The Camí dels Degotalls to Santa Cova begins at the Aeri de Montserrat cable car's lower station, reached via the FGC R5 line from Barcelona, with the cable car ride included in Montserrat's all-inclusive ticket. This 6-kilometre return route is one of the gentlest walks in the Montserrat massif, gaining only about 200 metres as it follows a paved and well-maintained path along the base of the mountain's cliffs to the Santa Cova hermitage, a site associated with the discovery of the Virgin of Montserrat statue. The Camí dels Degotalls section is largely flat, cut into the cliff face with a low stone wall on the exposed side, while the final stretch down to Santa Cova involves a gentler descent on stepped paving. The surface throughout is paved or well-compacted, with minimal loose rock, and there is intermittent shade from the cliff overhangs along the Degotalls section. Landmarks include dramatic close-up views of Montserrat's conglomerate rock formations, several religious sculptures set into the rock along the way, and the Santa Cova chapel itself. There is no natural water source directly on the trail, but the monastery complex at the start has cafés and a supermarket. This route has no refuge hut, though its short length and gentle gradient make it accessible to most visitors, including families with young children.
| Distance | 6km return |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2–2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | FGC R5 to Aeri de Montserrat then cable car (included in all-inclusive ticket) |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Address | Trailhead: Aeri de Montserrat (lower cable car station, reached by R5 FGC) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Montserrat, Barcelona Province
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection
Weather through the year in Spain
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Spain.
Location
Trailhead: Aeri de Montserrat (lower cable car station, reached by R5 FGC)
41.5801, 1.8308 View on map
Highlights
- Close-up views of Montserrat's conglomerate rock cliffs
- Historic Santa Cova hermitage, linked to the Virgin of Montserrat legend
- Religious sculptures set into the rock along the Camí dels Degotalls
- Gentle, mostly paved path suitable for most fitness levels
- Access included with the Montserrat all-inclusive rack railway or cable car ticket
Tips for visiting
- This is one of the easiest routes in Montserrat, suitable for a short family outing
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, the path is paved but has some sloped sections
- Carry water, there is no source directly on the trail
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid the busiest monastery crowds
- Combine with a monastery visit, since both share the same trailhead
When to visit
Hikeable year-round; the cliff overhangs provide shade that makes this a comfortable option even on warmer days.
Accessibility
The Camí dels Degotalls section is flat and paved, making it manageable for strollers and many mobility devices with assistance, though the final stepped descent to Santa Cova is not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a family-friendly hike?
Yes, the short distance, gentle 200m elevation gain, and mostly paved surface make it accessible to most visitors, including families with children.
What is Santa Cova?
Santa Cova is a hermitage chapel associated with the legend of the discovery of the Virgin of Montserrat statue, and the destination of this route.
Is the path paved?
Yes, the Camí dels Degotalls is a maintained, largely flat path cut into the cliff face, and the final stretch to Santa Cova is stepped paving.
Where can hikers get water?
There is no water source directly on the trail; the monastery complex at the trailhead has cafés and a supermarket.