Sitges is 35 kms or an hour from the center of Barcelona and is nicknamed the Saint-Tropez of Spain...
And it's easy to see why!
It is very pleasant stroll through the old town and along the sunny beach...
Once a small fishing village, Sitges is now a major tourist attraction. trendy seaside resort which includes 17 beaches and is also Europe's first gay-friendly city.
It's also a wonderful way to get out of Barcelona and enjoy the micro-climate, with 300 days of sunshine a year!
A day to walk along the beach, have a bite to eat in one of the small restaurants along the coast, visit La Punta (the church by the sea) and enjoy the sea activities...
How to get to Sitges
Sitges is an hour's drive from Barcelona city center. It is very easy to get there by public transport.
You'll depart from one of Barcelona's three train stations: Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia or Estació Sants. Visit trains take you directly to the Sitges train station, just a few minutes' walk from the seaside town's best-known beach. This really is thethe simplest and most economical option. The train destination is Vilanova i la Geltru or Saint-Vincenç de Calders. A single ticket costs €4.10 and €7.20 for a return ticket.
If there's more than one of you, buy a ten-trip card. With just two round trips, you'll already have paid for your ticket.
If you're driving, this is wonderful news, as you'll be following the C31, one of the most beautiful roads in Catalonia (or Spain, for some).
The road is indeed superb86 mountainous curves with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop...
A sunset return is simply magical!
Where to start in Sitges?
From the station or the parking lots outside town, head straight for Sant Sebastià beach, where you'll see the Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla churches.
A wonderful little walk takes you through the narrow cobbled streets surrounding the church, with a direct view of the horizon. It's easy to find your way around Sitges, a small town.
Walking along the seafront in Sitges
Sitges boasts a microclimate and enjoys almost 300 days of sunshine a year. When the weather can be cloudy in Barcelona, Sitges is in the sun. The perfect opportunity to hit the road for the day and discover the city's 17 beaches.
Downtown beaches are busier (and also more crowded in summer) than more remote beaches.
In summer, lots of activities are organized: you can rent pedal boats, get a massage from strolling masseurs, do aquagym...
There are plenty of activities for children too.
Visit beaches close to the town are Platja Sant Sebastiá, Platja de la Fragata and Platja de la Ribera.
Some beaches are nudists such as Platja d'Aiguadolç and Platja dels Balmains. Of course, these beaches are open to everyone, with or without a swimsuit. Others, like Platja de la Rodona, are gay-friendly. A little outside town, you'll find Platja de la Barra, Platja de Terramar and Platja de les Anquines.
Local culinary specialities to savour without moderation?
Catalan cuisine is rich in seafood. The local "paella" is the sitgetana rice. Xato sauce also goes well with many salads.
When it comes to wine, I recommend you try Malvasia de Sitges, a sweet wine.
The town's municipal market, just a stone's throw from the station, is a real gem. very good place to buy local and typical products.
A gay-friendly community
As you stroll through the city's narrow streets, you'll quickly realize that there are multicolored flags everywhere... The flag of the LGBT community is in the spotlight.
And yes! In the 1970s, the community chose Sitges as the place to settle, and today the town is the world's largest. gay capital of europe. The first monument dedicated to the community was also erected here.
And of course, don't miss the Gay Pride which takes place in June.
Sitges is also a lively cultural town
Just a few streets away from the main church is Cau Ferrat, the home of painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol (1861-1931), and today an interesting public museum for admiring modern works by Picasso in particular.
Others cultural venues are also worth a visit: the Palau de Maricel. A superb palace, emblematic of the city, with majestic salons, including the Salo d'or.
There's also the Museu de Maricel, which houses the art collection of Doctor Jesús Pérez-Rosales, as well as the art collection of the city of Sitges. If you're looking for more, don't miss the Museu Romàntic and the Fundacio Stampfli.
Several key events make the city particularly attractive.
In October, you might just come across a movie star on a side street... The Sitges Fantastic Film Festival is renowned the world over. On the program: film screenings, conferences, meetings... During the first week of October, Sitges is in the spotlight.
In February (or March, depending on the year), don't miss the carnival, and in August, the festes majors.
Tips - Garraf and the Cava road
Before heading to Sitges, another small beach near the mountain is well worth a visit: Garraf. One train station before Sitges, a charming little stop for seafood or to discover the nature park.
If you're driving, you're just a few kilometers from the Catalan wineries, which you can visit and taste. Going from cellar to cellar allows you to discover the countryside and meet the Catalans and their products.
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