Chill out in Sitges
To the south of Barcelona you find the delightful town of Sitges in a splendid setting. With its small medieval centre and its lovely beaches, this hip resort on the Costa Daurada is oozing charm.
A great day trip from Lloret de Mar!
Sitges, the Mediterranean coast at its most charming
The town of Sitges is about a hundred kilometres to the south of Lloret de Mar. If you are spending a few days in Barcelona, then a visit to Sitges is definitely worth your while! This seaside resort is located on the coastline known as the Costa Daurada.
The medieval buildings of this utterly charming small town descend steeply towards a turquoise sea. In summer, Sitges is particularly popular with trendy tourists as well as the gay community. The town comes to life at night and you can party until the early hours.
Enjoy a stroll down the lanes or admire one of several modernist buildings. Just like Lloret de Mar, many of Sitges’s inhabitants decided in the 20th century to seek their fortune in America. When they returned these “Americanos” commissioned splendid buildings in the modernist or neo-classical style.
When you’re walking through Sitges you could fit in some shopping at the same time. You will find many of the top designer names as well as the well-known international store brands.
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What to see and do at Sitges
It’s a pleasure just to take a stroll down the little lanes of this town. You’ll discover several beautiful buildings from different historical eras.
On the small promontory that towers high above the Mediterranean, two ancient palaces that date back to the Middle Ages take pride of place. Palau Maricel and Palau Cau Ferrat are now both small museums. The first houses a lovely collection of medieval art and a range of objects relating to the maritime history of the town. Landscapes painted by local artists are also on display. At the Cau Ferrat Museum you can admire works by Greco, Picasso and Miguel Utrillo, amongst others. They form part of a legacy donated by the artist Santiago Rusiñol who used to live here.
If you come to Sitges in the off-season you might find that the town’s carnival is being celebrated. The first week in February is a busy highlight in the otherwise calm winter life of the town. Parades and other events have established the reputation of Sitges Carnival. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
There are plenty of places to eat in Sitges. If you like beer and burgers, pop into Big Al’s. Right at the heart of the city, enjoy a generously sized quality burger, with an equally generous helping of chips and, if you want, one of Big Al’s craft beers.
If you have time left to spare after seeing the town, why not go to the beach? There is the small San Sebastian beach, at the foot of the old town, or pick one of the large beaches that stretch out on the other side of the promontory. Either way, you’ll appreciate the quality of the water and the fine sand. North of the town, there is a nudist beach at Balmins beach.
If you want to be more active, there is a lovely hike between the towns of Sitges and Garraf. All along the GR92, the “cami de ronda”, you will discover splendid views of the city and the coast.
How to get to Sitges from Lloret de Mar.
– By car, follow the coast towards Barcelona and join the C-32. You can also take the AP-7 motorway. In either case it will take around 90 minutes to reach Sitges. Please remember that parking in the town is in very short supply and that the centre is pedestrianised.
– By public transport, take the bus to Barcelona. From Barcelona the slow commuter train, known as the “Rodalies”, will take you to Sitges.