Sitges is a coastal town close to Barcelona that has become a haven for LGBTQ+ travellers, revellers and families alike. It’s a combination of sun, sand, amazing food and an unstoppable nightlife means it has quickly become a must-visit location for straight and gay people alike. Here are just a few reasons why you should have visit Sitges on your next European trip :
The old town is beautiful
The old town area of Sitges gives some the Greek Islands a run for their money with its beautiful architecture, and mosaic work set against a stunning blue sky.
It’s not too touristy yet
Where there are times like Sitges Pride and Sitges Carnival where you might find yourself almost unable to move through the streets of Sitges, at most other items of the year Sitges is still relatively quiet as a tourist resort. Although it is picking up in popularity it’s still not become busy and there are still plenty of quiet times to visit during the season.
It’s super easy to reach from Barcelona
…so it can be easily added on to a trip from the city. It’s just 35 minutes direct by train from Barcelona and 50 minutes by car or just 50 minutes directly from Barcelona airport by train and 30 minutes by car.
It has so many beautiful beaches
Sitges has 10 different beaches each with soft yellow sand and sparkling blue sea. Whilst there are some busier, family-friendly beaches there are some that are quieter and more private if you prefer that, as well as a couple of nudist beaches and a gay beach. What more could you need?
There’s amazing food
Sitges Town has so many different restaurants it can accommodate all tastes. From bakeries making fresh goods throughout the day, to incredible seafood direct from the harbour, to amazing tapas and even fantastically tasty Italian restaurants. There is everything from a quick take-out pizza at 4am to fine dining.
The drag shows are fantastic
Sitges is known for some of its classic style of drag, with the likes of Lady Diamond having performed here for years and attracting sell-out crowds each night. Both the Queenz restaurant and the Queenz music bar have regular drag shows with rave reviews with a lot of other bars also having drag acts throughout the Summer to draw in the crowds.
Nightlife here is second to none
Sitges has plenty of nice, sophisticated bars and restaurants but at its heart it is a party town that is complete with free pour spirits, nightclubs with dark rooms and live performers. If you want to party Stiges is the place to go, and yet it never has the seedy feel that many towns get from having such a reputation and feels completely safe.
There is tons of culture to explore
If you want to see the more cultural aspects of the town there are more than enough ways to fill your time. There’s The Maricel Museum which is situated in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city (there’s a reason I picked it as the main image for this post after all!) and is filled with historical art of all mediums. The Maricel Palace is part of the same complex and the interiors are stunning and some of the beautiful exterior mosaic works reminds me somewhat of the Park Güell in Barcelona, it’s seriously stunning.
The Museum del Cau Ferrat is situated in the painter’s original workshop and features his artwork, glasswork, antique furniture and more. It is full of antiques and is home to some great ocean views. Aside from these, there are a handful of other art galleries and even a railway museum featuring trains from across Catalonian history. There’s also plenty of statues dotted throughout the town and beachfront which are well worth seeing including the Pink Triangle Monument Against Homophobia.
Key dates
Here are a couple of key LGBTQ+ events happening in the town that it’s worth keeping in mind when you plan to visit Sitges:
- Sitges Carnival – Usually the last week in February
- Sitges Gay Pride – Usually the first week in June
- Circuit Festival – Usually the first week in August
- Bear Week – Usually the first week in September
There are all the reasons I think you should visit Sitges as your next beach town vacation, have you ever been to the town? What was your favourite area?
