tourism in montserrat

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montserrat

Written by Karen Hastings Nov 17, 2020

Known as the "Emerald Isle" of the Caribbean, magnificent Montserrat survives as a somber spectacle of nature's awe-inspiring power. The north side of the island puckers with lush peaks, and to the south lies an eerie lunar scape of deserted settlements and blackened valleys scarred by a series of devastating volcanic eruptions that began in 1995.

Today, the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and its ash-smothered surrounds lie in an exclusion zone comprising more than half the island. Police-escorted sightseeing tours take tourists into the zone, and several hilltop vantage points provide breathtaking views of the devastated areas, including the former capital of Plymouth.

On Montserrat's picturesque northern side, new settlements are flourishing. Ecotourists and nature lovers travel by ferry from Antigua to hike the verdant rainforest trails, spot some of the island's many species of birds, dive and snorkel the thriving coral reefs, and sunbathe on the silver-sand beaches.

Rich in natural beauty, friendly Montserrat is a haven for those seeking a slow and peaceful slice of tropical island life and a humbling reminder of nature's brute force.

For ideas on the best places to visit and popular things to do here, read our list of the top attractions in Montserrat.

1. Soufrière Hills Volcano

2. rendezvous bay, 3. montserrat volcano observatory, 4. little bay beach, 5. scuba diving, 6. montserrat hiking trails, 7. centre hills, 8. woodlands bay, 9. montserrat national trust, 10. runaway ghaut, 11. montserrat cultural centre, 12. montserrat festivals, frequently asked questions, what accommodation is available on montserrat.

The Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, devastating a large section of Montserrat, including the once-charming capital of Plymouth. Today, the volcano is part of an exclusion zone, however you can organize a guided and police-escorted tour, subject to seismic activity, to parts of this zone through Sun's Montserrat Island Tours.

If you are traveling around the island on your own, you can also experience and photograph a sobering view of the volcano and its path of destruction from several vantage points. Some of these include Jack Boy Hill , the Montserrat Volcano Observatory , and Garibaldi Hill .

A trip to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory gives an excellent overview of the volcanic eruptions and their impact on this beautiful island.

Tucked beneath towering cliffs, the peaceful beach at Rendezvous Bay is Montserrat's only stretch of blond sand. The bay itself is favored for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Most visitors access the area by boat or kayak since the hike to this serene stretch of coast is strenuous. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Carved into the bluff here are two caves that are home to large colonies of Antillean fruit-eating bats . You might catch a glimpse of them as you paddle past on a kayak.

Want to learn more about the volcanic eruptions that devastated this island? A visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is highly recommended. Scientists at the observatory monitor seismic activity on the island and share live recordings with visitors.

A highlight of a visit is watching an excellent 20-minute video on the Soufrière Hills Volcano , which shows how the eruption impacted life on the island. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding exclusion zone, the abandoned capital of Plymouth, and the cloud-capped volcano looming beyond.

The best way to enjoy a visit here is to organize a tour with a knowledgable guide, preferably someone who was personally impacted by the volcano's eruption and can compare and contrast life before and after this tragic event. The observatory also offers lectures and field trips.

On Montserrat's west coast, Little Bay Beach is one of the most popular crescents of sand on the island. The calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and you can relax along the gray-sand shore and watch boats bob in port at the bay's northern end. The best place to swim here is closer to the cliff-backed end of the beach.

Beachside restaurants sell local seafood and refreshments, and you'll find dive shops and places to rent water sports equipment here as well.

Divers looking to escape the crowds and explore thriving coral reefs will love Montserrat. After the volcanic eruptions, the southern reefs were reborn, and the budding marine life drifted to the reefs in the north, boosting their populations. Divers can see everything from huge sponges and heads of brain coral to kaleidoscopic tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and sharks.

A favorite dive lies off Redonda , a small island about 14 miles from Montserrat. It's known for its resident green moray eel and visiting nurse sharks.

Montserrat Island Dive Centre and Scuba Montserrat at Little Bay are the island's most popular dive shops.

As Montserrat reinvents itself and seeks to lure more visitors, hiking has become a key tourist attraction.

The Blackwood Allen Trail is one of the more difficult hikes, offering great views and a close-up look at some of the island's unique vegetation. The hike leads past the Blackwood Allen stream to a viewing area that overlooks the ocean and villages in the north.

The Oriole Walkway is one of the island's most popular trails. This hike offers a glimpse of life in the rainforest and an opportunity to see Montserrat's national bird, the oriole.

The Cot is a hiking trail offering both beautiful views and a glimpse of the island's history. The path runs through an old banana plantation and near the ruins of a cottage that belonged to a prominent family on the island. A high vantage point also allows for great views out over the ocean.

A strenuous trail leads from Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay , the only white-sand beach on Montserrat, while the Silver Hills trail takes hikers past the extinct Silver Hill Volcano . The trail is known for the scenic views that extend across the island and coastline, and it's also a good area for birding.

Covered in tropical rainforest, the Centre Hills are renowned for their biological diversity and rich habitats.

Most of Montserrat's 34 species of land birds and large numbers of migrant songbirds make this area their home, including the threatened Montserrat oriole (the national bird), the rare forest thrush, the bridled quail dove, and the mangrove cuckoo.

The area also harbors many species of reptiles and amphibians, and two species of bats.

The best way to explore this wonderland of rare species is on the hiking trails. Guided tours are available through the Montserrat National Trust .

Peaceful Woodlands Bay lies close to the villages at the southwestern end of the Northern Zone. This small black-sand beach is ideal for relaxing, but the waters here are often rough, and swimming can be dangerous. Look out for riptides if you're braving the swells.

The beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and you'll find some decent snorkeling - especially around the rocks at the south end of the beach. Change rooms are available here, too.

The cliffs above the beach are a great spot to enjoy a picnic and a good vantage point for spotting migrating whales.

Montserrat National Trust headquarters is a great place to visit when you first arrive on the island. Here, you can learn a little about this fascinating island through permanent and rotating exhibits on the island's history, arts and crafts, and local way of life.

After touring the exhibits, take a self-guided stroll around the botanical gardens and nature trails. Among the indigenous and exotic flora, are medicinal herbs, orchids, and plants of former economic importance.

A gift shop on the premises sells handcrafted souvenirs, and you can also organize guided hikes on the island's nature trails here.

Another place to learn more about this rugged Caribbean island is the Montserrat National Museum in Little Bay, a short stroll from the ferry terminal. Artwork, artifacts, and exhibits here unveil the island's history and culture, from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. The museum is only open a couple of days a week for limited hours. Check with the National Trust for details.

Official site: http://montserratnationaltrust.ms/

Runaway Ghaut is one of Montserrat's most famous ghauts (pronounced "guts"). These steep ravines carry rainwater to the sea from high in the mountains.

Hiking along the short 10-minute Runaway Ghaut Trail, you can see luxuriant vegetation and huge tropical trees, as well as more than 20 different species of birds.

Local legend states that anyone who sips the spring water at the drinking fountain here is destined to return to Montserrat.

The Montserrat Cultural Centre is a top attraction in Little Bay. This multipurpose performing arts center was inspired and funded by ex-Beatles producer, Sir George Martin.

Capped with a red roof that pops against the lush hillside, the facility hosts a recording studio and can accommodate up to 500 people for conferences, weddings, and cultural events.

The Wall of Fame exhibit features bronze handprints of famous musicians who recorded music on Montserrat during the 1980s, including Elton John and Paul McCartney.

Official site: http://themontserratculturalcentre.ms/

Montserrat holds a number of annual festivals in both the winter and summer months. The St. Patrick's Week Celebration is a highlight in Montserrat. It's the only place outside of Ireland to declare St. Patrick's Day an official holiday. The celebration takes place in the week leading up to March 17 with colorful events, fun things to do, entertainment, and competitions.

Other popular festivals include the Calabash Festival , held in July, and Carnival , which takes place over the two weeks leading up to the New Year, with music, dancing, costumes, parades, and competitions.

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Other Caribbean Islands near Montserrat: A short flight from Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda are famous for their sublime white-sand beaches, which are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean . South of Montserrat, nature lovers will enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Guadeloupe and Dominica . Both of these islands are rich in natural beauty, with hot springs, hiking trails, and lush peaks.

You won't find any large resorts on this Caribbean gem. Instead, Montserrat hotels are mainly small family-run guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. If you look at a Montserrat map, you'll notice that most of the accommodation peppers the island's west coast. Some hotels perch atop lush hillsides with rain forest, volcano, and ocean views. Others lie a short stroll from some of Montserrat's best beaches.

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This Stunning Island Is Called the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean' — and Has an Active Volcano and Black-sand Beaches

Here's where to eat, stay, and play on the beautiful Caribbean island of Montserrat.

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Montserrat is an ideal location for travelers looking to commune with nature instead of tourist crowds. The tiny volcanic island in the Caribbean is home to lush slopes brimming with flora and fauna, an active volcano called Soufrière Hills, remote black-sand beaches , and welcoming, proud people with a distinctive heritage.

It's also known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean because of its resemblance to the coast of Ireland. Many of Montserrat’s residents even have Irish ancestry, and it's the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. This celebration includes honoring an attempted rebellion by enslaved Africans against European colonizers in 1768.

Though often remembered for a devastating volcanic eruption in 1997 that buried the capital of Plymouth, Montserrat remains a thriving, wildlife-rich island that has rebuilt and restored itself based on its strong cultural traditions. Here are just a few ways to explore.

Getting to Montserrat  

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Montserrat is located in the Eastern Caribbean. There are no nonstop flights from the U.S., so most international passengers fly into neighboring islands Antigua and Barbuda (V.C. Bird International Airport). From Antigua, there are two airlines that offer flights to Montserrat: FlyMontserrat and SVG Air . The flight takes about 20 minutes. 

Best Time to Visit Montserrat 

For sunny weather and near perfect beach days, plan to visit between mid-December and mid-April. The late season between August and October can often provide cheaper flights and accommodation options, but the weather can be quite humid during this time, with an increased risk for tropical storms. 

Best Things to Do on Montserrat

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Hikers can enjoy nine hiking trails in the northern part of the island, mainly in Centre Hills. Rewards along the way include spotting 34 species of birds that inhabit the island, including Montserrat’s endemic oriole, the endangered mountain chicken (a type of frog), and the rare galliwasp, a half-snake, half-lizard creature. During May to December, turtles migrate onto the island’s black-sand beaches to nest. A number of PADI-trained dive operators offer snorkeling excursions through the island’s vivid coral reefs. Visitors can also see the island’s active volcano, Soufrière Hills, from various points, including Garibaldi Hill, Jack Boy Hill, and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory . And during the Buried City tour , you can view buildings that were buried by volcanic material due to the 1995 eruption.

At the end of July, the Cudjoe Head Fest celebrates the island’s African ancestry with a steel band performance, carnival events, local performances, and a display of goods produced in the village. Book lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the annual Alliouagana Festival of the Word , a literary event that draws award-winning writers and readers from around the globe. 

Best Places to Stay on Montserrat

Courtesy of Visit Montserrat

Forget the typical all-inclusive hotel on Montserrat. What you’ll find here instead are intimate bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, and villas with sweeping ocean views. Located on a foliage-filled hilltop and just a five-minute drive from the airport, Tropical Mansion Suites has 16 rooms, each with their own private balcony and ocean views. Or, witness the majestic Soufrière Hills volcano from Olveston House , once owned by famed Beatles producer, the late Sir George Martin. Guests here can also have a glass of wine on the spacious veranda and admire the kaleidoscopic garden surroundings.

Set on three acres on a secluded mountainside, Gingerbread Hill is all about self-sufficiency and sustainability, including the use of recycled materials, hydroponic gardens, and trees where guests can pick their own fruit. Four self-serving acommodation types feature hand-painted tiles and wraparound verandas. For more private accommodations, Montserrat has a number of villa options , too. Many include concierge services, daily cleaning, and in-house cooks. 

Best Places to Eat and Drink on Montserrat 

If you have a chance to try Montserrat’s traditional national dish, goat water, don’t miss it. The hearty stew consists of goat meat chunks, eaten hot with a crusty bread roll. There are also a number of fruits found on the island that make for delicious juices, including soursop, mango, blackberry, guava, tamarind, gooseberry, and West Indian cherry, which has a similar taste to apples. 

Olveston House offers an international menu created by award-winning chef Sarah Sweeney. Caribbean-infused British dishes like pork tenderloin are served in a tropical garden setting on a wraparound porch. A popular dessert on the menu is the Eton Mess, made of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. On Friday, enjoy the lively pub night, and on Wednesday, a BBQ feast — both great for rubbing elbows with islanders.

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Overlooking Little Bay Beach, Summer Breeze features a variety of curries and other fusion dishes alongside rotis and paninis, all best accompanied by a strong rum punch. The garlic shrimp and king fish with curry are house favorites.

Island of Montserrat Travel Guide

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Montserrat island is not what you think it is. Forget the popularized concept of a Caribbean destination destroyed. Forget pining for glory days long past. And forget writing off this resilient island.

Montserrat is a volcano paradise that should be on your immediate Caribbean travel horizons.

Volcano Paradise

Two things set Montserrat apart from all other Caribbean islands: welcoming people the likes of which you’ve probably never met and a one-of-a-kind volcano.

You’re highly unlikely to find any other destination in the West Indies with more welcoming people than Montserrat. Visitors should expect to walk into restaurants, shops, and bars and get a greeting as though they’ve lived on the island their whole life!

On our last visit , we didn’t just meet new people; we made new friends. That’s not something that happens often, but here it happened every day at almost every turn.

The volcano

Now, about that volcano. There may not be a more misunderstood entity in the entire Caribbean.

For years, the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been nothing but a symbol of destruction.

When people claimed to be going to look at the active volcano, what they meant was to gawk at the ruins of the former capital Plymouth . Montserrat’s formerly vibrant capital city was buried under 60 feet of rock and ash during volcanic eruptions starting in 1997. People died in the pyroclastic flows. It was a heartbreaking disaster, but that’s not where the story ends.

Since then, Soufriere Hills has increased the size of the island by over five square miles! By creating a large off-limits area for humans with the exclusion zone, the volcano has allowed nature to flourish in ways unheard of in the Caribbean. It has even become one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world thanks to the nearby Montserrat Volcano Observatory, creating invaluable opportunities for us to better understand our world.

It even created all-new beaches!

And did I mention it’s magical to spend your days in the shadow of this smoking Caribbean wonder? Every morning on my last visit, I would wake early to watch the first rays of morning ignite the volcano’s fluffy halo in iridescent violets, reds, oranges, and blues.

There is nowhere else in the entire Caribbean where you can start your days like this in view of the volcano. And it’s mesmerizing.

But is Montserrat’s volcano tourism safe ? As I mentioned, the Soufrière Hills Volcano is very closely monitored. Plus, no one can even enter the exclusion zone surrounding the city of Plymouth without a permit, a prior request to The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), and remaining in constant contact with MVO scientists once inside. And even with those precautions, no one is allowed within three miles of the summit!

Thanks to the MVO and public safety officials in Montserrat, volcano travel adventures here are also among the safest you can enjoy anywhere.

How to get to Montserrat Island

Like any exotic destination worth its salt, Montserrat doesn’t open its arms to lazy travelers. You have to want to get here to enjoy all the island has to offer. And the first step is knowing where you’re going.

Where is Montserrat?

The island of Montserrat is located around the middle of the Caribbean island chain. In an area we call the sweet spot. It’s about 40 miles southwest of Antigua and about 50 miles southeast of Nevis. And while we’re measuring distances, it’s also about 50 miles northwest of the Guadeloupe Islands.

The quickest way is hopping a flight in a small 9-seater plane with Fly Montserrat . Usually, they make the short hop from Antigua’s V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) multiple times a day. (If you can’t travel with our preferred Fly Montserrat, you can also try SVG Air .)

If you’ve never taken a small plane before, then your one-of-a-kind Montserrat travel adventure begins before you even arrive on island! Expect to get cozy with your travel partner for 20 minutes while enjoying awe-inspiring vistas both while leaving Antigua and approaching Montserrat.

Unfortunately, the Jaden Sun Ferry Service no longer runs between Antigua and Montserrat. This means there are currently no regularly scheduled ferry services to Montserrat, making getting here even more exclusive.

It’s too bad because when you used to travel aboard the ferry, you could expect air conditioning, comfy seats, an hour-and-a-half duration, and the possibility of screening a terrible movie. (We endured Weekend at Bernies 2 on our last crossing!)

I’m hoping some intrepid entrepreneur will restart service sometime soon.

Weather permitting

The only issue with both of these methods for reaching Montserrat is that they operate weather permitting. The port at Little Bay, Montserrat, isn’t particularly sheltered, so it’s impossible for a ferry to dock safely when seas are rough.

Meanwhile, John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) on Montserrat is less than 2,000 feet long. By comparison, the runway at Antigua is nearly 2 miles long! So, again, with such a diminutive landing strip, the weather certainly can have an impact on travel.

What’s in a Name?

Although the island had been home to Native American inhabitants since around 3000  BCE, it’s said that when Christopher Columbus laid eyes on it in 1493 that it was uninhabited. That is if you believe a genocidal explorer with no regard for the region’s inhabitants beyond their exploitation.

At that time, he named the island in honor of the Montserrat Abbey in Spain. Something that causes issues for travelers doing a little googling to this day!

Before his arrival, the island was already well known by the Kalinago as Alliouagana . Or “Land of Prickly Bush.”

Montserrat Beaches

Montserrat isn’t likely to top any “Best Beaches in the World” lists any time soon, but that’s more a failing of those stereotypical lists than any fault in the sandy shores of this volcano paradise.

Blessed with fresh, black sand beaches (and one beach that zigs when the others zag), Montserrat may not be a big island, but it has something for every beachgoer in search of the exotic.

Woodlands Beach

My favorite ebony beach has to be Woodlands Beach . Found about halfway down the west side of the island, expect a nearly quarter-mile-long oceanfront bookended with two soaring onyx cliffs facing directly west. Perfect for being painted in color as the last rays of sunset fall over the Leeward Islands. To say it’s picturesque is an understatement.

Isle’s Bay Beach

For something you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean, try Isle’s Bay Beach further south. It’s a nearly 2,000-foot expanse of sparkling dark sand, but what makes it unique is that the beach as it is now didn’t even exist 20 years ago! Yes, this whole beach is new!

Of course, there was a beach here before the eruptions, but thanks to the Soufrière Hills’ volcanic activity, this new beach now extends around 100 yards beyond its previous shoreline. You can still walk the pier that used to jut out into the pre-volcano bay — only now that pier is surrounded by new land.

Other beaches that deserve a visit include Fox’s Bay Beach, little Lime Kiln Bay Beach, and even more cozy Bunkum Bay Beach.

Barton Bay Beach

Barton Bay Beach is truly uncommon for a number of reasons. The first is that it may be the closest accessible beach to an active volcano in the Caribbean! Yes, it lays just outside the exclusion zone. This means beachgoers here have the surreal backdrop of a smoking volcano while they take a dip.

Also found here are a stunning black rock arch, a geothermal hot spring, and even the ruins of an old fort overlooking it all. You won’t find a beach like it anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Rendezvous Beach

But the story of Montserrat is never dull, so of course, there’s a twist to the island’s beaches. The embodiment of that twist is by Rendezvous Bay Beach, the island’s one and only white sand beach!

The how and why of this beach’s unique coloration is still a mystery to me, but on my last visit to Rendezvous , it was even whiter than my first visit ten years ago.

You can hike to Rendezvous Beach fairly easily or rent a kayak in Little Bay (another fun beach) from our friends at Scuba Montserrat.

Trust me, backed by towering lush green hills and fronted by crystal clear waters with a rainbow of coral in its depths, Rendezvous Beach is a must-visit!

Where to Stay

Of all the things tiny Montserrat island has going for it, don’t expect a destination with fancy resorts or large hotels.

That said, there are quaint guesthouses with a bed and breakfast vibe like Olveston House . It was once home to Sir George Martin, a prolific producer for the Beatles (among others) and the founder of AIR Studios Montserrat .

Tropical Mansion Suites is a somewhat centrally located hotel with an engaging events calendar and a well-regarded restaurant. The once legendary Vue Pointe Hotel has also been partially reopened, making it another option further off the beaten path.

But your best bet for accommodations on the island is villas. Our friend Susan MacLeod Edgecombe at Tradewinds Real Estate has a wide selection of rental homes. And should you fall in love with your lodgings, there’s a good chance it’s for sale! You might be surprised how active that pipeline is for visitors choosing to make their home in Montserrat.

One of our favorite homes we saw on our last visit was Mango Falls, a four-bedroom, four-bath multi-level home set into the northern cliff over Woodlands Beach. If the monarchy interests you, this is the place Princess Anne stayed on her visit to Montserrat. And the whole thing can be yours for less than the price of a posh hotel room on Antigua.

What to do on Montserrat

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: yes, you can book tours to visit the ruins of Plymouth .

First pummelled by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, its shops, hotels, and government buildings were rebuilt only to be buried a few years later during the eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. Yes, you can wallow in what once was on Montserrat. But, should you?

Our answer is, sure, it’s a fascinating piece of recent Caribbean history. And something you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

The mistake people make is in thinking that’s all there is!

One of the first people I seek out even before I travel to Montserrat is Scriber . For decades, he’s shared his love for the small island and knowledge of its interior with visitors and residents alike.

With Scriber Adventure Tours, he’ll take you deep into the forests of Montserrat (especially throughout the Centre Hills) and introduce you to his animal friends particularly the unique Montserrat Oriole. No, seriously. When he calls, birds flock within arms reach to greet him. It’s enchanting to see.

He’ll also expertly guide you through the island’s emerald depths. Across rivers, through gullies, over ridges, and even to an ancient petroglyphs site — he knows Montserrat in a stunning amount of detail

Thanks to a relatively low human impact on the environment (another reason to appreciate the volcano), Montserrat is surrounded by water teeming with new coral growth. Healthy coral means homes for fish. And the best way to see it all is with Scuba Montserrat .

Situated right off the dock in Little Bay, Emmy and Andy are fun-loving, but passionate dive instructors. For a quick dive, they can get you outfitted and diving right along the north wall of Little Bay. Nothing could be easier!

If SCUBA isn’t your thing, you can still take in all the waterborne wonders Montserrat has to offer by visiting Aqua Montserrat on the south end of Little Bay.

Here, Veta Wade can sweep you away with her infectious laugh and energized passion for conservation.

Your best bet is a guided kayak and snorkel experience for $60. With this package, she’ll take you out of Little Bay and past some bat caves to Rendezvous Beach; Montserrat’s only white sand beach.

If you can tear yourself away from the secluded sands, the reward is one of the best snorkel trails I’ve ever explored. Schools of fish numbering near the hundreds, large elkhorn coral, clear waters, and even the occasional turtle or two await just beyond the shore.

The National Trust

Back on land, one must-visit is the National Trust’s Botanic Garden .

Having surrendered the former botanical gardens to the exclusion zone, the National Trust has become a new haven for conserving the wealth of natural diversity found on the island. And equally important, it serves as a repository of knowledge governing how to utilize these plants for everything from cancer remedies to lip gloss.

Ask for Philemon “ Mappie ” Murrain to get a guided tour of all the gardens have to offer.

Not content exploring all the magical activities available on land? Try a Montserrat boat tour ! Experiencing the island by boat offers access you simply can’t get by land. See the pinnacle rocks, wonder at tiny Little Redonda, see Hells Gate, set foot on beaches only accessible by sea, and even boat around the exclusion zone on the south end of the island!

Where to eat

The island of Montserrat has more delightful choices for enjoying authentic West Indian food than it probably deserves considering its size and population.

There are few things I love more than a good saltfish buljol and johnny cake to start the day. It’s one of those meals that immediately immerse me in all that is good in the West Indies as quickly as possible.

To start your day immersed in the flavor of the Caribbean, I suggest stopping at Mary’s Takeout under the silk cotton tree in Cudjoehead. As a bonus to the authentic eats, you also get warm smiles and Monseratian charm from Ms. Mary herself.

For breakfast on Sunday, you’ll need to swing by JD’s Bakery . It’s the only game in town, but not to worry. You’ll still walk away with a saltfish and provisions plate. One that can fuel any amount of adventures you may have in mind!

Another excellent option for breakfast is the Hilltop Coffee House , where David Lea and his wife Clover serve waffles and superb coffee Saturday mornings among his extensive memorabilia of Montserrat’s past.

Lunch in the Caribbean is always the most dangerous meal of the day. It’s the one where, if you’re not careful, you may still be “eating” lunch when the sun goes down thanks to great company, flowing rum, and chatting for hours.

There’s no place more like to “ruin” your day than The People’s Place atop Forgathy’s Hill. The breeze is perfect. The view of the valley on one side is serene. While the main road on the other side means everyone who passes will likely stop to say “hi.”

The food here is no slouch, either. Expect an ever-changing menu of West Indian staples like stew beef, Montseratian specialties like goat water , the second-best roti on the island, and even pizza!

Another solid spot for lunch would be The Attic . A transplant from Plymouth (like so many of the businesses on Montserrat), this quaint eatery still serves quality local flare at its new location. We can also vouch for the stew beef and BBQ ribs plates at Time Out Restaurant, Bar & Grill in Little Bay.

Once again, the island of Montserrat delivers more quality options than you’d imagine possible for dinner.

For Guyanese Roti (which is damn near as good as Trinidadian), run, don’t walk, to Summer Breeze Restaurant in Little Bay. Trust us. It’s the perfect way to start the night. They even have another favorite of mine: corn soup.

For a truly unique dinner option, make a reservation at Watermelon Cottage . Trevor, your host, is one of a kind. He’ll not only serve some of the best food to be found on-island. He’ll also happily regale you in splendid fashion with tales of his life and travels that strain credulity.

Watermelon Cottage is more than an eclectically designed and decorated dining destination; it’s dinner and a show!

Then there’s Ziggy’s Restaurant . Helmed by husband and wife team John and Marcia, this restaurant has been consistently crafting some of the best dining experiences for hundreds of miles around.

And finally, you might be surprised to hear that we loved getting pizza at Rosemie’s Salem Pizza Parlor . But seriously, what’s better than a solid pizza after a night of bush rum in Salem?

For the complete local experience, don’t miss out on the local pepper sauces. Our pick is Rooster’s but we liked every one we sampled, so you can’t go wrong!

When to Visit Montserrat Island

Montserrat, like other Caribbean islands, has a wetter season in the Summer and a dryer season in the Winter. So, naturally, the weather in the Lesser Antilles is most appealing during the months when it’s coldest for our friends in the northern hemisphere.

That said, thanks to the island’s vibrant and unique heritage, some yearly events and festivals are worth shaping your travel around.

St. Patrick’s Festival: March 10 – 17

The most uncommon event has to be the St. Patrick’s Festival.

Montserrat is the only country in the world, other than Ireland, where St. Patrick’s Day is considered a public holiday. The difference is that here the revelry lasts a whole week!

But don’t think this weeklong celebration is only thanks to the many Irish Catholics who settled on the island in the 1600s. It also commemorates an unsuccessful slave revolt in 1768 that lead to the rebellion leaders’ public execution.

It’s a tricky tightrope to walk between these two reasons for the season. And that’s why visiting during this time is so special. It profoundly lays bare the often complicated history of the Caribbean and still finds time for feteing!

Montserrat Carnival: December 15 – January 1

From mid-December to New Year’s Day, visitors can enjoy an intimate carnival experience. It’s as colorful, loud, and exhausting as you’d want it to be. All without any of the unfortunate criminality that has marred more massive carnivals in other parts of the Caribbean.

Other Events

July brings Calabash Festival, where stunning creations are made from the massive fruit of the calabash tree. At the beginning of August, there are festivities connected to the island’s African heritage surrounding Cudjoe Head Fest . And in November is the Alliouagana Festival of the Word. Experience a literary festival that brings acclaimed writers to Montserrat from all over the Caribbean islands and the world.

One more thing!

Something that can really trip up visitors to the island of Montserrat (including us on our last visit!) is the fact that you have to pay in order to leave the island. Yes, there’s a departure tax.

It costs US$21 or EC$55 (CARICOM nationals are US$13 or EC$35) per person . There’s also another Antigua Airport Administration Charge in the sum of US$37.50 per person for travelers not connecting through Antigua airport within 24 hours.

They won’t let you on the plane or ferry without paying these fees. And there’s no ATM at the airport or ferry terminal for you to get money. So plan ahead!

The Bottom Line on Montserrat Tourism

As I mentioned at the beginning: Montserrat is likely not what you’ve heard it is. For too long, the story has only been about the destruction of the Emerald Isle. Only looking back on glory days. But the truth is, between the incredibly welcoming people, the lush green hills, the vibrant seas, and the absolutely stunning volcano, Montserrat truly is a volcano island paradise.

Montserrat Map

Last updated by Patrick Bennett on 07/13/2023 .

Know Before You Go

Things to do in island of montserrat.

Isle’s Bay Beach Bar

Hilltop Coffee House

Runaway Ghaut

Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

The People’s Place

Ziggy’s Restaurant

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Get lost with us..

Montserrat is one of the Caribbean's most dramatic islands, not only in terms of its soaring peaks and rainforest-covered hillsides, but also due to the cataclysmic eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano that took place in the late 1990s. Hundreds of successive eruptions devastated the tiny island, leading to the abandonment of the capital Plymouth and the removal of the entire population from the island's lower two-thirds, the repercussions of which are still felt today.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center

A must-see on any Montserrat visit, this nonprofit cafe founded by filmmaker David Lea and his wife Clover does multi-duty as museum, art gallery,…

Rendezvous Bay

Montserrat’s only white sandy beach is a lovely (though totally facility-free) crescent perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It can only be…

Montserrat Volcano Observatory

Scientists at the MVO keep track of the volcano’s every belch and hiccup. At the interpretation center, an 18-minute documentary by local filmmaker David…

Jack Boy Hill

After about a 3-mile drive south along the east coast (from where the main road reaches the coast), the badly battered road turns into the hills and leads…

Runaway Ghaut

Ghauts (pronounced 'guts') are steep ravines that send rainwater rushing down from the mountains into the sea. The most famous on the island is Runaway…

National Museum of Montserrat

This modest little museum presents exhibits on aspects of island culture and history from Amerindian times to the present, including photos and dioramas…

Woodlands Beach

About halfway down the western coast, this easily accessible dark-sand beach is often footprint-free but has little shade. A covered clifftop picnic area…

Belham Valley

Now buried under mud and volcanic debris, Belham Valley used to be home to an 18-hole golf course, a bridge and a three-story building. After heavy rain,…

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Art and Culture

Mar 7, 2023 • 8 min read

St Patrick’s Festival is a 10-day event full of music, revelry and rum, celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Irish heritage on the island of Montserrat.

Feb 3, 2021 • 2 min read

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Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat Spain

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 32 Comments

Montserrat is an impressive mountain range with an important mountaintop monastery around 30km as the crow flies from Barcelona in Spain. Visiting Montserrat from Barcelona is one of the most popular day trips from the city.

Of course, there are many ways you can get to and visit Montserrat. We visited it as part of a longer road trip around the Catalonia region, so we drove, but you can also visit on a tour or by public transport. However, one of the most common options for visiting Montserrat is as part of a day trip from Barcelona, so this post includes plenty of information on how to do that.

The mountain range is both a place of pilgrimage and a popular place for hiking (similar to the Vall de Nuria in fact), and there’s a lot to do here.

In this guide to visiting Montserrat, we’re going to give you all the information you need to plan your own trip to Montserrat.

We’re going to tell you the best ways to get here, what there is to do on the mountain, where to stay, and lots of other practical advice. We’re also going to recommend some companies that do day tours to Montserrat from Barcelona.

As always, this post is based on our own personal experiences, and we’re happy to answer your questions in the comments at the end. Now, let’s get started with our detailed guide to visiting Montserrat.

What is Montserrat?

Montserrat is a mountain range made up of a number of peaks, the highest of which (Saint Jerome) is 1,236 metres above sea level. The range rises strikingly from the surrounding landscape and is visually interesting for two reasons – the landscape around it is comparatively low lying and the mountains themselves are very jagged.

The name Montserrat translates in Catalan to serrated mountain, or saw mountain, a reference to how the peaks look like the jagged teeth of a saw. The peaks rise almost vertically from the plains surrounding them, and are visible from a long way off and very recognisable.

As well as being geologically interesting, Montserrat is also the home of a Benedictine Abbey. This was founded in the 11th century and is found 718m up the mountain.

This abbey has an important Roman Catholic relic, a statue of the Madonna and Child which is believed to date from at least the 12th century. This has made the Abbey and the Montserrat mountain as a whole, and important site of pilgrimage for centuries.

Where is Montserrat?

Montserrat is 20 miles / 30 kilometres to the north west of Barcelona as the crow flies. The driving distance is around 40 miles / 65 kilometres, making it easy to reach from Barcelona as a day trip. Most transport options to Montserrat from Barcelona take between an hour and 90 minutes.

The closest town to Montserrat is Monistrol de Montserrat, which is found at the foot of the mountain on the east side. The closest city is Manresa, a little to the north.

How to get from Barcelona to Montserrat?

As visiting Montserrat from Barcelona is a popular day trip, we wanted to share some options for the various transport options you have for making this journey. Of course, you can visit Montserrat from anywhere else too, and much of the information in this section will be relevant to you wherever you are coming from in Spain.

There are a number of ways to get from Barcelona to Montserrat. You can drive yourself, you can take public transport, you can cycle, and you can take a tour.

It’s possible to drive most of the way up the mountain to near where the monastery is, after which you can reach it on foot. There’s also a cable car and a funicular railway up the mountain.

Here are instructions for each of those options.

Driving from Barcelona to Montserrat

If you have a car, it’s an easy drive from Barcelona to Montserrat, and from the city centre to the area of the mountain where you can park should take you just over an hour, depending on traffic.

To get to Monsterrat from Barcelona by car you just follow the C-31 road north-east out of Barcelona, and then the C-58 north-west to Montserrat.

When you get to the town of Monistrol de Montserrat you have two options for getting to the monastery.

First, you can just keep driving until you reach the parking area at the top of the mountain. The road is quite steep and winding, but is well paved and does not need a four wheel drive or anything like that.

The parking area at the top is around a 10 to 20 minute walk from the monastery, depending on how busy it is. Note that the parking area is on a bit of a slope, so the further from the monastery you are, the more slope you will need to walk up.

The parking area is free for the first 30 minutes, and then €6.50 per day. If you stay overnight at the campsite or at one of the accommodation options, the fee is €10.50 for up to three days, and €11.50 for up to seven days. You can see full price information here .

When you enter the car park you will go through a barrier and get a ticket, you will need to pay for your parking at a payment machine before you return to your car and leave the car park.

The other option is to park in Monistrol de Montserrat and then take either the Montserrat rack railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) to the top, or the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.

Both of these options have free parking, either at the Aeri de Montserrat station for the cable car, or at the Cremallera de Monistrol Vila rack railway station. Of course, whilst the parking is free, you do still have to pay for your ticket for these transport options!

The rack railway has a variety of prices depending on time of year and your age. At time of writing, for adults in high season, a single ticket is €7.20 and a return ticket is €12.

You can see all the pricing options and timetables here , but tickets are not available online. You can buy them at the rack railway station.

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car costs €7.50 one way for an adult, and €11.50 return at time of writing. You can see all the prices, and book your tickets online, at the official website here , or in person at the cable car station.

You might be wondering which of all these options we would recommend. The answer of course, is that it depends! At particularly busy times of year, the car park at the top of the mountain can get very busy, and as the car park fills up it can get to be a bit of a walk from the car park area to the monastery.

So if you have mobility issues, you might prefer to park at the bottom of the mountain and take the train or cable car up. The cable car ride is around five minutes, but there is no seating. The rack railway ride is around 15 minutes and does offer seating. The rack railway is also wheelchair accessible, whilst the cable car is not.

However, the car park at the top is by far the cheapest option if you are driving, as you only have to pay to park the car, and a car parking ticket is cheaper than any of the transport options up the mountain. And of course, as you have to buy transport tickets for each individual in your group, the cost can quickly add up.

That said, the journey up the rack railway or cable car is quite spectacular, so don’t discount this option even if you have a car. Both provide some awesome unique views.

Train from Barcelona to Montserrat

If you are staying in Barcelona, a good option to get to Montserrat is by train. It takes around an hour to get to the town of Monistrol de Montserrat at the base of the mountain, from where you can take the rack railway or cable car to the top of the mountain.

You could also hike up, if you wanted some exercise – the hike is around 5km and should take no more than two hours.

Hiking options can be seen on this website and also here . The recommended path is the “ Drecera dels Tres Quarts ” (see English description here ). You can see more hiking options here .

If you take the train from Barcelona to Montserrat, then you can take advantage of the combined train tickets, which can include either the return rack railway or return cable car ticket.

There are also some additional combination tickets you can buy online in advance which have more inclusions, and we’ll also go through these. First though, the basic tickets.

Note that if you have a Barcelona discount pass that includes transportation, such as a Barcelona Pass or Barcelona Card , the transportation will not get you all the way to Montserrat so you will need to purchase separate train tickets.

Basic Combination tickets from Barcelona to Montserrat

The basic return tickets that you can purchase at the station include your train journey to the foot of the mountain and then a return ticket for either the rack railway or the cable car.

As of May 2022 these cost €12.65 for an adult and €23 return in the low / medium season, and €13.25 / €24 return in the high season. You can see up to date pricing at the bottom of this page , Note it is in Catalan, last time I checked the English version was not up to date. You are looking at the price from Zone 4.

You need to buy these tickets in person at Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station.

Note that there are both automated ticket vending machines and also manned ticket booths. Reports online suggest that the automated vending machines are the best option for the basic return ticket as the vendors in the ticket booths primarily sell the higher priced combination tickets which have more inclusions. These higher priced tickets include various addons which can be worth it, more on these further on in the post.

Trains run throughout the day from Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station. You are looking for the R5 train to Manresa, and you can check the times on the FGC website here . Trains run regularly approximately every half hour from early in the morning, but unless you are hiking up the mountain don’t go too early as transport up the mountain doesn’t start until around 9.30am.

Tickets can be purchased from automated vending machines at the Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station. Give yourself plenty of time to find the line and buy the ticket as the station is quite large, and there also can be lines at the ticket machines, especially on weekends.

There are also multiple return train times, with departures from Monistrol back to Barcelona approximately every half an hour. Don’t forget to account for the time it will take to get down the mountain when considering your train time, and be sure to check the schedule of either the rack railway or cable car to give yourself plenty of time.

Please check up to date train times on the FGC website here .

When you buy your ticket at the vending machine at Placa Espanya station you need to specify if you want to take the Aeri de Montserrat cable car or the Cremallera de Montserrat funicular rack railway.

You can of course just buy the train ticket by itself and then buy separate tickets for the funicular or cable car on arrival in Monistrol, but buying the combination ticket will be more cost effective.

The only exception is if you want to take one option up the mountain and one option down the mountain, in which case you will have to buy separate single tickets for the cable car and funicular.

It is important when buying any combination ticket that you decide in advance which transport method up the hill you want to take. Once you have bought the ticket, you can’t change your mind. The type of transport will also define which train station you get off at.

For the cable car, you want to get off the train at the Aeri de Montserrat stop. The cable car is easy, as there is just one stop on each end, and the ride up the mountain only takes five minutes.

For the funicular rack railway, you will get off the train at the Monistrol de Montserrat stop. The funicular has three stations, the one at Monistrol de Montserrat, one a little further up the mountain at Cremallera de Monistrol Vila and then the stop at Montserrat itself.

When coming back down the funicular rack railway to connect with the train, make sure not to get off at the middle stop as this is not close to the train station, and is primarily for those visiting by car or coach.

Finally, something to be aware of when deciding on tickets is that the train back to Barcelona can be quite full, and possibly standing room only. If this is a concern, you will be better off taking the funicular, as this is the first stop for the Montserrat stations that the train stops at. If you take the cable car, the train will likely be quite full by the time it gets to the cable car stop.

Additional Ticket Options from Barcelona to Montserrat

As well as the basic combination train+cable car and train+funicular tickets, there are a number of other tickets available. These tickets include your transportation plus some extra services and inclusions.

These can be purchased in advance of your trip, which will save you queuing at the train station, and hunting for the right ticket machine. You can buy these tickets in person at the train station, at the Plaça Catalunya Tourism Office, or online from the Barcelona Tourism office (as well as various other online locations).

If you buy the tickets online, you will need to exchange the voucher for the actual tickets. If you buy them via the official Barcelona Tourism website (our recommended option), then you can pick them up at a variety of locations, including:

• Tourist information point in Plaça Catalunya, daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. (Except 1st January and 25th December).
• Tourist information point in Barcelona Airport. Terminals T1, T2 and metro L9 lobby; daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm.
• FGC (Catalan Rail) station in plaça Espanya, daily from 8am to 2pm

So what are the ticket choices, and what do they include?

1. Trans Montserrat

The basic ticket is the Trans Montserrat ticket, which is around €10 more expensive than the basic combination ticket. As well as the return train to Barcelona, and your choice of round-trip cable car or funicular transport up the mountain, you also get:

• A round trip metro ticket within Barcelona to get you to Plaça Espanya train station (value €4.40)
• Unlimited rides on the Sant Joan funicular (return ticket value €14, see price here )
• Entrance to the Montserrat audio visual exhibit (€5.50 value)

We’d say that this is worth is just for the Sant Joan Funicular inclusion. You can buy the Trans Montserrat ticket in advance here .

2. Montserrat Exprés

Note – this service does not appear to be bookable for 2024 currently.

The Monserrat Exprés is a special service from Plaça España which guarantees you a seat. There is one of these trains each way per day, so you are limited in that regard, but it will save you potentially standing for an hour each way if there are no seats available.

As well as the return train to Barcelona, and funicular transport up the mountain, you also get:

• Audioguide in 8 languages with information about the train journey and monastery.
• a guide to the shrine of Montserrat “Open-air museum”
• a box of carquinyolis (hard almond biscuits) from Montserrat
• a tasting of typical liqueurs
• a pack of discounts for different services.

If you are interested in these addons, and the idea of guaranteed seat is appealing, then this is certainly an option to consider. You can buy the Montserrat Expres ticket in advance here .

3. Tot Montserrat

This is the most expensive ticket for Montserrat, at just over €50 per person. However, it does include quite a lot, and might work out to be very cost effective if you take advantage of all the features.

As well as the return train to Barcelona, and your choice of round-trip cable car or funicular transport up the mountain, you also get:

• Admission to the Museu de Montserrat (€8 value)
• A meal in the self service restaurant at Montserrat (€10 – €15 approx value)

If you plan on spending the full day at Montserrat, we think this ticket offers great value. It includes pretty much all the activities you would want to do as well as lunch on the mountain, so you don’t have to worry about anything. You can buy the Tot Montserrat ticket in advance here .

A reader asked me in the comments if these combination tickets can be used for an overnight stay, i.e. travelling out to Montserrat, staying overnight, and then returning. The response from the Barcelona Tourism office was that this is possible, but you have to use all the other parts of the ticket (funicular, meal, monastery etc.) on the first day.

So you would need to book transport down the mountain, as the ticket is only valid on the first day. I would however advise checking with the Barcelona Tourism office before doing this in case anything changes.

Taking the Bus from Barcelona to Montserrat

There is a direct bus service that departs from Barcelona once a day to the area at the top of Montserrat. The bus is operated by Autocares Julia , and runs from the Estación de Autobuses de Barcelona/Sants, which is next to the Sants Train Station on Viriat Street, and is around a 10-minute walk from Plaça Espanya.

The bus departs once in the morning from Barcelona, and has one departure time on the way back. We couldn’t find any way to book online, but at just over €5 each way this is one of the most affordable options for getting to the top of the mountain. The journey takes around 90 minutes each way.

It is also possible to book a tour which features round trip bus transport only. These are a little bit more expensive, but at least you can book them in advance. This one for example also gets you to the mountain top early, well in advance of the majority of other tours.

Cycling from Barcelona to Montserrat

It is also possible to cycle from Barcelona to Montserrat. This is a fairly long route (around 145 kilometres round trip) with steep climbs, so we would not recommend this unless you are a fit capable cyclist with experience doing trips like this.

If you do want to do this, there are a number of companies who will help you with bike hire and route planning. Some also include a guide.

Taking a Tour from Barcelona to Montserrat

Of course, one of the most popular ways to visit Montserrat from Barcelona is to take a tour. This is likely going to be the easiest option, as all you have to do is book the tour, show up at the departure point (or wait in your hotel lobby if the tour offers hotel pickups), and then enjoy the scenery and sights.

Tours vary in price and inclusions, but should include return transport to/from Barcelona, time at Montserrat itself, and your transport up the mountain (this may be by bus or rack railway).

Some tours include additional sight-seeing in the area, food, a guided tour, wine tasting, museum entry, or other features. Tours usually last between half a day and a full day depending on what is included.

We’d recommend picking a tour based on your interests, the inclusions you are interested in, and of course your budget. We also recommend checking the latest reviews of any tours you book to see what other travellers have said.

We cover a range of tour options in the section on day tours later in the article, however here are a few to give you an idea of what is available.

• The Go Barcelona Pass includes a trip out to Montserrat. This is worth considering if you plan on doing some sightseeing in Barcelona on your other days, as it includes over 40 attractions in the city like the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. However it is not worth buying the pass for the Montserrat tour alone.
• This low cost tour from Barcelona departs early from Plaza Catalunya and lets you get to Montserrat ahead of the crowds. It only includes round-trip transport to the top of the hill, but is a good budget option. Note that this is not a guided tour, it just includes a host and driver, you explore the monastery on your own.
• This tour from Barcelona includes round-trip transport, a ride on the cable car up and down the mountain, a ride on Sant Joan’s funicular, an hour of guided hiking, a guided tour of the monastery, and the opportunity to hear the choir. An excellent all-round option.

See more tour options in our section towards the end of the post on day tours to Montserrat.

How to Get Around Montserrat

The top of the cable car, rack railway, and car park at Montserrat are all at the same level as the monastery and the main restaurants and shops. Once you have reached this part of the mountain, it is easy to get around on foot.

The Basilica entrance is a level above this, and you can either walk up a slope to get here, or take a staircase. It’s probably equivalent to around four flights of stairs.

This level is also where you will find the other two funiculars that service other parts of the mountain, the Sant Joan Funicular and the Santa Cova funicular . The stations for these funiculars are next to each other, and close to both the cable car and rack railway stations.

The Sant Joan funicular takes you from the monastery level way up the mountain to above 1,000 metres in altitude. The views from the ride up are amazing (although it is possibly a bit nerve wracking if you are not good with heights), and from the top there are a range of hikes you can do across the mountain.

The Santa Cova funicular runs down the mountain to the cave where, the legend goes, the image of the Virgin Mary that now resides in the Basilica was first discovered by shepherds. There is a chapel here, which is a popular place of pilgrimage, as well as a number of sculptures by Catalan artists including Gaudi.

The lower Santa Cova funicular station also houses a small museum about Santa Cova as well as funiculars in general.

It is possible to just walk to both of these locations. The hike up to Sant Joan will take 45 minutes to an hour, each way and the hike down to Santa Cova is around 20 – 30 minutes each way. Obviously the funiculars will save you time (and energy!).

Note that the funiculars are sometimes closed for maintenance or other reasons. You can check the current status on the official website here .

When is the best time to visit Montserrat?

Montserrat can be visited at any time of year, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the mountain is relatively high compared to the surrounding landscape, and as such, the temperature and weather are not what you might expect from Spain’s Mediterranean climate.

Expect it to be cooler than the surrounding land, and due to the height, it can also be windier. Snow is rare, but a possibility in the winter months. Fog is a common occurrence.

The average temperature varies from a range of 23C/ 73F to 29C / 84F in the summer months, to 9C/48F- 15C/59F in the winter months. Of course, these are just averages, and hotter and colder temperatures are possible.

If you plan on hiking, then spring / autumn will likely be the best balance of good weather and comfortable temperatures. Weekends are always the busiest times to visit, especially Sundays, so if you can avoid these, you will have a quieter time.

Can you Take Photos at Montserrat?

Yes, you can take photos at Montserrat at most of the locations in this post, there are just a few exceptions and rules to follow.

Photography is permitted in the Basilica interior, except during a religious service. Flash photography and use of a tripod is also not allowed.

In Montserrat Museum you are not permitted to use flash photography or tripods, and some temporary exhibitions may restrict photography.

Is there a fee to visit the Basilica on Montserrat?

As of May 2023, there is a fee to visit the Basilica at Montserrat. This applies to everyone who is not a resident of Catalonia.

Tickets allow for access to the Sanctuary, which includes the Atrium, Basilica and Chapel. Tickets can be purchased on the official website here .

Luggage Storage / Prohibited Items

There is no formal luggage storage at Montserrat. If you are staying in the hotel, then you should be able to leave your luggage at reception before or after checkout, and then collect it when required.

We would advise against bringing large bags to the mountain, as some of the attractions like the museum do not allow visitors to enter with large bags.

In terms of restricted items, common sense should prevail. Items like food, drink, bags, firearms, umbrellas and knives are not permitted in the majority of the buildings. Other than those devices required for mobility purposes, devices like electric scooters and skateboards are also not permitted.

Can you bring pets to Montserrat?

Pets, such as dogs, are allowed on the hiking trails at Montserrat and in the outside areas, however they are not permitted inside the Basilica, museums or other indoor areas. They must be kept on a leash at all times.

Also, be aware that whilst dogs are allowed on the train from Barcelona, if you wish to bring your dog on the rack railway or cable car it needs to be muzzled and on a leash. Smaller animals must be in a basket or cage.

Read more in the FAQ section on the official Cremallera website .

Things to do on Montserrat

There is a lot to do on Montserrat, certainly plenty to easily fill a day or more. Here’s a quick overview of the various options you have for activities.

Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

A major highlight of any visit to Montserrat is a visit to the Santa Maria de Montserrat abbey. The abbey building itself was originally founded in the 11th century, however the present monastery building was rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The monastery is still active today, and is home to around 80 Benedictine monks. Obviously, as it is an active monastery, you cannot visit many parts of it; however there are some parts that you can visit, including the basilica and the museum (see below for details on the museum).

The basilica has a number of interesting features, but the main draw for visitors is the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, or Our Lady of Montserrat.

The legend goes that this statue of the Virgin Mary and child was found on the Montserrat mountain in 880 – although it is actually now thought that it is a Romanesque sculpture dating from the 12th century.

Still, the statue of Catalonia’s patron saint is certainly eye catching, regardless of its origin. She is one of the Black Madonnas, with both the statue of Mary and Jesus having dark skin and gold robes. She is sitting on a thrown and holds an orb in her right hand.

The tradition is for visitors to touch (or kiss) the orb that she holds. Other than the orb, the rest of the statue is encased in glass to protect it.

To visit the statue, you need to enter the church on the right hand side where, depending on the time of day you visit, a queue will likely have formed. We’d recommend doing this as early on in your trip as possible as the queue will likely just get longer as the day progresses. Wait times can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Alternatively, if you stay overnight, you can visit first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon, when the majority of visitors will have left.

Once you have visited the statue you will come down the Ave Maria path, which is full of candles lit by previous visitors. These candles are lit as prayer offerings to the Virgin Mary, and you are welcome to light your own candle for a modest fee to contribute to this impressive collection.

After you exit the Ave Maria path, you can enter the Basilica proper to see the rest of it.

As well as the statue, the Basilica has a number of other features that are worth enjoying on your visit. First, the facade of the church building, which you reach after the atrium, is very pretty, and dates from the mid-20th century.

Inside the church itself there are a number of sculptures and paintings, as well as an impressive 33 metre high nave, around which are a number of chapels. The cross on the altar dates from the 15th century.

Photography is not allowed inside the Basilica, only of the Black Madonna (as of our visit anyway).

The basilica is very much a working church, and there are number of masses held each day. The public is welcome to attend these services, although of course as these are religious events, respectful behaviour is required.

The church is also famous for its boys choir, called the L’Escolania. They generally perform twice daily in the Basilica, and you can see their performance times here . Note that they generally do not perform over the summer holiday from late June to early August. See more about the L’Escolania in the section of the post below.

Whilst the access to the main part of the Basilica is flat and accessible for those with mobility issues, access to the statue of the Virgin involves a number of steps and there are no wheelchair friendly ramps or lifts. It is also not appropriate for strollers so you’ll want to leave those in an appropriate area outside.

The best option if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty with steps is to do the visit in reverse, by going up the Ave Maria path, from where you will be able to get within a few meters of the statue.

The basilica is open daily from 7.30am to 8pm, and the Statue of Our Lady can be visited from 8am – 10.30am and then from 12pm – 6.15pm. You can see opening hours for the basilica and the majority of other attractions at Montserrat here .

Note that as of 2023 there is a fee to visit the Basilica, which you can read about any buy tickets for here .

Visit the Museum of Montserrat

Montserrat Abbey is also home to an excellent museum, which can be found just before you cross the large plaza to the entrance of the Basilica.

The Museum of Montserrat is primarily an art museum, and it houses seven permanent collections which include over 1300 pieces, including works by artists including Dali, Monet, Chagall, Picasso and Miro.

These collections cover antique paintings, goldsmithing, modern paintings, avant-garde and contemporary art, sculptures and drawings.  There’s also an exhibition which focuses on the iconography of Our Lady of Montserrat.

Finally, there’s an extensive collection of archaeological exhibits from the ancient world and the Middle East, which was the first collection the museum housed. This includes objects that date as far back as the 13th century BC.

We highly recommend taking the time to visit the Montserrat Museum. There is an entry fee (it’s included in the Tot Montserrat ticket), but we think it is well worth the visit. There’s also a small gift shop here. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6.45pm.

Visit the Espai Audiovisual Museum

Montserrat is actually home to two museums. As well as the Museum of Montserrat, there’s also the Espai Audiovisual , found on the level below the Basilica entrance.

This museum makes use of an audioguide linked with video presentations and display panels to tell the story of the Montserrat region from a variety of perspectives. These focus on three main themes, and you’ll learn about the geology of the mountain, the history and present-day life of the monastery as well as about some of the cultural artefacts on display.

The tour finishes with a video presentation which takes you through a day in the life of the monastery, which includes a performance by the Escolania. So if you don’t get to catch the choir in action, the Espai Audiovisual experience offers a good alternative.

We really enjoyed visiting the Espai Audiovisual museum, as it gave us a really good overview as to what we were seeing and experiencing at the monastery. We’d definitely recommend this one if you are visiting Montserrat.

Again, there’s a small entry fee. You can also purchase a ticket on-site which includes both museums. Both the Trans Montserrat and the Tot Montserrat tickets also include this museum.

The museum is open from 9am to 8pm.

Listen to the Escolania de Montserrat (Boys’ Choir) Perform

Dating from at least the 14th century, the Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe. It is rightly world famous, and as well as the daily performances in the Basilica, the choir has released multiple albums, and has performed at locations around the world.

The choir is made up of over 50 boys, aged 9-14, who come from across Catalonia, as well as other regions of Spain. They live and study at Montserrat during their time in the choir.

Watching a performance of the choir is a highlight for many visitors to Montserrat, and if you have the opportunity, we can definitely recommend you try and see a performance during your visit.

Performances of the choir take place daily throughout the year in the Basilica, with the exception of over Christmas and the summer break.

If this is something you really want to see, be sure to plan ahead by checking the scheduled dates and times here .

You learn more about the choir and watch a video in the above mentioned Espai Audiovisual museum if you aren’t able to catch a live performance – they were on holiday during our visit, so we unfortunately missed them.

One of the most popular things to do at Montserrat is of course to go hiking. The mountains are home to a wide range of hiking trails which vary from short, relatively easy trips through to longer full day hikes.

The official website for the Montserrat Mountain park has some good hiking routes and options here , although it is in Catalan so you will need to translate it.

When you arrive at Montserrat, you can also visit the Tourist information office. Here you can pick up a hiking map of the area with a number of hikes listed, including difficulty and length. There are also maps on boards at the trailheads showing the various hiking options.

The hikes start in different locations – either at the very base of the mountain, at the area around the monastery, or at the stations for the funiculars. One of our favourite hikes was the walk down from the Sant Joan funicular, which we describe a bit later in the article.

If you’d like to take a tour that includes hiking, this day trip from Barcelona includes round trip transport, a hiking guide, and a visit to the main highlights.

Go Climbing

As you might imagine, Montserrat is a very popular destination for rock climbing. With over 1,000 climbing routes to explore, at a wide variety of levels, it’s not hard to see why!

If you are an experienced climber with your own equipment, then you can visit the Tourist Information Office on the mountain where they can give you advice as to the different areas for climbing and some of the routes.

There are not too many English language books covering routes on Montserrat. The most commonly referred to option is called Montserrat Free Climbs, published in 2015, which covers over 1,000 routes.

We haven’t been able to find it on Amazon, but you can purchase it here or here .

If you would like a guided climbing experience, this company is based near Montserrat and can help you put a trip together.

Ride the Rack Railway / Cable Car

Whilst the rack railway or cable car are means of transport for getting up the mountain, they are also a worthwhile experience in of themselves.

If you visit by car and drive up the mountain, you might still consider taking one of these options down and up the mountain just to experience the views.

Alternatively, you could ride them up the mountain to the monastery, and then walk down.

Visit the Aula Natura Exhibit and Hike Down

At the top of the Sant Joan Funicular, in a room above the terminus building, you will find the Aula Natura exhibition.

This is a small exhibit that covers a lot of information about Montserrat Mountain, including the history, geology, flora and fauna. It also covers the lives of the hermits here, as well as information on the Virgin of Montserrat.

This is free to visit, and if you go through the exhibit there’s also a balcony with excellent views of the monastery and mountains.

If you do ride the Funicular and are looking for a short walk with excellent views, then turn right as you leave the funicular station at the top, and you can hike down to the monastery area.

This is around a 45 minute – 1 hour hike downhill hike (there’s a short uphill section at the start which can be misleading, but just follow the signs!) which offers excellent views.

If are short on time and only do one hike at Montserrat, this is a great option. You can also add on a 5 minute detour and see St. Michael’s Cross on the way down.

There are a number of other hiking trails from the top here, including a hike to the highest peak, Sant Jeroni, as well as various chapels and sites of pilgrimage. This website has a list of some good routes and hikes all across Montserrat which will give you plenty of ideas. See our section above on hiking at Montserrat for more ideas.

Visit St. Michael’s Cross

A really nice hike that you can do from the area around the abbey is the walk to St. Michael’s cross. This starts near the Santa Cova funicular station, and is well signposted.

The walk takes around 20 minutes each way, and is slightly uphill on the way to the cross. The views are absolutely fantastic, and this is one of the best places to get a good view back across to the abbey with the huge mountains all around it.

You can also visit St. Michael’s Cross on the hike down from the St. Joan funicular, you just have to take a short detour from the main trail as you hike down to see the cross.

Explore and Check out what else is Open and Happening at Montserrat

Whilst this post has covered some of the more popular activities and sights at Montserrat, there is lots more to do, as well as activities and events throughout the year.

For example, as you drive up or down the mountain we can suggest stopping at the Monestir de Sant Benet de Montserrat . This active monastery has masses as well as workshops and activities, meditation courses, and they make and sell ceramics. It’s usually open throughout the year.

There were also a number of hermitages and smaller churches built on the mountain over the centuries and you can see the ruins of a few – one of the best preserved is Santa Cecília de Montserrat . This former monastery and church is now used for concerts and art exhibitions.

Where to Stay on Montserrat

You can stay on Montserrat, and if you have the time, we can highly recommend this option. There are three main accommodation options, a 3* hotel, serviced apartments, and a hostel.

If you stay on Montserrat, as we did, you can experience the mountain with less crowds. We really enjoyed staying overnight and wandering around as night fell.

One tip if you stay overnight and have a car – whilst you can’t park at the hotels, you can drive up to them to drop your bags off and then parking the main parking area. As it can be a bit of walk from the parking area to the hotel, we would recommend you do this.

You just have to drive up to the security gate at the end of the car park, and let the security official know that you are dropping your bags off at your accommodation.

You will then sign in and be allowed through. If you do this, do drive carefully, as the area is pedestrianised and most people are not expecting vehicles.

The three accommodation options on Montserrat are as follows:

• Hotel Abat Cisneros – this 3* hotel is found right beside the Basilica, and has been the traditional place of rest for pilgrims since 1563. Rooms are comfortable and the majority have fantastic views, en-suite facilities, TV and heating. There’s an on-site restaurant. We stayed here and it was a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Abat Marcet Apartments – These apartments offer accommodation that includes a kitchen, with units available for 1 – 4 travellers. Perfect for those staying on the mountain for a little longer, or who just prefer an apartment type stay.
• Abat Oliba Hostel – this hostel style accommodation offers great value budget accommodation. As well as dormitory accommodation, there are also private rooms for 1 to 6 people which would suit solo travellers, couples and families.

We had a very comfortable night stay on Montserrat, and can definitely recommend staying the night if you have the opportunity to do so.

Can you Camp on Montserrat?

You can camp on Montserrat. There is a small campsite located on the trail up to the Creu de Sant Miquel, around 10 minutes from the monastery. You can see it here on Google Maps . This is primarily for climbers, although it is open to anyone looking for a campsite. It is for tent camping only and is reached by foot.

According to reports from campers, at the time of writing the cost is low, around €4 per adult + €3.50 per person. The site can’t be booked in advance, and is only open for check-in between 5pm and 8pm. It’s also primarily open in main season, and is closed over winter, although there are no details online about the schedule.

You need to bring all your own camping equipment and gear; however, there are toilets, showers, wash basins, and a small kitchen area with a fridge (although no cooking equipment).

Note that Montserrat is a natural park, and wild camping is not permitted in natural parks in Spain. The next closest campsite to Montserrat with facilities is Camping Freixa , near Manresa.

Where to Eat on Montserrat

Montserrat has a number of dining options. There are two restaurants, an open plan cafeteria, and a bar which serves snack type food as well as hamburgers.

There is also a small supermarket on the mountain if you want to put a picnic together, as well as some market stalls where you can buy local produce from vendors during the day.

The two restaurant options available are Restaurant Hotel Abat Cisneros and Restaurant Montserrat.

These both offer formal sit down dining with table service and either a set menu or a la carte option.

We ate our evening meal at the Restaurant Hotel Abat Cisneros (we were staying in the hotel). We had the set meal, which cost around €27 per person when we ate there.

The food was traditional Catalan and was excellent, and the cosy surroundings with stone vaulted ceiling were a nice bonus touch.

Restaurant Montserrat offers nice views, as well as good price fixed menu and a la carte dining options. The menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes, and you can book online here .

There are three other options for less formal dining at Montserrat. Bar de La Plaça is a cafe / bar which offers drinks and snacks, including sandwiches and hamburgers.

There’s also the Cafeteria, which offers a range of hot and cold dishes. Reviews are definitely mixed on this one. There are also reports that you can eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket, however the description of the ticket says that it is in fact that the below self-service restaurant. That said, sometimes one or the other of these two restaurants is closed, so it is possible that the meal in this case transfers to the other.

Finally, there’s a self-service all you can eat buffet which has a range of options available for a fixed price of €16.50, as well as drink. This gets better reviews, and you can also eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket.

Tips for Visiting Montserrat

When we visited Montserrat, we drove up to the car park at the top and we stayed overnight at one of the hotels at the top.

We did a number of activities on the mountain, and based on our experiences, we wanted to share some tips for your own visit.

Figure out how you plan to get there and book needed tickets and tours in advance

As already discussed in the post, there are a variety of options for coming to Montserrat. Many of these options can be booked in advance, and we would recommend doing this.

If you prefer not to book in advance, your main options from Barcelona are to drive to Montserrat, take the bus with Autocares Julia , or buy a basic train or train + mountain transport option at the train station on the day you depart.

Some of the advance booking options you have are:

• One of the combination tickets for the public transport, which are the Trans Montserrat ticket , the Montserrat Expres ticket and the Tot Montserrat ticket .
• This basic tour which just includes your round trip transport by bus from Barcelona
• A more fully featured tour, such as this tour which includes an hour of hiking , this early access tour , or this early access tour which includes lunch and wine tasting

Avoid the crowds by coming early or staying late

Being at the monastery near opening time or staying late will ensure the lines are not so long and the crowds are manageable. We suggest visiting the most popular places first. These are generally the Basilica and Statue of the Virgin, followed by the funicular to the very top of the mountain.

Once you have done the more popular things that you are interested in, then you can spend time in the museums, doing hikes, shopping, etc.

If you are booking transport or a tour, consider booking one like this one or this one that gets you here at or near opening.

Here are some photos comparing Montserrat when it’s busier versus the quieter morning and evening times to give you an idea of the difference.

Consider staying overnight

If you have time, we can definitely recommend staying overnight at Montserrat. Montserrat is a very popular place to visit, and during the day – especially on weekends – it gets very busy. Staying overnight will give you more time to explore, and let you enjoy a more peaceful environment on the mountain.

Those of you making a pilgrimage to Montserrat will definitely appreciate staying at least one night to enjoy the mountain with less crowds.

If you have the opportunity to stay overnight, you will experience a far more peaceful Montserrat. Most visitors leave by 5pm, and you will almost have the place to yourself. We visited the Virgin of Montserrat in the early evening, and we were the only ones there.

If you stay overnight, you will also be able to catch sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain. Sunrise in particular is worth getting up for as the early light hits the monastery buildings.

Dress appropriately

This is a two pronged tip! First, as you are likely to be visiting the basilica, you will want to dress appropriately for a religious location. This means covering your shoulders, men removing hats, and covering your knees. If it is really hot and your not sure your clothes are appropriate, we recommend packing a scarf or travel wrap for the day and putting it on before you go inside the basilica.

The other side of the tip is to remember that it can be much cooler and windier on the mountain than the surrounding plains. So you will want to bring some warm layers. In the winter, you’ll likely need a coat or warm jacket.

This is especially the case if you plan on staying overnight and being outside in the early morning or late evening, as the temperature can drop even further during the night time.

If you are planning on hiking or climbing, you will also want to bring appropriate shoes and gear for these activities. These items might include good hiking shoes , a water bottle , clothing layers and so on.

Plan at least one hike

This might be obvious, but many folks just come up to Montserrat, visit the Basilica, wander around a little, and are on their way.

We think that even taking the time to do one of the shorter hikes, like that out to St. Michael’s Cross, is definitely worth doing. You have lots of options from easy to difficult.

Visit the Museums

One thing we noticed when we visited Montserrat was how busy the Basilica was during the day, but how quiet the museums were at the same time.

We get that you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the museums, but we definitely think it’s worth it. We enjoyed both museums, and the audio visual one in particular is good for learning all about the local area.

If you want to save money, you can get a ticket that includes both museums for a small discount, or you can take advantage of one of the combination transport tickets which include one or both museums, such as the Trans Montserrat and the Tot Montserrat tickets.

Explore Monistrol de Montserrat

Last, but not least in our list of tips for your visit to Montserrat, is not to forget to take a bit of time to explore Monistrol de Montserrat, the town at the foot of the mountain where the cable car and funicular terminate.

Whilst most people just use Monistrol as a junction point for transferring between the train and the transport up the mountain, there is plenty to see here, including a 14th century bridge, crumbling defensive towers, and a 16th century aqueduct. It was through this town that pilgrims historically came to begin their hike up the path of pilgrimage to the Abbey of Montserrat.

You don’t need to spend a lot of time here to see the highlights but a stroll around the town centre is definitely a good way to spend an hour or so. We spent about 1 hour here wandering around and enjoyed it, there were only a handful of other visitors about.

Day Tours from Barcelona to Montserrat

As mentioned earlier in the post, one of the easiest and most popular ways to visit Montserrat is on a guided day tour from Barcelona. These tours will handle all your transport arrangements, sometimes with direct pick up from your hotel, and will let you focus on enjoying the mountain.

There’s a wide variety of tour options, depending on your interests and budget. We’ve gone through and picked what we think are some of the best options to help you find the right tour for you.

• This small group tour from Barcelona includes early entry into the monastery so as to avoid the queues, as well as nearby Cava tasting and lunch. It’s run by Walks, one of our favourite small group tour companies.
• This low cost tour from Barcelona departs early from Plaza Catalunya and lets you get to Montserrat ahead of the crowds. It only includes round trip transport to the top of the hill, but is a good budget option. This is a similar tour with the option to include a guided tour and / or liquor tasting.
• This tour from Barcelona includes round-trip transport, a ride on the cable car up and down the mountain, a ride on Sant Joan’s funicular, an hour of guided hiking, a guided tour of the monastery, and the opportunity to hear the choir (if performing during your visit). An excellent all round option. If you’d prefer a longer hike, check out this tour instead .
• For a different perspective of Montserrat , this tour includes a hot air balloon flight followed by a visit to the mountain and monastery. Definitely a unique way to experience the mountain!
• This full day tour from Barcelona includes a guided tour through the Basilica, free time to explore Montserrat, wine tasting and vineyard tour at the Oller des Mas vineyard, and a full lunch. This is a similar tour with the option for Tapas.
• If you’d prefer a private tour, this is a full day private tour from Barcelona which includes breakfast, lunch, round trip transport and a guide.

As you can see, there are lots of options to choose from. For many more tour options, see the full listing of Montserrat tours on GetYourGuide here , and Viator here .

Further Reading

Hopefully this guide to visiting Montserrat has answered all your questions and given you plenty of ideas for your own trip.

As well as Montserrat, we’ve also explored many other parts of Spain’s Catalonia region, and have put together a number of posts to help you plan your own trip. Here are some we think you will find useful in planning your own trip.

• If you’re going to be spending time in Barcelona, check out our 3 day Barcelona itinerary , our 2 day Barcelona itinerary , our guide to spending a day in Barcelona , our review of the Barcelona Pass , and our detailed guide to Gaudí sites in Barcelona to start you off.
• There are lots of great day trips from Barcelona. See our guides to visiting Besalu and things to do in Girona as good starting points.
• Lovers of surrealist artist Salvador Dali will want to visit some of the many sites associated with the artist in the region. See our guide to Dali attractions in Costa Brava that lists all the attractions to help you put together your trip.
• A fantastic experience we can recommend to anyone visiting this region is to take a hot air balloon ride. We’ve done this twice, and you can see our guide to hot air ballooning in Costa Brava here.
• We have a guide to things to do in Palamós , one of our favourite fishing towns in the Costa Brava
• If you love mountains, you’re going to want to spend some time in the Spanish Pyrenees region of Catalonia. See our guide to the Spanish Pyrenees to start you off. If visiting in the winter, you might consider heading to one of the Girona region’s ski resorts, and you can take a look at our guide to skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees .
• We also have detailed guides to all the specific regions of the Girona Pyrenees of Catalonia, including La Garrotxa , El Ripollès and La Cerdanya .
• Another mountainous experience for lovers of nature is the Vall de Nuria, which also makes a good day trip or overnight experience from Barcelona. See our guide to visiting the Vall de Nuria for more information
• The official website for the Abbey, which has information to help you plan your visit
• If you’re looking for a guidebook, the most up to date books we could find are this Costa Brava pocket guide  and this DK Eyewitness guide to Barcelona and Catalonia

And that’s it for our detailed guide to visiting Montserrat near Barcelona in Spain! As always, we’re happy to answer your questions – just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 32 comments on this post

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27th September 2023 at 9:46 am

Hello, I would like to ask one question. In the Plaça d’Espanya train station, you can buy a single ticket which costs 13.25 Eur and a return ticket which costs 24 Eur. Does the return ticket mean a round trip ticket (going from Barcelona to Montserrat and from Montserrat to Barcelona)?

Laurence Norah says

28th September 2023 at 7:27 am

Yes, this is correct, the round trip ticket will take you to the Montserrat train station and then back to Barcelona once you have visited Montserrat. I hope this helps, enjoy your trip!

Kam Cheng says

15th September 2023 at 11:14 pm

Hi Laurence I went to the montserratvisit.com website to check on the tickets. There are separate tickets for Basilica and The Throne of our lady. Do I have to buy both tickets or just the Throne of our lady in order to go to both? I will be visiting Barcelona next week.

By the way, your description of the Montserrat is very thorough.

17th September 2023 at 9:33 am

Thanks very much! So if you want to visit the Throne of Our Lady then you just need to buy tickets for that, as that ticket includes access to the Basilica as well. The other ticket for the Basilica is for those who only want to visit the Basilica and not the throne.

I hope this helps! You can see more about the ticket types and what they include here .

Have a great visit to Montserrat!

anneka king says

25th August 2023 at 5:49 pm

Such a detailed blog – thanks! We will be arriving very late into Barcelona and getting a car to drive direct to Hotel Abat Cisneros where we have booked two nights. This is my thinking and just want to be sure I have it right – and that I am not missing anything. -Leave car near hotel (little confused about the hotel parking) -Take Rack railway up to Monastery – or are we already at that level being at the hotel? -Head direct to the Virgin statue -Take Sant Joan Funicular to the top and back down again -Take the Santa Cova funicular and walk to the cave – detour to St Michaels Cross as we walk back to the Basilica -Hopefully see the boys choir -Tour the museums -Return to the Abbey – Basilica – Ave Maria -Take cable car back down – or again are we already at the level of the hotel? -Dinner -Sunset – is there a best place to be? -Maybe get up for sunrise -Next morning on our drive back to Barcelona stop at Monistrol de Monseratt

Should I add more hiking since we have all day or this a full schedule? What should I expect for lunch options? Do I buy all my tickets day of?

Thanks in advance so any help!!

26th August 2023 at 7:08 pm

Thanks very much! So you are pretty much spot on with a couple of things to note. The hotel is on the same level as the monastery etc, so once you are up there you don’t need to take the railway up to the monastery. You park in the main parking area, but you should be able to drive up to the hotel past the barriers (say you are staying at the hotel) to drop off your luggage, then you can drive back down. You will want to check into the hotel first because hotel guests get free access to the monastery as far as I know, otherwise you have to pay (this is new as of this year, so I am not 100% sure how it works).

For sunset, unfortunately the sun sets behind the mountain when you are at the monastery / hotel, so there isn’t an easy location to watch it from. Sunrise is a better choice, I just watched the sunrise from next to the Basilica, but St. Michael’s Cross would also probably be a good option. If you like hiking you could definitely extend your hike from the top of the Sant Joan funicular, there’s a lot to hike up there and the views are spectacular. For tickets, yes, you should be able to buy all the tickets on site 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

27th August 2023 at 3:29 pm

Thanks – that makes sense. Do you recommend we still take a ride on the Rack railway and Cable car?

27th August 2023 at 9:10 pm

I would say that it’s not really necessary unless you really want to. The views are pretty spectacular from the monastery and the hikes you will be doing, and you’ll be taking transport to the very top already. So there’s no real need to do this unless you really want to experience it 🙂 The views won’t be significantly different as the route down is basically in front of where you’ll be staying.

20th August 2023 at 11:58 pm

Thanks for the excellent write up, I’m planning to take the family there this week and it was really helpful for my planning. One question is that it seems that the site is no longer free for non residents of Catalonia ( https://tickets.montserratvisita.com/en ), maybe worth updating the guide.

21st August 2023 at 9:32 am

Thank you so much! You are correct, it looks like a fee to visit the Basilica was implemented in May 2023. I have updated my guide. I believe it is just the Basilica which has the entrance fee rather than the whole area.

Have a wonderful trip and if you have any additional notes following your visit I am happy to hear them 🙂

Safe travels!

Bernie says

16th July 2023 at 7:23 pm

Hi guys, I’ve read lots of articles about getting to, from and around Montserrat, and yours is by far the best and most informative. I’m used to planning my own itinerary around cities but this is another level in terms of coordination. I’m worried I’ll end up going backwards and forwards, going past things I’ve already seen and missing out on others. It seems the best thing to do is to get to the Basilica and see the Black Madonna then get up to Saint Jerone before the crowds. Is it possible for you to plan the rest of my trip in the correct order for the best use of the time with indicating whether you can ride and or walk with timings for each? St Michaels Cross Monestir de Sant Benet Monestir de Santa Celicia Santa Cova Funicular to cave, chapel, St Mikes X St Joan Funicular to hiking trails Rabbies to Montserrat Mur avec des Arcs et des Sculptures Stairway to Heaven I will then visit the bridge, towers and aqueduct in Monistrol on way back down to Barcelona. I’m happy to hike up to 1 hour but no more, given it’ll be mid August. Finally, do they never let you enter Basilica in shorts? Especially as it could be 40 degrees? Thanks in advance, Bernie

17th July 2023 at 3:48 pm

Thanks very much! So your initial plans sounds good, visiting the Basilica before the crowds are too big and then you could take the Sant Joan funicular up to do the hike to Saint Jeroni. However this is just over an hour each way, so might be further than you are willing to hike, although it is largely flat. However in the extreme heat it might still be a bit much.

I think some back and forth is really inevitable. I also think that you might want to think about priorities, as the majority of what you want to see is going to require some hiking, and it’s going to add up to a lot more than an hour overall.

So for example you could take the Sant Joan Funicular, hike up to Sant Jeroni, then come back down via Santa Anna. But that’s already around 2.5 hours of walking. At the bottom you can see the attractions around the abbey like the Stairway to Heaven, then do the 10-15 minute walk up to St. Michaels Cross.

The monastery of Saint Cecilia and Sant Benet are probably going to be a bit far to walk but if you have your own car they are easy to reach.

In terms of entering the Basilica, you will need your knees to be covered. If you happen to have those hiking pants where the legs zip off that is one option to think about.

I hope this helps. I would definitely recommend shortening your list to a more achievable amount, especially given the heat and if you are planning on walking the majority of locations.

Have a great time!

19th July 2023 at 10:59 am

Thanks Laurence. How far are the 2 other monasteries? I will be there for 10 hours all day, and are they worth the trip?

24th July 2023 at 9:07 am

So the Monastery of Saint Cecilia is mostly a refuge for hikers and a small church, and we’ve only ever been able to see the outside. It’s nice to stop if driving but I’m not sure worth a long walk in the heat. The monastery of Sain Benet is more interesting to the visitor, it has a ceramics workshop and a community of nuns as well as a church you can visit. However it’s still a 3km walk downhill so again I am not sure if this will be of interest given the heat. Of the two though that would be the one I’d consider visiting.

Hope this helps!

Carlos says

21st April 2023 at 2:15 am

Wao! Thank you for the great detail of this blog (visiting Montserrat). I had to read it a couple of times as I followed the links. In the end, we got the TOT Monserrat Card. It will give us more freedom, and better value than a tour (where you have a lockstep trip.

21st April 2023 at 8:33 am

It’s my pleasure Carlos, have an awesome time at Montserrat!

11th April 2023 at 9:57 am

Hi. Well written and so informative. Thanks. We are getting train from Barcelona and would like to use the aeri cable car going up to the monastery and the rack train back down. We like the ease though of the Trans Montserrat ticket (currently €45) but you have to choose either the cable car or the rack train; you can’t mix and match. Will we be questioned if we buy the rack train return ticket but then get off the train one stop early at the cable car station? We’ll have bought one way cable car tickets already online. Thanks.

13th April 2023 at 10:09 am

Glad to hear you found our guide useful! You won’t have any problems getting off a stop early. Your ticket lets you go to your ticketed stop, but you can get off earlier if you want 🙂

Have a great time at Montserrat!

Thanh Chu says

14th August 2022 at 2:28 am

Hi! Thanks for an article. It is very helpful. I plan to go there on Mid September and would like to take a tour at Montserrat. This will be our first time and we wonder which tour you recommend would be effective. We would like to tour inside the Montserrat with guided person, view the Montserrat’s scenery view that its offers, etc. I would like to know what is the best tour that you recommend.

Thank you in advance!

15th August 2022 at 10:22 am

So I think this tour would probably be the best option for you as it includes the round trip, guided experience inside the monastery and time hiking with views. There are other options, but I think that would probably meet your requirements.

Enjoy Montserrat, it’s a beautiful spot!

Ellen Blazer says

27th April 2022 at 11:18 pm

Thanks for giving such great information on Montserrat — this has been the most useful blogpost I’ve read on it so far! I am going in one month with my boyfriend. Normally we love to hike a lot, but he has a knee injury right now. He needs to avoid stairs as much as possible, and any steep hills. Do you think the walk to the Cross of Sant Michael might still be doable for us? Is it kind of flat, or more of a hill? Is the walk along the way scenic, in case we just walk a little bit of it? Or — do you have any other suggestions for scenery without hiking? We will have a car. Thank you so much!!!

28th April 2022 at 11:09 am

Thanks so much! Sorry to hear about your boyfriend’s knee injury 🙁 So, I would say that the walk should be fine, it’s sloping but I wouldn’t call it steep. I don’t think there were too many stairs although there were a few. In terms of the views, once you are at the top where the monastery and the majority of attractions are, it’s quite level and there are incredible views in most directions.

Another option would be to take the Sant Joan Funicular higher up for even more views and it’s also quite flat at the top there as well. I’m not sure if it’s both up and down he struggles with, but if he can go down then you can take the Sant Joan funicular to the top, and then walk down. This walk takes you past the cross as well.

If you are parking at the top of the hill, I would recommend trying to park as close to the entry as possible, or at least driving your boyfriend to the top of the car park and dropping him off. It’s not too steep, but the car park is on a gentle slope, so obviously the further away from the entry the further you would have to walk before getting to the monastery.

I hope this helps – let me know if I can be of any further assistance! And have a great trip!

27th September 2021 at 1:58 am

Hi! This is a great article and very helpful thank you for doing this. I had a question, still kind of torn if I should drive to montessret or take a train. Is one more scenic then the other and is the train difficult to get around and find? What would you recommend?

Thank you so much.

27th September 2021 at 10:57 am

So there are obviously differences – a car will give you more flexibility in when you arrive and depart, although you will have to pay for parking. A car also makes it easier to transport more luggage, and can be more cost effective if you are a few people. The train saves you the drive, but you have to go by the schedule. I’d not say one is better than the other, they are just different. The train is definitely easy to use and the ride to the top is quite spectacular. The train is not hard to find, the only thing is to give yourself plenty of time in Barcelona to get to the right platform.

Have a great trip to Montserrat, let me know if you have any more questions!

Marcia says

12th September 2021 at 2:27 am

Congrats and thanks for your guide, Laurence! I will purchase TOT Montserrat and want to overnight there. Do you know if I can use this ticket in 2 days? In order to avoid crowds, I plan to arrive there early afternoon and leave next day around noon, including a hike to the cross. Do you think it can work? Any suggestion for the best time to visit each attraction? Thank you for the help.

12th September 2021 at 10:18 am

Thanks very much 🙂 So I will be honest, I am not sure if the TOT Montserrat ticket can be used for two days. I can’t find this mentioned anywhere in the documentation, so I have a feeling it might not be, but you could contact the Barcelona Tourism Office and ask them. However, you can just book the individual tickets yourself for the two days instead if it’s not possible. If you find out it is possible please let me know so I can update the guide.

In terms of timing, We visited the monastery in the evening and there was no-one else there and no lines for the black Madonna. So that would be my suggestion. Then, I hiked to the cross in the morning. The earlier the better as there will be few people around before the transport starts running, and it’s so peaceful and beautiful on the mountain in the early morning 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great trip!

Chrissie Brown says

12th June 2021 at 2:27 pm

Really useful article, thank you! We’re planning a trip to Montserrat and this has really given me a good understanding of how to plan it to get the most out of the time we have!

12th June 2021 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much Chrissie! Have a great trip to Montserrat, and do let us know if you have any questions. We’d also love to hear how it went once you’re done 🙂

robert imperato says

1st March 2020 at 4:50 pm

When returning from Montserrat via funicular which which stop to get off? You write: “When coming back down the funicular rack railway to connect with the train, make sure not to get off at the middle stop as this is not close to the train station, and is primarily for those visiting by car or coach.” Do you recommend we get off at the first stop or last stop for purposes of securing a seat on the train back to Barcelona. Thank you for your help.

1st March 2020 at 5:10 pm

Great question. The Funicular has three stations: Monistrol de Montserrat (where it connects with the train to & from Barcelona), one a little further up the mountain at Cremallera de Monistrol Vila and then the stop at Montserrat itself.

On the way down the mountain you get off at Monistrol de Montserrat.

For the train back to Barcelona, the train itself stops at two stops. The first stop is Monistrol de Montserrat, where it connects with the funicular. The second stop (on the way to Barcelona) is Aeri de Montserrat, which connects with the cable car.

The tip about getting a seat on the train back to Barcelona applies to the choice of transport up and down the mountain. If you choose the cable car down the mountain, it brings you to Aeri de Montserrat. By this point, the train will have already stopped at Monistrol de Montserrat, where everyone coming down the mountain in the funicular will have boarded. So there is less chance of getting a seat if you take the cable car down, compared to the funicular.

I hope this helps – let me know if I can be of any further assistance, otherwise, have a great trip!

Glenn Tyrell says

3rd November 2019 at 4:36 pm

Your guide is very useful to traveling to Montserrat and gives a good overview of all the things to do there. I am a bit overwhelmed as trying to plan a trip for our group (will include 4-6 adults) as a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona city center. We have a fairly limited time frame (in city for a conference) and only have 4 – 5 hours total really. So is this doable and what would be the easiest and most simple way without driving? Would it be to take the train or join a tour? Any specific advice/suggestions appreciated!

I want to spend the least amount of time getting there/waiting for trains etc. since we have such limited time, main focus is to see the church, visit to museum if time, and take in some nice views.

3rd November 2019 at 4:52 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 So the easiest way would definitely be to join a tour, as they will handle all the transport. You just have to get to the tour start location. The only issue I see would be around timing as you don’t have that much time. It’s at least an hour each way to Montserrat from Barcelona, so 4 hours would not give you much time. I’d probably recommend this tour , but it’s 5.5 hours, so that might be too long for you.

Instead, you might consider this tour . It’s basically just the transport, but it will get you there early before the crowds and let you do everything you want. It’s listed as five hours which should work, giving you in the region of 2-3 hours on the actual mountain. This will be enough to see the museum, basilica, and even do the hike out to the cross if you want to.

Finally, I’m not sure what your budget is, but with 4-6 of you, you might find a private tour works better for you. For example, this private tour includes hotel pickup and your own vehicle, and with a private tour you should have some flexibility around timings.

Obviously there are many more tours available, those were just some suggestions. The train is of course an option, it can just be a bit more stressful and time consuming, as you have to switch from the train to the cable car or rack railway, whilst the tours take you straight to the top of the mountain. You also have to plan the schedules properly, which might be stressful if you have limited time.

I hope this helps – let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll do my best to help out. Otherwise have a great trip!

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Home » Travel Guides » The Caribbean » Montserrat » 15 Best Things to Do in Montserrat

15 Best Things to Do in Montserrat

The scarred island of Montserrat has endured more volcanic eruptions than any other in the region in modern times.

A huge chunk on the southern edge of this small speck in the midst of the Lesser Antilles chain is still demarked by an exclusion zone, deemed too unsafe for both travelers and locals.

The cause? That ash-spewing dome on the horizon; the mighty Soufriere Hills volcano – dormant for hundreds of years but now an unpredictable source of frequent pyroclastic flows and smoke.

But Montserrat is also known as the Emerald Isle, both for its curious Irish-Carib inhabitants (yep, you’ll find Guinness in the pubs here!) and for its deep, lush green backcountry.

This still blooms with the rainforests and the jungles on the north side of the land, topping out on the cliffs around picture-perfect Little Bay Beach, blooming with lime trees and palms.

Today, the sleepy spot (only half-inhabited after many left in the wake of the most recent eruptions) beckons mainly hikers and adventure tourists, while a clutch of secluded coves and luxury beach hotels rounds off the action.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Montserrat :

1. Gawp at the great Soufriere Hills Volcano

The undisputed number one attraction of Montserrat is also – ironically – the thing that’s caused it so much devastation over the years.

Rising to a smoky peak on the southern side of the island, the mighty Soufriere Hills Volcano really is a breath-taking sight to behold.

It’s entirely encompassed by a seclusion zone these days, but travelers can scale to the lookout points of Jack Boy Hill, or make a beeline for the volcano observatory on Cedar Drive, to get front-row seats over the chipped and chiselled mount.

Notice the remnants of lava flows on the southern slopes – these are left from the destructive eruption of 1997, the one responsible for razing the erstwhile island capital, Plymouth.

2. Hit the hiking trails

Despite its southern haunch being almost entirely encompassed by a volcano exclusion zone, Montserrat remains a veritable mecca for hikers and trekkers.

In fact, boat loads of folk with waxed up walking boots head over from nearby Antigua each day, all eager to hit routes like the Oriole Walkway Trail, which weaves through rubber tree groves and overgrown banana plantations.

A more challenging hike is the Blackwood Allen Trail, which crosses steep meadows of ferns between the center of the island and little Salem, while the beautiful Rendezvous Nature Trail offers panoramas over the Caribbean Sea and access to one of the island’s few white-sand beaches.

3. Relax and unwind on Little Bay Beach

Nestled between two headlands of rugged cliffs and a wall of scrub-topped coastal mountains, Little Bay Beach remains one of the most popular seaside spots on all of Montserrat.

It actually buts right up to the eponymous town of Little Bay – the intended onetime capital of the island as whole.

But for now, as the urban area remains under the hammer, this small cove continues to ooze chilled Caribbean vibes.

The sea is shallow and great for swimming, and the sand is soft and glows in hues of yellow as it slopes down towards the lapping waves.

4. Plymouth: The Pompeii of the Caribbean

Although set deep in the exclusion zone on the south side of the island, the former capital city of Montserrat, Plymouth, is just about still visible.

It pokes eerily out of the layers of ash and mud that suffocated it prior to the eruptions of the late 1990s.

Promptly abandoned in the face of the same geological forces that destroyed Pompeii in Italy all those centuries ago, the whole town now lies in ruins.

Although it’s still considered officially unsafe, the spot has been opened for fly-in visits by tourists, who can just spy out the tops of the historic Georgian and Victorian mansions that once made the city such a pretty capital of the Caribbean.

5. Go bird spotting in the Centre Hills

Sprawled out over the highlands of Montserrat, this verdant swathe of primeval tropical rainforest is hailed as one of the most biodiverse birding areas in the Caribbean.

It ranges from the coastal lowlands of the north up to heights of more than 700 meters above sea level, encompassing dwarf forests and evergreen valleys filled with rare fliers and curious animals in-between.

Birders who head here will be able to spy out the rare and elegant likes of Antillean crested hummingbirds, purple-throated Caribs, cuckoos, forest thrushes and more, not to mention a Jurassic array of reptiles in the undergrowth!

6. Hike out to Rendezvous Bay

Sparkling and shining in shades of ivory and cotton white that simply aren’t found anywhere else on the island (Montserrat is more used to black, ash-stained volcanic sands), little Rendezvous Bay remains the highest-rated coastal spot on the island.

Backed by steep scrub-clad hills, it’s wide and accommodating, with powdery sand that edges down to a deep, navy shore.

Rendezvous Bay is hardly accessible though, and everyone who heads here will either need to arrive by boat or take the arduous trek over the Rendezvous Nature Trail, covering high coastal bluffs and clifftop sections alike.

The tricky journey in does mean seclusion, with typically only a few locals to be found for company on the beach.

7. Understand the island’s natural side at the Montserrat National Trust

Complete with an immersive historical section and surrounding botanical gardens, the Montserrat National Trust center is the perfect place to go and get a feel for the island’s unique natural history, its biodiversity and interesting geological story.

The institution has a dedicated exhibition space that hosts changing collections, detailing everything from the mysterious petroglyphs found marking the Montserrat rocks to the growth of the island rainforests and dwarf forests.

There’s also a gift shop for those colourful Caribbean souvenirs, along with a series of outdoor areas laden with waxy orchids and banana trees, rubber groves and blooming tropical flowers.

8. Wonder at the Runaway Ghaut

Carved and chiselled from the landscapes of northern Montserrat in a medley of steep-sided cliffs and vertical ravines, gushing streams and waterfalls, the great Runaway Ghaut is one of the top destinations for hikers and outdoorsy types here.

It cascades all the way down from the highlands of the Centre Hills to the coast, and is perhaps the single most beautiful and dramatic example of one of the run-off water valleys that connect the Montserrat highlands to its shore.

Legend has it that the spring waters of the Runaway Ghaut will enchant visitors to return to the island one day, while that Runaway Ghaut Trail is simply beautiful hiking from the get go!

9. Dive between Redonda and the reefs

Thanks to the fertile, mineral-rich ash and magma that has been spewed into the ocean over the last 20 years by the mighty dome of Soufriere Hills, Montserrat is now home to some of the Caribbean’s most up-and-coming coral reefs.

Meanwhile, the northern and Leeward shores are a home for older, more developed coral gardens, where the mature marine life has migrated and thrived since the eruptions of 1995. These sprawl out at the bottom of the ocean in a medley of great sea sponges and colourful parrotfish, running all the way to the Antiguan island of Redonda to the northwest.

It’s all prime diving country! (SCUBA packages and excursions are widely available around Little Bay and Rendezvous.)

10. Go green on St Patrick’s Day

With Montserrat famed for its curious Irish-Carib inhabitants (Irish folk have been settling here since the 1600s, when many were expelled from the British Isles during the English Civil War), it should come as no surprise that March means one thing and one thing only: St Paddy’s.

Yep, this tiny speck on the map of the Caribbean hosts some of the most raucous Irish celebrations in the tropics.

The locals reconstruct versions of the old market towns built by the first Irish settlers here; they sell arts and crafts with a Gaelic theme; they dress in green and, of course, sip Guinness aplenty!

11. Hit the Sunday BBQ at Ponts Beach View

Sizzling shrimp and skewers of the Caribbean’s freshest snappers smoke and crackle on the BBQ grills at Ponts Beach View every Sunday, signalling in one of the island’s bona fide culinary highlights.

Taking place each week, this humble version of the Carib fish fry is curated by the perennially-smiling John Ponteen, who’s been specialising in simple, tropical foods in his seaside eatery for years.

And while the salty seafood and breadfruit salads are top-notch, it’s the setting here that really comes up trumps: You’ll be dining just a few meters back from the lapping waves of Little Bay Beach!

12. Unravel the island’s past at the Montserrat National Museum

Having been transferred to the capital-in-waiting at Little Bay after the destruction of Plymouth town in the 1990s, the Montserrat National Museum is once again offering travelers a glimpse at the long and interesting history of the island and its people.

Exhibits are varied and informative, dealing with everything from the pre-historic Amerindian tribal times, when those eerie petroglyphs were scrawled into the rocky backcountry here, to the colonial struggle over Montserrat between the British and the French in later centuries.

There’s also a truly eye-opening section dedicated to the destructive eruptions of Soufriere Hills.

13. Beachcomb at Woodlands Bay

The jungle clambers over the cliffs and rocks at Woodlands Bay, draping down towards the brown-beige sands and the frothing Caribbean Sea.

Meanwhile, pieces of washed-out driftwood bob along the shore and the footsteps of former visitors fade as the sand blusters over the beach.

Secluded and empty and with a shoreline that’s often peppered with the pods of migrating whales, this little enclave on the west coast of Montserrat is a fine place to settle down for some sunset viewing or a spot of beachcombing.

One drawback: The waters and rip currents can get rough here, so swimming’s not the best idea.

14. Have a brew at the Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center

Part coffee shop, part community youth project, the Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center can be found set between the swaying palms on Fogarthy Hill in Virgin.

The joint is a fine reward for hikers attempting to conquer the walking route that runs right next to the establishment, with that on-site café serving up some of the most acclaimed cappuccinos and espressos on the island.

There are also chess boards and ping pong tables to enjoy (mainly for the young ones), along with oodles of interesting retro paraphernalia – the heirlooms of the uber-friendly Lea family that run the place!

15. Enjoy pastries and chatter at JavaLava Art Café

A menu of cinnamon-packed Danish pastries, crusty flatbreads and stacks of pancakes doused in fruit and syrup beckon passers-by at the JavaLava Art Café in St. Peter’s.

Those tempted enough to drop in will discover a lively little Caribbean shack-style eatery, where the a la cart bursts with curried chicken and jerk, saltfish patties and even all-American burgers to boot.

The drinks are a real pull too, with healthy fruit smoothies and blended mocktails infused with the fresh fruits of Montserrat itself.

Oh, and then there’s the local following: always smiling, happy and ready to chat!

15 Best Things to Do in Montserrat:

• Gawp at the great Soufriere Hills Volcano
• Hit the hiking trails
• Relax and unwind on Little Bay Beach
• Plymouth: The Pompeii of the Caribbean
• Go bird spotting in the Centre Hills
• Hike out to Rendezvous Bay
• Understand the island’s natural side at the Montserrat National Trust
• Wonder at the Runaway Ghaut
• Dive between Redonda and the reefs
• Go green on St Patrick's Day
• Hit the Sunday BBQ at Ponts Beach View
• Unravel the island’s past at the Montserrat National Museum
• Beachcomb at Woodlands Bay
• Have a brew at the Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center
• Enjoy pastries and chatter at JavaLava Art Café

Top 10 Things To Do In Montserrat, The Emerald Isle Of The Caribbean

• Adventure & Ecotourism , Affiliate , Montserrat
• Ursula Petula Barzey
• March 7, 2023

Montserrat, known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean at 39 square miles, is one of the smaller and least visited tourist destinations in the region. As over 20 years ago, life on this idyllic island paradise changed forever when the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted and rendered two-thirds of the island, including the former capital Plymouth uninhabitable.

After the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat, the population plummeted from a high of 12,000 to just a few thousand, and at one point, discussions were held about closing the island. However, continued support by the British government and investment by some private entities has seen the island making a comeback!

The population of Montserrat is now a healthy 5,000, with further growth projected, and a new capital in Little Bay is in development. Montserrat before the volcano and even now is popular with people who are interested in ecotourism, volcano tourism, hiking, bird watching, and scuba diving. The island also has strong appeal for those who want to experience the Caribbean the way it used to be. Below I list, in no particular order, 10 of the more popular things to do in Montserrat.

1. Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory

The Montserrat Soufrière Hills Volcano reawakened from its 400-year slumber on 18th July 1995. Eruptions continued, finally peaking on 25 June 1997. The result is that two-thirds of the island was left covered in volcanic ash. In fact, much of the tourism infrastructure, including the former airport and capital, was buried beneath the volcanic ash. Things have since quieted back down with the volcano, and it’s safe to visit the island to see how this sleeping giant has transformed Montserrat.

2. Visit the former capital Plymouth

Before the Montserrat Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted, Plymouth, one of the prettiest Caribbean towns, was the capital and hub of Montserrat. That all changed after the eruptions as the main docking harbor, much of the government infrastructure, as well as commercial services, markets, and shops, were buried under layers of ash, mud, and stone deposited by the pyroclastic activities. So too, was the Evergreen Roundabout, a favorite liming spot for people from all parts of the island who came to town for work or to do their weekly shop. Plymouth now makes up part of the Exclusion Zone but was recently opened via approved guides for tourists to marvel at the Caribbean’s answer to the Italian city Pompeii. Once thriving and full of life and activity, things are very much at a standstill, and many of the Georgian and Victorian buildings are barely visible under the mounds of volcanic ash. It all now resembles a dusk-covered lunarscape and is an archeological treasure worthy of being added to the sites in the Caribbean with UNESCO World Heritage status.

3. Visit Garibaldi Hill & Jack Boy Hill

Garibaldi Hill and Jack Boy Hill are two great viewing spots on opposite sides of Montserrat to take in a wide-angle view of the Soufrière Hills Volcano and much of the island. Garibaldi Hill on the southwest side of the island is accessed through the Belham Valley via a once gorgeous golf course, now also covered by volcanic ash and mud. The road to the top of Garibaldi Hill is winding and at times, somewhat extremely rugged, so a 4X4 vehicle is recommended. At the top of Garibaldi Hill, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of still lush and green Salem, Old Towne, and much of the buried city of Plymouth. Jack Boy Hill on the northeast side of the island provides another vantage point to marvel at the volcano, in particular, the old W.H. Bramble Airport and eastern villages that were also damaged by the pyroclastic flows. Surrounded by a flower garden, you’ll find a BBQ grill and tables for a picnic as well as a telescope to get a birds-eye view of the area, including a new beach formed as a result of volcanic activity.

4. Have a drink of water at Runaway Ghaut

Montserrat has many deep ravines and ghauts that carry rainwater from the hills down to the sea. The most famous of all is Runaway Ghaut, located on the side of the road north of Salem and is in the general vicinity of a long-ago bloody colonial skirmish between the British and French. A walking trail is also in this area, and the legend goes that visitors who drink the fresh water from this ghaut will be drawn back to Montserrat time and time again.  Note that the water in Montserrat is extremely safe to drink, and this source is routinely checked to make sure that it remains that way for visitors.

5. Go Hiking & Birdwatching

The rugged, green, and lush landscape of Montserrat lends itself well to hiking. Plus, there is an abundance of plant and animal life to be seen, including 132 tree species, 13 mammal species, and 117 species of birds. Regarding hiking, there are nine main marked trails, including moderate ones like Blackwood Allen Trail, Dry Waterfall Trail, and the Oriole Walkway Trail, a favorite trail in the Centre Hills. There you can experience on your own or, better yet, with legendary tour guide James “Scriber” Daley of Scriber’s Adventure Tours .

Not only will Scriber point out all the various plants and animal species, but for those who are keen on bird watching, he is a master at mimicking the calling sounds of the various birds increasing the probability that you’ll see one or more birds, including the national bird, the Montserrat oriole. Another reason to hike with Scriber or another local guide is that they can take you to the Amerindian Petroglyphs recently found in Soldier Ghaut. Thought to be about 1,000 to 1,500 years old, the Montserrat Petroglyphs, which are carved into a mossy boulder, can be reached via a side trail off of the Dry Waterfall Trail.

6. Visit the National Museum of Montserrat and Montserrat National Trust

The National Museum of Montserrat, managed by the Montserrat National Trust, is located in Litte Bay and puts exhibitions related to the island’s history and culture from pre-Columbian to the present. At the Montserrat National Trust in Salem, there is a beautiful botanical garden for exploration at one’s leisure. There are a few gardens, including the: dry garden, medicinal garden, and Amerindian garden. Also an area for economic plants like sugar cane, lime, cotton, bananas, plantain, mangoes, and other fruit trees. Then there is a seasonal ghaut which showcases the vegetation found in the Center Hills of Montserrat. Finally, there is a cute gift shop to purchase a range of Montserrat memorabilia and trinkets.

7. Go Diving & Snorkeling

Montserrat is one of the more serene places to go diving in the Caribbean. The island is free from the crowds found at most other Caribbean diving destinations, plus the water is warm and the visibility pristine. Around the island, there are about 30 different diving sites. More popular diving sites include those around Montserrat’s beaches , like Lime Kiln Bay, Bunkum Bay, Woodlands Bay, Little Redonda, and Foxes Bay. Rendezvous Bay is also popular for divers of all levels, with both shallow and deep-water sections. Located here is the famous Bat Cave, where fruit bats hang in partly submerged caves. Further out from the island is Redonda, popular for its wrecks and reef sharks. Overall, the reefs surrounding Montserrat are teeming with hard corals, sponges, and swarms of colorful tropical fish. Plus, depending on the time of year you visit, you may also be lucky enough to large sea turtles.

8. Hang out at Little Bay

With Plymouth buried under volcanic ash and mud, the government and most commercial businesses have set up bases in the North. The government is currently seeking investment to build a new town in Little Bay that will include civic and government buildings alongside a new port, marina, hotels, residences, and commercial properties. Currently, built-in Little Bay is the new Montserrat Public Market and the Montserrat Cultural Centre, funded by many, including ex-Beatles producer Sir George Martin. He has an affinity for Montserrat as, in 1979, he set up Air Studios on the island and recorded with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder. Also newly built is the Montserrat Sports Complex, used for regional basketball and netball tournaments. Beyond this, Little Bay is the current hub for several bars, restaurants, and a beautiful beach.  So Little Bay is one of the top things to do in Montserrat, as you can enjoy the beach and then hang out for lunch or drinks while enjoying the view.

9. Spend time at the beach

There are about nine public beaches on Montserrat, including Bunkum Bay, Carr’s Bay, Foxes Bay, Isle Bay Beach/Old Road Bay, Lime Kiln Bay, Little Bay, Marguerita Bay, Rendezvous, and Woodlands Bay Beach. As a result of the volcanic eruption, most are black sand beaches. The only exception is Rendezvous Bay Beach, the island’s only white/brown sand beach.

None of the beaches in Montserrat get crowded, so it’s a great way to get away and relax while taking in the beautiful scenery. Note that there are minimal facilities at most of the beaches; in fact, none have beach chairs. Bunkum Bay and Isle Bay both have one beach bar. Carr’s Bay has a number of nearby rum shops. Little Bay is the most developed, with quite a few restaurants and bars.  But my favorite is Woodlands beach, pictured below.

10. Attend one of Montserrat’s festivals

Festivals are one of the top things to do in Montserrat. In fact, the island’s population gets close to doubling during the year-end Montserrat Festival as members of the Montserrat Diaspora as well as tourists, gather for the festivities that run from mid-December to early January. This is Montserrat’s version of a Caribbean carnival and includes beauty pageants, calypso and soca competitions, steel pan showcases, jump-ups, parades, and fetes, with the world-famous Montserrat Masqueraders making numerous appearances.

Another popular festival is the Montserrat Saint Patrick’s Festival which commemorates the slave uprising that was to take place on Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1768. Rounding out the list of top three festivals is the Calabash Festival held each July to commemorate the volcanic eruption, as well as showcase the rich culture and heritage of the island and its people.

So will you be considering Montserrat for your next Caribbean vacation? The island is not only one of the most unique in the Caribbean but also one of the friendliest and safest in the region. You can get to Montserrat via a 15-minute flight via Fly Montserrat from nearby Antigua.

Note: Originally published May 28th, 2015, this post was updated March 7th, 2023.

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Plan Your Trip to Montserrat: Best of Montserrat Tourism

Essential Montserrat

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Many encounters and experiences in Montserrat involve interactions with the island’s outdoor environment and natural history. Not all require a guided tour, and they’ll certainly leave many lasting impressions.

Contact a member of the Montserrat Tour & Taxi Association to book a guided tour:

The Soufrière Hills Volcano

The Soufrière Hills Volcano is a composite volcano characterised by dome-building eruptions. Its last major eruption, prior to the current one, is thought to have been about 400 years ago. The current eruption began in 1995 and continues to the present day. Two-thirds of the island was rendered uninhabitable, with over 50% of the population opting to emigrate to the UK, US and Canada. Enjoy breathtaking views of the summit from safe vantage points, cloud cover permitting.

The deserted town of Plymouth is Montserrat’s star attraction – the only volcanic-buried town in the Americas. Its ghost town feel is attributed to its eerie quiet, the absence of animals and birds, the subtle usurping of the town by the volcanic ash, even in its resting phase. Most poignant are the belongings left behind: in businesses – typewriters, invoices and stationery; in homes – aging toys, cradles, books, clothing. Plymouth is located in the island’s Exclusion Zone (Zone V) and is only accessible with a certified tour guide. Tours & Taxi Association

Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is responsible for scientific monitoring of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. It was established in response to the current volcanic eruption which began in July 1995. A team of experienced scientists and technicians continually monitor the volcano using a variety of techniques, including seismology, ground deformation and gas emissions. A 20 minute video is shown about the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. There are educational kiosks and a souvenir shop. For further information visit www.mvo.ms

Jack Boy Hill

Jack Boy Hill serves as the vantage point for panoramic viewing of the volcano, the hidden town of Trants, including what remains of the island’s old airport, and the Atlantic Ocean. Here the landscape is at its grittiest and harshest. An on-site telescope allows you to examine it close up. Although small, the park’s bountiful bougainvillea and seating throughout give it a romantic feel. Make a day of it by planning a picnic or a serenade.

Centre Hills

The Centre Hills forest is home to several globally endangered bird, reptile and plant species. In some cases, the entire population can only be found within this small ecological system. Species near extinction include the Montserrat Oriole, Montserrat Galliwasp, the Mountain Chicken, the Forest Thrush and two bat species – the Yellow-shouldered Bat and White-lined Bat. Eight out of the nine major hiking trails are found in the Centre Hills. Guided tours can be arranged with Scriber’s Adventures and The National Trust .

Hilltop Coffee House and Welcome Centre

If you ever wondered about the pop music scene in the ‘80s, this is a great place to get some interesting stories. So many of the iconic albums from that era were recorded right here in Montserrat at the famed Air Studios. View memorabilia of the artistes like The Police, Stevie Wonder, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Montserrat’s national hero, Arrow, who sang Hot! Hot! Hot! Stop by and spend some time with David Lea over some good coffee or a cold fruit drink. Waffle Saturdays are always a treat!

From Little Bay, you can either kayak or take a 30 to 50 minute hilly hike to discover the island’s only white sand beach. There is rich coral and marine life that make for good snorkeling. From here, with a tour guide, you can access our colony of Antillean fruit-eating bats. Thousands of bats are on display, divided into two caves: one with females with their young, the other with males. Sounds like a romantic date!

The Montserrat National Trust

The Montserrat National Trust located in Salem is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the island’s historical sites and natural environment. It houses a café, gift shop, history centre and library and is home to the island’s botanical garden, which is dedicated to conserving indigenous plants and trees. It also features a nursery, orchid house and medicinal garden. For further information visit www.montserratnationaltrust.ms

Garibaldi Hill

One of the most breathtaking and dramatic views of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and Plymouth is from atop Garibaldi Hill. From the other side of this high perch you can see Isle’s Bay and Old Road Bay, as well as Old Towne and Salem. Don’t forget your camera!

To visit, contact one of our Taxi Operators

Bransby Point

The earliest records that show the existence of a gun battery at Bransby Point were from 1693. Located northwest of the capital, Plymouth, it was destroyed by the French in 1712 in one of their many skirmishes with the British – common at that time in the Caribbean. When Montserrat was restored to Britain in 1783, the French spiked the cannons and destroyed the guardhouse. The battery was never reactivated, but it was restored 200 years later in 1983, only to be damaged again in the volcanic eruptions in 1995 and 1997. Bound on either side by Fox’s Bay and Barton Bay, Bransby Point provides amazing views of Old Towne to the north and Soufrière Hills Volcano and Plymouth to the south.

National Museum

Located in Little Bay within walking distance from the Ferry Terminal, the Montserrat National Museum displays artefacts and exhibits on the island’s history and culture from the pre-Columbian era to modern day.

Hike to the Petroglyphs

The most amazing thing happened in 2016. Hikers on the Soldier Ghaut Trail discovered Petroglyphs credited to the first known people on Montserrat, the Amerindians. These markings in the rock are thought by archaeologists to be between 1000 and 1500 years old. They are a must see!

Rendezvous Beach Picnic or Party

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island’s only white sandy beach with a nice picnic basket filled with local goodies. Or make a truly magical memory and have a day tailored to suit your desires! Access to the beach is by boat, kayak or a short 30-50 minute hike.

Runaway Ghaut

Montserrat has some of the purest water you can hope to find anywhere. Make a stop at Runaway Ghaut and take a drink of the natural spring water to form that unbroken bond with the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. Also enjoy a short 10-minute hike to explore the flora and fauna, just beyond the seats. Rent a car or ask your taxi driver to make sure you get to live the legend.

Day of Discovery

This tour lasts 6-7 hours, and it is a fabulous way to see Montserrat for a day or to begin your holiday. In addition to the regular guided tour, your guide will show you other points of interest at your request. The tour includes admission to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the National Museum, complimentary drinks and door to door service from your accommodations.

What to See in the Caribbean Island of Montserrat: The Ultimate Guide

Content Index

Introduction

When considering your next adventure as a digital nomad, the mountainous Caribbean island of Montserrat should not be missed. With stunning landscapes and a quiet, yet vibrant population of 5000 residents, Montserrat is the perfect destination for those who are searching for an adventure off the beaten path or those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for the tranquility and camaraderie of a small island community.

With a landmass stretching just 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, do not let the size of this Caribbean gem deceive you – Montserrat is one of the region’s most dramatic islands which boasts a unique history and an impressive list of attractions and activities for visitors and remote workers to enjoy year-round. Here’s what you can expect while staying on the beautiful island of Montserrat.

World-Class Nature

One of the best perks of living in Montserrat is that nature is never far from your front door or workspace. The island is interconnected by one main road with zero traffic lights, making access to adventure boundless! Montserrat is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and those wanting to immerse themselves and reconnect with nature – both on land and in the sea. With a tropical and warm climate year-round, there is also no shortage of sunny days to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Enjoy a nice mid-day break or free time at one of the island’s many beaches in which all but one boasts a unique color palette ranging from sparkling blacks and shades of grey. Little Bay Beach remains one of the island’s most popular seaside enclaves with activities such as stand-up paddle (SUP) and kayaking, and its convenient location next to the lively Marine Village. From Little Bay, you can take a short kayak ride or hike over to Rendezvous Beach – the only white sand beach on the whole island.

Montserrat is filled with some of the best hiking trails in all of the Caribbean, most of which are centered in the Centre Hills Forest Reserve. You can expect astonishing views over the lush rainforest-covered hills and serene coastlines, and there is opportunity for hikes of varying difficulty, lengths, and views. During your hike in the Centre Hills, you may even catch a glimpse of the island’s rich collection of birds and other extraordinary wildlife including the Montserrat Oriole (the country’s national bird).

Volcano Viewing

No visit to Montserrat is complete without visiting the mesmerizing Soufriere Hills Volcano. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcano from a safe distance at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) or if you are seeking a dual adventure – you can enjoy the volcano during your hike up Jackboy Hill! The eruption of this volcano, which initially rendered two-thirds of the island uninhabitable, began in 1995 and it continues to be active to this day. You can even visit the deserted capital of Plymouth – the only volcanic buried town in all of the Americas. With the assistance of professional guides, you can walk along volcanic materials which plague this ghost town and witness the devastation of the eruption first-hand.

Water Activities

With 360-degree access to the ocean, the island is a water enthusiasts paradise with activities such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in the comfort of the Little Bay Area, turtle watching at the breathtaking Lime Kiln Beach, and world-class scuba diving in which the island offers a wide range of organized tours with more than 50 dive sites to choose from!

While Montserrat’s natural beauty is undeniable, its diverse landscape can seem intimidating as a first-time visitor or new resident. Luckily, the island has put together a pristine network of local tour operators where you can arrange guided hikes, adventure tours, and familiarize yourself with the island, making the transition to a new place easier than ever!

Medley of Culture

Montserrat’s diverse culture and history have been shaped by various settlers and events throughout the centuries and residents are proud to share the island’s vibrant culture with a variety of events throughout the year.

Montserrat is well known to many as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean due to its lush green landscape, but also because many of the island’s settlers were from Ireland. In fact – Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. Every year in March, the island hosts a two-week-long St. Patrick’s Festival to highlight Montserrat’s African and Irish heritage.

Visitors and island residents can expect a variety of other celebrations throughout the year including the Calabash Festival in July, the Alliouagana Literary Festival in November, and the infamous Montserrat Carnival in December and January. Even outside the official scheduled festivals and events, you can expect to see a showcase of Montserrat culture in the country’s national wear which is symbolic of African and Irish heritage as well as the work of local artisans across the island. Montserrat’s National Museum , located in Little Bay, and the Montserrat National Trust are great resources and local institutions which help to preserve the island’s natural and cultural heritage and are a must-visit.

Blend of Culinary Traditions

Food in Montserrat is a mash-up of flavour and color and visitors and residents can choose from a vast range of culinary options including local eateries highlighting traditional foods such as Saltfish, Duckna, and Cassava Bread well as fine-dining and fusion restaurant options.

Make sure to try Montserrat’s national dish, Goat Water! Inspired by the island’s Irish heritage, Goat Water bears semblance to a traditional Irish stew but with a unique Caribbean flair and cooking style over a wood fire. Goat Water is a communal dish usually served at weddings, parties, and funerals, but on Fridays, this is the island’s lunch staple!

Why Montserrat Should be your Next Digital Nomad Destination

With unparalleled natural landscapes, delicious food and even richer culture, there’s every reason to choose Montserrat for your next remote work destination. This small island has something to offer for every traveler and the welcoming and vibrant local population allows prospective digital nomads to truly find a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. The Montserrat Remote Worker Stamp allows travelers to work remotely from Montserrat, and benefit from the laid-back and exceptional quality of life the island has to offer.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE WEBINAR “DISCOVER YOURSELF WHILE LIVING AND WORKING REMOTELY ON THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT” TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE REMOTE WORKERS STAMP, AND HOW APPLICANTS ACHIEVED WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN THE CARIBBEAN PARADISE OF THE EMERALD ISLE!

The Montserrat Tourism Division offers an exceptional overview of life on the island and various resources to help you discover all the wonders that Montserrat has to offer.

Check out the 2022 Montserrat Island Guide here .

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A nature reserve where the patron saint of Catalonia is venerated

Montserrat Museum

Montserrat Monastery

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Boys’ Choir’s Easter Holidays

Boy's choir absence, the boys' choir on christmas holidays, know montserrat.

The image of Our Lady of Montserrat, popularly known as  La Moreneta , (the Dark One), is a 12th century Romanesque polychrome carving.

Pastoral services

The Pastoral Coordination Centre coordinates  religious services  and devotes special attention to  welcoming  pilgrims and visitors.

The Montserrat community is formed of around 80 monks who live according to the  Rule of Saint Benedict.

Escolania (Boys' Choir)

Montserrat’s Boys’Choir, which serves the sanctuary of Montserrat, is one of the  oldest in Europe.  It is a religious and music school.

Nature Park

Montserrat was declared a natural park in 1987 to protect the massif, the geological characteristics of which make it unique in the world.

Museum of Montserrat

Since the restoration of the monastery in 1844, Montserrat has accumulated a wealth of artistic heritage, mostly from private donations.

New Interactive Exhibition

The exhibition is based on three fundamental pillars: mountain, monastery and sanctuary.

Santa Cecília de Montserrat

Romanesque church and the Sean Scully Art Space 

Open Air Museum

A tour of the sanctuary and surroundings to discover a wealth of architectural, sculptural and natural heritage.

Sanctuary newsletter

Montserrat, Sanctuary newsletter , was established as the successor to a publication under the same name, which was produced from 1927 to 1936.

Montserrat library

The Montserrat Monastery Library is remarkable not only for the quantity of its collections but also for their quality.

Publicacions de l'Abadia

Since it was first established in 1499, the Monastery publishing company has served the sanctuary and monastery of Montserrat practically without interruption.

Montserrat online

Presence of Montserrat on the Internet: websites, Youtube, blogs and social media

Montserrat Gastronomy

Traditional food with ingredients and products linked to the territory.

Funicular railways

There are quick and easy ways to get to the starting point of some routes, as they take us over the steepest parts of the terrain.

Portals de Montserrat (Gateways)

Information on the villages in the surroundings of Montserrat, natural portals of entry to Montserrat.

Organize your visit

Montserrat Radio and Television

Rack railway train included during your stay in Montserrat. Request it.

Visit the website of the Abbey: abadiamontserrat.cat.

Shrines of Pilar, Torreciudad, Lourdes, Meritxell and Montserrat

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Montserrat Travel Guide

Summon your fiery spirit of adventure with a trip to the volcanic island of Montserrat, a place of history, culture and awe!

On the western fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, a chain of islands rises from the water like a formation of stepping stones, the remnant breadcrumbs of a prehistoric continental shift, linking the South American mainland to Haiti and Cuba, bound northwest towards the Gulf of Mexico. 

Located close to the equator, Montserrat is one of the many isles boasting tropical weather and abundant rainforest wilderness, where clear cyan shallow coasts reach out and blend into the rich blue water, classically aesthetic characteristics of the region. 

Montserrat is fittingly fruitful in its offerings; a stretch of around 40 kilometres of coastline surrounds the pear-shaped island, and at roughly 16 kilometres long by 11 kilometres wide, adventure is never far away. 

But the island has also had a dramatic recent history. A terrible disaster in 1995 caused by the volcanic Soufrière Hills saw the destruction of lives, the island’s capital of Plymouth, as well as the ruination of over half of Montserrat’s landmass. This fuming monolith of the island has been active ever since, although activities remain quite low.  Despite this, after years of rebuilding its tourism industry, Montserrat has turned a tragic event into a memory and place of visitation. Travellers can view the looming Soufrière Hills volcano from a safe distance, as well as Plymouth, which has remained the capital of the island despite the disaster – a city buried in ash. 

Montserrat is indeed regarded as a gem of discovery and one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit. Known as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean, Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory and part of the Leeward Islands (Lesser Antilles), and celebrates a unique Afro-Irish heritage that is embodied by its people, food, drink and annual festivities. Beyond this rich culture, a multitude of leisure and outdoor activities await travellers across the island’s land and coasts.

“We are a vibrant, beautiful island with majestic mountains, lush landscapes, healthy marine life, friendly people and is considered one of the safest destinations in the world” Rosetta West-Gerald , Director of Tourism, Montserrat Tourism Division

TOURISM INSIGHTS: MONTSERRAT TOURISM DIVISION (MTD)

At the heart of the island’s tourism sector, Montserrat Tourism Division (MTD) is customer-driven, people-centric, conservation-focused and tech-enabled, led by a vision to provide the perfect environmentally friendly travel experience for its visitors.

Q&A WITH ROSETTA WEST-GERALD, DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, MTD

Can you talk us through the origins of MTD, its initial vision and its goals? 

Rosetta   West-Gerald, Director of Tourism (RWG):  At the heart of it all, MTD focuses on sustainable tourism. Our tourism strategy identifies the vision as sustainable development through quality tourism which is built on four key pillars: customer-driven, environment conservation, technology adoption, and people-centric.

These pillars are built on a foundation of quality, and the environment is at the core of our planning with an emphasis on protection and conservation. 

MTD’s focus equally revolves around providing unique experiences for our visitors, which ultimately leads to increased visitor spending. We look at quality versus quantity and this is depicted even with the types of cruise vessels that we target which are small- to medium-sized.

How do you market Montserrat as a destination?

RWG:  Montserrat is a tiny island located just 27 miles southwest of Antigua in the Caribbean, and not to be confused with Montserrat in Spain. We are a British Overseas Territory but with a unique Afro-Irish heritage. Many people know Montserrat for the Soufrière Hills volcano which roared back to life in 1995 and destroyed much of the island’s infrastructure including Plymouth, the airport and nine of our villages. However, Montserrat is more than this.  

We are a vibrant, beautiful island with majestic mountains, lush landscapes, healthy marine life, friendly people, and are considered one of the safest destinations in the world. The island offers soft adventure activities including more than eight world-class hiking trails, bird watching, beautiful dive sites, snorkelling, kayaking, boating, turtle watching, and of course volcano viewing, the latter with a focus on the buried city of Plymouth now coined the ‘Modern Day Pompeii’. 

In addition to this, we offer two main festivals, the Montserrat Carnival during Christmas which is celebrated from the middle of December to 1st January. We also celebrate our unique St. Patrick’s Festival, with 17th March a public holiday just as in Ireland; we are the only other place in the world where St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. This is the day when the island’s Afro-Irish heritage comes to the fore in the way we dress, the foods we eat and the different activities which take place on this day. We also promote other events that happen throughout the year, such as our Calabash Festival in the middle of July and our Literary Festival in the middle of November. All of our activities are promoted on our website –  www.visitmontserrat.com  – as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

“Montserrat is unlike any other destination – it is small enough, and unique enough to provide a truly memorable experience” Rosetta West-Gerald, Director of Tourism, Montserrat Tourism Division

Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Montserrat?

RWG:  Montserrat is unlike any other destination; it is small and unique enough to provide a truly memorable experience. Upon arrival on the island, the clean air and picturesque landscape will captivate even the hard-to-please traveller. There is plenty of accommodation to choose from to suit all tastes and budgets, almost all with stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Getting around the island is also quite easy, via regular bus services, taxis or car hire. Cuisine is infused with a sweet island flare and can be purchased from snackettes, takeaways and full-service restaurants. 

On top of the various activities that people can engage in on the island, a great reason to visit Montserrat is the fact that many people arrive as visitors but leave as family. The island truly grows on people which causes them to return year after year.

What are some of the country’s most unique landmarks?

RWG:  The most unique landmarks in Montserrat are:

The Buried City of Plymouth  – ‘Modern Day Pompeii’.

Runaway Ghaut  – the legendary fount which provides cool natural spring water. It is fabled that if anyone drinks the water from the fount they will be destined to return to Montserrat.

Rendezvous Beach  – the only white sand beach on the island which is only accessible via a hike or water taxi.

Jack Boy Hill  – an oasis for picnics and views of the volcano and the W.H. Bramble Ruins which resulted from the volcanic eruptions.

Garibaldi Hill  – provides 360° views of the island including the volcano and the buried city of Plymouth.

Montserrat National Trust Gardens  – offers a scenic and serene garden tour experience. Also learn about the island’s history.

Hill Top Coffee House  – mini museum showcasing the late Arrow (Soca superstar) and Beatles memorabilia.

Centre Hills  – a natural reserve which contains a variety of unique flora and fauna including the national bird – oriole – and the national flower, the Heliconia. This is also the location for a diverse network of hiking trails.

Petroglyph  – the hiking trail which leads to unearthed petroglyphs, prehistoric markings on a rock which are believed to be made by Amerindians.

Bat Cave  – one of the most popular dive sites in Montserrat which offers a unique experience to view hundreds of fruit bats in their native environment.

What challenges does the tourist industry in Montserrat face, and how do you promote off-season travel?

RWG:  The challenges that the tourism industry faces are three-fold: natural, manmade and resource based. 

Like many other destinations in the region, storms are always an issue to take into consideration, as we are located in the Caribbean as well as the hurricane belt. Should COVID-19 spikes resurface, this will also cause problems, on top of current issues such as increased fuel prices and access challenges. Montserrat is serviced by islander planes, whilst the ferry and twin otter services are welcome seasonal additions, especially for people who visit in December and March when visitor numbers increase for the festivals. These services also encourage day visits to the island.

As for off-season travel, we offer a few activities to attract visitors during this time. For example, the off-season is generally from the middle of April to the middle of November. In July, we organise a Calabash Festival which is aimed at attracting vacationers who are looking for something different to do during this period. The Calabash Festival really celebrates the iconic Calabash fruit, and not only highlights the ways in which the fruit can be used – jewellery, utensils and art, for example – but also showcases other aspects of our heritage including our music, food, and pageantry. In November, we also promote a Literary Festival termed the Alliouagana Festival of the Word, Alliouagana being the Amerindian name for Montserrat. This event highlights everything from a book parade and poetry to author book signings.

What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Montserrat and how are you utilising them?

RWG:  One of the trends transforming the tourism industry is the inclusion of immersive or experiential holidays. MTD has been working on getting locals prepared to offer additional experiential services; for example, community-based tourism including farm-to-table and walking tours. There are so many interesting stories to tell, and getting tourism stakeholders to be able to do so is important to us. 

Other trends include more wellness holidays; there are a few operators offering massage and spa treatments and yoga therapy, and these are all geared at rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.  Some have been adding new products and services including saunas and various types of massages.

Eco-travel holidays are another aspect to consider. Montserrat by its very nature is concerned with eco-travel as we offer a number of soft adventure outdoor activities which have a low impact on the environment such as hiking, turtle watching, kayaking, and walking tours, so protecting and preserving the environment is a key responsibility of ours.

Then there is the realm of technology. MTD has added an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot which we fondly call Oriole, in honour of our iconic national bird, to the website, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages. This is aimed at improving the user experience by providing 24-hour assistance to guests who are able to access information on a range of services such as flights, accommodation, food, tours and much more. Additionally, the recently added fibre network has helped us to promote remote working, which has boomed globally since it was implemented in January 2021.

Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Montserrat?

RWG:  Yes, I am optimistic about the future of tourism in Montserrat. The tourism trends point to much of what we are offering at the moment, and should this continue, I see the industry growing in a controlled way.

There are also a number of exciting projects we are currently working on for visitors to our island. One of the main ones is the building of the Volcano Interpretation Centre (VIC) which will showcase the legacy of the volcanic eruptions and the stories of the people of Montserrat who witnessed them. These will be depicted through a number of interactive displays throughout the VIC. We are currently at the design phase of this project, and this is one example of very promising days ahead.

Additionally, the island is working on building a breakwater aimed at improving the access of vessels to the island when the seas are rough in addition to protecting the shoreline.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

A national stew with Irish inspiration, try goat water with cassava bread or rice.

For a panoramic view of the hills and sea, stay at  Tropical Mansion Suites .

Take a unique airborne volcano tour with  CalvinAir Helicopters .

IN FOCUS: SOUFRIERE HILLS

Soufrière Hills is a peak attraction in Montserrat, and there are several places from which to view it: Garibaldi Hill and Jack Boy Hill provide visitors with dramatic and stunning views of the volcanic rise, as well as the island’s buried capital of Plymouth, Richmond Hill, Old Towne, Salem, Old Road Bay, and Isle’s Bay Hill.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), a research facility and scientific monitoring station, was established in response to the ongoing volcanic eruption that started in 1995, and on top of viewing Soufrière Hills, visitors can learn more about the eruption and disaster. Operated by a team of experienced scientists and technicians who continually monitor the volcano, tourists can discover how these experts use seismology, ground deformation and gas emissions in their work, and visit educational kiosks and the souvenir shop along the way.

The star attraction of the Soufrière Hills region is of course Plymouth, the ‘Modern Day Pompeii’, from which buildings and remnants of the town rise in a bleak yet awe-inspiring image of a town frozen in time. Plymouth remains the only volcanic-buried town in the Americas, and visitors may experience a ghostly calm in the lack of wildlife that was disturbed by the initial eruption and has not yet returned. Proof of human life can be seen all across the once-busy urban centre; in homes, personal items and clothing are two examples of what remain, and in offices, papers and stationery sit like degraded relics of a bygone time. Located in Montserrat’s Exclusion Zone (Zone V), experiencing Plymouth is only available via  certified  Tours & Taxi Association ,  and is well worth a visit between cultural festivities, hill trekking and water-based leisure activities on the northern side of the island.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

Rendezvous Beach 

Truly magical memories are to be made on Montserrat’s only white sandy beach. Reach the beach by boat, kayak, or a 30- to 50-minute hike, and experience the guaranteed peace and tranquillity with a picnic basket full to the brim with local foods and snacks.

The Antillean fruit-eating bats are mammals native to Montserrat, and thousands can be seen between the two caverns that make up the Bat Cave. Via a tour guide from Rendezvous Beach, visitors can lay eyes on the pair of colonies, one made up of the females and young, the other males – an experience for the keen explorer.

Hike to the petroglyphs

In 2016, hikers on the Soldier Ghaut Trail made a tremendous discovery: the ancient beauty of petroglyphs, thought to be made by the first known people of Montserrat, the Amerindians, marked on rocks. These markings are estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 years old and can be witnessed by any visitor willing to make the journey!

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Fittingly for a tropical island sat within the North Atlantic Ocean, Montserrat is not reachable directly, but instead by short-haul flight (or seasonal ferry crossing) from its larger neighbour Antigua. Flights to Antigua & Barbuda (ANU) are available from many major international airports, arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport, where a 20-minute flight places you at the John A. Osborne Airport in Montserrat. 

Once on the Emerald Isle, adventure is at your fingertips; the whole of Montserrat is connected by a single main road where hailing a bus (or brightly coloured minivans) is common practice – no waiting at stops on your holiday. This is by far the most economical option for the average tourist, as bus/minivan rates start at EC$3 (US$1.25), with additional costs incurred if choosing to go off-route. Just in case visitors are confused as to which vehicle is public transport, each of their number plates begins with an H – think H for ‘hail’!

Taxi hire is another option available at the island’s Little Bay Ferry Terminal or John A. 

Osborne Airport, with accommodation providers able to pre-book taxis at your request. If you wish to take things into your own hands there are two options: a range of rental cars is available on the island, the only requirement being a permit from any of Montserrat’s police stations or the airport – you only need a driver’s licence from your home country. For the off-road adventurer, ATV tours and Chez Mango jeep tours provide an exhilarating way to visit the various places the island has to offer.

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