With fine, golden sandy beaches, an average of 310 sunny days per year, a mix of modernist and colonial architecture and an array of superb restaurants, Sitges is an ideal summer destination. What’s more, it is less than a 30-minute drive from Barcelona Airport.
Just 30 minutes from Barcelona, Sitges is the perfect vacation destination.
Sitges: A brief history
The name Sitges comes from the Catalan word “sitja”, which is an underground storage space for grain. The town was constructed in the 11th century, built around Sitges Castle. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became famous for the so-called “Americans” who went off to do trade with the Americas and eventually returned to show off their wealth by building extravagant summer houses. One such example was Don Facundo Bacardi Massó. Born in Sitges in 1814, he moved to Cuba where he started distilling Bacardi rum. The rest, as they say, is history.
The golden sands and shallow waves are a major draw.
What to do
Most holidaymakers head straight for the beach, and who could blame them? Unlike the gravelly waterfront in nearby Barcelona, the warm powder sand on Sitges’ golden beaches feels almost like flour between your toes. Meanwhile, the water is clear and shallow, lending itself to hours of frolicking in the frisky waves. Those seeking more cultural pursuits will enjoy rambling around the cobbled streets of the old town, spotting the modernist mansions, the traditional whitewashed houses in the old fishing village, and, a few blocks up from the beach, the rather ostentatious colonial-style villas built by the returning “Americans”.
The Penedès wine region is the home of Spanish sparkling wine.
Wine tasting in the Penedès
Wine lovers will want to explore the home of Spanish sparkling wine, Penedès, only 20 minutes inland from Sitges. Here, you can visit some of Spain’s top wineries: from Familia Torres, who have been making outstanding reds—like the award-winning Mas La Plana—for 150 years, to nearby Jean Leon where Spanish émigré-turned New York cab driver Jean Leon built his winery, not to mention producers of ultra-high-end sparkling Corpinnat wine, including Torelló, Llopart and Gramona.
Sitges is a top LGBTQ+ travel destination.
LGBTQ+ travel
Sitges is perhaps best known as an LGBTQ+ travel destination, due, in no small part, to the open-minded, artistic and liberal vibe for which Catalonia in general—and Sitges in particular—are famous. Rainbow flags are everywhere, from the gay beach in the middle of town, to the string of bars along Carrer 1er de Maig, more commonly referred to by locals as the “Street of Sin”, and everyone is welcome. It goes without saying that Sitges Pride in June and the Carnival celebrations in February are the glittering highlights of the town’s social calendar.
Dolce Sitges boasts stunning views of Sitges and the Mediterranean
Where to stay
Dolce Sitges is the only real luxury hotel in Sitges. Situated on the edge of the town, above the golf course, it is just far enough from the action to truly disconnect, while still being conveniently situated for everything Sitges has to offer. Its modern, spacious rooms boast stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean, while its four swimming pools are perfect for kicking back and enjoying a cocktail at sunset. If you prefer to be in the thick of things, the MiM Sitges offers affordable boutique accommodation and a buzzing rooftop bar just two blocks from the beach.
For the best paella in Sitges, head straight to La Zorra.
Where to eat
Sitges attracts an international crowd, evidenced by its diverse food scene. Nem is a local favorite that serves a creative mix of Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from Vietnamese-style spring rolls, or “nems”, to classic Spanish patatas bravas. Mama’s Picanteria is another hidden gem where owners Andy and Jonny deliver their take on soul food, inspired by their travels around the world. Expect the unexpected, from steak marinated in Peruvian pisco, to “mama’s” fish ‘n’ chips. At La Zorra, Chef Pablo Albuerne cooks up a storm with his weird and totally wonderful variations on rice, or paella: like butifarra sausage, burrata cheese, squid and apple rice; or the mind-blowing king crab, fish roe and lime rice.
