Sitges is a charming seaside resort, a Mediterranean coastal town about 35km south of Barcelona. It offers gorgeous beaches and excellent tourist facilities on the Golden Coast (Costa Dorada). Protected by the Garraf’s Parc Mountains, this lovely town has an excellent microclimate that allows visitors to enjoy enviable mild temperatures throughout the year.
Beyond its natural beauty, Sitges is home to 4 museums, a really picturesque old town centre, and the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. Sitges is a great place for a weekend break and you certainly won’t get bored there! Here are the best things to see and do while in Sitges!
What To See In Sitges
I recommend starting your visit by strolling around the old city centre. Reach the waterfront (Passeig Maritim) and climb the stairs leading up to the beautiful Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. This church was built in the 17th century. It is Sitges’ most instantly recognizable landmark, as it overlooks the main street and the beach. Visible all along the Passeig Maritim, locals refer to it simply as ‘La Punta’ or ‘The Point’.
If you continue walking down the Raco’ de la Calma, you will walk past two museums: the Maricel Museum and the Cau Ferrat Museum. The latter was founded by the modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol in 1893 and became a public museum in 1933.
Besides these two, there are two more museums in Sitges, Palau Maricel, and the Romantic Museum, and they are all worth visiting. For more information click here
Best Beaches In Sitges
Sitges has 17 beautiful beaches. If you are only staying for a weekend you won’t have time to see them all, but you can take a nice walk along the Passeig Maritim at sunset and check them all out.
Playa Ribera – this is the main beach in town, as it is the closest to the city centre. It is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas that can be rented for the day or just for a few hours.
Playa de Sant Sebastià – this beach is a bit more secluded. You get there by climbing the stairs to the church and walking along the path a bit further. It is equipped, but with very few sunbeds and umbrellas.
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Bartomeu Carbonell Mussons House Tower
This historic building, also called the Clock House, is a modernist construction from 1915 by the architect Ignasi Mas i Morell. This tower incorporates the so-called trencadís with decorations made of colourful ceramics.
When To Visit Sitges
World-renowned for its vibrant gay and hippy scene, Sitges is also a great option for couples and families.
Throughout the year there are countless events, so you better plan your visit carefully as this quiet coastal town gets packed during those weeks. The most popular events are the Sitges International Film Festival (in October), Sitges Carnival (in February/March), the Gay Pride (in June), and La Festa Major (in August).
Where To Stay
We booked our stay at the Hotel El Xalet and we loved it! Check out my article about the Hotel El Xalet for more details.
How To Get There
Sitges is conveniently located 35km from the city of Barcelona and 25km from El Prat International Airport.
The easiest way to get there is by the Spanish Railways (Rodalies de Catalunya). The journey by train (R2) from Barcelona costs €3.60 (4 Zones on the Barcelona suburban railway services) and takes around 35 minutes. Direct trains leave from Passeig de Gràcia or Sants stations.
Worth The Trip
A 30 minutes’ drive from Sitges will take you to Vilafranca del Penedès. El Penedès is one of Spain’s best wine-producing regions and one of the most ancient viticultural areas in Europe. And Vilafranca is a charming small town popular for its wine production and for an excellent gastronomic offer.
Check out Where to Eat In Sitges
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