Sitges

Sitges is a lively town on the Costa Dorada famous not only for its beautiful beaches but also for being an important centre of Catalan modern art. The city, located just over 40 km from Barcelona, is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains and offers its visitors truly spectacular landscapes. Three hundred days of sunshine a year, 17 beaches, renowned restaurants and numerous clubs are just some of the features for which Sitges is also known as ‘the miniature Ibiza island.’

The town’s beauty has long been known thanks to the Spanish painter Santiago Rusiñol, who decided to settle in Sitges towards the end of the 19th century, making the town an important reference point for numerous artists. Upon his death, Rusiñol bequeathed Sitges several modernist works and thus made it a famous artistic and cultural centre. Added to this are the many opportunities, sports and high-level services that over time have made Sitges a popular international destination.

Now Sitges has become a chic destination, much loved by the homosexual community but also by families and groups of young people mainly from northern Europe. Moreover, every year in June, the International Theatre Festival is organised, an event attended by many people to watch traditional Catalan and Spanish plays.

The beaches of Sitges

Sitges boasts a coastline of more than 4 km with different types of beaches: from family-friendly to naturist beaches, from wild and isolated coves to city beaches. Many of Sitges’ beaches have also been awarded Blue Flag status in recent years for the clarity of their waters.

The beaches closest to the city centre are usually the most crowded but also those with the most services. The best known is Platja de la Fragata1, which is located near Plaça del Baluard and the Yacht Club, and is very popular with young people and families, including locals. Another popular beach is Platja de la Ribera2, which is a central beach with many facilities and is one of the most popular with locals and tourists alike. If you want a less crowded area but still not too far away, you can evaluate Platja d'Aiguadolç3 (Beach of the fresh water) which is located near the port of the same name. Located at the far end of the town, it is still within walking distance from the centre but is immersed in a beautiful natural environment.

Those who want to practice naturism, on the other hand, can go to Playa de los Balmins4, which is located between the port of Aiguadolç and the old town, while Platja de la Bassa Rodona5 is a beach with all facilities that is very popular with the LGBTI+ community. One of the first beaches in the world to be open to the LGBTI+ community was Dead Man’s Beach (Platja de l'Home Mort6) in Sitges. Located in the middle of a natural park, Dead Man’s Beach is not easy to access because you have to climb over a steep cliff. The beach, however, has a kiosk that guarantees good food, good music and a nice ambience.

Finally, those looking for a calmer atmosphere can go to Platja Terramar7 (a very extensive free beach) or to Platja de les Anquines8, which are two beaches further from the centre and, therefore, less crowded.

Sitges and the Gay Beaches

The gay beach par excellence is Platja de la Bossa Rodona and has been the cradle of gay tourism in Barcelona for many years.
However, whereas at one time this beach was almost a white fly, today, thanks to the increasing influx of gays and lesbians in this area, all beaches have suddenly become more tolerant and open.
If you are a fan of sunbathing you will find that just a few minutes from Platja de la Bossa Rodona there are several nudist areas.

In February then Sitges is a real frenzy, as every year the Gay Carnival is organised and the area is filled with music and colour.

Things to do in Sitges

The historical centre of Sitges is a maze of cobbled streets surrounded by palaces, old churches, historical buildings and modernist-style buildings. El Baluard de Sitges9 is considered the gateway to the city’s historical centre and is one of the city’s most beautiful vantage points. Here stands the parish church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, which dates back to the 17th century.

From this square, it is possible to continue along Carrer de la Davaladda and Carrer d’en Bosc, two streets that still preserve the remains of the ancient medieval city walls. This area of the city is characterised by buildings with vaulted portals that remind us of the town’s medieval past: among the many, stop to admire Palau del Rei Moro. Walk down Carrer d’en Bosch to Plaça de l'Ajuntament10, or Town Hall Square. Town Hall Square is the heart of the city, a meeting place for locals and a venue for events and happenings. Here you will also find the Library and the building that used to be the Market (Mercat Vell).

There are also several museums in the city, such as Museu del Cau Ferrat11 and Museu de Maricel12, which are considered the temples of modernism and Noucentisme, a cultural movement that developed in Catalonia at the beginning of the 20th century. Don’t miss a visit to Racó de la Calma13, where you can find the house-workshop of the painter Santiago Rusiñol and the Stämpfli Foundation, which houses creations by artists such as Arroyo, Canogar, Monroy, Stämpfli, Klassen, Chevalier or Marc Brusse.

Nightlife in Sitges

Nightlife in Sitges is really dynamic and you can find clubs open from late afternoon until dawn.

The evening can start by eating in one of the typical restaurants some of the local dishes such as Xató (Sitges’ signature dish of salads and anchovies) and fideuada, which is similar to paella but with spaghetti and seafood.

The streets of Sitges that during the day host tourists and holidaymakers exploring the city or its beautiful beaches at night become the hub of nightlife. In particular, Carrer Primer de Maig14 is one of the most famous streets for nightlife where you can find nightclubs, bars and numerous discos. Among the most famous clubs in the area are Man Bar, Bourbons, Privilege, Comodin and B Side. In the area of Carrer de Sant Bonaventura15, on the other hand, there are many clubs and discos frequented by the LGBTI+ community.

Sitges is also famous for its carnival that is celebrated every year between February and March. On this occasion, the city comes alive and numerous parades and masquerade parties are organised, attracting visitors from all over Europe.

Where to stay in Sitges

Sitges has a wide range of excellent accommodation on offer. Some call the city ‘Spain’s Saint Tropez’ due to the high number of five-star establishments and property prices that often reach those of the French island.

There are many starred resorts that offer extra facilities such as swimming pools, wellness centres and suites with sea views. Besides these accommodations, there are also cosy inns, flats hostels and campsites. Sitges is a popular destination especially during the summer season, so the advice is to book your stay in good time.

Recommended hotels in Sitges

How to get to Sitges

Sitges is a town that can be reached easily both by car and by public transport. By car from Barcelona this location can be reached in about forty minutes via the C-32 (towards Passeig). From Tarragona, on the other hand, it is necessary to first take the Autovia del Mediterrani/A-7 and then the C-32. From Llieda it is also easy to get to Sitges via the AP-2 and the C-32.

This location is also well connected via the railway lines. From the Barcelona-Sants station there are several daily services to Sitges. Other connections exist with the towns of Zaragoza, Lleida, Málaga and Córdoba. There is also the possibility to reach this destination by bus as the Monbus company offers connections between the cities of Sitges, Vilanova, Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes and Barcelona. The nearest airports are Josep Tarradellas Airport in Barcelona-El Prat and Reus Airport in Tarragona.

Sitges Weather