How to Organize a Day Trip to Sitges from Barcelona
If you are planning a visit to Barcelona, you should set aside one day for one of its best excursions. Our favorite is Sitges, a cool coastal city less than an hour away.
Sitges has something for every type of traveler. Its charming Old Town is filled with exceptional Art Nouveau buildings, historic museums, and an impressive church. You’ll also find a beautiful seaside promenade and beaches of all sizes and shapes.
What truly sets Sitges apart, however, is its open-minded spirit. It is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ destinations, known for year-round events like Sitges Pride and Bear Week. Everyone is welcome!
How to Get to Sitges
By Train
Getting to Sitges is very easy. Frequent trains connect Barcelona and Sitges in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of train. The first one leaves around 5:30 in the morning, and the last departs close to midnight.
In Barcelona, you can board the train at several stations. The most central is Passeig de Grà cia. Two other convenient options are Sants and El Clot Aragó.
In Sitges, the train station is right next to the Old Town, just five minutes from Plaça del Cap de la Vila, the city’s main square. The views from the train are stunning, so grab a window seat on the left side.
By Organized Tour
If you want to combine Sitges with another nearby destination, consider joining an organized tour. There are many available, but here are two great options.
This tour takes you to both Tarragona and Sitges in about 10 hours. You’ll explore Sitges’ Old Town and relax on Sant Sebastià Beach. This guided tour has a maximum of eight participants.
This one combines Montserrat Mountain with Sitges. It’s shorter, focuses more on nature, and includes time on Sitges’ scenic seaside promenade.
Things to Do
Get Lost in the Old Town
The first thing you should do is explore Sitges’ colorful Old Town. The dense neighborhood south of the train station is the city’s heart and soul. Although Sitges is ancient, most of its Old Town dates from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Start at the small Plaça del Cap de la Vila, Sitges’ main hub. Look up and admire Casa Bartomeu Carbonell, also known as the Clock House.
Take Carrer Major to the right, and in just a few minutes you’ll reach Plaça de l’Ajuntament, home to the City Hall. Visit the nearby Old Market (Mercat Vell), Santiago Rusiñol Library, and Palau del Rei Moro.
Explore the Art Nouveau Heritage
You’ve probably heard of Barcelona’s famous Art Nouveau architecture, with names like Antoni GaudÃ. But Sitges has its own impressive collection.
South of the train station, look for Casa Bonaventura Blay and Casa Manuel Planas on Carrer de l’Illa de Cuba. Casa Pere Carreras i Robert is nearby, on Carrer de Francesc Gumà .
The city’s most famous example is the abovementioned Casa Bartomeu Carbonell. This three-story mansion features a wooden gallery on the second floor, a protruding tower with a clock, and a spire decorated with colorful tile mosaics.
Learn History in Two Museums
Behind the City Hall lies the oldest part of Sitges. You can reach it either via Carrer de Sant Joan or by descending the small stairs in front of Town Hall.
Carrer de Fonollar is Sitges’ most picturesque street. It begins with Edifici Miramar, followed by the Cau Ferrat Museum, once home to Catalan modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol.
The street continues to Maricel Palace and Museum, a stunning complex in a historic seaside residence. The small corner next to the palace is called Racó de la Calma, or ‘Corner of Calm’.
Visit the Church of San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla
The city’s most iconic landmark is the 17th-century Church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla. This asymmetrical baroque church dominates the coastline and stands right next to Racó de la Calma.
The church is a three-nave basilica with two distinct bell towers. The larger one (to the right) dates from 1772, while the smaller was added two years later. The city clock and bells were installed in 1868.
Inside, you’ll find treasures like the grand 1697 organ, a masterpiece of Baroque art, the Baroque Altar of Sorrow, and remains of the Gothic Altar of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Thecla.
Spot Sculptures along the Seaside Promenade
After visiting the church, go down the grand staircase to the seaside promenade. Here, you’ll pass elegant early 20th-century mansions and several notable sculptures.
The first is dedicated to Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas, Sitges’ two most famous artists. Next is a monument to El Greco, the Greek painter who lived in Spain.
You’ll also find the 2009 Monument to Facundo BacardÃ, honoring the Sitges native who founded the famous rum. Finally, don’t miss the iconic Pink Triangle, dedicated to the fight against homophobia.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
No matter the season, take time to enjoy Sitges’ beaches. There are 17 in total, with 11 inside the city itself.
Southwest of the Old Town, you’ll find eight long, connected beaches. On the other side, San Sebastià Beach is a local favorite, while Balmins Beach has a more natural feel and is popular with the LGBTQ+ community.
Another option we love is Garraf Beach, about 10 km (6 miles) east of Sitges. This sandy beach lies in the small town of Garraf and is a quiet spot favored by locals. Nearby, you can also see one of GaudÃ’s lesser-known works, the Güell Winery.
Join a Festival or Two
Sitges is famous for its festivals. The Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top fantasy and horror film festivals, takes place every October.
The city also hosts major LGBTQ+ events: Sitges Pride Parade in June and Bears Sitges Week in September.
Our favorite, however, is Carnival in February, when this charming little city comes to life in full splendor!
Where to Stay
Spending a night or two is a splendid idea and there are plenty of hotels to choose from. On both extremes of the city, you’ll find two Melia gems: Melia Sitges in the east and the recently refurbished Terramar ME in the west.
They are the best choice if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city center and prefer spending sometime on the beach. We’ve stayed in both and had a great time. When booking in Melia Sitges be sure to ask for a top floor room, views are splendid.
If you’d rather stay in the Old Town, consider booking a room in an Art Nouveau palace. Among several historic Medium group hotels, our favorite is Hotel Medium Sitges Park.
Where to Eat and Drink
Dining in Sitges is a treat. For quick bites, check out the three street food spots at the corner of Parellades and Marquès Montroig.
For black risotto or paella, we always recommend Bon Estar on Carrer de les Parellades. For grilled fish or steak, try Komokieras on Carrer d’Espalter.
We’re not usually fans of fancy restaurants, but Casa Vilella is an exception. Located in a historic palace, it serves outstanding Mediterranean cuisine with views of the sea. Pure heaven!
