Sitges — Beach, Art & Joy of Life
Sitges is the perfect contrast to Barcelona: A picturesque coastal town with white houses, palm trees, a dozen dream beaches, and one of Europe's liveliest LGBTQ+ scenes. Only 35 minutes by train from Barcelona, it feels like another world.
Beaches
Sitges has 17 beaches along 4 km of coastline — from bustling city beaches to hidden coves:
- Platja de Sant Sebastià: The main beach right in front of the old town — fine sand, palm promenade, restaurants. Busy, but not as crowded as Barceloneta.
- Platja de la Bassa Rodona: Sitges' most famous beach and center of the LGBTQ+ scene. Relaxed atmosphere, rainbow flags, good beach bar.
- Platja de les Anquines / Platja dels Balmins: Quieter beaches further east — ideal for families. Partly nudist.
Old Town & Culture
The old town consists of winding alleys with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea, and small boutiques. The Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla on the cliff above the sea is Sitges' landmark — a postcard motif at sunset.
- Museu Cau Ferrat: The former studio of painter Santiago Rusiñol — one of the founders of Catalan Modernisme. Art Nouveau glass art, paintings by El Greco and Picasso, and a terrace with sea view. Admission: 10€.
- Carnival: Sitges' Carnival (February/March) is Spain's most eccentric — colorful, wild, and shaped by the LGBTQ+ community. Parades, costumes, bars, and clubs — a week of non-stop fun.
- Film Festival: In October, the Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya takes place — one of the most prestigious fantasy and horror film festivals in the world.
Getting There
From Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia or Sants: Rodalies train R2 Sud to Sitges (35 Min., from 4.60€ one-way). Trains run every 20–30 minutes. Alternatively: Mon-Bus (55 Min., 4.50€).