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11 Best Things to Do in Sitges Spain
Sitges is a hidden gem nestled along the Mediterranean coast just 45 minutes away from Barcelona. It’s a town that beautifully combines tradition with modernity, boasting stunning beaches, scenery, and a rich cultural heritage.
There are so many great things to do in Sitges. From the leisurely coastal walks, historic churches, and palaces to a vibrant food scene and exquisite art collections, Sitges has it all.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, this guide will help you uncover the best that Sitges has to offer. As I have done both, I did a day trip from Barcelona to Sitges once and about a year later I spent a whole week in this seaside town.
Let’s explore this charming seaside town together.
Best Things to Do in Sitges Spain
1. Explore the Old Town of Sitges
The Old Town of Sitges is a charming maze of narrow, winding streets waiting to be explored. As you stroll through, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings showcasing authentic Catalan architecture.
The Old Town is not only rich in character but also steeped in history, with landmarks that narrate tales of the town’s vibrant past.
Even if you’re mainly interested in the beautiful beaches of Sitges, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the charming old town.
What truly caught my attention and left a lasting impression were the white buildings with blue shutters, a symbol of the town’s seaside vibe, and the intricately painted street signs, each a unique piece of art in its own right.
2. Relax on the Beach
One of the main reasons people visit Sitges is the beautiful beaches this seaside town offers. These beaches are the perfect spots to relax, soak up the sun, and go for a swim in the sea.
The beaches in Sitges are renowned for their cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Another big bonus for the beaches is that they are less crowded than the beaches in Barcelona. And if one beach is too crowded after all, you can simply walk to the next one.
That’s why a Sitges day trip from Barcelona is a great option if you’re looking for some relaxing beach time.
Whether you’re a fan of water sports or simply enjoy a peaceful sunbathing, the beaches in Sitges provide the perfect escape.
3. Go the Coastal Walk to Vilanova
For those who enjoy hiking and breathtaking views, the coastal walk from Sitges to Vilanova is a must-do.
This scenic trail stretches over 7 kilometers. The hike duration depends on how many stops you want to take, there are numerous bays where you can go for a swim.
We walked this track at a slow pace with loads of photo stops but no beach breaks and it took us about 3 hours one way. From Vilanova, you can simply take the train back to Sitges.
As you make your way along the picturesque route, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea. In this YouTube video, you can watch me walking this coastal walk so you can get a feeling of what to expect.
4. Visit the Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
Sitges is home to many beautiful churches, but none quite as impressive as the Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. This church can be seen from almost anywhere in town, as it stands tall and proud at the highest point of Sitges.
Unfortunately, the church was closed during my visit. You can try your luck during your visit. But even when the church is closed it’s worth visiting it for it’s amazing location on top of a small hill right next to the ocean.
5. Go for Some Delicious Vegan Indian Food
You may not expect to find delicious vegan food in a small coastal town in Spain, but there’s a surprisingly vibrant vegetarian and vegan scene in Sitges. And a lot of this vegetarian and vegan food scene consists of Indian cuisine.
One amazing vegan restaurant in Sitges is Cinnamon, which serves up mouth-watering Indian dishes made with fresh ingredients. The location right at the waterfront is a bonus.
I really like that you can choose the spiciness level of the curries, from mild to extra spicy, so I could enjoy my non-spicy curry since I can’t handle spicy food at all.
If you’re not in the mood for Indian food, Veggie Garden is just around the corner. They also have quite a few Indian dishes but they also do international cuisine. My favorite dish at Veggie Garden is the wrap, it’s so delicious and filling.
6. Enter Palau Maricel (only open in Summer)
If you are in Sitges during the summer, make sure to visit Palau Maricel. This stunning palace can be visited only in summer and on a few selected days during the rest of the year.
Inside Palau Maricel there are multiple rooms that are beautifully decorated and each one feels like a work of art in itself.
Don’t miss the gorgeous courtyard, where you can relax and take in the magnificent views of the sea.
7. Visit Museu Maricel & Museu del Cau Ferrat
Located right next to Palau Maricel are Museu Maricel and Museu del Cau Ferrat. You can visit both museums with one entrance ticket, which was €10 at the time of my visit.
Both museums showcase the works of local artists and provide insight into the cultural heritage of Sitges. You can look at historic artifacts and artwork from Catalan artists, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
Museu del Cau Ferrat has a very unique atmosphere, especially the main room with its vibrant blue walls and the different artworks displayed all over the room.
The highlight of the Museu Maricel is the three nude female statues against the backdrop of the ocean just outside the museum. To be completely honest, the statues themselves aren’t very special but their location inside the museum makes them more stunning.
Overall, these two museums offer an interesting insight into Catalan art and history. Plus, the location right by the sea makes for a beautiful setting.
8. Admire the Courtyard at the Library
The courtyard at Biblioteca Santiago Rusiñol is a true hidden gem in the heart of Sitges. This peaceful oasis is nestled within the library’s walls.
To access the library, just step inside during its operating hours. Once you’re in, you’ll find a door straight ahead leading to the charming courtyard.
The courtyard with its lush greenery and fountain in the middle embodies a sense of old-world charm that beautifully contrasts with the bustling town outside.
9. Find Statues Next to the Waterfront
Sitges is known for its artistic vibe, and this can be seen all over the town. As you take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade, keep an eye out for various statues scattered around.
Situated at the base of the stairs leading up to the church, you’ll find a mermaid statue, seemingly waiting for a high five with her raised hand.
Further down the Passeig Maritim, along the waterfront, stands the Barcadi statue, a tribute to the founder of the rum company who was born in Sitges.
These are just a couple of the many captivating statues scattered throughout the area. Take your time to discover each one and find your personal favorite.
10. Take a Picture with the Sitges Sign
A trip to Sitges would not be complete without a photo opportunity with the iconic Sitges sign. It’s located a bit away from the city center at the entrance to Parc Can Robert.
Whether you choose to snap a quick selfie or pose for a group photo, the city signs provide a charming memento of your holiday.
I don’t know about you, but I just love city signs. A picture with the Sitges sign is just a great way to remember your time in this beautiful coastal town.
11. Get Ready to Party
Sitges is known as a vibrant party town, a reputation that draws night owls from all over the world.
While I must admit that partying is not quite my thing, so I don’t have any personal experience in this regard, it’s definitely another compelling reason to visit Sitges for party enthusiasts.
If you’re not much for partying either, don’t worry, the town’s party atmosphere doesn’t overshadow its daytime charm.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy the sandy beaches, and explore the historical old town. You will hardly notice that come nighttime, the town transforms into a bustling party hub.
Best Time to Visit Sitges
While Sitges is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August. This is when the weather is at its warmest, perfect for spending long days at the beach and exploring the town.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed and quiet experience, consider visiting in May or September. The temperatures are still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, making it the ideal time to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
In addition to its many attractions, Sitges also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, like the famous Carnival in February and the Film Festival in October. So, no matter when you plan your visit, there is always something exciting happening in this charming seaside town.
Is Sitges Worth Visiting?
Sitges may be a small town, but it is packed with charm and beauty. From its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in this hidden gem of the Mediterranean coast.
It’s definitely worth at least a day trip from Barcelona, or maybe even more.
My first trip to Sitges was a day trip from Barcelona and a year later, when I saw a housesitting opportunity in this coastal town, I immediately went for it. So I had the pleasure of spending a whole week in Sitges looking after two adorable doggies and exploring the town further.
How to Get to Sitges?
Sitges is conveniently located just 45 minutes away from Barcelona by train. Trains run frequently and are reasonably priced. That’s why Sitges is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona.
In case you arrive in Sitges by car there are big car parks just outside the old town. One big car park is right next to the Sitges city sign, the perfect place to start exploring this coast town.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Sitges
There are so many amazing things to do in Sitges, from exploring the charming Old Town to relaxing on beautiful beaches and indulging in delicious vegan food.
Don’t miss out on all that this picturesque seaside town has to offer. So pack your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for a memorable experience. Enjoy Sitges!
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