SITGES IN A DAY : THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM BARCELONA

If you think you know Barcelona, its surrounding region still has surprises in store. Just a 35-minute train ride from Barcelona, Sitges offers a charming escape from the city’s bustling streets and tourist crowds. This seaside town has a relaxed, Mediterranean rhythm, with sandy beaches, a two-mile promenade, and vibrant cafés and restaurants. Sitges is famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, lively festivals like Sitges Pride, and local celebrations such as Festa Major.

During the week and off-season, it has a calm pace, where it is nice to stroll around for a day (or even a weekend) and discover its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops. But at weekends and in the summer evenings, the city, which has been nicknamed the “Saint-Tropez of Spain”, offers a lively nightlife with everything from dance clubs to beachfront bars.

A city with two sides, therefore, which will suit any traveller in search of authenticity with a touch of eccentricity.

GETTING TO SITGES

• By train – A regular R2 suburban train connects Barcelona to Sitges, departing from one of three main stations (Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, and Barcelona Sants). The journey takes about 35 to 45, with trains running roughly every 20 minutes. The last train depart around 11:30 PM . One-way adult ticket costs around €4.10 (as of 2025). Return is slightly less expensive (around 7€).
• By bus – Several buses to Sitges leave from Plaça Espana and Ronda Universitat, with departures every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends. The trip takes less than an hour and passes through Barcelona Airport. There are also night buses (look for N30, N31, and N32) that connect Sitges to Barcelona in about 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around €5 and can be purchased directly from the driver.
• By plane – If you’re flying into Barcelona El Prat Airport, Sitges is conveniently located halfway between the airport and Barcelona city center. That means you can head straight to Sitges without going through the Catalan capital in about twenty minutes. Check the train options mentioned above for the easiest route

Sitges’ old town and its charming white streets.

GETTING AROUND SITGES

Since the town is quite small, you won’t need a taxi or bus to get around. Most of the main attractions are located within the historic city center. If you’d like to explore the surrounding areas, the train is your best option — the station is only about a 10-minute walk from the main beach. There is still a blue local bus service that runs twice an hour, which can be handy if you’re spending the weekend in Sitges and your accommodation is a bit far from the center.

1 DAY ITINERARY IN SITGES

Once you step off the R2 train from Barcelona, cross the street right in front of you and start walking downhill. Take a moment to look around — the buildings are stunning, with art nouveau façades in soft pastel tones that feel lighter and more coastal than the ones in Barcelona. If you’re looking for a coffee or a brunch stop, head to El Secret Sitges, a coffee shop on a sunny little square. Open from 9am to 11pm, it serves international style brunch favorites, good coffee, and the famous Catalan bikinis (toasted triangle sandwiches).

Sitges Old Town & Arts Museums

Then keep walking straight down until you reach the sea. On your left, you’ll spot, perched dramatically on a rocky point overlooking the Mediterranean, a sand-colored baroque church — the Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. Take the large staircase that leads to it for a beautiful panoramic view over the town, then step inside if the doors are open.

From there, the narrow streets around the Church are some of the prettiest in Sitges, with lots of ornate windows, archways, and old plaques to discover. Go over the quiet, square called Racó de la Calma, framed by white houses, home to two of the town’s iconic museums :

• Cau Ferrat Museum — originally the home of artist Santiago Rusiñol, it later became a gathering place for modernist artists. Today, it showcases a mix of art and antiques — from Romanesque to Baroque paintings, to modern works by Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, Zuloaga, and even Picasso.
• Maricel Museum — Once an old hospital, later transformed by the American art collector Charles Deering, it features tiled terraces and a cloister with panoramic sea views. Inside, it spans ten centuries of art — from medieval sculptures to modernist masterpieces by Llimona & Rusiñol.

Both museums are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm (closing at 5pm in winter). A combined ticket costs €12, and entry is free on the first Wednesday of every month.

For lunch, if you’re in the mood for tapas, head to El Pou, to share traditional flavors with Catalan, Japanese, and Peruvian influences — all crafted with top-quality Mediterranean ingredients. For a more classic experience, Can Martí embodies the true essence of Catalan cuisine, serving grilled meats, homemade stews, and local products in a cozy & rustic setting.

Sitges beaches & Passeig de la Ribera

In the afternoon, relax on one of Sitges’ 17 beaches. Sant Sebastià Beach, close to the city center, is a family-friendly spot offering beautiful views of the old town and the Sant Bartomeu Church — perfect for a swim or a seaside drink. Fragata Beach is another good option, though it tends to be busy it’s also one of the stops along the Passeig de la Ribera, a scenic 3-kilometer seaside promenade stretching along the coast. As Sitges is a nudist-friendly destination if you seek a wilder and more peaceful escape, head to Desenrocada Beach, a small, secluded nudist cove among the cliffs of Garraf Natural Park.

In the late afternoon, don’t miss a stroll along Sitges’ streets to pick up some souvenirs. As a town of artists, Sitges is full of small galleries and craft shops offering paintings, ceramics, handmade jewelry, and blown glass inspired by the sea and Mediterranean light.

If you decide to stay there for dinner, you can’t go wrong with La Cocina Sitges, recognized by the Michelin Guide as one of the town’s top restaurants. Open from 7pm, it offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with global flavors, blending modern techniques with local and French culinary traditions.

Sitges is an incredibly inclusive town, where rainbow flags, gay fashion boutiques, and a strong LGBT+ community reflect the city’s welcoming spirit. On the evening, Carrer del Pecat (the ‘Sin Street’) comes alive as the center of Sitges’ nightlife. Filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs it offers live music, craft cocktails, and a vibrant LGBT+ scene.

[You can enjoy the nightlife in Sitges without rushing, as the last trains back to Barcelona depart at 23h30].

BEST RESTAURANTS & BARS IN SITGES

Sitges offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) selection of the best places to enjoy lunch, dinner, tapas, or cocktails in town.

• Vegan favorite ; Dosa Nova | this place serves delicious dosas: thin, crispy pancakes made from fermented rice and lentils, served with your choice of toppings, all vegan & organic.
• Fish-Based Menu ; La Marinada | just a few steps from the beach, this restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in town, grilled over wood fire. Specialties include turbot and seabass.
• Tapas & Fusion ; El Pou | perfect for lunch or dinner if you’re in the mood for tapas. The menu blends Catalan, Japanese, and Peruvian flavors with high-quality Mediterranean ingredients.
• Mediterranean dining ; La Cocina Sitges – Recognized by the Michelin Guide, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with global flavors. It combines modern techniques with local and French culinary traditions for an elevated dining experience.
• Afternoon Snack ; Mionas Bakery | stop by for the best cookies in town and a sweet midday treat.
• Cocktails & Fancy Tapas ; Factor Vi | from classic cocktails like margaritas to bolder creations like the 8 Roses, this bar also offers a sumptuous tasting menu for a full evening experience.