Sitges, a charming coastal town located 30 km south of Barcelona, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, cultural events, and vibrant nightlife.
It is also known worldwide as a friendly LGBT destination. Sitges Bears Week, held annually in September, attracts over 8,000 gay men from around the world. Additionally, the Gay Pride celebration in June is a grand festivity in Sitges.
If you’re on your way to discovering Catalonia outside of Barcelona, Sitges is a very nice choice.
Find out here how to go and what to do on a day trip from Barcelona to Sitges.
Recommended tours:
1. 5-Hour Private Tour from Barcelona to Sitges
2. Paella Private Masterclass
3. Visit two Wineries in a Wine Tasting Tour
4. Private Half Day Sailing Tour from Sitges
Recommended hotels:
1. Hotel Casa Vilella (5*)
2. ME Sitges Terramar (5*)
2. Sunway Playa Golf & Spa Sitges (4*)
3. Calipolis (4*)
4. URH Sitges Playa (4*)
5. Hotel Medium Sitges Park (4*)
6. Hotel Celimar Playa (3*)
7. Hotel Subur (3*)
How to Go from Barcelona to Sitges
There are so many things to do in Barcelona, but if you want a day out, Sitges can be a great choice. The distance between both cities is only 25 miles (40 km)
Barcelona to Sitges by Train (Travel Time: 40 Minutes)
In Barcelona, there are three train stations with trains to Sitges: Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, and Estació Sants. The C2 train route travels from França to Passeig de Gràcia to Sants and then continues on to Sitges. When checking departure boards or train signs, pay attention to the final destinations Vilanova i la Geltru or St. Vincenç de Calders instead of Sitges.
The first train departs at 7:04 AM, and the last train departs at 10:30 PM.
Prices:
- Single Journey: €4.10
- Return Journey: €7.20
Barcelona to Sitges by Bus (Travel Time: Between 45 and 55 Minutes)
Buses from Barcelona to Sitges depart from Plaza España and Ronda Universitat. The MonBus operates nine times per day on Sundays and hourly on Saturdays. From Monday to Friday, buses run every hour.
Price:
- Single Journey: €4.50
Barcelona to Sitges by Car (Travel Time: 40 Minutes)
There are two options to reach Sitges: the scenic coastal route or the faster toll road (C-32). The coastal route provides picturesque views but has winding roads along cliffs. The toll road is a more direct route but comes with a fee. You can choose based on your preferences and time constraints.
On average, the taxi fare from Barcelona to Sitges is €80.00.
What to Do in a Day Trip from Barcelona to Sitges
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Sitges, a small community with just over 30,000 people, boasts an impressive total of 17 beaches, catering to various preferences. Here are some of the most recommended ones:
Family Beach
Platja de la Fragata: This beautiful 35-meter-wide beach is situated below the church. It features a pleasant promenade lined with excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. Popular among families and young people, it offers opportunities for activities like volleyball and paddle tennis. Note that there are no chairs or umbrellas available, so remember to bring your own or pack sufficient sunscreen.
Gay-Friendly Beach
La Bassa Rodona: As the third beach to the right of the church, this 285-meter-long beach lies opposite Hotel Calipolis. Sitges, known for its gay-friendly environment, welcomes openly gay couples, fostering inclusivity throughout the town and its beaches. If you prefer to visit just one gay-friendly beach with your partner, this is a highly recommended choice.
There are several other gay beaches in Barcelona including in Sitges.
Nudist Beach
Cala Els Balmins: Located next to the Port of Aiguadolç, a mere 10-minute walk from the center, this 240-meter-long beach is entirely surrounded by rocks. While it is a nudist beach, families also visit without any issues. The beach provides a bar and showers for added convenience.
Enjoy exploring these diverse beaches during your visit to Sitges!
2. Visit the Old Town
Sitges has a rich artistic heritage and has attracted artists, writers, and musicians for many years. The Old Town showcases this legacy through museums and art spaces such as Cau Ferrat, Palace Marisel, and the Church of Saint Bartolomeu y Santa Tecla.
Stroll through ancient and narrow streets with Roman pavement.
If you are short on time, I suggest to take a 5-hour private tour from Barcelona to Sitges. Upon your arrival, you will explore the town on foot with a guide and still have time to eat, shop, or relax on the beach.
3. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Sitges boasts an abundance of fresh and flavorful seafood delicacies, making it a paradise for seafood lovers.
My recommended restaurants in Sitges are: La Marinada (Calle Rafael Llopoart, 49), where you have to try their Grilled Turbot, and Fragata (Passeig de la Ribera, 1), which offers excellent food and a nice sea view.
The Xató is a traditional salad with cod, anchovies, and tuna mixed with vegetables.
The Arroz a la Sitgetana (Rice Sitges style) is a traditional dish dating back to the 17th century. It features a great variety of ingredients, such as prawns, clams, cuttlefish, sausage, pork ribs, peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and more.
Steamed mussels and boiled mussels are also very popular in this Mediterranean town.
Cargols a la llauna is a traditional Catalan recipe where snails are cooked in a spicy sauce and served in the same iron container. This dish is highly popular in the region and is renowned as a local specialty.
And let’s not forget the Paella Catalana de mariscos. This dish includes, among other ingredients, prawns, lobster, cuttlefish, mussels, and clams.
Book a Paella Private Masterclass in Sitges and learn all the secrets behind this classic dish. The session includes the preparation of a starter and Catalan Cream for dessert.
4. Taste the Local Wines and Famous Cavas
The Malvasia of Sitges is a typical sweet wine from this town. It is made with a white grape variety called Malvasia, which originated in Greece and only grows in this part of Spain. The Malvasia of Sitges was already famous in the Middle Ages due to its reputed tonic and medicinal qualities.
Cava is a superior Spanish sparkling wine made using traditional methods with a second fermentation in the bottle. It matures on the lees for at least nine months and comes in white or pink variations. Cava is a Protected Designation of Origin in Spain and originated in the Penedes region, of which Sitges is a part.
There are several renowned wineries in Sitges, and you can enhance your sommelier skills by booking the Sitges Wine Tour with Hotel Pick Up. Explore Sitges and Penedes’s beautiful countryside, visiting top wineries to sample their finest wines.
5. Enjoy Sitges’ Night Scene
Sitges’ lively nightlife revolves around Plaza Cap de la Vila. There are top-notch restaurants and a vibrant cocktail bar culture, with plenty of pubs and clubs.
Many of the bars in Sitges cater to the gay community. Among them, the most well-known are Parrots Pub, Bears Bar, Bunker and La Villa.
Where to Stay in Sitges
If you’re staying in Sitges for more than one day, here are the best hotels according to your budget. Every hotel in Sitges is considered gay-friendly.
High-End Hotel (5*)
ME Sitges Terramar is located in a quiet area offering a private beach club with an outdoor pool. The rooms have a private balcony. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, and there are 2 bars, one on the beach and the other on a terrace with sea views. Other facilities include a fitness center and a spa. There is a kids’ club in summer, and pets are welcome. Buses to central Sitges stop very close to the hotel.
Book your stay at ME Sitges Terramar here
The Hotel Casa Vilella is truly remarkable and charming. Set in a restored old building, it offers an ideal location near the beach, with restaurants and bars in close proximity. Certain rooms feature views of the sea, mountains, or pool. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.
Book your stay at Hotel Casa Vilella here
Mid-Range Hotels (4*)
Sunway Playa Golf & Spa Sitges is just in front of the beach and next to a golf course. It offers 2 pools. The apartments have modern kitchens with microwave and washing machine. The hotel features its own supermarket, a games room and fitness center. It has 3 restaurants and a bar with view over the sea. Facilities for disabled guests.
Book your stay at the Sunway Playa Golf & Spa Sitges here
Calipolis is located in central Sitges, in front of the beach. It offers an outdoor pool, gym, a bar, and a summer terrace with views of the sea and promenade. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes. Sitges Train Station is a 10-minute walk away for an easy connection with Barcelona.
Book your stay at Calipolis Hotel here
The Hotel Medium Sitges Park is located in a late 19th-century Catalan modernist building. Major points of interest are within a 5-minute walk, as it is very close to the beach, entertainment centers, and the train station. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and a garden with swimming pool.
Book your stay at Hotel Medium Sitges Park here
URH Sitges Playa is located in the best-rated area in Sitges, in front of the sea. All rooms have a private balcony, some with ocean views. The hotel features one outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar. The restaurant offers Mediterranean and Balinese food facing the sea. Private parking is available for a fee. Facilities for disabled guests are provided.
Book your stay at URH Sitges Playa here
Budget Hotels (3*)
Hotel Subur is in front of the neach and close to the historic quarter. Many rooms have a balcony offering great sea views. Subur’s Sports Bar offers full meals, snacks and drinks, and shows live soccer and Formula 1. A range of bars and restaurants can be found around the hotel, and Sitges Train Station is some minute-walk away.
Book your stay at Hotel Subur here
The Hotel Celimar Playa is located in front of the sea and very close to the Santa Tecla Church and other attractions. Most of the rooms offer sea views. Paid public parking is available nearby. The location is great, with good restaurants and bars in the streets around the hotel. The train station is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Book your stay at Hotel Celimar Playa here
When is the Best Time to Visit Sitges
The best time is between May and October. During this period, the weather is warm with minimal rainfall. July boasts the highest average temperature at 80.6 F (27°C), while January experiences the lowest at 53.6 F (12°C).
