Where to Stay in Sitges: A Guide to the Gayest Town in Catalonia
Sitges is a coastal town located in the south of the province of Barcelona. This Catalan town is famous for its beautiful beaches, its well-preserved historic centre, its lively nightlife and its international film festival specialising in fantasy and horror productions. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Sitges, Spain.
Why you should visit Sitges
Located less than 45 minutes by train from the centre of Barcelona, Sitges is one of the main beach destinations in Catalonia. With a coastline characterised by a succession of sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves, Sitges’s main tourist attractions are undoubtedly its beaches. The main urban beaches of the city include those of La Fragata, La Bassa Rodona, L’Estanyol, La Barra, Terramar and Sant Sebastià. Sitges is also famous for its nudist and naturist beaches such as Cala els Balmins or Platja del’Home Mort; the latter considered the first gay beach in Spain. See accommodation near the beach in Sitges.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Sitges is known as an important party destination. With a long-standing reputation as one of Spain’s most open and tolerant towns, Sitges is famous for being Catalonia’s Gayest Town. Many of its bars and clubs cater to an LGBT audience. The epicentre of its legendary nightlife is located on the appropriately named Calle del Pecado (Sin Street), in the historic centre. See accommodation in Sitges City Centre.
As if scenic beaches and vibrant nightlife weren’t enough, Sitges’s well-preserved town centre is one of the finest examples of a Catalan Mediterranean city. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s cultural institutions and historical attractions, such as the Cau Ferrat Museum, the Maricel Museum, the Can Llopis Museum, the Church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla or the Fundació Stämpfli. See accommodation in Sitges City Centre.
When to visit Sitges
Generally speaking, the high season in Sitges takes place during the summer months, especially July and August. June and September are considered the midseason; summer holidays have not started yet, and hotel rates are lower. In addition, the beaches and attractions will be much less crowded. The best time to visit Sitges is the end of spring, from mid-May to mid-June. During this time, accommodations do not yet have their high season rates, and the temperatures are generally pleasant enough to go to the beach.
Keep in mind that Sitges hosts several festivals and large events throughout the year. The most important ones are the Sitges Carnival (in February or March), the LGBT Pride celebrations (generally in September), and the Sitges Film Festival (early October). If you plan to visit during any of these events (with Sitges Gay Pride being particularly popular), it is best to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. See accommodation in Sitges.
The quietest and cheapest time to visit Sitges is during the winter. Although accommodation prices drop quite a bit during the winter season, the city is practically empty, and many shops, restaurants and bars will be closed.
Getting there and around
The closest airport to Sitges is the Barcelona-El Prat International Airport. Located 27 km north of Sitges, this airport, the second-busiest in Spain, is an important hub for domestic, European and long-haul connections.
Sitges is very well-connected by train to Barcelona and other Catalan coastal towns through frequent Rodalies de Catalunya commuter services. Line R2 connects the local station (situated near the centre) with the Catalan capital in less than 45 minutes. Additionally, Sitges has some bus and coach connections to various points in Catalonia. See train and coach schedules, fares & routes.
The easiest way to move from Sitges to other towns is by rental car. If renting a car is not an option, Sitges also has an urban bus network and taxis and mobile apps like Uber and Cabify.
Where to stay in Sitges
The best area to stay in Sitges is the town’s centre. Sitges’s Historical Quarter is home to the city’s main cultural attractions, the liveliest nightlife and is also close to the urban beaches in this Catalan town. Additionally, Sitges Centre is the best-connected area. See accommodation in Sitges City Centre.
As it couldn’t be otherwise, the coastline is also one of the best locations for tourists in Sitges, especially if you’re travelling to this town to go to the beach. See accommodation near the beach in Sitges.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Sitges, Spain.
The Best Areas to Stay in Sitges, Spain
1. Recommended area: Sitges Town Centre
Sitges is not only about the beach, but it is also history, nightlife and shopping.
The historic centre of Sitges occupies the hill in front of the city’s beaches. It is characterised by its tangle of charming narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, medieval buildings, modernist palaces, small churches and tree-lined squares.
At the top of this hill, which separates the beaches of Sant Sebastià and La Fragata, lies the iconic church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla.
Nearby, you’ll find some of the most important museums in the city, such as the Maricel Museum, the Cau Ferrat Museum, the Stämpfli Foundation and the Miramar Building.
Towards the northeast, Major Street leads to Plaça Cap de la Vila, the commercial epicentre of this small city.
Jesús and Parellades streets are the main shopping area of Sitges.
To the west lie the nightlife spots of Bonaire street and the so-called Calle del Pecado, formed by Marqués de Montroig and 1er de Maig streets.
These two axis are home to the main nightlife venues and the Sitges gay area, offering several terraces, bars and nightclubs open until late at night.
Both Calle del Pecado and Calle de Bonaire lead to Passeig de la Ribera and the seafront.
On the other side of this boulevard, you’ll find the main urban beaches of Sitges, La Fragata and La Ribera.
At the northern end of the historic centre of Sitges, about 700 metres from the sea is the main railway station. From here, you can reach other coastal towns such as Vilanova i La Geltrú, Gavá or Barcelona.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Sitges, Spain:
- Historical and cultural attractions
- Near the beach
- Best area to stay in Sitges for nightlife
- Gay area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Medium Sitges Park
The Hotel Medium Sitges Park occupies a spectacular art nouveau building located just a 10-minute walk from Sitges Beach. It features a garden with a seasonal outdoor pool.
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Budget
Hotel Sitges 1883
Hotel Sitges 1883 is located just 160 metres from the train station and a 5-minute walk from the beach, in Sitges City Centre, and offers free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Alenti Sitges Hotel & Restaurant
This boutique hotel is located in Sitges City Centre. It offers elegant rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
2. Sitges Beaches
Sitges has approximately 17 beaches and coves, each with its own atmosphere and style, offering a range of possibilities to each visitor.
Staying near the beach allows you to swim in the Mediterranean and walk between the intense blue of the sea and the beautiful palm trees tha dot the Catalan coastline.
Some of the best restaurants in Sitges are located along the coast. The options are endless, from elegant restaurants with the best of seafood to small venues and beach bars.
Moving between the town and the beaches is fairly simple; the streets slope naturally towards the coast, so you can reach the sea by going down practically any slope.
This is the best area to stay in Sitges for sun lovers.
One of the best beaches in Sitges is Platja Sant Sebastià, east of the Sitges church. It is not one of the largest, but it is perfect to enjoy with the family.
Near Sant Sebastià, there is the promenade, with terraces where you can enjoy the views of the sea.
Another good option is Platja Bassa Rodona, a gay beach that is very popular during the summer.
Platja de la Fragata, Platja de la Ribera, Platja de la Barra and Platja de Terramar are also good options to visit in Sitges.
The coastal districts are among the best areas to stay in Sitges thanks to their wide range of accommodation options beaches for all tastes.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Sitges, Spain:
- Excellent views
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Access to the beach
- Hotels of all categories
- Mediterranean gastronomy
- Best area for tourists
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Port Sitges
Located in the town’s Aiguadolç port, next to the beach, Port Sitges offers a large seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with a private terrace and sea views.
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Budget
Hotel Los Globos
This charming and quiet hotel is located in the beautiful town of Sitges. Hotel Los Globos is located just 30 meters from the beautiful sandy beaches and close to the lively centre of Sitges.
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Luxury
ME Sitges Terramar
This hotel is located in front of the beach, in a quiet area of Sitges. It offers a private beach club, an outdoor pool and rooms with a private balcony and air conditioning.
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