A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

A Day trip from Barcelona to Sitges in Spain

Sitges town

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges Town 

Sitges is a small town along the coast located 30km south of Barcelona that can easily be reached by road, by train or by bus and is a very popular day-trip destination, especially during the summer months when hundreds of Barcelonians descend on the beaches and the 2.5 kilometers long promenade to enjoy the sun and the sea breeze. What makes it a unique destination is the variety of things to do in Sitges which cater to art and culture lovers, shopping fanatics, foodies, beach bums, party animals and people from all walks of life and communities thanks to its open-mindedness and welcoming history.

Although statistics are not available, there are over 7,000 beds for a town of merely 30,000 inhabitants so it is possible then over a million people visit every year with a strong summer seasonality.

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

This popularity is the reason why so many people from Barcelona have holiday homes in Sitges town. Through the years, the town has become a playground for the wealthy with the real estate values often topping the Spanish ranking in price per square meter. And with good reason as it is a quaint and pretty town with lots of history and a bohemian flair that is present in the strong LGBT community and the 52 festivals that are celebrated every year. There will be a celebration or another every weekend from the very famous Carnival in February to the Gay Week festivals, the flower carpets put during Corpus Christi or the winemaking celebration in August. Sitges is a constant party and there are always many reasons to enjoy a day in the sun.

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

The largest party is enjoyed during the Festa Major at the end of August during the day of the Patron Saint, Sant Bartolomeu and the entire town turns into a party with processions, fireworks, firecrackers and music and dancing everywhere.

Although the oldest remains that have been found in Sitges date back to the Neanderthal period, Sitges town truly started to flourish in the 18th century when the free trade agreement with the US was signed and lots of local businessmen emigrated to the new world and started successful businesses. They received the name of Americanos. One such entrepreneur was Facundo Bacardí who later founded Bacardi rum. These businessmen returned to Sitges town after making their fortunes and injected the local economy with money and investment propelling Sitges to new beginnings and prosperous times. The architecture and house design of the new world can still be seen today in the many mansions that fill the town center and which are reminiscent of the colonies in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

It was these Americanos and the may artists during the Modernism era who decided to set their studios in Sitges town which brought a tourism boom at the beginning of the 20th century with the opening of the first hotels (still open today), Spain’s first car-racing circuit and first pizzeria. In the 60s and 70, still, during Franco’s regime, Sitges town in Spain was one of the most important centers for LGBT tourism. Artists, journalists, intellectuals, and bohemians started to fill the town with a wave of art and progress.

For me, Sitges is my hometown, the place where I grew up and a center for openness and diversity.

How to keep busy in Sitges

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

The town is full of pretty cobblestoned streets and the tiny hole in the wall stores selling handmade jewelry, clothing or art. There are modernist buildings from contemporaries of Gaudi and Medieval churches and canons that have withstood the passing of time.

But perhaps the most important reason to visit is the beach. Sitges town is packed in the summer and its 4km of beaches stretching the entire length of the city and beyond are filled to the brim with day visitors and holidaymakers from all over the world. Make sure to enjoy a paella late, around 3-4 pm like locals do, after a day at the beach. Pick any of the restaurants along the promenade.

For a more culturally oriented visit, you can head to the three main museums: Museu del Cau Ferrat, Palau Maricel I Museu Maricel all of which are within a few steps of each other. They organize guided tours in the mornings almost every day which is well worth it. The tours will offer insights into the town’s history and the phenomenon of the Americanos as well as explain a bit more about the Catalunya of the time. Make sure to take a look at the church, perched on top of the cliff and with fantastic views over the beach. The church in Sitges town is one of the most coveted wedding destinations in Spain because of these dramatic locations.

A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain

If you want to be among the rich, take a walk along the promenade towards the Terramar (the end of the promenade near the Golf Club). The residential area around the hotel is lined with the most amazing mansions belonging to the richest people in Spain. Or head to the marina which has some of the most expensive yachts.

Typical foods to try and where to enjoy them

Although there is no such thing as a typical meal from Sitges, a visit must not end without trying one of the paellas enjoyed in the sun and some fresh seafood from the fishermen of Vilanova i la Geltru, the next town south which is well known for its amazing prawns.

One of Vilanova’s most famous dishes is Xato, a salad with salted codfish, tuna, olives, curly lettuce, anchovies and a Xato sauce that is made with almonds, tomato and specific type of pepper you only get in Catalunya. Xato will be often available in restaurants in Sitges.

If you are after a more casual setting, try the Basque tapas bars that you can find in several of the narrow streets and for a more romantic setting, I always recommend Al Fresco to everyone. While in Spain, you can also visit the beautiful places in Asturias.

How to get to Sitges

Are you thinking of visiting Sitges?

You can book flights right here to reach Sitges through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline.

Where to stay  

While planning a trip to Barcelona, it is imperative to decide on where to stay in Barcelona. We recommend TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to book your stay. Use the box below to book your hotel:

Click to book the best hotels in Barcelona and the best hotels in Sitges

Tours/Activities available in Sitges

Sitges has much to offer in terms of attractions and activities. So if you are wondering what to see in Sitges? What to do in Sitges? Coming to your rescue are some amazing tours and options that will make the most of your Sitges trip. Sitges attractions pass are available for the most recommended Sitges tours. You can now book tours in Sitges as well as activities in Sitges.

Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Sitges.

The enchanting Sitges town is an ideal day trip from Barcelona. Its culture, beaches, food, and architecture make for a memorable experience. Have you been to Sitges?

This is a guest post by Mar. Mar is the editor in chief and owner of the luxury travel blog Once in a Lifetime Journey. In the last 12 years as an ex-pat, Mar has lived in six countries and worked or traveled to more than 90 always looking either for luxury destinations or places nobody visits. She currently resides in Singapore and works at Google full time.

 

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How to spend 1 Day in Sitges, Spain


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50 thoughts on “A Day Trip From Barcelona to Sitges, Spain”

  1. I have always wanted to go to Spain. My sister honeymooned there a few years ago and always talks about how beautiful it was there.

  2. Ooh I’d love to go back to Barcelona and do day trips from there and this place sounds perfect. The buildings, especially ones in the alleyways, look so pretty! Perfect for photo ops!

  3. This is quite an offbeat town. I like the vibes here – from beaches to museums – seems enough to do and yet nothing. Thanks for the tips on how to get there. Helps plan better.

  4. Look at all that beautiful architecture! One of the biggest reasons why I like European cities is because of the architecture. I would love to explore the trip you just went on.

  5. Beautiful pics. I love visiting old towns with cobblestone streets and old town feels. Something about it makes me want to indulge in the culture more. Then to be just steps away from a beautiful coastline. WOW! Beautiful, simply beautiful.

  6. I have never heard of Sitges, but would love to check it out. I love checking out hidden gems. So cool there are so many festivals there would love to experience that.

  7. Our Family World

    Awesome. I have never been to Spain but reading all about these wonderful places to visit is filling me with wanderlust!

  8. At one point, the word or name Barcelona is forever stuck with me as a brand of brandy and the city of matadors. I haven’t even seen beachfront photos of Barcelona until this post.

    Barcelona remains a warm place even during December-February, right? Quite a perfect escape from the winter weather.

  9. Love posts that give me the history of a place as well as what to see and do there. Am smiling at the link with Bacardi rum, that was unexpected. Love the photos of the beach and particularly of the old town. I’d love to try the fresh seafood and paella dishes but may skip the Xato, I never have managed to develop a taste for salt cod!

  10. Sitges sounds wonderful. although the big draw Is the beaches, I think I’d enjoy wandering the cobbled streets and checking out that americano architecture instead. Sounds quaint and looks beautiful!

  11. I haven’t heard of Sitges before but it sounds great! Love how close it is to the beach and the lively vibe it buzzes with! The architecture are indeed marvelous and who wouldn’t say no to that gorgeous coast!

  12. I have little knowledge about Spain. Heard of Sitges for the first time. Looks like a place not to be missed when in Barcelona. I am actually working on enhancing my Spain knowledge. So, this was really helpful

  13. I’ve been to Barcelona but never went on day trips. Sitges sounds like a place for everyone with all that it’s got going on. For me, I’m a big foodie so trying the Xato salad sounds really interesting. Also, I never knew the local way for eating Paella was around 3-4 pm! Thanks for a great guide to Sitges!

  14. What a darling escape! My niece spent six months living in Barcelona. I adored following her adventures, but now I need to see it and Sitges Town myself.

  15. wooow… I love exploring cobblestoned places… Sitges is a must place to see, indeed… plus the paellas, salad and tapas… I will surely gain weight there 🙂

  16. I have to admit I had never heard of Sitges before I read this, looks like a nice place to visit and a great getaway. As a budget traveler this may be on the other scale for me though hahha. Although I would like to do a day visit when I go to Barcelona.

  17. What a beautiful place with tons of history and culture! You said two magic words in your post: Basque tapas…YUM YUM! I know that food is a big part of Spanish culture, and this would be a huge attraction for me. Great post, thank you.

  18. It’s amazing how one can travel over the world and miss the insights in their own hometown. I’m glad to read about Stiges. It looks like a town I love – culture and history. Nad what more, it sounds inexpensive to visit.

  19. Oh the town of Sitges looks so cute and pretty. I have never heard of this place before and its a shame because like you said it is only 30klms away so definitely worth taking a day trip there. I could just picture myself along the 2.5km long promenade to enjoy the sun and the sea breeze too.

  20. I love exploring small towns like Sitges as much as I enjoy visiting the big cities. Interesting to know that it’s an ancient city. I would love to try the paellas. Do they have a vegan version of paellas?

  21. Such a pretty coastal town. The whitewashed houses and lovely narrow streets remind me a lot of Lagos in Portugal. Both countries have so much in common. Specially when it comes to the architecture.

  22. I really love doing the offbeat places and sometimes a day trip is enuf for them.. I really love the guide you have provided which is useful for anyone who is planning to go there

  23. Sitges seems to be a Mecca for party lovers. Though I don’t like partying much, I would definitely love to visit Sitges for its new world architecture and to explore the artistic side of the city.

  24. I would say this is a blog that I was waiting to read. The only reason being is, it is “Spain” a paradise of sports. Keeping that in mind and reading your blog gives a lot of excitement. Your photography adds the spice to your post. “Sitges” you just picked another visitor waiting to meet you soon.

  25. 52 celebrations in a year, it means celebration of life is the reality in Sitge. I am truly amazed with a new way of life. A destination with such small geographical can harbor the tourists of such magnitude is pretty interesting. Art, architecture, a center for Shopping, food, beach lovers’ paradise, vibrant party culture and best hotels to accommodate, it has everything to offer on a holiday. definitely worth exploring on a Barcelona City Break thanks for such valuable insights on a holiday.

  26. I am a looking for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, look no further than Sitges. Less than an hour on the train from Renfe stations Passeig de Gracia, Sants or Franca, Sitges is a quiet seaside town, once known as the gay riviera.

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