Barcelona's artsy little sibling is proper brilliant for a beach break with personality. Just 35km down the coast, Sitges delivers golden beaches, legendary carnival parties, and enough culture to keep you buzzing between sunbathing sessions – all without Barcelona's massive crowds.
Why Visit Sitges? 🌊✨
Destination Highlights 🎉
🏖️ 17 stunning beaches stretching along the coast – from buzzing central strips to quieter coves
🎭 Europe's wildest carnival every February with 300,000+ revellers and outrageous parades
🚂 40 minutes from Barcelona by train – perfect for day trips without the city centre chaos
🌅 300+ sunny days a year thanks to its own microclimate (cheers, Garraf mountains!)
Good to Know 💡
The Essentials 📍
Weather: Sitges genuinely gets around 300 sunny days a year thanks to the Garraf mountains protecting it from dodgy weather. Could be chucking it down in Barcelona and still be glorious sunshine here! Summer temps hit 28-30°C, while spring and autumn sit around a lovely 20-25°C.
Price Guide: A pint will set you back around €3-4, with a three-course meal at a decent restaurant about €25-30 per person. Beach sunbed hire runs around €10-15 for the day.
Getting Around: The town's compact enough to walk everywhere, with beaches stretching along a gorgeous 3km palm-lined promenade. Fancy Barcelona for the day? Trains run regularly and take 40 minutes.
Fun Fact 🎬
Sitges hosts one of the world's top fantasy and horror film festivals every October. Previous guests include Quentin Tarantino, Anthony Hopkins, and Cameron Diaz – not your average Spanish beach town!
Top Hotels in Sitges 🏨
For Beach Lovers 🏖️
ME Sitges Terramar
Right on the beachfront with proper boutique style at this five-star stunner. Sleek minimalist rooms with open-plan bathrooms, plus a boujee rooftop bar with DJs spinning sunset sets. The beach club serves everything from rooftop sushi to Mediterranean classics – proper main character energy.
Meliá Sitges
This four-star overlooking Aiguadolç Marina has two brilliant outdoor pools and a spa. The rooms come with sea views and terraces, plus there's a kids' pool for families. YHI wellness centre has a heated pool, sauna, and Turkish bath – luxury without breaking the bank.
San Sebastian Playa Hotel
Literally 10 metres from the beach in the historical centre – can't get much better for location. The restaurant "La Pepa del Mar" does cracking Mediterranean seafood and rice dishes. All rooms have balconies, so you're waking up to sea views.
For Central Stays 🌆
Medium Sitges Park
Tucked into a gorgeous 19th-century building with modernist vibes and bright, cosy rooms. Lush garden and outdoor pool for chilling, plus you're a short stroll from both beaches and the old town. The terrace bar's perfect for evening drinks.
Hotel MiM Sitges
Just 50 metres from the beach with a proper chill vibe and eco-friendly credentials at this four-star. Spa treatments available, poolside snack bar for lazy lunches, and the rooftop sitting area has brilliant views. Close to Church of Sant Bartomeu and all the main cultural spots.
Sitges Hotel
Proper gem just 200 metres from the beach with an outdoor pool and games room. Blends eco-friendly design with modern comforts like Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Brilliant value for money if you want a relaxed three-star base.
Estela Barcelona
By Cala Aiguadolç harbour, close to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. All rooms have balconies, and the onsite restaurant serves local-style cuisine. Outdoor pool with sun terrace – perfect for lazy afternoons.
El Cid
Right in the buzzing heart of Sitges, just 500m from Ribera Beach. Private balconies on every room, plus you're within walking distance of the historic old town and cultural gems like Museu de Maricel. No-frills but perfectly placed for explorers.
What to Do in Sitges 🎯
For Beach Bums 🏖️☀️
17 brilliant beaches to choose from – Platja de Sant Sebastià for families, Platja de la Fragata for volleyball and pedalos, or quieter Platja Terramar if you fancy escaping the crowds
3km palm-lined promenade perfect for morning walks, evening strolls, or showing off your tan
Beach clubs serving cocktails and Med cuisine all day long – proper holiday vibes sorted
Water sports and sunbed hire available at the main beaches for lazy days by the sea
For Culture Vultures 🎨🏛️
Cau Ferrat Museum – Santiago Rusiñol's former gaff packed with modernist art, including works by Picasso and El Greco
Maricel Museum right next door showcasing stunning Catalan art with sea views
Church of Sant Bartomeu perched dramatically above the seafront – climb the steps for cracking Mediterranean views
Old town wandering through narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings with proper Catalan character
For Party Animals 🎉🍹
Calle del Pecado (literally "Sin Street") – bars and clubs packed till sunrise with inclusive, buzzing atmosphere
Sitges Carnival in February – one of Europe's biggest street parties with 300,000+ revellers, outrageous parades, and non-stop celebrations
Beach clubs that transform into party venues as the sun sets
Late-night venues open till 6am if you're really committed to the cause
For Families 👨👩👧👦🏰
Safe, calm beaches like Platja de Sant Sebastià with shallow waters ideal for little ones
3km promenade brilliant for buggy-pushing, ice cream stops, and letting kids run around safely
Barcelona day trips just 40 minutes away by train for a change of scene
Pedalo hire and volleyball at family beaches for active families who can't sit still
For Foodies 🦞🍷
Xató – traditional Catalan salad with garlicky romesco sauce (proper local flavours you've got to try)
Fresh seafood everywhere – beachfront restaurants serving catch of the day with your toes in the sand
Penedès wine region inland – Spain's cava capital with vineyard tours and bubbly tastings
Hidden gems in the old town's narrow streets serving arròs negre (black rice) and local specialities
When to Visit Sitges 📅
Peak Season (July-August) 🌡️🔥
Hottest and busiest time with temps around 28-30°C. Beach clubs are buzzing, hotels fill up fast, and prices are at their highest. Book well ahead if you're coming now.
What's On:
August's Festa Major – fireworks, traditional Catalan celebrations, and proper local atmosphere
All beach facilities open and operating at full capacity
Nightlife at its absolute peak with maximum party vibes
Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October) 🍃☀️
Brilliant time to visit with gorgeous weather (20-26°C), fewer crowds, and better hotel deals. September's particularly lush – still warm enough for swimming but the summer hoards have cleared off.
What's On:
June's Corpus Christi – stunning flower carpet displays through the streets
September – perfect beach weather without the chaos
October's Film Festival – world-renowned fantasy and horror cinema event
Winter (November-February) ❄️🎭
Mild and quiet with temps around 13-18°C. Perfect for exploring museums and the old town without sweating.
What's On:
February/March: Sitges Carnival – one of Europe's wildest street parties (book accommodation months ahead!)
300+ sunny days a year mean even winter breaks are proper pleasant
Lower prices on hotels and flights if you dodge carnival dates
Festival Highlights Throughout the Year 🎉
🎭 Sitges Carnival (Feb/March) – 300,000+ revellers, outrageous parades, week-long party
🌸 Corpus Christi (June) – streets covered in intricate flower carpets
🎆 Festa Major (August) – celebrating Sitges' patron saints with fireworks and traditions
🎬 International Film Festival (October) – fantasy and horror films with A-list guests
🏳️🌈 Sitges Pride (June) – week-long celebrations with 60,000+ attendees
Top Tip: The microclimate means you'll likely dodge rain whenever you visit – Sitges genuinely gets 300+ days of sunshine a year!
Popular Sitges hotels
More Sitges hotelsWeather in Sitges
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The climate in Sitges is typical of the region, with temperatures routinely reaching 32&de; Celsius in August, so take your holidays to Sitges in late spring or early autumn if you don't like stifling heat and humid nights.
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FAQs
How far is Sitges from Barcelona?
How far is Sitges from Barcelona?
Just 35km southwest of Barcelona – about 40 minutes by train or car. Perfect for a day trip or as a quieter base for exploring Catalonia.
Is Sitges good for families
Is Sitges good for families
Absolutely! Beaches like Platja de Sant Sebastià and Platja de la Fragata are brilliant for kids with calm waters and facilities. Hotels like Meliá Sitges cater specifically to families with kids' pools and activities.
What's the beach situation?
What's the beach situation?
17 beaches stretching along the coast, most with golden sand and clear water. Central beaches have all the facilities (sunbeds, showers, beach bars), while quieter coves offer more space. Water sports and pedalo hire available at main beaches.
Is Sitges expensive?
Is Sitges expensive?
It's pricier than some Costa Dorada resorts but still reasonable compared to Barcelona. Budget more for carnival time and peak summer when prices jump. Shoulder season offers brilliant value.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Do I need to speak Spanish?
English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, though a few Spanish phrases will get you smiles. Catalan's the local language but everyone speaks Spanish too.
What's the nightlife like?
What's the nightlife like?
Legendary! Bars and clubs stay open till sunrise, especially along "Sin Street" (Calle del Pecado). Very inclusive scene with something for everyone from beach clubs to late-night venues.
Can I visit Barcelona from Sitges?
Can I visit Barcelona from Sitges?
Dead easy – trains run regularly and take about 40 minutes. Costs a few quid return and you're dropped right in Barcelona city centre. Some people stay in Sitges and day-trip to Barcelona to avoid the crowds.
How do I get from the airport to Sitges?
How do I get from the airport to Sitges?
Flights from the UK and Ireland take around 2 hours to Barcelona El Prat Airport, which is only 30km from Sitges. From there, you can hop on a train via Barcelona Sants station (takes about an hour total), or if you don't fancy lugging your cases around, a taxi takes 30-40 minutes direct. And just to make life easier for you 😉 we can sort your transfer when you book with us, so it's all included in your ATOL protection
When is Sitges Carnival?
When is Sitges Carnival?
Usually late February/early March (dates vary as it's 40 days before Easter). It's one of Europe's biggest street parties with 300,000+ visitors – book accommodation months in advance!
Is Sitges LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Sitges LGBTQ+ friendly?
Very! Sitges has been one of Europe's most welcoming and inclusive destinations for decades. The town hosts major events like Sitges Pride and has a vibrant, accepting atmosphere year-round.
