Known as the St. Tropez of Spain, though I found it far less pretentious, Sitges is a stunning coastal town just 40 minutes from Barcelona, boasting beautiful beaches and an inclusive community. It is the birth place of Mr Bacardi and the first Pasha nightclub – this is a secret party haven! Whether you hop down for the day from Barcelona or make this your weekend destination in its own right you won’t be disappointed.
Sitges what to see and do and where to stay:
How to get to Sitges?
Sitges is about 40 minutes west of Barcelona by the R2 train or bus, with Barcelona airport sandwiched in between. There are direct buses and trains running from Barcelona straight into the east side of Sitges which would be your best budget option since taxis can be ridiculously expensive. Just make sure you don’t miss your return transport if you’re day-tripping!
If you are coming from Barcelona airport and planning on hopping into an awaiting taxi – check the price! I was getting taxi quotes for up to 90 euros for a 25 minutes journey! So I opted for public transport – which whilst it took triple the time, it was a fraction of the cost. Also a good plan as clearing passport control was over an hour so no waiting times incurred. From the airport, with the magic of google maps, it took a bus, train and a walk to reach our hotel! The return was way more simple – one direct bus (which does operate from the airport too but it only ran a few times when I went.)Make sure you have cash for the tickets – which you can by on board the buses. The best option by far would be to hire a car but as I went to party this wasn’t an option for us.
Is Sitges worth a day trip from Barcelona?
It really depends on how long you’re in Barcelona, why you’re there, and whether it’s your first visit. It took me six trips before I finally made it out to this little Spanish gem! Part of the reason was that I’d visited for work, weddings, and birthdays before, so I never had time to explore beyond the city. It was totally worth the wait!
Sitges makes for an amazing day trip from Barcelona, especially if you’re after better beaches and fewer crowds. In fact, I’d even recommend extending your trip for a night or two of serious R&R (rest and rosé) after all that sightseeing!
Where to stay in Sitges?
Like most places, there’s a ton of choice when it comes to hotels in Sitges, and it ultimately depends on your budget and preferences. But if in budget I would highly recommend the ME Sitges Terramar Hotel. (Note, there are two Melia Hotels in Sitges so be sure it is this one). I’d actually spotted it online a few years ago, and it was one of the main reasons I decided to visit Sitges! I love a Melia hotel – though they are not all created equal but this one did not disappoint. The décor, vibe and even where it was located was reminiscent of the Ibiza one I love!
One of my biggest obsessions about this hotel brand, is their beds – I should just book an extra day to stay in my room all day! And these beds lived up to my memory. Like the ME hotels in Ibiza and London, there was also the Radio Rooftop bar (yes of course that was a huge pull for me). There wasn’t however a rooftop pool – despite some slightly misleading marketing looking like there was. (There was one for the rooftop suite! Sadly my budget did not stretch to that!). The main pool is located down on the ground floor (where I had the best burrata salad!)
Breakfast at the ME Sitges was up to the usual Melia standard: a huge selection, including a solid gluten-free range, and of course, free-flowing cava!
One thing to note if you’re considering this hotel is that it’s a bit farther from the main town. I didn’t find it that far – a 25 minute walk along the promenade. But as taxi’s are scarce in the town, this is a walk you will be doing at 5am if you stay here and like to party! In the day there is a tourist train that runs along the promenade with the frequency higher in the summer months.
The walk reminded me of staying at the Radisson in Nice which also had a similar rooftop bar and where the town was a little walk along the promenade too. Highly recommend there next!
Is Sitges good for straight people?
As a straight woman, every time I told someone I was heading to Sitges, I’d get the same response: “You know it has a huge LGBTQ community, right?” My reply was always the same: “Yes, and why would I care? I’m going for the sun, the dancing, and the sangria – not to pick up guys!” I didn’t find it any different from other places I’ve been except one street which had more gay men than straight for sure and some of the bars were definitely solely for this audience. ‘Boys Boys Boys’ bar, for example, definitely wasn’t for the ‘girls girls girls’.
The only time it might feel a little different would probably be if you visit in February or March for Mardi Gras, when things get extra festive! But it is home to families and people of all ages. So, is Sitges good for straight people? A hundred percent – unless you’re on the hunt for a partner, maybe! But even then, you never know who you might meet!
What to do in Sitges
There isn’t the vast tourist bucket list that Barcelona attracts but for those looking for a bit more than lunching by the beach then you do have options!
Visit Museu Cau Ferrat
Museu Cau Ferrat was founded in 1893 by Santiago Rusiñol as a home workshop. It was later as a museum in 1933 featuring his art and seasonal exhibitions. A must for art lovers.
Walk Sitges Promenade
Walking from the ME Sitges Terramar Hotel, all the way through the Museu Cau Ferrat to the marina, not only gives you a good step count but also makes for a perfect mix of culture and beach bar hopping because, of course, you need to stay hydrated!
I’d recommend starting with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a lazy morning by the pool. Then, take a stroll to Pic Nic for a relaxed lunch. Head up to Museu Cau Ferrat and admire the latest collections on display. Wander through the old cobbled streets and head up to Vivero Beach Club for an Aperol spritz or two.
Wander down to the marina and finish off with some late afternoon tapas at Can Laury. Just a heads up, getting back can be tricky, as we couldn’t find a taxi so be prepared for more walking! Naturally you can break that up with more pit stops! 😉
Photograph Bacardi tribute statue
Mr. Bacardi, or his actual name, Facundo Bacardí Massó was born in Sitges on October 16th, 1814. The town honours him with a statue features a symbol representing “Looking into the future,”. The open hands signifying the idea of letting dreams take flight and succeed. It’s definitely a must-see for any rum fans! Note, there was also a Bacardi museum but sadly it has now closed permanently.
Statue spotting in Sitges
Along with the iconic Bacardi statue, you’ll find many other statues scattered around or what I like to call ‘making friends with the locals’! It’s a fun way to learn about the history of the place. I discovered that these statues represent two renowned artists, Santiago Rusiñol and Ramón Casas, and it’s thanks to Rusiñol that we have the Museu Cau Ferrat
Visit the Local Markets
In the summer, the seafront comes alive with a daily array of charming stalls offering everything from stylish clothing to unique jewellery. In winter, while the stalls are limited to weekends, the selection is no less impressive. I may have ended up with more than I packed for the trip, so consider yourself warned if you’re a fan of finding hidden treasures!”
Hang at the beach
The beaches are the biggest draw for visitors coming from Barcelona, and there’s no shortage of options, apparently, 17 in total! You’ve got nudist, gay, and regular beaches to choose from. San Sebastian Beach gets a lot of rave reviews, due to the picturesque setting and close proximity to beach side bars and restaurants but I wasn’t a huge fan when there were so many more on offer.
I found the beaches further out, near the Melia, to be much quieter, with long stretches of golden sand and expansive shorelines that seem to go on for miles.
Sitges Mardi Gras Carnival, film festivals and Fiestas
This small city is packed with with a huge variety of festivals, carnivals and parties all year round. So be sure to check the calendar for what’s on when you go – I didn’t! And found myself celebrating ‘Festa Major de Santa Tecla’.
Roads were closed, restaurants had to move inside due to the fireworks and the whole town was in the party spirit. There was even a pop up club that appeared on the sea front – free to dance the night away by the ocean waves.
Best restaurants in Sitges
I made a rookie mistake of not booking restaurants in advance, thinking as it was out of season it wouldn’t be a problem but it was a bank holiday! So don’t do what I did! And remember 9pm is normal for dinner to start in Spain. Here are the ones I would recommend.
Pic Nic
Pic Nic is set on the sea front with a whole gluten free menu was ideal for tapas and our first sangrias! There is a choice of areas to be sat in so be sure to book and request the one you prefer!
Moreno Major 17
I stumbled upon Moreno as it had a few outdoor tables outside its bustling tapas bar. And if I can eat alfresco, I will! Our waiter was brilliant with a great sense of humour! The tapas was excellent as was the cost! Fully recommend.
Sky Bar at Hotel Mim
Full disclaimer I didn’t end up eating here just due to my bad timings! But if you are looking for a fabulous setting then Sky Bar rooftop restaurant is for you.
I was recommended Can Laury and Factor Vi by multiple people, but they were fancier than what I was after on this trip, so it is saved it for another trip.
Is Sitges a party town?
Is Sitges a party town? It can be! I came to dance, not in a big club or I would have headed to Ibiza or even just to Barcelona. I wanted those bars that have dance floors, not full of teenagers or being touted to go in (though that did actually happen at one and I am glad it did as it was fun!) There is one road with these bars known as ‘Sin Street’ or Calle del Pecado if you are on google maps! It can appear a bit tacky with all the neon but it is fun!
Best Bars in Sitges
Depending what you are looking for then Sitges have some brilliantly fun bars – from tapas counters to rooftops to those dance bars on Sin Street. These were my top picks:
Vivero Beach Club
This club had some terrible reviews on line but I loved it as an afternoon bar with ocean views, tunes and great cocktails.
Pachito
My favourite dance bar, Pachito is the little Pasha – the bar that you would go to pre Pasha. Yes the first ever Pasha club was born here – sadly has now closed in Sitges but you can still enjoy this spin off with a mix of music and fun branding boards to pose by!
Everlasting Love
Next door to Pachito is Everlasting Love, a similar spot but less space to dance as it was more popular. I couldn’t understand why aside the chandeliers, disco balls, and vinyl records hanging from the ceiling which was a highlight. But similar music and vibe.
Radio Rooftop
Radio Rooftop is situated at the ME hotel and is ideal for a quieter crafted cocktail or two. Stunning views of the city and sea. It makes for a perfect escape.
Final thoughts on Sitges
If you’re craving a weekend getaway to blow off some steam but find Ibiza a bit too much, this is the perfect spot! However, if partying isn’t your scene, Sitges still makes for an ideal place to relax and recharge. And if you’re in the mood for the historic hustle and bustle of Barcelona, it’s just a short train ride away – truly the best of both worlds.