Sitges is an attractive coastal resort on the Costa Dorada, about 25 miles (or 40km) to the south of the City of Barcelona. The town has much to offer including the attractive old quarter, several excellent beaches, museums and famous fiestas. Sitges first established itself in the 19th century when some writers and painters were attracted to what was then a quaint small fishing port.

There are a pair of good art museums in the resort, firstly the Cau Ferrat Museum which is housed within an old cottage which once belonged to the artist Santiago Rusinol. First opened in early 1932, it displays art and ceramics by Pablo Picasso, El Greco and also Rusinol. Secondly the Maricel Museum has a good collection of statues, art, ceramics and furniture that was originally assembled by American Charles Deering and is housed within the old hospital which itself dates to the early 14th century. Another of local museum is the Museu Romantic, which displays a good collection of quality furniture and dolls.

The Sitges Old Town dating from the medieval era is characterised by narrow cobbled roadways and old fishermens townhouses with terracotta tiled roofs, plus the old Baroque church and remnants of the medieval walls.

Sitges beaches are many, 17 in total, with most of them located close to the centre. One of the best and most popular, especially with the younger generation, is the Playa de la Ribera near to the church of Sant Bartomeu. More secluded beaches can be located further west, some of which are used by nudists. The best family beaches in Sitges are the Playa de la Fragata, the San Sebastian and the Playa de los Barcos, all of which have shallow seas making them very suitable for younger kids. San Sebastian is most attractive as it is backed by palms, bars and elegant apartment blocks.

Sitges fiestas, are many especially throughout Lent, but the most famous festival is the Gay Carnival in January and early February, the highlight of which is the grand parade. Sitges is a popular gay tourist destination and the town has gay bars and dance clubs, and the Playa de las Balmins beach is frequented by gay nudists.

Sitges has a nice promenade, especially in the evening when you are able to relax in one of the pavement bars and watch the world stroll by. There are many good quality Spanish restaurants offering fish, paella and other more traditional cuisine.

The nearest international airport to Sitges is at Barcelona. which can be reached by a bus service and there are also trains although you would have to make a change at Sants station.

Discover more travel advice and tourism information about Sitges on the Costa Dorada, Spain at Sitges