Just 40 km from Barcelona is Sitges, a coastal city perfect for a getaway from Barcelona. Beach, historical sites and a very picturesque town. In this post I tell you everything about the best things to do in Sitges.
Sitges is the perfect place for a getaway from Barcelona since it is very close to the city and it is possible to visit it all in one day. It is a place that I love and that I go to often from Barcelona because it is close and there is always something entertaining.
- Where is Sitges located
Sitges is a town located in the province of Barcelona, on the Mediterranean coast, about 38 km south of Barcelona city. It is a very touristy place and known worldwide for being a gay-friendly destination and for the film festival that takes place there every year. It is a destination that has a beach, parties, restaurants and a very picturesque old town.
- How to get to Sitges
Sitges is very well connected to Barcelona by train. The R2S railway line leaves you in the center of Sitges for about €9 (round trip). The trip from Paseo de Gracia to Sitges takes about 40 minutes. The car trip is practically the same duration.
Things to do in Sitges
1. Iglesia de Sant Bartolomeu i Santa Tecla
The church of San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla is one of the icons of Sitges. It was built in the 17th century, although it had several modifications over the years. The best thing about the church is its location, right in front of the beach.
This guided tour of Sitges covers the church and other points of the city. It can be a good option to start your visit to Sitges and learn something about its history.
2. Paseo Marítimo
A must-see in Sitges is walking along its Paseo Marítimo that runs along the entire coast. The path full of palm trees has beautiful views of the sea and also allows you to admire all the modernist buildings and houses that are on the first line facing the sea.
3. The streets of the historic center
One of the best things to do in Sitges is simply walk and get lost in its little streets. You will see many houses painted in white and blue, which was how fishermen’s houses were identified in the past.
You cannot miss passing by Racó de la calma, a small alley located between the Maricel and Cau Ferrat museums that is one of the most picturesque spots in Sitges.
4. Beach in Sitges
Sitges is also an ideal beach destination. The beach in the center is Playa de San Sebastián, which is very picturesque but at the same time is always crowded with people. If it’s just to stay for a while it’s fine, but otherwise I recommend that you look for a beach further away from the center like Cala Morisca or Platja de l’Home Mort.
5. Cau Ferrat Museum
If you like art, you cannot miss visiting the Cau Ferrat Museum, the former home of the painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol. The museum houses works by Picasso and El Greco, in addition to the house being a building of incredible modernist architecture.
6. Palau de Maricel Museum
If you like museums you can also visit the Maricel Museum, which houses works of art from the 10th to the 20th century. This museum was created by the American Charles Deering, an art collector who also bought the adjacent building to be his home.
There is a combined ticket that includes a visit to the Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum for 10 euros.
Next to the Museum is the Palau de Maricel, an emblematic building of Sitges. It was built between 1913 and 1916, and currently cultural activities such as concerts, events, presentations, etc. are held there. The Palau Maricel can be visited every day except Mondays, and guided tours are also offered.
7.Plaça de la Vila
Another place to see in Sitges is Plaça de la Vila, the heart of the city. This entire area is full of shops and restaurants. The main building in the square is the Casa del Reloj, a modernist construction that stands out for its tower with the clock and the trancadís (the technique of decorating with mosaics popularized by Gaudí).
8. Calle del pecado
If you are looking for a party, you can’t miss passing through Calle del pecado (Sin Street). It is the most popular street in Sitges for its party atmosphere, full of bars and restaurants.
9. Modernist architecture
Sitges is one of the places where you can find a lot of modernist architecture. You only need to walk a little through its streets to begin to identify buildings from this architectural movement.
10. Mercat Vell
The Mercat Vell in Sitges is a building from 1889 that used to be the market. Today it houses the Casa Bacardí with an exhibition that shows the links between Sitges and this famous drink, but a process is being carried out to define the future use of the old market.
Where to stay in Sitges
These are some of the hotels I recommend to stay in Sitges:
- Hotel Casa Vilella: this hotel is located in front of the beach and has a swimming pool, gym and terrace. A unique place to stay in Sitges. See availability, photos and prices.
- ME Sitges Terramar: If what you are looking for is a stay to relax, this hotel is ideal. It is right at the end of the Paseo Marítimo and has a private beach club, swimming pool, restaurant and terrace with ocean views. See availability, photos and prices.
- Dolce by Wyndham: a luxury hotel that has several swimming pools, 3 restaurants, 3 bars, gym and incredible rooms. See availability, photos and prices.
Other useful posts about Barcelona:
- Best hotels in Costa Brava
- What to see in Barcelona in 3 days
- Things to do in Barcelona
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Basque Country Itinerary
- Things to do in Bilbao
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