Excursions: Montserrat, Sitges & Costa Brava

Montserrat (Catalan: "sawed mountain") is Catalonia's holiest site and one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Iberian Peninsula. The 1,236 m high rocky mountain with its bizarrely shaped sandstone needles looks as if a giant had sawed the mountain. Halfway up (720 m), the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat sits — a pilgrimage site and spiritual heart of Catalonia for over 1,000 years.

The Monastery

The monastery houses the Mare de Déu de Montserrat — the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), a Romanesque wooden figure from the 12th century, revered as the patron saint of Catalonia. In the basilica, you can touch the statue (queue, 30–60 Min.). The Escolania boys' choir (one of the oldest in Europe, since the 13th century) sings daily at 1 PM and 6:45 PM — an unforgettable experience.

Hiking

The hiking trails around Montserrat are among the most spectacular in Catalonia:

• Sant Joan: Funicular to the top (from 9€), then 1h hike to the Hermitage of Sant Joan (932 m). Panoramic views over the Pyrenees and (in clear weather) to the sea.
• Santa Cova: 1h circular route to the Holy Cave, where the Black Madonna was allegedly found. Easy and family-friendly, with sculptures by Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch.
• Sant Jeroni: The summit (1,236 m) — 2.5h from the upper funicular. Challenging, but the view is breathtaking: in clear weather, you can see as far as Mallorca.

Getting There

From Barcelona Plaça d'Espanya: FGC train (line R5) to Monistrol de Montserrat (1h, from 6€ one-way), then cogwheel train (Cremallera) or cable car (Aeri) to the monastery. The Tot Montserrat ticket (from 45€) includes round trip + cogwheel train + museum + lunch — highly recommended. Or: By car (1h, parking at the monastery 8€).

Sitges is the perfect contrast to Barcelona: A picturesque coastal town with white houses, palm trees, a dozen dream beaches, and one of Europe's liveliest LGBTQ+ scenes. Only 35 minutes by train from Barcelona, it feels like another world.

Beaches

Sitges has 17 beaches along 4 km of coastline — from bustling city beaches to hidden coves:

• Platja de Sant Sebastià: The main beach right in front of the old town — fine sand, palm promenade, restaurants. Busy, but not as crowded as Barceloneta.
• Platja de la Bassa Rodona: Sitges' most famous beach and center of the LGBTQ+ scene. Relaxed atmosphere, rainbow flags, good beach bar.
• Platja de les Anquines / Platja dels Balmins: Quieter beaches further east — ideal for families. Partly nudist.

Old Town & Culture

The old town consists of winding alleys with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea, and small boutiques. The Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla on the cliff above the sea is Sitges' landmark — a postcard motif at sunset.

• Museu Cau Ferrat: The former studio of painter Santiago Rusiñol — one of the founders of Catalan Modernisme. Art Nouveau glass art, paintings by El Greco and Picasso, and a terrace with sea view. Admission: 10€.
• Carnival: Sitges' Carnival (February/March) is Spain's most eccentric — colorful, wild, and shaped by the LGBTQ+ community. Parades, costumes, bars, and clubs — a week of non-stop fun.
• Film Festival: In October, the Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya takes place — one of the most prestigious fantasy and horror film festivals in the world.

Getting There

From Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia or Sants: Rodalies train R2 Sud to Sitges (35 Min., from 4.60€ one-way). Trains run every 20–30 minutes. Alternatively: Mon-Bus (55 Min., 4.50€).

The Costa Brava (Wild Coast) begins 60 km northeast of Barcelona and stretches to the French border — 200 km of rugged cliffs with hidden coves, turquoise waters, medieval villages, and the surreal universe of Salvador Dalí.

The Dalí Triangle

Three places form the Triàngulo Daliniano — the holy trinity of Surrealism:

• Figueres — Teatre-Museu Dalí: The most important Dalí museum in the world — and a total work of art. Dalí designed it himself: The facade with eggs and bread sculptures, the rainy Cadillac, the Mae West lips sofa, and the crypt where Dalí is buried. A must for any art fan. Admission: 14€. Getting there: AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants (55 Min., from 12€).
• Portlligat — Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí: Dalí's home and studio in a hidden cove near Cadaqués. Only by reservation (groups of max. 8 people) — an intimate insight into his life. Admission: 14€.
• Púbol — Castell Gala Dalí: A Gothic castle that Dalí gave to his wife Gala. Dalí could only visit with a written invitation from his wife. Admission: 8€.

The Most Beautiful Coves

• Cadaqués: The whitewashed fishing village where Dalí lived — the most beautiful village on the Costa Brava. Narrow alleys, art galleries, fresh fish, and a rugged, windswept beauty. 2.5h from Barcelona.
• Tossa de Mar: Medieval old town (Vila Vella) on a promontory over turquoise waters. Marc Chagall called it the "blue paradise". 1.5h from Barcelona by bus.
• Calella de Palafrugell: Picture-perfect fishing village with boats on the beach and the best Habaneras concerts (Cuban sailor songs) in July. 2h from Barcelona.
• Cap de Creus: The easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula — a surreal rocky desert that inspired many of Dalí's paintings. Perfect for hikers.

Getting There

The Costa Brava is best explored by rental car — this way you can reach the hidden coves and tour the Dalí Triangle in one day. Alternatively: Buses from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, and Figueres (Sarfa bus company). Figueres also accessible by high-speed train (AVE/AVLO, 55 Min., from 9€).