I write the guides for The Ultimate Montserrat Guide
I write all the content on this website myself. I’ve hiked, photographed and documented everything I explain on these pages, and I’ve lived these experiences just as you will, so I can tell you first-hand what it’s like, what to do and what to avoid. I’ve checked opening times on site and keep the information up to date. That’s the whole point: to make it easy, so you can enjoy your visit in the best possible way.
What I tell every visitor
Come early. If you arrive early, you can visit the monastery calmly: the basilica, the atrium, the Black Madonna and her chapel (the Cambril), the Ave Maria Path, the walk to the Sant Miquel Cross and a quieter viewpoint or two, and still be back to hear the Montserrat Boys’ Choir, if they’re singing that day. Choosing a good itinerary is the key to enjoying your visit to Montserrat.
My favourite route is the hike to Sant Jeroni. You’ll understand why once you’re at the top. From the upper station of the Sant Joan funicular, you can reach the summit in about 1 h 30 min. In winter, after a snowfall, it’s absolutely stunning.
My book
I’m the author of The Ultimate Montserrat Hiking Guide Book, available on Amazon. It covers the 15 best routes you shouldn’t miss on Montserrat. You may not have time to do them all, or you may decide to stay longer and enjoy this incredible massif. I finished writing it in August 2026, as part of my work to show this mountain and make it as easy and accessible as possible for visitors from all over the world. → Get it on Amazon.
What you’ll find on this site
- How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona
- Things to do in Montserrat
- Montserrat hiking routes
- Practical information for your visit
- Best time to visit Montserrat
- Tickets and tours for your visit
How this site is funded
Some links are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Tiqets). If you book through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this website independent. → Affiliate disclosure
Find me online
Instagram · YouTube · TikTok · Pinterest · Amazon
Work with me
Need Montserrat content or photos? See my writer and photographer services. → Work with me.
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