Sitges is a coastal town situated 34 kilometers southwest of Barcelona (map), Catalonia. The beaches are the main attraction but I highly recommend spending at least a few days there as there are a lot more things to do in Sitges. Aside from the beaches, there are Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque lanes, centuries-old festivals, museums and a plethora of restaurants, cafés and bars.

Sitges was a sleepy fishing town with several historic monuments until the late-19th century when a group of famous Catalan artists took up residence there. From that point onwards, the town attracted artists, architects and the beau monde. In the 20th century, various Catalan families who had made their fortunes in the Americas returned to Sitges. Beautiful villas were built along the beachfront, and the town center, with its maze of narrow streets, saw the arrival of gorgeous, Gaudí-esque, Art Nouveau buildings.

The arrival of the artists and the beau monde changed the face of Sitges; the impact thereof can be seen (and felt) till this day, making the town much more than just a beach destination. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Sitges:

Ten things to do in Sitges

1. Head for the beaches

This is what most visitors come to Sitges for. The Sitges beaches are a 10-minute walk from the train station and extend for several kilometers. You can bring your own towel and lie on the sand or you can hire a deck-chair/umbrella at one of the beach clubs.

Families tend to head to the eastern beaches (closer to Sant Bartomeu/Tecla church) such as Platja de la Ribera and Platja de Sant Sebastia, and the western sections such as Platja Terramar. Rocky outcrops and dykes protect Platja Terramar from the open sea, creating a calmer lagoon that’s safer for swimming.

There’s a clothing-optional beach right in the town at Platja dels Balmins, which is also a popular gay beach, and another in the far west called Platja de l’Home Mort (about a one-hour walk/hike from the town centre).

Having said that, the beaches are all very mixed, with locals, visitors, families, singles, couples, young and older spread out across the coast. If you’re thirsty or hungry, a beach kiosk or restaurant is never far away. At some beaches, you can also hire a kayak or SUP board.

2. Stroll along the Sitges promenade

The Sitges beach promenade (Passeig Maritim) extends several kilometers from the Sant Bartomeu/Tecla church (where it’s called Passeig de la Ribera) to the Sunway Hotel/Golf. Aside from some street vendors, beach kiosks and restaurants, the promenade is wide open for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and skate-boarders.

The promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the view of the beaches and the sea, and it’s also a great place to sit and people-watch. In the town centre, stop to admire the gorgeous buildings that line the boulevard. As you stroll away from the town centre, notice the beautiful villas that line the road.

3. Visit a museum in Sitges

There are no less than seven museums in Sitges, many of which have interiors that are just as fascinating as the artifacts they house. Of these museums, my favourite is the Cau Ferrat Museum, with its stunning blue (a tone of blue called Sitges Blue) interior and private art collection, including lesser-known Picasso’s and El Greco’s. Next door, you’ll find the Maricel Museum, the highlight of which is a gallery with beautiful views of the sea. At the entrance, you can purchase one ticket for both museums.

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4. Wander around the lanes of the old town

The historic town centre is a jumble of streets and lanes lined with houses, shops, restaurants and bars. Step away from the busy streets into one of the quiet lanes and discover gorgeous houses, grand monuments and architectural gems. You’ll come across a variety of styles, from neo-classical to Gothic and Modernist (Art Nouveau).

5. Discover Modernist (Art Nouveau) architecture in Sitges

For the architecture lovers, you can follow a Modernist route that features the work of Santiago Rusiñol as well as homes of the ‘Americanos’ (Sitges folk who became wealthy in the Spanish colonies and returned to Sitges in the 19th and 20th centuries). From the train station, head down Calle Illa de Cuba and Calle Francesc Gumà. You’ll find various Modernist examples along these streets, such as Can Bonaventura Blay (Hotel El Xalet), Casa Manuel Planas and Casa Pere Carreras.

Continue towards Plaça Cap de la Vila (square) where you’ll find one of my favourite buildings in Sitges: the Can Bartomeu Carbonell.

From here, walk towards the Town Hall where you’ll find some Gothic and Modernist examples. End your walk at the Can Ferrat Museum. The former house of Santiago Rusiñol, the blue interior is striking and there are many works by the likes of El Greco, Picasso and Rusiñol himself.

6. Visit a festival

Sitges is home to a big variety of religious, cultural and music festivals that take place throughout the year. The biggest of the religious festivals is the Feast of Sant Bartomeu (or Festa Major de Sitges), the patron saint of Sitges, which takes place in August. Other big parties and festivals include the Sitges Carnival (usually in February), Gay Pride (June), Corpus Festival (flower carpet festival in June) and the Sitges International Film Festival (October).

7. Go shopping!

One thing I soon discovered about Sitges is its wide array of shops! You’ll see very few high-street brands, instead, you’ll find specialised boutiques and local Spanish/Catalan brands for clothing, shoes, bags and interior ornaments.

8. People-watch at Plaça Industria

Sitges is one of the gay capitals of Europe, with a vibrant gay scene that goes into overdrive twice a year: during Gay Pride in June and Bears Week in September. Many of the gay bars, restaurants and hotels are located in the ‘gay village’. In the heart of the village is the Plaça Industria (the intersection of Carrer de Joan Tarrida and Carrer Marquès Montroig). A friend of mine likes to call it “Judgement Square”, haha!

Grab a seat, order a cocktail, watch passing people and enjoy the street entertainment. You’ll soon notice that it’s one of the locals’ favourite pastimes too!

9. Hike along the rugged coast

The hills surrounding Sitges offer great hiking opportunities along shrubby slopes and pine tree forests. Steep inclines lead down to sheltered coves, some with secluded pebble beaches. One of the most popular clothing-optional beaches, Platja de l’Home or Playa del Muerto, can be found here. To get there, walk the entire length of the Sitges promenade in the direction of the Sunway Hotel/golf course, pass the golf course and head into the hills (hike parallel to the train tracks). The hikes offer beautiful views of the rugged coastline and the crystal-clear water in the coves below.

10. Enjoy mouth-watering food!

Despite its small size, Sitges has a very cosmopolitan culture, which is also reflected in the variety of cuisines available. From local Catalan cuisine to Italian, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Thai, French, Portuguese, etc.. visitors have lots to choose from. Here are my picks for the top places to eat in Sitges:

Seafood/Catalan

For local seafood specialties, head to Restaurante El Pecadito (Carrer Marquès Montroig, 4), La Marinada (Carrer de Rafael Llopart, 49) or Costa Daurada (Carrer de Port Alegre, 27).

Fine-dining

For a delicious fine-dining experience, try Alfresco (Carrer d’en Pau Barrabeig, 4), Komokieras (Carrer d’Espalter, 23) or Restaurante La Incidencia Del Factor Vi (Carrer Bonaire, 25).

Tapas & Basque-style pintxos

There are also various traditional tapas/pintxos bars in the town centre. My favourites include La Picara (Carrer de Sant Pere, 3), El Cable (Carrer Barcelona, 1), El Donostiarra (Calle Major, 14). and Guria Taberna (Carrer de Sant Pere, 30). There are also Basque-style pintxo bars such as Eguzki Lizarran (Carrer de Sant Pau, 3) and Izarra Taberna Vasca (Carrer Major, 22).

For some simply divine tapas with a modern twist, head for La Punta (Carrer Sant Damia, 14), one of my favourite restaurants in Sitges!

For any of the restaurants above, I recommend going early (especially the tapas/pintxo bars) or making a reservation (a must during the summer season and weekends).

Getting to Sitges, Spain

Sitges is easily accessible by public transport from Barcelona and Barcelona Airport. By car, Sitges is about a 45-minute drive from Barcelona and ±30 minutes from Barcelona Airport. If you arrive at Barcelona Airport T2, take the C2 RENFE train to El Prat de Llobregat which is the first stop after the airport. You can then catch a train to Sitges from this station.

If you are arriving at Barcelona Airport T1, the easiest way to get to Sitges is with Bus Garraf. The bus ride takes ±20 minutes and leaves from platform 7 at the airport’s bus terminal. Check the bus timetable here. Find flights to Barcelona with KLM.

Sitges is also accessible by train from other towns along the coast such as Tarragona and Salou.