The best Montserrat mountain viewpoints are not the easy ones next to the monastery — they are the higher, wilder spots that reward a real walk into the mountain. Beyond the monastery area and the Sant Joan funicular, the massif hides a handful of viewpoints with the widest views of the whole range: the true summit at Sant Jeroni (1,236 m), a literary monument with one of the best panoramas in Catalonia, and two quieter viewpoints around the historic Santa Cecilia area, away from the crowds.
Unlike the viewpoints near the sanctuary, most of these are reached on foot, with longer approaches and real elevation gain. This guide lists them from the highest summit of the mountain down to the gentler viewpoints near Santa Cecilia, so you can decide which ones fit your time, fitness and itinerary.
Quick answer: Quick answer: The highest point in Montserrat is the summit of Sant Jeroni, at 1,236 m, but if you want to enjoy similar views a little before reaching the summit, the Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer viewpoint is an excellent alternative. If you prefer a quieter, less crowded experience, the two viewpoints near Santa Cecilia are ideal. You can reach them after a gentle walk near the monastery area, about 2 km before the main parking lot, and you can also drive there.
Montserrat mountain viewpoints by difficulty
These are the main viewpoints covered in this guide, listed in the order they appear below:
- Mirador Sant Jeroni 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️
- Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️
- Mirador de Santa Cecilia 🚶♂️🚶♂️
- Mirador del Refugi de Santa Cecilia 🚶♂️
They are shown on the Montserrat map below and listed here from the highest summit of the mountain to the quieter viewpoints around the Santa Cecilia area. Check the viewpoints on the Montserrat map before your visit to plan your route and your timing.
Montserrat mountain viewpoints: quick comparison
The table below compares the four Montserrat mountain viewpoints covered in this guide. Use it to decide how far you want to walk and which viewpoint best matches your time, fitness and mountain experience.
| Viewpoint | Difficulty | Access | Best for | Main views |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sant Jeroni | 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️ Demanding | Longest route, via Camí Nou de Sant Jeroni | True summit experience | 360° panorama at 1,236 m |
| Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer | 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️ Demanding | Next to Sant Jeroni, 1,171 m | Near-summit views, literary stop | Wide panorama from the Verdaguer monument |
| Mirador de Santa Cecilia | 🚶♂️🚶♂️ Easy / moderate | Short walk behind the monastery | Exploring the Santa Cecilia area | Quiet valley views behind the monastery |
| Mirador del Refugi de Santa Cecilia | 🚶♂️ Easy | By the Refugi Bartomeu Puigròs, off the BP-1103 | Quick stop, minimal effort | Open roadside views of the massif |
How to reach these mountain viewpoints
These Montserrat mountain viewpoints are spread across two different parts of the massif. Sant Jeroni and Mirador Verdaguer are reached on foot, typically via the Camí Nou de Sant Jeroni from the Funicular Sant Joan upper station, or via other longer routes from the monastery area. Both require a proper hike with significant elevation gain.
The Mirador de Santa Cecilia and the Mirador del Refugi de Santa Cecilia are very different. They are located away from the monastery, near the Monestir de Santa Cecilia de Montserrat, about 2 km on foot from the parking area before reaching the main monastery complex. Both can also be reached by car along the BP-1103 access road.
UMG local tip: If you want to discover the best Montserrat mountain viewpoints, plan your visit carefully — the right route, timing, and transport options can completely change your experience. You can explore Montserrat independently and book your tickets here, or join a guided hiking experience to discover the mountain with a local perspective.
Prefer a guided experience?
Compare the best Montserrat tours from Barcelona — rack railway, small group and private options.
1. Mirador Sant Jeroni
Best for: the true summit experience and the widest panorama of Montserrat
Difficulty: demanding 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️
Good for: hikers, summit-seekers, people wanting the most complete views of the massif
Mirador Sant Jeroni
Location: Summit of Montserrat massif · Style: Full 360° panoramic viewpoint · Difficulty: Demanding (5/5)
Best for: Summit-seekers Effort: Demanding hike Views: Complete massif
At 1,236 metres, Sant Jeroni is the highest point of the Montserrat massif and the viewpoint by excellence of the whole mountain. Reaching it requires a proper hike, but the reward is a 360° panorama that no other viewpoint in Montserrat can match. Want to know the different routes to Sant Jeroni? Find out more here.
2. Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer
Best for: near-summit views with a literary and historic stop
Difficulty: demanding 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️
Good for: hikers who want Sant Jeroni-level views with slightly less effort
Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer
Location: Next to Sant Jeroni summit · Style: Historic panoramic viewpoint · Difficulty: Demanding (4/5)
Best for: Summit views with less effort Effort: Demanding hike Bonus: Historic monument
The Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, also known as the Monument a Verdaguer, sits at 1,171 metres, right next to the Sant Jeroni summit. It is dedicated to the Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer and offers one of the best panoramas in the area, just slightly below the very top of the mountain.
3. Mirador de Santa Cecilia
Best for: a quiet viewpoint away from the monastery crowds
Difficulty: easy / moderate 🚶♂️🚶♂️
Good for: visitors exploring the historic Santa Cecilia area
Mirador de Santa Cecilia
Location: Behind Monestir de Santa Cecilia de Montserrat · Style: Quiet panoramic viewpoint · Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Best for: Crowd-free views Effort: Easy / Moderate Access: Short walk
The Mirador de Santa Cecilia is located just behind the Monestir de Santa Cecilia de Montserrat, a few hundred metres away from the main monastery building. It is one of the quietest viewpoints in this guide, well away from the busiest areas of the mountain.
4. Mirador del Refugi de Santa Cecilia
Best for: great views of the massif with minimal effort
Difficulty: easy 🚶♂️
Good for: visitors with limited time, roadside stop, travellers arriving by car
Refugi-Mirador de Santa Cecilia
Location: Near Monestir de Santa Cecilia de Montserrat · Style: Refuge-viewpoint · Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Crowd-free views Effort: Easy Access: Short walk
Right next to the Refugi de Santa Cecilia (also known as Refugi Bartomeu Puigròs), and running parallel to the BP-1103 access road to Montserrat, this viewpoint offers magnificent views of the massif with almost no walking required. It is the easiest of all the viewpoints in this guide and a perfect stop on your way up or down the mountain.
Which of these viewpoints should you choose?
If you want the true summit experience, choose Sant Jeroni.
If you want similar views with slightly less effort, choose Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer.
If you want a quiet stop away from the crowds, choose Mirador de Santa Cecilia.
If you have very little time or are travelling by car, choose Mirador del Refugi de Santa Cecilia.
If you prefer the best Montserrat tickets to organize your visit from Barcelona:
Are these mountain viewpoints worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you have already explored the easier viewpoints near the monastery and the Sant Joan area. These four Montserrat mountain viewpoints take you further into the mountain, away from the busiest spots, and reward the extra effort with the best views the massif has to offer.
Planning your full Montserrat day?
Compare the best Montserrat tickets and tours from Barcelona.
Prefer a guided experience?
Compare the best Montserrat tours from Barcelona — rack railway, small group and private options.
FAQ about Montserrat mountain viewpoints
What is the highest viewpoint in Montserrat?
Sant Jeroni, at 1,236 metres, is the highest point of the Montserrat massif and the viewpoint by excellence of the whole mountain.
Is Mirador Verdaguer the same as Sant Jeroni?
No, but they are very close to each other. Mirador Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer sits at 1,171 metres, right next to the Sant Jeroni summit, and offers very similar views with slightly less effort.
Where is the Mirador de Santa Cecilia?
It is located just behind the Monestir de Santa Cecilia de Montserrat, a few hundred metres from the main monastery building, away from the monastery crowds.
Can I reach these mountain viewpoints by car?
The two Santa Cecilia viewpoints are close to the BP-1103 access road and can be reached by car. Sant Jeroni and Mirador Verdaguer, however, are only reached on foot via a mountain hike.
How do I get to Sant Jeroni and Mirador Verdaguer?
Both are usually reached on foot via the Camí Nou de Sant Jeroni, starting from the Funicular Sant Joan upper station, or via other longer hiking routes from the monastery area.
Continue exploring Montserrat
If this guide helped you plan your visit, then it has done its job.
Sergio López Prieto · Local Montserrat Expert
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