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Day Trip to Sitges: The “St.Tropez of Spain” is Just 30 Minutes from Barcelona

Last updated on October 31, 2017

A white-washed coastal town dripping in magenta bougainvillea vines, Sitges is just 35 minutes from Barcelona – the ultimate day-trip destination.

World-class shopping opportunities, tapas bars galore and, most importantly, glorious Mediterranean beaches. Families flock to Sitges in their droves, while couples come to indulge in what is unquestionably one of the most romantic beach resorts in Europe. Here’s why Sitges makes for the best day-trip from Barcelona.

Welcome to Sitges: The St.Tropez of Spain

Sitges Church of St. Bartomeu & St. Tecla
My mum and girlfriend waving from Sitges’ iconic church

This mini-metropolis was conceived by wealthy idealists. They wanted to create a refuge where they could find peace and spend their hard-earned money on lavish waterfront properties.

Many of those who catch wind of Sitgessun-drenched credentials mistake it for being purely a summer and/or spring destination, but with its fortunate microclimate, which sees over 300 days of sunshine a year, and year-round festivals, it really is a real blast in the autumn and winter too.

Seafront Dining – Sitges’ Best Restaurants and Tapas Bars

Segon Merkat Seafood Restaurant Barceloenta BarcelonaThe promenade is lined with sunny restaurant terraces, wine bars and chic cafes. Isabel Sanchez owns the ever popular Alenti Restaurant, which is housed in the glorious 4* Alenti Hotel and serves classic Mediterranean cuisine and Spanish wines. It has two very popular terraces,she boasts, one on Calle del Pecado – the street on which to see and be seen’ in Sitges – and another private terrace thats perfect for romantic dining.

What to eat & drink in Sitges: Sanchez recommends Sitges’ excellent seafood tapas and paella dishes, as well as the must-try local dish, xató salad, which is made with escarole leaves, cod, anchovies and olives.

Maritime Promenade has tons of great restaurants,she says, although when pushed for recommendations its La Nansa Restaurant that tops her list. You should also check out Casa Bacardi for an after-dinner mojito!

It’s a fact: Bacardi may be known the world over for its Cuban rum, but its founder, Facundo Bacardí Massó, was actually from Sitges and lived here until he was 16.

Fashion Forward Euphoria – Best Shopping in Sitges

People celebrating Catalonia day in Sitges, BarcelonaBetween the beautiful Modernist buildings and glitzy restaurants youll also find an irresistible selection of fashion boutiques and quirky stores.

Lauri Llera is a local fashionista and manager the ultra-hip Morgan de Toi fashion boutique. She believes its Sitgesshop ownerstendency to shun mainstream brands in favour of more exclusive, harder-to-find labelsthat makes it such a dream for shoppers.

Her favourite spots include streets such as Calle Major, Carrer San Fransesc and Carrer Parellades, where she says you can find everything from casual essentials to one-off collections from independent boutiques.

Example stores include Escales, a Parisian brand that Llera says is famous for its chic cashmere garmentsas well as “Sweet and Cool for womenswear and the famous Doble R store for high-end mens fashion”.

The Sands of Time – Discover Sitges’ Best Beaches

Sitges Beach, Barcelona - In the winter
Me and my friends on the beach in Sitges (this was taken in February).

When alls said and done, its Sitgesexpansive beaches that steal the show. There are 17 of them in total and they’re perfect for sun worshipping, family frolicking, all-day lazing and even watersports.

Platja Sant Sebastiá is one of the quietest and most idyllic beaches in Stiges and is made all the more beautiful by its proximity to the Church of St. Bartomeu & St. Tecla, which is the most recognisable landmark in Sitges.

Platja de l’Estanyol and Platja de la Riera Xica are the most central beaches and are busy with all sorts of different groups of people, as is Platja de la Rodona, which is the town’s most popular gay beach.

Families in Barcelona regularly skip their local beaches in favour of Sitgesseductive sands. Many consider Platja de la Fragata to be the best beach for families in Sites, where you will always find lots of happy children and parents playing volleyball and throwing frisbees, as well as would-be sailors taking to the water for pedalo adventures.

Small Scale, Global Reach – Sitges’ Famous Film Festival

Sitges Maritime BoardwalkVisit in October and check out the world-renowned Sitges Film Festival, which has been been running since 1968 and sees some of the horror film industrys most influential producers and directors meeting to celebrate their thrilling medium.

And second only to the legendary carnivals of Rio de Janeiro, the flamboyant Sitges Carnival is one of the most extravagant fiestas in all of Spain, filling the narrow streets with dancing, music and parades for a whole week every February.

Where to Stay in Sitges

Sitges Best Hotels and ApartmentsSitges is all about being by the sea, and there are plenty of waterfront options to choose from (and more budget friendly options within strolling distance.

Budget Hotels in Sitges: If you’re after a little luxury on a budget, check out the bargain Sitges Beach Hostel, El Hotel Xalet or the Utopia Beach House, all of which are stumbling distance from the beach.

Mid-Range Hotels in Sitges: The gorgeous 3* Hotel Palou and 3* Hotel Can Panyella offer excellent value for money.

Luxury Hotels in Sitges: The 4* Sunway Gold and Spa Hotel and Hotel Subur Maritim are both excellent options, although if you’re craving some serious luxury then you simply have to stay at the fabulous 5* Dolce Sitges Hotel.

Apartments in Sitges: If you’d like your own little slice of home for your time in Sitges then check out the glamorous Sitges Seafront ApartmentApartment Tasis and Oasis de Sitges.



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Want more day trips from Barcelona?

You definitely need to consider Cadaqués, the “Pearl of the Costa Brava”…

Cadaques Village on the Costa Brava, Near Barcelona
Cadaques Village on the Costa Brava, Near Barcelona.

And the handsome Medieval city of Tarragona

Day trip to Tarragona from Barcelona, Spain

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One Comment

  1. […] You can use your T10 metro card (although technically you shouldn’t) and you’ll be in Sitges in 20 minutes. Even though it’s so close to Barcelona, it has a completely different vibe. Much more about Sitges, including advice on where to eat and sleep, in my post here. […]

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