Sitges is a world-known town merely 35 minutes away by train from the city of Barcelona. This seaside town is a utopia for those seeking more than just fun in the sun as it has a vast cultural agenda and a serene, slow Mediterranean way of life. Known for holiday goers from all parts of Europe, mainly from France, the UK, and Germany, this town is action-packed with many things to enjoy.

OLD TOWN

The illustrated street signs will grasp your attention as they reminisce on the old town's past. Some building blocks have square ceramic plaques on the walls if neighbours have won the contest for best-dressed balconies, facades and windows during the yearly carnival events. The enchanting town centre is made up of whitewashed buildings within a maze of quaint, cobblestoned streets.

Some of the most beautiful streets are situated around the 17th-century seaside church Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. La Davallada street is graced with colourful plants and flowers cherishing the atmosphere and traditional local bearings. Adding to the town’s history of beauty, since the late 1800s when renowned Spanish painter Santiago Rusiñol spent his summers in Sitges, he brought a trend of arts and crafts with him that is still noticeable to this day. On Calle San Sebastian nº48, you can reach "Els Gats de Sitges" original 2013 de Patrick Lukas. The artist Patrick uses the property for his displays and work. Ask him any questions you may have about the art behind painting cats in Sitges, you will be blown away by the fact that it actually originated from Sitges and not Barcelona.

This coastal town has been known as the 'miniature Ibiza' since the first Pacha club was inaugurated in the town centre. The nightlife in Sitges’ old town is very liberal, with groups of people of all ages and backgrounds coming together. The locals themselves reflect the lively energy and active lifestyle of this seaside town, as the folks are very social and open to visitors.

Culture is at the forefront of everything in town. The Palau Maricel is an eclectic art museum showcasing works across 10 centuries in a former seaside residence. This beautiful Modernista building has stunning architecture and pieces of art. We recommend visiting the Cau Ferrat (Santiago Rusiñol’s house-cum-studio). This was the home and study of the artist and writer, he is one of the most important figures of the Modernisme movement in Catalonia. Cau Ferrat is one of the three museums in Sitges located on the shores of Sant Sebastià beach.

You may be surprised to discover that the most famous rum drink, Bacardi, owes its success to Sitges native Facundo Bacardí Massó and his wife Amalia Moreau. Well, famed drinks Daiquiri and Cuba Libre were both invented using Bacardi Rum. Facundo's son started the first international expansion with a bottling factory in Barcelona city in the early 1900s. The museum Casa Bacardi, which is closed since early 2021, told the history of the brand and the process.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

If you want to treat yourself to a meal at a hotel, we recommend the charming Casa Vilella Hotel. The kitchen staff combines its high professional level with Mediterranean cuisine's deepest tradition and creativity. This is a place to enjoy and try dishes elaborated with seasonal products of the highest quality, with fish being the star on the menu. Expect to find monkfish with sizzled garlic and clams or the delicious roasted octopus with chickpeas cream, caramelised onion, crunchy crumbs of “Vera” smoked pepper, and green curry and coconut sauce. The seasonal menu offers the possibility to enjoy a special soirée with the best-personalised attention.

Close to the Casa Vilella Hotel is La Zorra restaurant, a bar and grill with a boho-chic layout and a speciality in rice dishes. If you love fresh fish on the day and love an outing around the port, Can Laury Peix is the place to be. It consists of an indoor area with 90 seats and an outdoor divided into two areas overlooking the harbour and a maximum capacity of 220 people. Ideal for an intimate meal or for various celebrations of groups, businesses, farewells, weddings, and other events. The cuisine is Mediterranean seafood-based rice dishes, salads, pasta, paella, noodle, seafood, and grilled meat paired with wines and champagnes. The desserts are homemade, best accompanied by digestive and spirituous liquors in their proper glass. The kitchen stays open every day of the week hour from 12.30 to 23.30.

Located on a small cliff on the sea and adjoining two small coves next to the San Sebastián beach is Vivero Beach Club Restaurant. The venue opens up into three spaces, a mirador, a terrace and a glass-stained restaurant. All the spaces give you views of the blue sea. In 2019, we discovered our favourite pizza joint in the town centre. La Farina 1792 is an artisan pizzeria where the quality of its products, such as the organic flour for its bases, made in a stone oven, is a priority. It is a very Mediterranean restaurant where they prepare some typically Italian starters, such as carpaccio and burrata salad, although they have influences from other countries, such as pizzas made with their own products, such as Iberian ham, mushrooms with sausage, or "cua de bou".

At El Pou de Sitges, diners get to indulge in a culinary journey where Catalan, Japanese, and Peruvian flavours converge to create a tantalizing array of tapas to share. Immerse yourself in the art of gastronomy as this restaurant masterfully combines these diverse cuisines, resulting in a symphony of flavours that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Step into El Cable, the ultimate tapas bar in Sitges, where a lively and perfect aperitif awaits you. Since its opening in 1956, the Andrea family's third generation in business has perfected the art of creating an experience. Indulge in the tradition of sipping vermouth and relish the irresistible flavour of their patatas bravas and renowned tapas such as "Finding Nemo", whether you enjoy them indoors or sprawled out onto the street.

Opened in 2019, Federal is located on Avenida Sofia nº3–5. This Australian-inspired café has all the coffee and breakfast bites you crave from their main cafés in Barcelona city. It´s a great pit stop for those with children, as there are high chairs, a large bathroom for those with children or that need disability access and a range of tapas and finger food to choose from. If coffee is your thing, we recommend getting your shot of caffeine at VITA BREVIS Coffee & Wine. They also serve delicious cakes, biscuits and even wine. Our big favourite is Argentinian Tanto Gusto - serving a range of matcha lattes, chai, smoothies and more. We often see a queue of people ordering their delicious empanadas and then eating them on the beach.

For international dishes, have a look at Thai restaurant Petit Bangkok (we have been big fans since we were introduced to their first restaurant 12 years ago)or a local’s favourite vegetarian and vegan restaurant Spice Garden.

The seaside boulevard was revamped in late 2018, allowing more space for strolling by the beach in search of a beach bar (chiringuito in Spanish). From the strip, you can see the fascinating Modernist houses that were built by wealthy Spaniards returning from the colonies in Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines, etc., with fortunes to spend at the time. There are beautiful contrasts of colours on building rooftops and remarkable stone columns in addition to balconies serenaded with plant pots. The "Americanos" or "Indianos" houses, as they are called historically, still stand proudly on the beach promenade alongside modern houses and apartment blocks.

With a total of 17 beaches, you are spoilt for choices. To distinguish between all of them, we recommend reading this site platgessitges.com/best-beaches-spain.

We thoroughly recommend going inland from the beach to dine at Pasatempo restaurant in Sabàtic Sitges Hotel. The fish is incredible, as are their rice dishes. The relaxed and sophisticated environment makes it a nice pause from the busy city centre and beach. They also have a lovely terrace and host events, including live music.

SHOPPING

Havgaard Disseny Nòrdic is a good place to visit if you want to partake in a spot of shopping. The jewellery is designed by Danish designer Poul Havgaard. He makes exclusive design jewellery for men and women. The collection has belt buckles, rings, bracelets and necklaces. In La Casona Sitges you will find the latest trends in home decor, with a wide range of original and modern gift items for the house. It is the perfect store for those who want to give a new touch to their home or who are looking for a gift. Expect to find unique vases, silverware, lamps and rugs on display.

Discover a curated collection of designer frames and lenses, ensuring a visionary experience at Il·lusió Òptica. Here, cutting-edge technology merges seamlessly with friendly customer service. Select from a symphony of colours, shapes, and textures that enhance your vision and elevate your fashion prowess to new heights.

Índia Mon Amour in Sitges is a must-visit concept store for those seeking a unique and enriching shopping experience. With its wide range of clothing, accessories, home decor, and handicrafts, the store offers visitors a captivating glimpse of products inspired by travel and Mediterranean culture.

Santa Barbara BCN is a charming children's store that offers a delightful shopping experience for parents and little ones alike. With a carefully curated selection of clothing, toys, accessories, and nursery essentials, Santa Barbara caters to the needs and tastes of children of all ages. The store exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a welcoming space for families to explore and discover unique and high-quality items for their little ones. Jan & Friends, is a Kids Concept Store close by that offers items from newborn to 12 years old and stocks "go-to" brands such as Tony Cottons and Nordic Think. Whether you're searching for adorable outfits, educational toys, or stylish decor for the nursery, Santa Barbara provides a range of options that combine functionality and style, making it a go-to destination for children's essentials in Sitges.

FESTIVITIES

Known worldwide for its prolific leisure activities, Sitges is an international reference thanks to its dozens of events. Every August, during the Festa Major, the sky lights up with spectacular fireworks, and traditional songs and folklore dancing are exhibited across town...the crowd can partake in a correfoc (open-air performance in which people dress as monsters and devils), and a gunpowder ceremony that jumpstarts the events. The month of June is another great time of the year to visit Sitges. The streets are dotted with millions of flower petals to celebrate Corpus Christi. Some of the major streets are closed to traffic for at least 24 hours, with intricate templates drawn on the road. During the wee hours of the morning, neighbours from every street gather to prepare the petals of Carnation flowers. These petals are used to decorate floral patterns on the streets. Come autumn time in October, and the town holds the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia. Throughout the year, there are art, music exhibitions and culinary festivals, among which the grape harvest stands out, a true cultural event in the city of Malvasia (a group of wine grape varieties grown historically in the Mediterranean region).

WHERE TO STAY IN SITGES

Hotel Reviews

SABÀTIC SITGES HOTEL

DESTINO SITGES

Discover a carefully curated selection of accommodations that embody the essence of personalized service, exquisite style, and comfort. From the historic charm of Casa Vilella, to the upscale yet casual vibe at Sàbatic Sitges, each boutique hotel in Sitges offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a stylish urban getaway, several boutique hotels in Sitges promise to create memories that will last a lifetime. Review our hotel reviews in Sitges above or read our Best Boutique Hotels in Sitges guide.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO

For a change of scenery, you can visit Platja de Garraf. Below the village is a stretch of golden sand, lined with white and green wooden beach houses initially used by fishermen. This calm shoreline is petite compared to Sitges and quite discreet. Besides the Little Beach House (member of Soho House), people may visit to eat at the famous Chiringuito de Garraf. The treasure cove has showers, toilets, sun loungers, umbrellas and paddle boats to rent. This beach is more accessible by train than a car, as you can avoid the winding road that edges the cliffs just off the coast.

Located in Calella, just a short distance from Sitges, Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa is an exquisite retreat that promises an unforgettable experience. This luxurious seaside resort offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts a serene ambience that will instantly transport you to tranquillity and indulgence. Luxury and relaxation are epitomised at this secluded hotel thanks to its stylish rooms, state-of-the-art spa facilities, and impeccable service. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment, take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the shimmering sea, or unwind on the pristine sandy beach. Indulge your taste buds with the hotel's exquisite culinary offerings, featuring a fusion of local Catalan flavours and international delights. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a well-deserved escape, La Meridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa in Calella is the perfect haven to create unforgettable memories.