Lately, I’ve been feeling burned out on the metropolis’ din and have spent most of the summer’s weekends hiking. Many hiking trails in Catalonia require a car but not all. A few, like the Vall de Nuria and Montserrat, are easily reached by train.

The Montserrat Abbey is a big tourist destination outside of Barcelona. Around Plaça Catalunya you’ll see numerous signs offering bus tours to the spiritual site, set about an hour from the city. Going on a bus with a package tour is one way to see the museum, basilica, and monastery, but may not allow time for a hike into the mountains behind the abbey.

Montserrat landscape

You’ll need about five hours to do the Sant Jeroni hike, which leaves from behind the monastery and will take you deep into the Dr. Seuss-like peaks that make Montserrat so unique. The landscape is that of a cartoon, with rounded, bulging rocks around every bend. Sant Jeroni sits at 1,236 meters, which means fabulous, 360° views stretching all the way to Barcelona and Penedès.

Montserrat view

Preparing for the hike

When I did the hike I saw quite a few people marching up the mountainside in flip-flops. I don’t know how they did it. The hike is not easy, and requires a lot of up, up, up during the first 2 kms. Wear hiking boots or at least sneakers. Depending on the time of year, you should also have a jacket as the weather can quite cool at 1,200 meters. There is no water on the trail, so bring a couple water bottles and lunch.

Up on top at Sant Jeroni

If you come to Montserrat Abbey unprepared and want to do the trail, you can buy almost everything you’ll need for the hike at their supermarket. A sort of “religious Disneyland,” Montserrat has two ATM machines, a cafe, two restaurants, several gift shops, a hotel, and a small market on site. It’s a bit touristy, but worth it.

Most visitors do not make it up to Sant Jeroni because it takes time, gear, and physical ability. However, I saw a few families with kids (no younger than seven or eight) doing the trek, so it’s not that hard.

If you plan to see the religious buildings at Montserrat and then hike Sant Jeroni, you’ll need to leave Barcelona early in the morning.

Check out this website for more information about trains from Plaça Espana to Montserrat and its funicular.

Happy Trails!

The post Montserrat: A hike from Barcelona that’s accessible by train appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before the days get too short and while leaves are still on the trees, here are a few of my favorite lookout points in Dublin. Some are for relaxing picnics while others will require a little energy to get there.

1. The Sugar Loaf Mountain
Web site

One of the best views in all of Dublin is found from the peak of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Located about 30 minutes south of city center, this peak is accessible only from a trail off a narrow country road. En route to the top, you will pass ancient stone fences and grazing sheep.

While the climb might look daunting, it’s really more of a hike on an incline than a climb. It is possible to reach the top in an hour or hour and a half, with only a few tricky steps towards the top when you must scramble over a few rocks. Once you pass this test, views are the reward.

The whole geography of Dublin unfolds in front of you. The Bay of Dublin, the piers jetting out into the water (where you can go for a swim if you dare) and the surrounding signature green countryside are all clearly visible from this vantage point.

Bring a picnic with you and stay for a while to take in the views.

2. Bewley’s Grafton Street Café
78/79 Grafton Street
Web site

Grafton Street is the pedestrianized center of Dublin. Very often visitors walk up or down this street en route to some attraction or another throughout the city. Yet how many stop to enjoy the view? Beyond shopping, Grafton Street is known for street performers, or buskers (Rodrigo y Gabriela got their start here).

One of the best places to take in the bustle is on the second floor of Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street. Get a table overlooking the street. The windows will be open on a nice day and while sipping on a cup of tea you can watch the daily theater of Grafton Street unfold beneath you.

3. Hike from Bray to Greystones
Web site

Some of the best coastal views in Dublin can be seen on a hike between the villages of Bray and Greystones. From the city center, hop a commuter DART train heading south to Bray. From the station, wander down towards the beach, and join the trail that winds south along the coastline.

Over the course of a 90-minute hike, you will have the chance to see not only coastal views from every possible angle, but also the DART train barreling through tunnels. Finish with a stroll through a grassy field as you approach Greystones. There are several places to picnic along the route before boarding the train in Greystones to head back north to Dublin.

Your views?

From the center of Dublin to the top of a mountain, this city is full of places with incredible views. If you’re looking for a place with a view to sip on a pint of Guinness, check out my recommendations for scenic summertime bars.

Have a favorite lookout point not listed here? Tell us about it in our comments section.

The post Dublin: The best lookout points around Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, you’re in luck. Spain’s capital is flanked by mountain ranges including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos, all of which offer city dwellers some well-needed respite from the urban grind.

Day tripping to the mountains

My six-hour hike.

Most trips to Madrid’s mountains are easily doable in a day and are highly enjoyable in any season. Why not go skiing during the winter, savor the crisp mountain air in fall, admire the flora and fauna in spring, or escape the heat of the city at a natural mountain swimming pool in summer?

For the walkers among us there are many different routes for all levels. The most experienced hikers and climbers will be challenged, while those wanting a gentle walk through beautiful surroundings and some wholesome rural food will also be happy.

Do-it-yourself mountain trips

Most Madrileños seem to have an innate knowledge of the different mountain ranges and often disappear off for the weekend to the Sierra. However, for foreigners it can seem like a mysterious world outside the city that is completely inaccessible without a car.

Wrong. Tourists, too can explore la Sierra! Cercedilla, Cotos and Manzanares El Real are all easily reached either by train from Atocha station or by bus from Plaza Castilla. A round-trip ticket costs less than €10.

Ah, nature...

Mountain trips with a group

Alternatively, if you want to reach lesser-known parts of the Sierra you can go with a group led by experienced hikers.

I decided to give this a go and booked with specialist tour company Tierra de Fuego. For just €18 I opted for the beginners level (there are three levels to choose from) and took a six-hour walk through the Dehesa de Somosierra and Horcajo de la Sierra.

I joined my group on a coach in Plaza España and we traveled for about an hour before starting the walk. The group was predominantly Spanish and ages ranged from 20-65, including groups of friends, couples and individuals, all in search of some fresh mountain air.

It was one of those beautiful crisp, blue autumnal days and we were treated to some stunning scenery–vast expanses punctuated by craggy mountains, majestic auburn pine forests and beautifully preserved little villages. As we sat at the highest vantage point eating our packed lunches and gazing out at the view, I couldn’t believe it was possible to find such peace and tranquility just a stone’s throw from Madrid.

However you decide to go, Madrid’s mountains are a very affordable way of taking a mini break and should certainly rank high on any Cheapo’s “to-do” list.

The post Madrid Day Trip: Exploring the Sierra mountain ranges appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.