Sitges is approx 30 Km from Barcelona and has it’s own micro-climate so even if the weather is poor elsewhere it’s generally Sunny in Sitges! Also, while in Spain, check out my review of Super Fast and Fabulous Ferrari Land.
Getting to Sitges is quite easy, a taxi or private transfer from Barcelona airport costs approx €55-€60 and takes about 25-30 mins (ask your travel agent or check suntransfers.com). You can also take a train just remember to change after one stop at El Prat Lobegrat to a different line to Sitges. The other option is the Monbus, a direct service to Sitges from Terminal one and the cost is approx €7.50 one way.
Sitges is cool, fun, compact, relaxing, with great restaurants, cool bars, fabulous beaches and is both gay-friendly and family orientated.
There are a number of hotels in Sitges starting with the recently opened Hotel Casa Vilella. This luxurious hotel is really a 5 Star Hotel and it looks absolutely fabulous. There are only 14 rooms and the decor of this hotel is very chic. I highly recommend the duplex sea view suite with two levels overlooking the sea. Hotel Casa Vilella has a fabulous dining area and a relaxation room overlooking the sea for complimentary afternoon tea. The hotel boasts a wonderful relaxing pool area, bar and a gym in the basement. Average price for a room in this hotel is approx. €380 per night. Ask your travel agent or visit Hotelcasavilella.com.
Other hotels worth considering are the Hotel Antemar 4 star which was recently done up. This hotel has small but contemporary rooms with pool or garden view. The hotel has a nice relaxing pool area and bar. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the centre of Sitges.
Another hotel to consider is the Mim Hotel (formerly Avenida Sofia) with its contemporary rooms and cool rooftop pool. This hotel also has a gym and is great for cocktails as you watch the evening sunset behind the mountains. Other hotels directly across from the beach try the Calipolis hotel or Hotel Nina. The latter could do with modernisation of the rooms and both have small swimming pools.
What’s great about Sitges is that it is very easy to get around and everything is within a short walking distance. There are some fabulous restaurants in Sitges and one of my favourite is Bon Estar, Carrer De las Parellades, this restaurant offers contemporary European and local cuisine at reasonable prices. Try the croquettes of spinach and goats cheese for a starter which is delicious and try the fillet of beef in a Chutney Mango Sauce. Book in advance to get a reservation. Prices are €€€
Another restaurant to try is Alfresco, Carrer d’en Pau Barrabeig, this restaurant is situated in the heart of the town and on arrival you walk into a fabulous outdoor garden courtyard with white walls and fab planting. Check out the Marinated Lamb Salad for starters and either the Thai Chicken Curry or The Black Angus Fillet Steak. Prices are a little steeper in this restaurant but the ambiance, service, and quality of food are good. Prices €€€€
If you are looking for something more casual but real tasty try La Oca (The Goose), Carrer de les Parellades. This restaurant is basic but offers delicious Rotisserie chicken which awaits you as you arrive at the restaurant. My favourite is the half roast chicken, sweet roasted peppers and fries. Service is very quick, friendly and prices are super reasonable. You will return here a few times as the chicken is so tasty. Prices €€
Other restaurants to try at the seafront are The Beach House (service can be hit and miss at times) but the food is delicious and The Buenos Aires Grill Restaurant behind the Cathedral for delicious steaks. Both are reasonably priced compared to home.
When it comes to bars….if you like gin…you will love the Underground Gin Bar “The Gin Tub” a few doors down from La Oca Restaurant on Carrer de les Parellades. This new underground Gin Bar offers a variety of gins which are infused on their own premises. This bar with its wonderful decor has its own copper bath, hence the name, in the centre of the bar. The bar also offers other drinks if you are not a gin drinker. This is a really cool bar to start or end your evening in. Check it out here.
Other cool bars to visit are The Villa, Carrer de Joan Tarrida in the centre of the bars area. This bar has a great vibe with a cool garden area to the rear and fab cocktails. If you like reasonably priced beers try the bar next door. Both bars have outside seating onto the street. El Piano bar, Carrer De Sant Bonaventura, is great fun with a mixture of live music with former singers from Broadway or the Westend, mixed with hits from musicals and pop. This bar is good from midnight onwards. If you like to people-watch, then check out Parrots bar. This bar has fabulous cocktails and it is separated into two parts on Placa de la Industria. Seating is outside and it’s great to spend time watching the mix of people strolling and posing along the street. If you are looking for nightlife try Queenz which is popular with the tourists and locals.
Sitges can be a place to either relax or party or both. The beaches in Sitges are fab and close to most hotels. Loungers and umbrellas can be expensive (€6 each) on the beach so if you don’t like sitting in the sand be prepared to pay!
Check out the festivals in Sitges throughout the year Here are some festival dates to consider;
- Carnival de Sitges Carnival Floats – February
- Sitges Vintage Car Rally – March
- Corpus Christi Sitges – June
- Gay Pride Sitges – June
- Noche de San Juan Sitges – June
- Fiesta Mayor de Sitges (Fireworks) – August
- Santa Tecla Sitges – September
- Sitges International Film Festival – October
