Described as the St-Tropez of Spain, Sitges sizzles thanks to its glitzy beach crowd and roaring nightlife. The 19th-century resort town sits about 35km southwest of Barcelona, making it a convenient escape if you were looking for something more upbeat than Barcelona. That’s not to say we don’t love Barcelona, but Sitges is the hottest party of the year and everyone wants to go.
Due to its geographical position in the Mediterranean, Sitges has a warm ‘micro-climate,’ which means there are more than 300 days of sunshine a year. We’re not joking. Moreover, throughout the year there are numerous events taking place including film festivals, carnivals and between July and August, the town becomes one big beach party. Sitges also offers an array of galleries and museums, boutique shops and upmarket restaurants in its historic center.
Deciding what to do in the town can be overwhelming, so we put together a guide on holidaying in Sitges, including what to do and where to sleep.
Where to Sleep: Calipolis Hotel
When considering a hotel in Sitges, location and comfort are the most important factors. Calipolis Hotel sits on the seafront right in the middle of the promenade, which is surrounded by numerous entertainment areas and the best beaches in town. Guests can choose from sea views or mountain views or splurge on the suite penthouse for the ultimate luxurious stay. Each room offers a smart TV, laundry services and some even have private terraces, perfect for relaxing in the afternoon. The hotel also offers a swimming pool 20 meters from the beach, fitness center, and terrace with a bar and tapas menu and views of the promenade and sea.
What to do
Visit Museu del Cau Ferrat
The Museu del Cau Ferrat was built in the 1890s as a house-studio by Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol—a pioneer of the Modernism movement—this seaside mansion showcases the towns art history. You can walk through the stunning architectural structure to see the works of Rusiñol, Picasso and an extensive private collection of ancient relics and antiques.
Visit Església de Sant Bartomeu I Santa Tecla
Sitges’ most striking landmarks it the 17th-century parish church Església de Sant Bartomeu I Santa Tecla. The structure sits proudly on a rocky outcrop and has amazing views of the ocean from the terrace of the church. There are also some beautiful baroque altarpieces and a parish organ inside.
Get Seafood at La Nansa
Recommended by almost every local, La Nansa is a traditional seafood restaurant found along the promenade. The restaurant is known for its fresh fish, hearty seafood rice dishes which is a must try, and for its unique recipes. In summer reservations are a must, but other times, you can walk in.
Stroll along the Passeig Maritim
Take a stroll along the Passeig Maritim, a 1.25km promenade popular with cyclists and runners. There are many shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and the beach runs parallel to the walk, so you will always have great views of the ocean and towering palm trees. This scenic walk is great for a romantic stroll or a day out with the family.
Explore the Old Town Center
Although the Old Town Center isn’t large, it’s still worth exploring. You will find some beautiful architecture, including the white houses with blue borders in fisherman’s neighbourhood. Discover town hall, gothic-style structures including the 15th-century Church Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. The Santiago Rusiñol library is great for browsing through its historical collection of 19th and 20th-century bibliographies and literature.
Hike Garraf National Park
If you want some epic views and the chance to explore the landscape, hike Garraf National Park. There are a number of marked walks, which can be completed within a day, or a few hours. You can either walk to the park, ride a bike or drive a car, depending on where you are. The park is full of local wildlife, including wild boars, rabbits, eagles, and Mediterranean tortoises and unique vegetation.
Sitges’ Bars
If you’re looking to do something at night, you can’t pass up drinks at one of the many bars in Sitges. The town center, in particular, has many great bars, whether you like margaritas, cocktails or a beer, the bars are stocked with local products. Many of the bars also have a nightclub, which is great for dancing the night away with a vibrant crowd. The El Piano bar boasts larger than life drag acts and the Skybar offers great views of the town from the rooftop.
