Sitges is a seaside town in Spain located south west along the coast from Barcelona. With an old town full of history and gorgeous buildings. Pristine beaches, lots of day time activities and a wide choice of restaurants and bars. It’s not hard to see why it’s becoming a very popular holiday location.
The local events calendar is jam-packed full of interesting things. Including an International Film Festival, Half Marathon, Vintage Car Rally and Fiesta Major. It’s very gay friendly and also known for its amazing Pride Parade and annual Carnaval. The colourful Carnaval takes place at the end of February and attracts over 250,000 visitors. The fabulous Sitges pride celebrations start early June and last 10 days, making it one of the best LGBT parties in the World.
Sitges has something for everyone. It’s the perfect day trip from Barcelona, a romantic escape, party time with friends, or a family holiday. Sitges is whatever you want it to be because there is so much to see and do. It manages to balance a traditional, fun, seaside town with a chic and cosmopolitan vibe. Let us entice you by sharing all the wonderful things you can see and do in Sitges and how you can get there from nearby Barcelona.
How to get to Sitges from Barcelona
Sitges is on the Costa Dorada within the region of Catalonia. Just 30-40 minutes away from Barcelona.
From Barcelona El Prat Airport
- By train – Take the train from Terminal 2 to El Prat de Lobregat station and then change to get the R2 to Sitges. Trains run every 30 minutes
- By bus – Take the MonBus from Terminal 1 to Sitges but check timetables.
From Barcelona city centre
- By train – Make your way by metro or bus to either Sants or Passeig de Gracia train stations. Then take the Rodalies R2 Sud (southbound) to Sitges. Which is 10 or 11 stops.
- By bus – Take the MonBus from Ronda Universidad or Plaza Espana to Sitges.
- By Car – If you are driving there are two options. Take the C-32 Pau Casals Motorway (which has a toll charge) in the direction of Sitges/Tarragona and leave at exit 30. Alternatively take the C-31, 18km of this is on the coastal road.
*RELATED article: What you need to know before visiting Barcelona
What to see in Sitges
The Old Town
Take a nice stroll through the old part of Sitges town. It has narrow cobbled streets lined with tall traditional, white washed buildings. It’s a great way to seek the shade and admire the old architecture.
Surfers catching a wave
Sitges has some nice beaches for surfing. It’s fun to sit an watch surfers catching a wave or if you feel like giving it a go visit Sitges Surf Club.
Pride and acceptance at every turn
It’s great to see rainbow flags hanging throughout Sitges. It really is a welcoming town full of pride and acceptance.
Sitges Church
Located right on the waters edge in the Old Town is St Bartomeu church. One of the most famous landmarks of Sitges. It sits atop a grand set of steps from the main promenade and is well worth a visit to walk along the sea wall.
Gorgeous sandy beaches
Sitges boasts 17 beaches, all within walking distance to the centre and offering a variety of family friendly and gay friendly options. Platja de la Fragata and Platja de la Ribera are both popular beaches close to town and San Sebastian has a strip of restaurants. and bars nearby. Head along the coast for quieter coves or nudists spots like Playa de las Balmins.
The view from above the beach
One of the best view points is up above the beach on the cliff walk between Platja San Sebastian and the port. Looking out towards the boats you get a great view of the rocky shoreline with waves crashing below.
*RELATED article: If you are interested in reading about other holiday spots that are off the usual tourist trail check out – Lesser-known holiday locations in Spain
What to do in Sitges
Walk along the promenade
One of the first things to do in Sitges is head to the beach front. There is a lovely palm tree lined paved promenade that allows you to walk the entire length of the beaches on the south side of the church.
Enjoy Ibiza-esque beach bar vibes
Relax with a drink at Vivero Beach Club to enjoy a chilled out afternoon in a chic Ibiza style beach bar.
Explore the art galleries and museums
Head to one of the many galleries and museums in Sitges. Cau Ferrat and Museu Maricel in particular are worth visiting.
Browse the shops
There are lots of shops to browse in Sitges from the usual Spanish high street brands to quirky little independent stores. While away an afternoon enjoying some retail therapy and pick up things to take home.
Enjoy the buzz of local events
With such an interesting calendar of events happening throughout the year you are almost guaranteed to visit Sitges during a festival or fiesta of some sort. Join in the festivities and enjoy the buzz of locals and enthusiasts celebrating. Check out the events calendar on Visit Sitges website.
Take a tour of Casa Bacardi
The founder of rum brand Bacardi was born in Sitges and later emigrated to Cuba where the company was started. Learn all about the art of making rum at Casa Bacardi museum. It’s a fun tour through the history of the company with tasting and cocktail making classes.
Eat delicious food
There are many great restaurants in Sitges and plenty of opportunity to eat lots of delicious food. From the more traditional bars with tapas/pinchos snacks on the counter to modern brunch spots and contemporary dining. A few favourites are: La Picara, Mama#5, Beach House, Pic Nic and La Zorra.
Join the party
Take a little bar hop around the streets of Sitges. Have a beer in cute bars like Tres Quarts or Wylie. Sip cocktails in the outside seating of Rich Monkey or Parrots. Then join the party on “sin street” as things liven up and the music gets louder. Sing along to 80’s tunes, check out drag shows or live bands in the late night bars like Queenz, Everlasting Love or Prisma.
If you are staying in Sitges for longer
Sitges is a great day trip from Barcelona but as you can see there is enough to see and do in the seaside town that a longer holiday would be great. If you are staying in Sitges for longer than a few days why not explore a little further.
Take an excursion to the Garraf National Park
Garraf National Park covers the land surrounding Sitges and is great for nature lovers, hikers or cyclists. There is a selection of nature trails and biking routes to take through the varied woodland area.
Visit wineries
Near Sitges you’ll find the Penedes wine producing region. Home to acres of wineries, there are lots of options to take wine tasting tours. Learn more about the wine of this region from Once in a Lifetime Journey blog.
Go to Tarragona’s Aqua Leon water park
Along the coast in Tarragona is Aqua Leon, a zoo and water park combined. It’s open during the summer season and has lots to offer for a fun filled day in the sun.
Go to Port Aventura theme park
Just under an hour drive away is the huge Port Aventura theme park. The fun rides and attractions will entertain all ages and there are some really hair raising rollercoasters.
I hope this guide to Sitges has given you plenty of ideas for things to do. Have you been to Sitges already? Tell us what you enjoyed in the comments box below ↓↓
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It would be amazing!