Sitges

The basics

Sitges is a popular day-trip destination from Barcelona. While some visit independently, other travelers opt for the convenience and enhanced experience of a guided tour, with many including add-ons such as a visit to the Roman ruins of nearby Tarragona. Most day-trippers come for the sandy beaches, but the old town is also home to numerous galleries and boutiques, as well as several excellent museums. Most notable is the Cau Ferrat Museum, which tells the story of the town’s early years as an art colony.

Things to know before you go

• Sitges is a must-visit for sun-seekers and gay travelers.

• A full-day tour from Barcelona can last upwards of 10 hours.

• Remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, hat, and sunglasses to make the most of your time on the Mediterranean.

• There are three gay-friendly nude beaches: Playa de la Bassa Rodona, Playa de las Balmins, and Playa del Muerto.

How to get there

Sitges an easy trip from nearby Barcelona, with commuter rail trains departing from Barcelona-Sants and Estacio de França every 15 to 30 minutes daily. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Travelers with a rental car can make the 45-minute drive along the scenic C-246 coastal road or the quicker A-7 express highway.

When to get there

Sitges is a year-round destination. In July and August, the town becomes one giant beach party, perfect for lazing in the sun by day and reveling in the nightlife after dark. The volume gets turned up once again come Carnaval in Catalonia, when 250,000 people descend on the town for a week of parades, shows, and parties. Horror, sci-fi, and fantasy fans should plan to visit in October during the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.

Do your beach research

Sitges has 17 beaches, ranging from family-friendly to clothing-optional stretches of sand. The beaches directly in front of the town center and those on the eastern end tend to be the best for families, while the beaches to the west tend to attract nude swimmers and sunbathers. Women can and do go topless all along the coast.

Ways to explore

While Sitges is well worth a multi-day stay, it’s also a popular day-trip destination from Barcelona. Visit on your own or opt for the convenience of a guided tour with included transportation—many experiences also include a visit to the Roman ruins of nearby Tarragona or the famous monastery on Montserrat Mountain.

Sitges day trips typically include time to relax on the beach, plus tours of the walkable old town that highlight its art nouveau architecture and excellent museums. Most notable is the Cau Ferrat Museum (Museu del Cau Ferrat), the former home workshop of artist Santiago Rusiñol and a must-visit for fans of modernism.

Accessibility

Many parts of Sitges, including its long seafront promenade, are flat and relatively easy to navigate with a wheelchair. Note that the old town’s cobblestones may be uncomfortable for those with limited mobility, and not all tours and attractions are accessible.

Age limits

Generally, the beaches directly in front of Sitges’ town center are popular among families, while those to the east tend to attract nude swimmers and sunbathers.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, swimsuit, sunscreen for exploring outdoors

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear shoes that work with cobblestones—Sitges is best explored on foot.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow pets, smoking, or alcohol.

Address

Located on the Balearic Sea about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Barcelona, Sitges is reachable by car, bus, and train. You can also get there on guided excursions from Barcelona—convenient if you don’t want to deal with transportation on your own.

Driving

From the Barcelona airport, drive south on C-31 and west on C-32 toward Sitges—the route takes about half an hour. Sitges is a walking city, so it’s best to park outside the center and get around on foot.

Public transportation

If you’re coming from central Barcelona, take the R2 train from Passeig de Gràcia. From the Barcelona airport, it’s fastest to take the BusGarraf. Both options drop you off in the town center.

Best times to visit

There’s always something to do in Sitges: Head to museums in the morning, the beach at midday, and the old town’s many bars and tapas restaurants for a taste of local nightlife.

Best days to visit

Avoid visiting Sitges on a Monday, when many restaurants and attractions such as the Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum are closed.

Best months to visit

Head to Sitges from May to June or September to October, when it’s warm enough to enjoy the beach but far less crowded than the busy summer months.

Special events

Sitges’ many festivals are a year-round draw, namely Sitges Pride in June and Festa Major de Gracia—a celebration of the town’s medieval history and patron saint, Saint Bartholomew—in late August.