Things to do in Sitges

Straddling Spain’s sun-soaked coastline, Sitges is a sprightly traveller’s trove. Replete with a rich history, rowdy nightlife and remarkable beaches, it’s easy to see why this is a crowd favourite. Here’s a local’s guide on the Top Things to do in Sitges, Spain.   

Sitges magnifies the magic of the Mediterranean, with bountiful beaches, abundant history and breezy restaurants.

Crowned with eye-catching carnivals, an iconic film festival and a vibrant LGBT scene, this town is home to a huge haul of pursuits.  

Nestled along Spain's northeastern coast, right below bustling Barcelona, Sitges makes for an ideal day trip.

But if you’d like to spend 2, 3 or more days in this seaside hot spot, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

From the undulating hilltops of Garraf Natural Park to the beaches once roamed by pirates, there’s a lot to discover.

Here’s a guide with everything you need to know about the Top Things to do in Sitges, Spain. ¡Vámanos!

17 Things You Can’t Miss in Sitges, Spain

Whether you’re interested in food, fiesta or fumbling around at the beach, Sitges has got the goods. Here are the top 17 things that you can’t miss:

17. Dine by the Port of Aiguadolç 

16. Frolic down Calle del Pecado (Sin Street) 

15. Discover the Wineries 

14. Sip Cocktails in Plaça del Cap de la Vila 

13. Swing by the Maricel Museum 

12. Crank up the Heat with a Drink of Bacardí 

11. Visit the Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla 

10. Watch the Sitges Film Festival 

9. Go Wild in the Nightlife Scene 

8. Escape to Garraf Natural Park 

7. Explore the Old Town

6. Dabble in Catalan Cuisine

5. See the Sitges Carnival 

4. Strut Down Passeig Maritim 

3. Eat Local Seafood Specialities 

2. Visit Museu Cau Ferrat 

1. Spend a Day at the Beach

17. Dine by the Port of Aiguadolç 

Set aside the evening and make your way for a memorable sunset at Port of Aiguadolç. Sitting on the cusp of the harbour, this plant-lined promenade is replete with restaurants serving up Spanish cuisine. Taste classic tapas dishes like patatas bravas, croquetas de jamon iberico and pimientos del padron.

Say cheers over a glass of local red wine and satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert like a crema catalana. The Port of Aiguadolç offers a serene step back from the buzz of the Old Town. If you’re looking for something romantic, this is one of the top things to do in Sitges.

16. Frolic down Calle del Pecado (Sin Street) 

By day, you won’t see many sinners strolling the streets, but by night, it’s a whole different story. Some head to Calle del Pecado for gelato, tapas and shopping, and others come here to sin. This partygoer's hot spot is scattered in nightclubs and bars. If you're in the mood to let loose, don't miss a naughty night out here.

15. Discover the Wineries 

Escape the seaside buzz and set out into the surrounding foothills for a wine-frenzied foray. Sample the region's finest wines, learn about the manufacturing process and enjoy an immersive experience.

Don't forget to sample Spain's cava, a sparkling wine that's similar to champagne, but one that's made with different grapes. With so much on offer, winery hopping is one of the best things to do in Sitges. Local favourites include fourth-generation Cavas Juvé & Camps, centuries-old Cavas Parés Baltà and the contemporary Mastinell Wineries.

14. Sip Cocktails in Plaça del Cap de la Vila 

Europe is known for its lively plazas, serving as a place to meet, drink and eat. Palm-fringed Plaça del Cap de la Vila is threaded with trendy tapas bars and cocktail hot spots.

Dabble in the dining scene, relish in the aroma-packed wines and soak up the spirited nightlife from the town centre.

13. Swing by the Maricel Museum 

Locally known as Museu de Maricel, the Maricel Museum magnifies modernism, luminism and noucentista art movements.

Sitting on the cusp of the sea, the gallery flaunts a fascinating fusion of blue water vistas and centuries-old art.

Crowned with a chronological set up of artworks, you can journey through the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

12. Crank up the Heat with a Drink of Bacardí  

Bacardí Rum is strongly associated with Cuba, but did you know that it originated in Spain?

The founder, Facundo Bacardí Massó was born in Sitges back in the early 1800s. Spice up your trip with a few drinks of Bacardí rum, mix it with coca cola, or take it straight to feel the burn! 

11. Visit the Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla 

Lapping the labyrinth-like streets of the Old Town, the Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla is a standout when visiting Sitges. Locally known as La Punta (The Point), the church is featured on practically every postcard in the town.

From May to October, go deep into the history on a tour of the church. Meander through this impressive landmark, lock eyes with the Baroque style and scale down the stairs for a stately view.

If sightseeing is the aim, then this church owns the game. Visiting the Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla is one of the top things to do in Sitges.

10. Watch the Sitges Film Festival 

Held every October, Sitges Film Festival is a speciality for film fanatics and movie buffs. Screening a series of films, exhibitions, meetings and presentations, you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat.

Sitges Film Festival has even hosted some of Hollywood's hottest stars, including Quentin Tarantino, Cameron Diaz, David Lynch and Jodie Foster.

Whether it's action, thriller or comedy you're after, there's no doubt you'll find something tailored to your tastes. Among the handful of highlights, don't miss the peculiar zombie parade. Which is exactly what it sounds like. Hundreds of zombies make their way through the city centre, with costumes, sound effects and the whole kit and caboodle.

9. Go Wild in the Nightlife Scene 

Notorious for its nightlife scene, Sitges cradles coveted events, colourful nightclubs and bustling bars. A trip to Sitges simply wouldn’t be complete without a night on the town! Hit up the hottest cocktail joints and spend the early hours on Carrer del Pecat, otherwise known as the Street of Sin. If that sounds a tad too intense, keep it tame on an adventure down Carrer Santa Bonaventura.

8. Escape to Garraf Natural Park 

There's nothing like a bit of beach time to bring you back into serenity. Whether you're stressed out from work, family, or whatever other windmill life throws at you, there's no place as calming as the beach.

Mix up your itinerary and sprinkle in some good old-fashioned mother nature into your Sitges trip. Nestled in the north, Garraf Natural Park poses pleasurable pursuits aplenty.

Enclosed by ethereal landscapes, undulating mountain tops and a wealth of walking trails, this is a top spot to get immersed in nature.

Explore the eerie abandoned villages, stroll past the verdant vineyards and head out to the fascinating fusion of Catholicism-meets-Buddhism at the Buddhist Monastery.

Avid hikers can hit the heights of Puig de les Agulles. Whether you want to hug trees, meditate on top of a cliff or spot local flora and fauna, Garraf Natural Park is one of the top things to do in Sitges.

7. Dabble in the Catalan Cuisine   

Did somebody say snack attack? Spanish tapas are teeming with crispy potatoes, sauteed vegetables and freshly shaved ham. Topped by palatable plates like Valencia's paella and Catalonia's wintertime calçots, Spain really sets the standards high for foodies.

There are tons of the best restaurants in Sitges, so don’t miss the opportunity to lock lips with delectable Catalan cuisine. Take it one step further with this food and natural wine tasting, or learn the art of Spanish cuisine in this paella masterclass and bike ride.

6. Explore the Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Sitges’ Old Town is steeped deep in history. The former fisherman’s village flaunts traditional white houses, blue-bordered homes and flower-bedecked alleyways.

Weave your way through the labyrinth-like streets, stumble through the array of attractions and shop in the bountiful boutique stores.

Don’t miss the 15th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, and step inside to see the stunning Baroque architecture.

5. See the Sitges Carnival  

Sitges is notorious for its extravagant festivities. This sprightly town is slewed with a world of fun-loving events, and the Sitges Carnival is among the best of the best.

Held at the end of Lent, usually around February 15th, the costume-fuelled carnival kicks off in the town's streets.

Pinned with a panoply of parades, perplexing street theatre and pumping parties, Sitges Carnival ushers in all the vibes. Expect bright colours, big lights and a buzzing atmosphere. To see this sleepy seaside sojourn in a new light, the carnival is one of the best things to do in Sitges.

4. Strut Down Passeig Maritim  

When planning a trip to Sitges, mosey on down the palm-lined, pedestrianized boulevard for a sunrise or sunset stroll. Passeig Maritim is lined with luxurious eateries, local chiringuitos (beach bars) and entrepreneurs selling goods. Whether it's handicrafts or heaped scoops of gelato that appeal to you, this strip has got the goods. If you want to steer clear of the crowds, head here in the early hours of the morning.

3. Eat Local Seafood Specialities  

Considering Sitges sits on the cusp of the sea, the gastronomy scene is heavily influenced by, you guessed it, seafood dishes. Naturally, most travellers want to try paella when they visit Spain, and this dish is best done in the Valencia region, where it was invented. Don’t get me wrong, you can relish in the flavours of paella in Sitges, but if you’re interested in sampling something authentic, don’t miss these top two dishes:

• Arròs a la Sitgetana - Sitges style rice with freshly-caught seafood and vegetables

• El Xató – salad with anchovies, tuna, cod, olives and other vegetables

When it comes down to seafood-specialist restaurants, local picks include La Nansa and El Trull.

2. Visit Museu Cau Ferrat 

Sprinkle some sightseeing into your sun-drenched stay and step foot inside Museu Cau Ferrat.

As the former home of famous Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol, this abode-made-museum boasts quite the show.

Steeped deep in the spirit of art, this creatively-curated space is sure you inspire.

From the bright blue walls and resplendent water features to the manicured plate and print collection, Cau Ferrat Museum is melded with wonder.

Admire the array of ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and furniture and keep an eye out for glass archaeology. Appreciate Modernism at its finest, and dive deep into the mind of this creative genius.

If you're looking to mix things up, a visit to Cau Ferrat Museum is an ideal option.

1. Spend a Day at the Beach

Sitges is a seaside sojourn that covers over 19km of blue water beaches. Woven with a world of once-pirate-ridden bays, there’s even a bit of history behind it. Brimming with chiringuito -lined sand bars, palm-parasol-frond hubs and off-the-beaten-track beaches, there’s something here to satisfy everybody.

Step foot onto the most famous, Platja de Sant Sebastià (San Sebastian Beach), feel the buzz at the Platja la Bassa Ronda or let it all hang out at the nudist-friendly Cala Morisca.

Amp up the adventure and trek alongside the train tracks to Platja de l’Home Mort, hang out at a beach bar in Les Botigues or head to a summertime hot spot, Platja de Garraf.

Out of all the things to do in Sitges, spending a day at the beach tops the list. And for good reason! 

Best Time to Visit Sitges

Attracting up to a million tourists each year, sun-soaked Sitges is one of Spain’s hot spots.

The best time of year to visit Sitges is usually from May to June.

But that answer depends on your personal preferences, travel style and budget.

During this period, the weather is warm, and the cost of flights, accommodation and activities is lower. With fewer crowds than in the summer season, you can enjoy sightseeing and sunbathing.

How to Get Around Sitges

Sitges’ Old Town is very walkable, but there are a handful of beaches and activities on the outskirts. Since there is no internal train, metro or tram system, you’ll have to catch a bus or taxi.

In Sitges, there are three different bus routes, SL 1, SL 2 and SL 3, with buses running twice hourly. Otherwise, you can rent a car, motorbike or bicycle. From Barcelona Airport to Sitges, you can hop on the BusGarraf that’s situated out the front of Terminal 1.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Sitges?

Definitely. Even if it’s just on a day trip from Barcelona, Sitges is well worth the visit. Alongside the Amalfi Coast, Portofino and other stately seaside getaways, this gem offers something for beach bums, history enthusiasts and partygoers alike.

What is Sitges best known for?

Sitges is renowned for its bliss-inducing beaches, vibrant festivals and prominent LGBT community. With a wealth of beachfront restaurants serving up mouth-watering Catalan cuisine, this is a crowd-favourite among locals and tourists alike.

How long should I spend in Sitges? 

Considering it’s only a 30-minute train ride from Catalonia’s capital city, Sitges could easily be done in a day trip from Barcelona. If you’d like to beyond the surface, three days is considered an ideal time to dive in.

Does Sitges have nice beaches?

Covering approximately 19km of coastline, Sitges is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The best beaches include Playa del Hombre Muerto, Playa de San Sebastian, Playa Terramar, Platja d’Aiguadolc and Playa de la Rodona.

Visiting Barcelona?

If you’re planning a trip to Sitges, you’re probably passing through Barcelona. Whether you want to spend an entire week or just a few days in Catalonia’s capital, there’s a lot to see and do. Kick the hassles and crank up your trip with this 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary.

Dabble in all of the city’s most dazzling delights, from flower-draped Park Guell to the stately Sagrada Familia. Hit up the best vintage shops, save money with a sightseeing pass and navigate public transport like a pro. In between all the highlights like Parc de la Ciutadella, Casa Batllò and the Gothic Quarter, sip on the best speciality coffee and eat at the top restaurants. ¡Arriba!

Why Visit Sitges?

Boasting a year-round mild climate, Sitges is a coastal getaway from godsend. Whether you’re looking to shred up the water sports scene, party ‘til you turn purple or catch one of the fantastic festivals, this seaside sojourn is steeped deep in opportunities. Before you head down to party town, save this post on the Best Things to do in Sitges, Spain.