It's like a record for tourists ...
"If you come to Barcelona and you have time for a day trip, do not forget to visit Sitges."
The spa and its golden sand beaches, His crystalline waters, His cultural events and its status as most gay friendly city from all over Spain make it an attractive place to go out of the city.
Fortunately, it is just a hop from Barcelona.
Here's a quick guide from Barcelona to Sitges.
Where is Sitges?
Sitges is located in the Golden Coast, near to Garraf National Park, 40 kilometers southwest of Barcelona.
Barcelona in Sitges
Train
The best transportation option is the train R2 from one of the main train stations in Barcelona, Estacio de França, Passeig de Gracia or Sants Estacio.
Final destination signs indicate St. Vincenç de Calders ou Vilanova y la Geltru.
Trains run normally every 20/30 minutes and the cost is € 9,20 round trip ou € 4,60 each way - buying a round trip ticket will not save you money. If you plan to stay late in Sitges, take a one-way ticket and then take the bus back to Barcelona.
Bus
The “e16” bus line for Sitges is taken from Ronda Universitat 33, Sepúlveda, Plaça Espanya, La Campana, Ciutat Judicial or Gran Via 2 and is managed by the company MonBus * - the journey takes a little less than an hour.
A one-way ticket costs € 4,50 (€ 9,00 round trip). I recommend a bus only for overnight trips when the train is not running. Check the schedules of the night buses here.
Another bus to Sitges leaves from Terminal 1 from El Prat airport every 30 minutes (every hour on weekends). The trip lasts approximately 30 minutes.
The prices are those charged by conventional public transport, for 3 zones.
* The Monbus company is now called “Flat Coach” (look for that name on the bus).
Car
You can get from Barcelona to Sitges by car in 40 minutes environment.
The easiest and most picturesque route begins at the statue of Christopher Columbus at the foot of La Rambla and follows the B-10 all down. Also, there will be no toll unlike your second option: theroad C-32.
If you are looking for best car rental prices on the market for your vacation, I highly recommend Rentalcars.com.
If you are rich and want to take a taxi, it will cost you between € 50,00 - € 60,00.
What to do in Sitges?
Of the many things to do in Sitges, most people go there for beach and nightlife, but there are also many cultural things to do there: the historical Center it is very charming.
The narrow streets and picturesque squares filter onto the promenade and the beach with its palm trees and beach bars.
laChurch of Saint-Barthélemy It is visible on all postcards and you will have an impressive view of the coast thanks to its privileged position in front of the sea.
Behind the walls of the cathedral you will find the old town and its impressive photos the manchas y Craft shops.
Sitges museums
For a complete cultural tour on your day trip, be sure to combine the following:
- The Cau Ferrat Museum, home of the painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol, which at the beginning of the 900th century became an important meeting place for the gypsies. Today it is home to some of his works, great works by Picasso and more. Admission costs € XNUMX (includes the Maricel Museum).
- The Maricel Museum: This modern building houses all kinds of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, many of which have a nautical theme. Admission costs € 10,00 (includes the Cau Ferrat Museum).
- The Romantic Museum - This humble 400th-century mansion houses private collections, including an antique public transportation exhibit and a collection of XNUMX dolls. Currently closed for renovations.
Beaches of Sitges
One of the biggest differences between Sitges and the best beaches in Barcelona is that these beaches are classified blue flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
You will find there 22 beaches spread over 4 kilometers of fine golden sand, each adapted to different populations: families, youth, gays and nudists.
In general, the closer you are to the city center, the more crowded beaches you will find, but with a short walk in either direction, you will find more secluded beaches.
The best beaches in Sitges
- La Fragata Beach , popular for families, perfect for walks and the view of the yacht club.
- Playa de San Sebastian - central, with a promenade made up of bars, restaurants and small shops.
- Ribera Beach - the largest beach in the center with 2 beach bars and an access ramp.
- Las Anquines Beach - a quiet man-made beach between two dikes, ideal for those who want to avoid the waves.
The gay nudist beaches of Sitges
I will start by saying that between the nude and gay beaches of Sitges, naturally, there is a certain overlap due to the coexistence capacity of these tolerant communities.
The best gay and nudist beaches in Sitges are:
- Playa de las Balmins - Calm, shallow and clean waters, 75% nudity with a small bar and basic services.
- Bassa Rodona beach - a centrally located gay beach, a fine stretch of sand, many services.
- Platja del Muerto - Isolated at the bottom of a cliff (difficult to access), nudists, rough waters.
Sitges gay friendly
A Sitges guide would not be complete without mentioning that it is the gay party capital in Spain.
One of the best things to do in Sitges is walk a bit noisy in the famous Calle del Pecado - the heart of Sitges nightlife with a seemingly unlimited number of restaurants, bars and pubs.
Among the best gay bars in Sitges, you will find: XXL, Man Bar, Bourbons, Oreks, Privilege, Comodin, B Side and Leather Bar… you will have a choice!
Do you want to stay in Barcelona to party? Check my list of the best gay bars in Barcelona.
Useful information about Sitges
Where to eat in Sitges
When I talk about a day trip to Sitges, it would be stupid not to talk about the food scene.
Here you can taste typical Catalan cuisine: classic tapas, land and sea fideua or even the amazing black rice paella (a type of rice with squid ink).
The typical dish is called error and consists of a fish dish made with cod, tuna, anchovies, olives and a seasoned romesco salad, a traditional sauce made with roasted red peppers, almonds and garlic.
A good place to eat? I recommend the restaurants in Sitges: La Punta de Sitges, Komokieras or a little beyond 1918 Cuina de mar.
Events in Sitges
When we talk about things to do in the city, the Sitges Carnival is undoubtedly the biggest event of the year, attracting more than 300.000 visitors.
The currency "Everything is permittedIt's not just a cheesy marketing ploy - you'll see really weird stuff here between parades and outrageous costumes.
The 2020 version will take place from February 15 to 26. For more information, click here.
Come and discuss in the comments below.
Did my Sitges guide clearly explain what to do in Sitges or do you need a little more information? Any suggestions to make this blog a better resource will be greatly appreciated.
As always, any questions you have about your Barcelona day trip or vacation will be answered as soon as possible.
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion on my new Facebook group called "For City Lovers." Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
