- 2 h
- 7 km
- Low
Throug this route we’ll discover the ancient hermitages located on the southern side of “Vall Mala” stream, built around the “Les Gorres” rock group, with the famous “Gorra Frígia” dominating the whole group.
Once in front the Abat Oliba apartments building, we’ll head up the paved road passing in front of the lower Sant Joan funicular station, which will lead us to Sant Miquel chapel.
After twenty minutes we’ll reach Sant Miquel cross viewpoint diversion (signposted), wich offers breathtaking views to all visitors.
A few further meters higher we find Sant Miquel chapel.
Following the ascendant track we will find the Sant Miquel’s pool, linked most probably to the remote origins of the chapel.
We’ll get to the Pla de Sant Miquel in around five minutes, where you will find a crossroad: one path going down on the left hand side towards Santa Cova and Collbato’s road, another flat one -known as Les Bateries road- and the last one that goes upwards direction Sant Joan.
We’ll take the latter with a steep slope wich is bound to Pla de les Taràntules, a plain just in front the upper Sant Joan funicular station.
The Nature Hall is located in the same building, and holds information on the history of the mountain, its climatic characteristics and its fauna and flora.
Among the different trails leaving from here, we must choose the one to the left, Sant Joan’s trail.
From Sant Joan chapel we may continue a little further up to the remains of the ancient hermitages of Sant Joan and Sant Onofre, both embedded in a long crack in the rock.
Along the crack you can see numerous hundred-year-old stone sculptures. The recovery of Jacob’s stairway allows access to Santa Magdalena hermitage.
Now we may return to the main trail by the same way back to the monastery, or we can alternatively take Sant Joan funicular at Pla de les Taràntules.
Route Map
Map of services on Montserrat
Park Rules and Regulations
- Respect private property. Do not walk across cultivated meadows or crop fields.
- Respect cultural and historical heritage. It must be preserved for future generations.
- The capture and/or collection of animals, rocks, minerals or plants is forbidden throughout the Nature Park.
- It is forbidden to discard any kind of rubbish throughout the Nature Park. Always use the bins or take away any rubbish you may have.
No fires must be lit anywhere in the Nature Park.- Free camping is forbidden throughout the Nature Park. For more information on where you can stay, contact the Nature Park's Tourist Information Office.
- Do not make any unnecessary noise. Respect the quiet, especially where birds are nesting.
- All wheeled vehicles are forbidden throughout the Nature Park except on paths and routes open to the public.
- Dogs must be on a lead to ensure they can't disturb any wildlife.
- Walking is the best way to get to know the heritage of our natural places. Follow the signposted routes and paths as it's easy to get lost among the irregular terrain.
Warning! Risk of rock falls.
Basic Tips When on the Trail
- » Before leaving, check the weather conditions and how these might change. Do not undertake the walk if the forecast is not good.
- » Particular care must be taken on cold winter days, in the rain or mist and on hot summer days.
- » Plan your walk and its duration, consulting the guides and the map of the route.
- » Equip yourself adequately for the walk as the weather can change very quickly.
- » Never go alone or at least inform someone of your intended walk. When in a group, always remain in contact with the rest of the party.
- » Keep within your possibilities and remember you have to make the return journey. Carry water in your backpack, drink frequently and eat energy-giving foods.
- » Do not leave the signposted routes or take any shortcut as this results in land erosion.
- » Don't leave any rubbish in the park. Take it with you and place it in the containers or bins provided for the purpose.
- » Hunting is controlled on the mountain in order to maintain a balanced population of game. When planning your walk, consult the dates planned for boar hunts each season.
- » Should an accident occur, call the emergency services on 112. Keep calm and provide the following information:
- →Number of people involved and their age
- →Location of the accident
- →Status of the people involved: Are they injured? Conscious? Bleeding? Breathing?
- →Weather conditions at the location of the accident
Further information
Contact the office of the Montserrat Mountain Nature Park:
Plaça Abat Oliba, s/n, Tel. 938350644Visit our website:
