The coastal town of Sitges, in Catalonia, Spain, is located just a short hop from the vibrant city of Barcelona, and is known for its golden, sandy beaches, spectacular architecture and impressive food and drinks scene. As well as being a popular destination amongst visitors from across Spain, it is world-renowned for being a favourite haunt of the rich and famous, thanks to its array of opulent hotels, restaurants and boutiques and of course, its glamorous marina.
Here are five things we love about Sitges and if you’re a luxury lover, you will, too – so get booking those flights for your summer break, and don’t look back.
The amazing hotels
Sitges is home to some of the most stylish hotels in the world, and from historic buildings to thoroughly modern accommodation options, there’s a sophisticated place to stay for everyone.
The Hotel Terramar is one of the most famous five-star hotels in the city, and enjoys amazing sea views from its beachfront location. Our favourite, however, is the luxurious Eurostars Sitges, which offers a choice of sprawling rooms and suites that are steeped in elegance, as well as high-end facilities including a gourmet restaurant, outdoor pool and wellness centre. Not only that, but it enjoys a similarly privileged location with great ocean vistas, and promises guests a truly exceptional experience that is unparalleled in the vicinity.
The incredible food
Sitges is a foodie’s paradise, and is home to a host of exquisite restaurants and eateries. Alongside traditional Spanish cuisine such as tapas and paella, you’ll find the freshest local seafood served up at some stylish seafront dining spots – think grilled octopus, fried calamari and the latest ‘catch of the day’ fish dishes. Book a table at the glamorous Can Laury restaurant, located in the town’s upmarket Aiguadolç marina, for some of the finest authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Catalonia. Here, you can enjoy the very best in fresh fish, as well as specialties such as rice dishes, fideuada (noodles) and angler soup.
Sitges is great for social dining, too, and its many tapas and wine bars make for the perfect place to sit and chat or watch the word go by whilst indulging in some small dishes to share and a cocktail or glass of local vino to wash it all down with.
The vibrant culture
If you’ve visited Barcelona then you’ll know that this region of Spain has a rich cultural heritage, and in Sitges, this is no different. The town hosts a plethora of notable events throughout the year – from the iconic Sitges Film Festival, which takes place every October and attracts film enthusiasts from across the globe – to its annual Carnival celebrations, which bring the town to life each February with a fusion of colours, sights, sounds and smells through its parades and street parties.
If your visit doesn’t happen to coincide with one of these highlights of the events calendar, then you’ll still find plenty of cultural things to do, with numerous art galleries and museums to peruse at your leisure. The Cau Ferrat Museum is particularly worth a visit, and is home to the works of Santiago Rusinol – one of the most important figures of the Modernisme movement in Catalonia.
The beaches and marina
Locals in the region flock to Sitges for its long, golden-sand beaches and buzzing marina – particularly those looking to escape the city and take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle. With 17 beaches to offer, each with its own unique charm, it’s little wonder, and Sitges also attracts tourists from around the world for this very reason. The most beautiful beaches are arguably the Playa de San Sebastian and the Playa de la Ribera, both of which happen to be very conveniently located in the centre of the town.
The marina, too, is a huge draw, and is filled with expensive yachts and boats, as well as being a great place for an evening stroll or to pause for a bite to eat whilst you take in the views.
It’s LGBTQ+ Friendly
One of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world, Sitges is up there when it comes to inclusivity and making everyone feel welcome, and offers up a number of gay bars and clubs for those seeking some great nightlife. The town also hosts an annual Gay Pride Parade each June, attracting visitors from across the country as well as further afield, and is a vibrant celebration of diversity.
Planning your trip
Sitges is a town that offers something for everyone – particularly those seeking a luxurious break to remember.
If you’re looking for inspiration or information to help make your summer getaway to Sitges a reality, then head over to SitgesAnytime.com – a comprehensive online platform providing all you need to plan an unforgettable trip to this charming coastal town. From detailed guides to local attractions to insider info on the best hotels, restaurants and events, you can even create your own customised itinerary based on your personal interests – leaving you free of the stress of planning the finer details and ready to simply relax and enjoy.
