Sitges: the most expensive city in Spain, photo report - Perfume workshop. — LiveJournal. Sitges is one of the best resorts in Spain. Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Well, by chance I was thrown into the small Spanish town of Sitges, which, oddly enough, is quite interesting. However, there are no uninteresting cities, there is a washed-out look.
The city dates back to the first half of the 11th century, when the city castle (already existing at that time) was transferred to the Catalan aristocrat Mir Heribert - a document clearly dated 1041 has been preserved about this. From 1116 to 1308, the castle and town belonged to the Sitges family, who gave it their name. The Sitges then sold the castle to the aristocrat Bernat de Fonollar, and after his death in 1326, in accordance with his will, it was transferred for charitable purposes to the Barcelona church community, in whose hands it remained until 1814. Only in 1814 the city became free, throwing off the burden of the Church.
Let's go and see what there is in Sitges.
Today, Sitges is known for having the most expensive price per square meter of real estate in Spain - it is even ahead of Madrid and Barcelona. There are also many hotels here, carnivals are held, and the local beach has repeatedly won the title of the best city beach in the world (!). In general, a spherical resort in a vacuum.
We start from my hotel. Very cool, one of the best in the city, Melia Sitges. I always forget that in these disgusting five-star hotels you need to have a boiler with you, because there is no kettle in the room.
I walk past areas of luxury housing.
Along the sea line.
What I absolutely love about Spain is their tradition of marking the entire urban geography and not just with ceramic tiles. It's just incredibly beautiful. We will see enough of this tile again - it marks everything in both new and old areas.
Along the embankment we find ourselves on a fairly large square in front of the Church of St. Sebastian. Pay attention to the beautiful lanterns.
Here is the church itself. The building was built in 1857-1861 according to the design of the architect Francesco Cro. The church is actually small, its apparent width is formed by the walls of the adjacent cemetery, which are almost level in height with the roof of the church.
Contemporary art in front of the church. Horacio Elena's sculpture "Woman Looking into the Sea" (2007). With your permission, I will not label all the modern sculptures in the city; there are really a lot of them there.
Well, since I mentioned the cemetery, let's go to the cemetery. The church itself was closed for siesta.
Very beautiful, neat, well-groomed, like 99% of cemeteries in Europe.
The graves are mostly family ones.
The height of the wall is explained by the fact that it also serves as a columbarium.
In the labyrinth.
You lie like this in an urn, and the sea is nearby.
Well, or not in the trash can.
The columbarium cells are also very beautiful in places.
From the square with the church we walk past a small beach. There will be an even bigger one there.
Sea Sea.
Chris. Same theme as before: a woman looking out to sea.
Houses. The new building harmoniously intersects with the old buildings. We will go deeper into the city - a little later.
On almost every house you can find at least some tiled element, a picture, a name, or something else.
Hidden in the bushes is a monument to Santiago Rusiñol, the famous Catalan post-impressionist artist (1861-1931). He lived in Sitges, founded the Cau Ferrat workshop here, now a museum, we will go there again. One, by the way, is one of Picasso’s teachers and friends.
Wall of Sitges Fort.
House of Alex Vidal y Quadres, a wealthy businessman who built it in the mid-19th century. The main part was erected by 1855 according to the design of Francesco Cro i Maso, then the building was rebuilt several times.
The café located in the building is the winner of a number of local competitions. These victories are, of course, marked by tiles in the wall.
Something like the head of John the Baptist.
The camera marks the fact that 40 years before its installation, in 1967, a film festival was held in Sitges.
Camera view of San Sebastian beach.
Then we find ourselves in a tiny street that runs straight along the shore. It is called Fonollar Street and takes us to one of the two main attractions of the city. This is the Maricel Palace, which, despite its medieval appearance, was built as a museum in 1913-1916 using decorations left over from older buildings located on the site.
Architect Miguel Utrillo, in various elements of the palace, imitated all kinds of statues and decorative details from famous medieval buildings from all over Catalonia.
The sculptures and small decorative elements were created by sculptor Pere Zhu. It's hard to believe it's an imitation, it's so gorgeous.
Today the palace is a famous museum in Sitges.
In general, when I walked there, I didn’t know that it was the beginning of the 20th century. Even the unevenness of the masonry imitates antiquity.
Medallion in memory of Miguel Utrillo. A genius, of course, dude.
A tiny passage to the next street, ironically called 5th Avenue, on the sign is the silhouette of the Statue of Liberty.
Pere Zhu is immortalized with tiles.
This symbol is often found.
Having passed the passage crowded with tourists and merchants...
...we go to the main attraction of the city - the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew and St. Thekla.
The main part of the Baroque temple was built in 1665-1672.
In 1674 the taller tower was completed and the money ran out. The second stage of construction, when the second tower and clock appeared, was moved to the cathedral in 1854-1868. Inside there is an organ built in 1699 and the tomb of Bernat de Fonollar, who, as we remember, was once the owner of the city. But I didn’t get inside, as you might guess, because of the siesta.
Flashlight. The wall on which the cathedral stands is a remnant of the city's defensive system from the 13th century, the oldest building in the city.
Monument to someone unknown.
The fort on which the cathedral stands once served a defensive function. One cannon is symbolically installed here; judging by the condition of the barrel, it has lain on the seabed for a long time.
The local mermaid stands here, confidently showing everyone: “No!”
The doors are just beautiful.
Remember the 5th Avenue passage? If we follow it, we find ourselves on another street, which is part of the historical center and a complex collection of local attractions. From here you have a different view of the cathedral.
Here stands a monument to Bartomeu Robert i Yarzabal (1842-1902), better known as Doctor Robert. He was a doctor, a politician and for some time the mayor of Barcelona.
Artistic palm tree and rear facade of Palau Maricel.
Entrance to the central city archive.
I repeat: almost every inscription, if not made with tiles, is duplicated with tiles.
Cathedral bell tower.
Old buildings.
The doors are all incredibly beautiful.
Streets going deep into the city. The entire center is pedestrian, we will go there later.
City Hall. Open to the public, by the way. The building was built in 1887-1889 using medieval motifs.
And this is Casa Bacardi, the Bacardi Rum Museum. Facundo Bacardi, the founder of the famous brand, was originally from Sitges and moved to Cuba with his family at the age of 16, in 1830. Later, in 1852, he returned to Sitges and ran his business from here. The building is the old market of Sitges, built in 1889. The architect is Gaetano Buigos i Monrava.
All. Now we will return to the embankment and walk along it to close this issue.
You can see barriers piled up everywhere - just yesterday there was a big Sitges carnival, processions, parties. Half the city is in carnival costumes.
The street is closed for the three days of the carnival and a little after it is pedestrian.
One of the uncles is Santiago Rusiñol, whom we have already met. His words from some memories are written on the canvas. I don’t know who is second, somehow I didn’t think to look at the signs under my feet.
House of Isabelle Ferret. Built in 1899 according to the design of the architect Enrique Sagnier i Villavecchia.
Monument to El Greco. It is difficult to say whether he visited Sitges (he lived in Toledo), but the Sitges Museum houses “Apostle Peter,” one of a series of paintings, the most famous of which is “Apostles Peter and Paul,” which are in the Hermitage. In fact, “Apostle Peter” became the forerunner of the famous double portrait.
Yes, so you don’t forget: on the other side is the sea.
The embankment promenade itself is a place where all sorts of counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags and other junk are sold.
Stele dedicated to Gilbert Chesterton. He vacationed here many times, there is even an article “Chesterton in Sitges.”
And this is a monument to the already mentioned Facundo Bacardi.
Another monument – there are many of them on the embankment. This time - to the Catalan artist Pere Pruna i Okerans (1904-1977).
A bit of an ass.
Behind the fence are the platforms on which the parade participants rode.
We have already turned off the embankment. But this is not the city center - we left the center behind. Therefore, now we will wander around the outskirts a little, and then we will return to the old center and look at it.
Iron Soldier.
There is a parking lot under the area.
This is the path to the outskirts.
But even here the street names are in tiles. Moreover, artistic, playing on the name.
This is an area of private villas.
Not everyone fits underground.
The only, apparently, sensible attraction, located quite far from the center, is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Vignettes. The neoclassical building was built in 1727-1733 and was originally located, of course, not in Sitges, but in the neighboring village, actually Vignette. But over time, Sitges absorbed Vignette, and the church ended up within the city. The cathedral underwent major reconstruction in 1886.
Rear view (through the fence).
Our Lady of Vignette in a tile drawing from 2000 strongly resembles a monkey.
Cheaper residential areas are located behind the sign:
This is how a pedestrian crossing in the city should be designed. Level with the sidewalk.
At the entrance to Sitges there is a traffic circle, and in its center there are some picturesque ruins. In fact, this is a reconstruction of a stone hut - the locals lived in similar ones almost in the Stone Age. Built in 2008.
In fact, I went to the outskirts for a reason, but to the legendary Terramar race track, about which.
But since I wrote about Terramar separately, we will go back to the city center.
Lots of small elements of elegant decor everywhere.
I walk along the wide street that crosses the entire city, Villanova Avenue, with the center remaining on the right.
Interesting building. The hotel was built in 1909.
This is not the entrance to the city, it is in a park approximately in the center.
Railroad bridge.
Contemporary art on the square.
Spanish avant-garde.
Villa Havemann. Built in 1927 according to a design by Joseph Graner i Prat. Has nothing to do with religion. The cross symbolizes that the customer, a wealthy businessman Havemann, died before the completion of construction, and by order of the widow, the project was changed, turning into something like a memorial.
OK. In fact, there is practically nothing to sign for different houses. It's just buildings and streets. Therefore, what follows is a selection of photographs from the central part of Sitges without captions. Almost all of the buildings were built at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries.
Enough. Some buildings are worth mentioning separately. Here is this wonderful example of Spanish Art Nouveau with a clock turret. This is the house of Bartomeu Carbonella, built in 1915 according to the design of the architect Ignaci Mas i Morel. Carbonell was a major textile importer who ordered and paid for the building's construction.
And this is the house of Bonaventure Bligh, built in 1902 according to the design of Gaetano Buigos y Monrava. Again, this is an example of a “merchant house”, which exists in Russia, when a rich man wants some kind of Gothic nonsense and orders an individual project from a famous architect. Today the house is no longer inhabited, there is a restaurant there.
House of Manuel Planas, 1902, architect - Gaetano Miret y Raventos. The origin of the house is exactly the same as the previous two.
House of Sebastian San i Bori. Built in eclectic style in 1880-1883. San-i-Bori was a famous writer and journalist. The architect is Jaime Sunier y Juncosa.
House of Teresa Puiato, built in 1910-1912.
Now let's go over the details.
Doors of the city. Doors are something that looks great in Europe and is completely absent here. The culture of doors is not yet available to us.
Tiles. Various, symbolizing anything. A lovely Spanish feature.
Among the streets, suddenly you come across this one. These are also the remains of the city wall and city rampart. There used to be a moat here, but now it’s a children’s playground.
This is the facade facing the perpendicular street:
As elsewhere in Spain, there are street altars with saints in the walls of houses. Here the house itself is from 1910, and the statue is old, from 1775, so it doesn’t just stand in a niche, but is protected by glass.
Just a detail.
I guess I'll end on this note. And so a huge report turned out for a small, generally speaking, city. I will return to the hotel, passing luxury housing on the seashore.
In general, if you are here, take a walk. Beautiful, interesting, pleasant. Although the coolest thing is, of course, the race track.
Built next to a stone church on the Costa del Garraf. But at the end of the last century, this small town - about 20,000 people - turned into one of the most popular youth resorts in the world, became the “Spanish St. Tropez”, a “party” place where all kinds of cultural events and festivals are held all year round. However, the old narrow streets of Sitges have not lost their original charm, and we invite you to stroll along them.
City `s history
The town of Sitges, a world-famous Mediterranean resort, is located approximately 30 minutes by car or commuter train from Barcelona. Sitges is one of the oldest cities in Spain, not counting the Roman villas; in the 4th century AD there were Iberian settlements here. In the 12th century, the village existed under the control of the Sitges family, who gave the village their name.
In the Middle Ages, a castle was built on Punta Hill (in the century before last, a town hall was erected in its place), three towers located in different parts of the town, and the chapel of La Trinidad de Sitges, which still survives. The life of the settlers of those times took place around Baluard Hill, which served as a city wall protecting from the land.
In the 18th century, some residents of Sitges left and founded colonies on the western coast of the Bay of Cadiz, as fishing was better there and trade with America was carried out from the west. It is curious that Catalan surnames and words are still found in those parts - this is the legacy of the settlers of those times. In those days, the Malvasia grape variety was planted in the area around Sitges, which is still the basis for the famous Malvasía de Sitges wine.
Modernity
Today this small city is considered one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean; there are three sea piers on the coast: Puerto de Ginesta, Garraf and Aiguadolç. But, besides trade and fishing, the largest part of the city’s economy is, of course, tourism.
The town is so attractive to tourists that wealthy Europeans and Americans began to buy real estate there at the end of the last century. As a result, since February 2008, Sitges began to be considered one of the most expensive cities in Spain based on the cost of purchasing a home. Unfortunately, prices turned out to be unaffordable for young people born in the city, and the indigenous inhabitants were forced to move to other places. So today, a huge part of the town's population is made up of foreign expats, who are attracted to this coastal town by its beaches, nightlife and attractions.
Beaches
According to a New York Times columnist, the best beach in Europe is San Sebastian in Sitges. The weather in Sitges is almost always good, there are about 300 sunny days a year, and the average annual temperature is 26-28 degrees Celsius.
In total, there are 11 beaches in the town and its surroundings, which are kept perfectly clean and equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant holiday. Almost all the beaches in the city fly a blue flag, which means high quality service and that the water meets high quality standards and is suitable for safe swimming.
In addition to the crowded city beaches, you can find secluded bays outside the city; there is also a nudist beach and a gay beach in the vicinity, because Sitges is considered the Spanish capital of people of non-traditional sexual orientation. This should be taken into account when planning a trip - many establishments in the city are marked as intended for gays, and if you wish, you can either avoid them or, conversely, choose them.
Holidays, festivals and nightlife
After a swim, tourists demand spectacle, and in this regard, Sitges is truly a city where there is never a dull moment. The surrounding Garraf mountain range protects it and allows it to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. One festival flows into another, a carnival gives way to a parade, and all this attracts many celebrities to the city.
In February, a gay pride parade takes place in Sitges, in March-April there is a vintage car rally Barcelona - Sitges, in late spring and summer there are flower and theater festivals, in August and September there are weekly fiestas dedicated to various patrons of the city, harvesting, folklore festivals .
From 7 to 16 October 2016 in Sitges is the time of the annual International Fantastic Film Festival. This serious event attracts venerable directors and famous actors to the city.
At night on the main streets the music does not stop until the morning - this is where the most famous discos and nightclubs of the city are located. The best of them are the club of the legendary Pacha chain (there are branches in many cities in Spain, including Ibiza) and Atlantida, a disco on the beach.
During the summer months, there are music and sporting events on the streets almost every evening, so there's plenty of fun to be had for any tourist.
Attractions
Despite the fact that the city is crowded with events, blaring music and crowds of tourists, there are also many romantic and secluded places - narrow streets and small verandas invite contemplation and leisurely conversation, and the safety and friendliness of the staff make it a pleasant holiday with children.
The architecture of the city deserves special mention. The most famous building of the city is the Church of San Bartolome and Santa Tecla on the shore, against the foundation of which the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea have been beating since the 17th century. Also of interest is the recently renovated Maricel Palace, which today houses a museum. The 12th-century chapel of La Trinidad de Sitges, included in the cadastre of the architectural heritage of Catalonia, is one of the monuments of the so-called vernacular architecture.
Sitges is called the city of museums, and indeed, there is an incredible number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, art galleries and attractions. By the way, you can buy a general pass to all the museums of Sitges - this is much cheaper and will actually encourage you to visit them all. Children under 12 years old are not charged for entry.
Gastronomy
So, in the city of Sitges you can lie comfortably on the best beach in Europe, visit a film festival, dance until the morning at popular discos, visit
For me, the small town of Sitges (or Sitges) has become a kind of Barcelona in miniature. In principle, the atmospheres of these cities are similar, but, compared to the capital of Catalonia, life in Sitges is more relaxed. I very often come here from Barcelona for a day to walk along the pretty streets and eat paella on the embankment. However, I’m sure you can spend weeks and even the whole summer here.
Sitges has long won the reputation of one of the best resorts in Catalonia. And for good reason: the beaches in the city are much cleaner than in Barcelona, and its less popularity allows you to relax away from the hustle and bustle and not fight for a place in the sun with other tourists. However, this does not mean that an exclusively quiet and measured life awaits you in Sitges. They know how to have fun here, as in any other Spanish town, and they love it very much.
Many people associate Sitges exclusively with representatives of sexual minorities. Indeed, local residents are tolerant towards people of non-traditional sexual orientation, allow them to organize parades, and open special clubs and bars for them. So, when planning to visit this city, you should throw away all prejudices and learn not to look askance at others.
But first and foremost, Sitges is a city of art. At the end of the 19th century, one of the most famous Catalan post-impressionists, Santiago Rusiñol, spent every summer here and even opened a studio museum. Nowadays, the International Film Festival is considered one of the main cultural events, during which horror and science fiction films are shown annually.
In summer, Sitges is filled with guests from other countries. Why, many Europeans have long ago acquired their property in the city and come here every year to spend their holidays. Therefore, you can often hear not only Catalan speech on the street, but also English, French or Dutch.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Sitges is from (you can see how much a ticket to Barcelona will cost). You will have to travel only 40 kilometers, so the journey will not take much time. Most often, tourists choose to travel by train, although there are other options: bus, car or taxi, respectively. Sitges has not built its own airport, but communication by water is carried out, although for this you will need to buy or rent a yacht.
I would recommend going by train. Suburban trains are very comfortable, go quickly, along the way you can enjoy beautiful views of the coast and even see the houses where the local elite live, including the well-known football player Messi. It will help you understand ticket prices and other practical issues.
And now in more detail about each of the methods.
By plane
By train
From Barcelona airport
Unfortunately, it is not possible to get to Sitges directly from El Prat Airport. You will still have to go to Barcelona, and then change to an electric train.
Another option is to take the train that goes to the city, go to the first stop El Prat De Llobergat and change to the train to Sitges. To find the train you need, you need to go up the escalator from the station to the top, turn left and go down the next escalator. Look for a train that goes to Vilanova G or St. Vincenç de Calders.
The first train to Sitges leaves at six in the morning, the last from Sitges to Barcelona leaves around midnight. But if you go on a spree and still want to return to Barcelona, you can use the bus.
You can check the train schedule on the website of the Spanish railway company Rene.
From Barcelona
Trains to Sitges depart from three stations:
- Passeig de Gracia,
- Estacio de Franca,
- Barcelona-Sants.
On each of them you can take a commuter train and get to Sitges without transfers. If you manage to get to the one with a minimum number of stops, you will get there in about half an hour or forty minutes.
Passeig de Gracia station is located in the very center of the city on the street of the same name, Passeig de Gracia, directly opposite Gaudi's famous house (Casa Batllo).
Estacio de Franca train station is located a stone's throw from Barceloneta metro station. If you are facing the station, then to your left will be Ciutadella Park. Address: Av. del Marquès de l'Argentera, s/n.
Finally, Barcelona Sants is located near España Industrial Park. The nearest metro station is Sants Estacio. Address: Carrer del Rector Triadó, 75.
It is worth keeping in mind that from Estacio Franca you can leave for Sitges less often than from the other two stations. If it’s important for you to go from there, you should check the train schedule in advance. From Passeig de Gracia and Barcelona-Sants, trains to Sitges leave almost every 20 minutes.
Train tickets from Barcelona to Sitges can be purchased at ticket offices or from special machines similar to those that sell metro passes. A one-way trip will cost a little over 4 EUR, and a round trip - 7 EUR.
Please note that Sitges is not the final stop on the train route, so on the board you should look for a train to Vilanova la Geltru or St. Vincent de Calders.
Navigation in Sitges
The train station in Sitges is a ten minute walk from the beach.
By bus
From airport
There is a direct bus from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Sitges from Terminal 1 (T1). Most flights from Russia land there, but if you suddenly find yourself in the second terminal (T2), you will need to get to T1 first. The terminals are located 4 kilometers from each other, and movement between them is provided by a free shuttle. Keep in mind that the journey can take up to half an hour.
From the first terminal, take the Mon Bus. It usually runs once an hour on weekdays and once every two hours on Saturdays, and four times a day on Sundays and public holidays. The exact bus schedule can be found at.
From Barcelona
Buses to Sitges run both day and night. Day stops at Plaza Espanya and Ronda Universidad, 33.
The stop at Piazza di Spagna is located directly opposite the former bullring (now a shopping center).
The stop at Ronda de la Universidad is located opposite the University of Barcelona. The nearest metro stations are Catalunya and Universitat.
Trips are also provided by Mon Bus. The journey will take 45–55 minutes. The schedule can be viewed at. As a rule, buses stop at El Prat airport, but it is worth checking this point on the same website. A one-way ticket will cost you 4 EUR.
Night buses take a different route and depart from Plaza Catalunya. They make fewer stops, so you can get there in 35 minutes. Please note that they are not called Mon Bus, they are numbered N30, N31 and N32.
The stop is located directly at Plaza Catalunya. As a rule, night buses stop near El Corte Ingles. On holidays, they may wait for passengers at a different stop, but all in the same square, so it makes sense to arrive early.
A one-way ticket from the city center costs 4 EUR. On weekends and holidays, buses run less often than on weekdays.
Navigation in Sitges
In Sitges, the bus stop is located near the Cana Roberta Park.
It is very close to the station, so you can also get to the beach quite quickly.
By car
If you have a license, then you can rent a car and get to Sitges (you can look at car rental offers, for example, and read about personal experience in). You need to choose one of two toll motorways: C32 or C31. The cost of travel on this road will be approximately equal to the price of a train or bus ticket.
In addition, any taxi driver will be happy to take you from Barcelona or directly from the airport to Sitges, but the journey will cost much more than a ticket for public transport: you will have to fork out 50–60 EUR. In addition, you will need to pay separately to travel on the toll highway. If you decide to, the features of the Spanish taxi have been well written.
Clue:
Sitges - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season? When is the best time to go
If you want to spend a whole holiday in Sitges, or at least a few days, it makes sense to come in the summer or at the very beginning of autumn, when the weather is still suitable for swimming in the sea and sunbathing. At other times of the year you can just walk around the city. However, its small size will allow you to get around everything in one day, so the trip can be done while relaxing in Barcelona.
Fans of horror and science fiction may be interested in visiting Sitges in November, when it hosts the already mentioned film festival. These days, while walking along the central streets, you may run into one of the world-famous directors or actors. Over the years, Tim Burton and Quentin Tarantino, among others, came to the event. Rumor has it that this time the festival will be visited by director and musician Rob Zombie, who will present his new film. Tickets for films should be booked very in advance, because people from all over Spain and even from all over the world come here for them.
In winter, the climate in Sitges is very pleasant: there is no trace of snow, and during the day the air warms up to +10 °C or even +15 °C. However, again, at this time of year you will have to limit yourself to walks and a delicious dinner at one of the coastal restaurants. But more on that later.
Sitges - weather by month
Clue:
Sitges - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
When choosing where to stay in Sitges, it is worth taking into account your interests, as well as the time of year you plan to travel. In summer, it makes sense to choose a hotel closer to the beach. There is plenty to choose from: there are a lot of hotels along the coastline.
If you first want to see the sights, then you should pay attention to the so-called historical center. Avid party-goers will probably enjoy living closer to the so-called “street of sin.”
In fact, it is not so important where exactly your hotel will be located, because Sitges is quite compact, it is easy to navigate on foot and walking, for example, from the beach to the center will not be difficult.
Old city
Essentially the entire center of Sitges can be called the old town. Be sure to take time to walk around it. Ancient buildings, many of which are designed in Art Nouveau style, cannot fail to amaze the imagination. Some of the houses were built before the Civil War.
The boundaries of the Old Town are very arbitrary, but it is physically impossible to pass by it. As soon as you leave the station building and cross Artur Carbonell street and go straight along one of the streets towards the sea, you will immediately find yourself in the center. The old part of Sitges is limited on one side by the Iglesia Church, and on the other by Calle d'Europa.
The oldest and most picturesque area extends around the Iglesia Church. It is located on a hill to the left of the beach and should be easy to find.
Beaches
In Sitges there are not one or two beaches, but seventeen. The most picturesque of them are on the right hand of Eglesia, but they are also present on the other side of the church. Don’t forget about the tolerance of local residents: the city has separate beaches for gays and nudists.
Port
The main port of Sitges - Port d'Aiguadoic - is located behind the church and behind the very last beach on that side.
There are many five star hotels in this area. In the evenings, you can stroll along the shore or sit in summer cafes and restaurants and admire yachts of different sizes.
Parties
If you are looking for a wild evening, Sitges is also at your service. There are a great variety of bars and clubs in the city. But one street stands out from the rest - the legendary Calle Parellades. The music here doesn’t stop until the morning, and the alcohol practically flows like a river.
If you somehow especially liked one of the places I listed, then, of course, settle in it. By the way, you can look at hotel offers and compare prices, and book a room using the well-known website. If you are traveling with a company, just in case, look at what options there are for renting apartments, it may work out cheaper.
But I want to emphasize once again: the division into districts in Sitges is very arbitrary due to its size. They mix with each other, smoothly flow from one to another... Moving through the narrow streets of the city, with every turn you can see it from a new side.
What are the prices for holidays?
If you were hoping that Sitges would be cheaper than Barcelona due to its size, you will be disappointed. In general, you are unlikely to be able to save money here. Barcelona prices come to Sitges with tourists. On average, lunch will cost you 18–20 EUR per person, however, in some establishments there are special menu del dia during the day, the cost of which is slightly cheaper, but the choice of dishes will be limited.
A night in a hotel can cost from 50 EUR (three stars) to 1,000 EUR and more. The closer to the beach a hotel is located, the more expensive it is, naturally. You can view offers and compare prices, for example.
Main attractions. What to see
Sitges is not only beaches and gay clubs. The city has something for everyone. If you like to travel under the guidance of a guide, you can resort to his help, but, in my opinion, it is better to walk around the city on your own, slowly, looking at the unusual buildings.
Personally, I would recommend starting your acquaintance with Sitges with a walk along the promenade. Walking along the beaches will give you a first impression of the city and its atmosphere. After a cup of coffee or a glass of beer in one of the picturesque cafes overlooking the sea, you can head to the city center. For dessert, it’s worth leaving a visit to museums, of which there are not many in Sitges, but they deserve attention.
Beaches. Which ones are better
As already mentioned, there are seventeen beaches in Sitges. Each of them is good in its own way, they are all clean and cozy. It is logical to assume that the closer to the city center, the more people there are. Beaches located further away are more secluded and quiet.
During the summer, various events are held on many beaches, and groups gather for sports. The schedule changes every year, information about it can be found on the city council website.
There are jellyfish on some beaches, so you should be very careful.
The best beaches in Sitges, in my opinion, are the following:
The beaches intended for nudists and representatives of sexual minorities stand apart. It should be noted that both of them will calmly react to the presence of people who are not their “like-minded people.”
The two easternmost beaches are nudist: Platja dels Balmins And Platja d'Aiguadoic. They are almost the most picturesque in the city, since they are almost not surrounded by buildings; their neighbors are beautiful mountains.
Balmins is located just west of the port of Aiguadolls and consists of three bays. Aiguadolls beach is located on the east side of the port.
The main beach for representatives of sexual minorities is called Platja de la Bassa Rodona. It is almost the busiest and is located in the very center of the coastal strip. However, don't be surprised if you meet same-sex couples on other beaches. This is a common occurrence in Sitges.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Church of St. Bartholomew and St. Thecla
First of all, I would advise visiting this church. It will be difficult not to find it: it can be seen from almost anywhere on the embankment. This temple is dedicated to the patron saints of the city. It was built in the middle of the 16th century, but references to the temple appeared earlier, when Romanesque and Gothic churches were located on the site of the current church.
Note the beautiful parish organ, which was installed back in 1699, as well as the crypts under the choir, which have been preserved since the Middle Ages.
The church is active and services are held there. On weekdays they begin at 19:30, on Saturday at 20:00, and on Sunday there are two additional services in the morning.
The Church of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Thecla is located in the small square Placa del Baluard.
In principle, a visit to this temple could have been limited. But if you want to see other religious places in the city, and especially if you find yourself in Sitges at the beginning of August, I recommend visiting the small chapel of Vignette.
Chapel Vignette
The Day of the Virgin Mary of Vignette is celebrated on August 5, and all the inhabitants of the city gather in the chapel where her statue is located. The small sculpture depicts the Mother of God sitting on a chair, with the baby Jesus on her lap. He holds a globe in one hand and raises the other in a gesture of blessing.
The exact time of construction of the chapel is unknown, but it is believed that it could have been built at the beginning of the 12th century. Now weddings are often held there.
A simple tourist can get to the chapel on any day except Tuesday.
Campdasense
But if you come to Sitges on the first weekend of July, you will have a unique opportunity to join the local pilgrims and visit with them a small church located on a country estate in Garraf Park.
It is on the first Sunday of July that since time immemorial a holiday has been held, which previously gathered all the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and farms, but has now lost its original agricultural meaning. Nowadays, everyone can gather for mass in the Campdasens church, taste local dishes and watch folk dances. I must say, the spectacle is very interesting.
During the rest of the year, you will not be able to get into the church; it is closed to visitors.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
When you come to a city with so many beaches, boring museums are probably the last thing you think about. To be honest, I myself did not immediately find out about their presence. But it is worth noting that the museums in Sitges match the most cheerful appearance of the city, they are just as semi-serious and very interesting.
Casa Bacardi
Do you like rum? If the memory of this drink at least makes you smile, don't pass by Casa Bacardi.
The creator of this world famous rum, Facundo Bacardi, was born in Sitges and later moved to. The house where the entrepreneur was born has not survived, so the museum is located in the building of the former Mercat Vell store. The permanent exhibition will tell you about the history of the brand, as well as its connection with Sitges. A pleasant bonus will be the opportunity to prepare some Bacardi-based cocktail under the guidance of an experienced bartender.
Please note that the museum is not open every day. You can visit it only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, you won’t be able to explore it yourself either; you will have to wait for the tour to start. The first starts at 12:00, the last at 18:30. Each lasts 45 minutes. Most of them are conducted in English, but some are in Spanish, so it is worth clarifying this point at the checkout.
Entrance tickets cost 9 EUR per person. Since the museum is very popular, I advise you to go and buy tickets and sign up for a tour the day before or at least a few hours before your intended visit.
Address: Placa de l'Ajuntament, 11.
Museu Romantic
The Museum of Romanticism occupied a residential building that belonged to a very famous Sitges family. The building itself immerses visitors in the era of romanticism.
In addition to the interiors, you can also see the famous collection of Lola Anglada dolls, which includes porcelain and rag exhibits. The museum welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Carrer de Sant Gaudenci, 1.
Cau Ferrat Museum
Earlier I already talked about the post-impressionist artist Santiago Rusiñol, who loved to spend the summer in Sitges. After the artist’s death, his home studio turned into a museum, where you can unexpectedly find works not only by Rusiñol himself, but also paintings by El Greco and even Picasso.
Even if you long for the beach with all your heart, and visit museums more “for show,” it definitely won’t leave you indifferent. The building itself is stylized as antique and, together with the paintings, turns into a single art object of incredible beauty.
Since you've already visited Cau Ferrat, leave some time for the Museu de Maricel. A little tip: for 10 EUR you can buy a double ticket to both museums and save a lot. Please note that Cau Ferrat is closed on Mondays. On other days its doors are open from 10 to 20 in the summer and from 10 to 17 in the winter.
Address: Carrer de Fonollar, 6.
Museu deMaricel
In this embankment museum you can enjoy a fairly rich collection of works of art from different eras and styles, from romanticism to baroque. Here you can “taste” Catalan modern painting. As you walk through the halls, don’t forget to look out the windows: the view of the city is stunning.
The museum is open in spring from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in summer until 8 p.m., and in autumn and winter only until 5 p.m. If you want to visit only the Museu de Maricel, you will be charged 5 EUR for entry.
Address: Carrer de Fonollar, s/n.
Palau de Maricel
Rusiñol liked Sitges so much that he decided to attract many artists and other artists to the city, thus giving impetus to its development as a cultural capital. Among those who came to Sitges on his advice was the American collector Charles Deering. He built a house next door to Rusiñol and turned it into a museum. We are talking about the Maricel Palace.
This is a well-restored 14th-century hospital building, connected by a bridge to several fishermen's cottages. Sounds unusual already, doesn’t it?
Here you can see how wealthy patrons of the past lived, admire the landscape design and interiors.
For the most curious, a guide provides his services. Tours are conducted in English, Catalan and Spanish. However, it is better to inquire about the schedule of excursions in advance: the palace often hosts closed cultural events.
Entrance ticket to the museum costs 5 EUR.
Address: Carrer de Fonollar, 12.
Well, if these museums aren’t enough for you, then Sitges has a few more interesting exhibitions in store for you, namely:
- Fundacion Stampfli, created by the Stampfli family together with gallerists from different countries. Works of art from the 60s of the last century to the present day are presented here. Address: Placa de l'Ajuntament, 13.
- AGORA 3- a gallery that promotes the work of local artists to the masses. Located next to La Fragata beach. Address: Carrer Nou, 20.
- Manuel Blesa - Studio- the museum is located in the home-studio of the self-taught artist Manuel Bles, whose paintings are exhibited all over the world. Address: Carrer Carreta, 31.
Parks
In Sitges itself there are several parks that are quite pleasant for walking and small picnics, such as the Caen Robert Park, the Terramar Gardens or the Hort de Can Fals Gardens. However, the most picturesque place, in my opinion, is the Garraf Natural Park, which, strictly speaking, is already outside of Sitges, but is located so close that if you wish, you can walk there.
This mountain reserve is literally ten minutes from the city's beaches. Its territory is downright huge. Due to frequent droughts and even fires, “Garraf” cannot boast of diverse vegetation, but there are many animals here: from snakes, badgers and martens to birds of prey.
The park has several walking routes, along which you will get acquainted not only with flora and fauna, but also look at the ruins of ancient castles, wine cellars and settlements, as well as the monastery of Tibetan monks Sakya Tashi. By the way, if you feel a little hungry, go to the monastic dining room. The food there is quite tasty.
The easiest way to get to Garraf is by car (rented or taxi).
Food. What to try
As in all coastal cities of Spain, preference in food is given primarily to seafood. I would recommend not limiting yourself to just paella, although they make it better here than in Barcelona. Be sure to try seafood in a different form. Personally, I really love grilled food. Meat eaters will also have something to enjoy here: traditional jamon or even steaks made from any meat are available in almost all restaurants.
For the most delicious food, head to the embankment, along which there are numerous catering establishments.
You can have a snack during the day or breakfast in the morning for 10–20 EUR, but a full lunch can cost 50–70 EUR.
If you like to cook yourself, then the easiest way to buy food is in supermarkets or markets. Please note that very few shops are open at night and on Sundays they are often closed all day.
The permanent covered market in Sitges is located above the large Mercadona supermarket. There you can buy meat and fish, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. The quality of the products is very good. Do not hesitate to ask the sellers for advice; they will be happy to tell you what is the most delicious on the counter that day. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday the market is open in the afternoon from 17:30 to 20:30, on other days from 08:30 to 14:00.
Let me draw your attention once again: the market is closed on Sunday. In August, most Spaniards go on holiday, so many shops may be closed. This market is no exception.
By the way, don’t try to look for a bakery in the market. Oddly enough, she is not there. I suggest you don’t go far for bread and go to the Mercadonna supermarket, where there is always fresh baked goods on the ground floor.
Address: Avinguda Artur Carbonell, 27.
In the summer, local street markets often appear in Sitges, where you can buy not only food, but also cute souvenirs.
There is also a representative of one of the most famous supermarket chains in Spain, Caprabo, in the city. The store has a “little brother”, the chain’s own brand called Eroski. Both are closed on Sunday and close at 22:00.
Address: C. d'en Pepe de Garraf, 5.
Every time I come to Sitges I always have lunch at the Mare Nostrum restaurant. It is located on the embankment at: Passeig de la Riber, 60-62. It was here that I had the opportunity to taste the most delicious paella of my life. The gastronomic philosophy of the restaurant is to use exclusively local products, so you don’t have to worry about the freshness of the dishes.
If you have some strength and room in your stomach after paella, be sure to try one of the desserts. By the way, one paella for two will be more than enough. And don't forget to grab a bottle of local white wine.
The restaurant is very popular, so it is better to reserve a table in advance. As a rule, this can be done a few hours before your intended visit if you want to eat during the day. By dinnertime, the place fills with tourists and locals, so make a reservation in advance, preferably the day before.
As I already said, prices in Sitges are practically no different from Barcelona. This rule also applies to this establishment. For a bottle of wine you can pay about 15 EUR, and for paella for two - all 50 EUR.
It is not customary for the Spaniards to have a heavy lunch. Between breakfast and dinner, they like to drink beer or homemade vermouth, accompanied by popular tapas. If you decide to follow suit, I recommend the beach bar El Chiringuito on Passeig de la Ribera.
There you will be offered light snacks, chips, olives, and will also be happy to pour you something to drink. While you enjoy your drinks, you can watch the tourists swimming and sunbathing. What’s nice is that you can quench your thirst with local beer for just a couple of euros.
Budget
- Guria Taberna ( C. Sant Pere, 30);
- Can Gregori S.C.P. ( Vilanova, 41);
- Eguzki ( C. Sant Pau, 3);
- Incognito Cafe Bar ( C. Europa, 16).
Mid-level
- Nem Sitges ( Illa de Cuba, 9);
- La Picara Sitges ( C. Sant Pere, 3);
- 33 Sitges ( C. Major, 33);
- El Castell de Sitges ( C. Carreta, 21);
- Villa Marina Sitges ( P. de Les Drassanes, 48).
Expensive
1. Alfresco ( Pau Barrabeig, 4);
2. La Incidencia Del Factor IV ( Bonaire, 25);
3. Maricel ( P. de la Ribera, 6);
4. Blanc Port ( P. de las Drassanes, 51).
Holidays
All Spaniards love holidays very much. And the residents of Sitges are no exception. Almost every month they find something to celebrate. The most important event in the life of the city is the Festa Major, which takes place from August 21 to 27. This holiday is dedicated to the patrons of the city, Saint Bartholomew and Saint Thecla, I have already mentioned the church dedicated to them.
The holiday is strictly regulated. On August 21 it opens with a public speech, and the next day the flag of St. Bartholomew is presented to the president of the commission, Festa Mayor. After this, the whole city begins to turn into one big party. Musicians and dancers appear on the streets, fireworks are set off, the bells of the parish church are rung, and processions are held. The main thing is not to get lost in this crowd!
In August, St. Bartholomew's Day is celebrated, and St. Thekla's Day falls on September 22–23. And everything is repeated again, although with less pomp.
But perhaps the most unbridled fiesta of Sitges is the carnival. It begins on Holy Thursday. What is characteristic of the Spaniards in general is their unity. During the carnival, local groups compete with each other, trying to show the most colorful and original costumes, which are prepared days and nights in advance.
One of the most beautiful holidays in Sitges is the Corpus, during which the streets of the city are decorated with carpets of fresh flowers. Entire competitions are held for the best ornaments made from living plants, and flower offerings are also made to the Virgin of Vignettes.
Special festivals in Sitges also occupy a special place. The most famous of them is the film festival. It has been held in early October for over 40 years. For several days, various science fiction and horror films are shown in the city, world-famous film directors come and present their new creations. Tickets for the festival are ordered in advance, almost a year in advance. You shouldn't miss the Zombie March on the city streets these days. In fact, the whole of Sitges is transformed into the “tone” of the festival.
Since Sitges prides itself on its tolerance towards sexual minorities, a gay pride parade is held every summer and lasts for five days. At this time, various Gay-Pride events take place on the streets of the city. The spectacle is very unusual and colorful.
Safety. What to watch out for
In general, Sitges is a fairly safe and calm city. Even in the dead of night, it’s unlikely that anything will happen to you; local residents are not prone to serious crimes. However, as throughout Spain, you should be wary of pickpockets in Sitges.
I would advise leaving valuables in the hotel safe, and taking only the necessary amount of money with you. Avoid backpacks, choose bags that close well that you can keep an eye on every minute, and don't leave things unattended when going to the ladies' room or to smoke. If you are sitting on an open veranda, do not place your phone on the table. Unfortunately, there are unpleasant cases.
Things to do
Fans of sports and an active lifestyle will have something to do in Sitges besides beach volleyball and swimming itself. So, surfing is very popular in the city. Even if you have never caught a wave, you will be taught. There are several surf schools in Sitges, for example Escola Catalana De Surf (located on Passeig Maritim a stone's throw from the Cathedral of Saints Bartholomew and Thecla).
And in Sitges Sup Barcelona Paddle Surf ( Bonaire, 37) you can get acquainted with this type of surfing such as SUP (Stand Up Paddle).
In addition, in Sitges (for example, at Club De Mar De Sitges) there is the opportunity to learn how to sail yachts and other sailing vessels.
Shopping and shops
Many representatives of the fairer sex claim that Sitges is ideal for shopping, almost calling its entire center one large shopping center. I have no personal experience of shopping in Sitges, and I would not recommend wasting time on it here. However, if updating your wardrobe is on your agenda, then you should head to the streets of Sant Francesc and Major. This is where outlets with attractive prices are located.
Another pleasant bonus for shopping lovers will be the opening hours of shops in Sitges. Even in the hottest time of the year, they do not close for siestas and are open until nine in the evening, which is an hour longer than in other Spanish cities.
Bars. Where to go
First of all, I would like to note that in Sitges there are almost no bars that are open 24 hours a day. As a rule, they close by two o'clock in the morning. If this is not enough for you, you can move to one of the nightclubs.
There are a lot of gay bars in Sitges. If you do not share the local tolerance, simply refuse to visit such places. Most of the establishments for minorities are located on Carrer Primer de Maig, as well as on Carrer Sant Bonaventura. If you decide to go there, keep in mind that some establishments do not allow women at all, and even if they do, the fair sex will clearly be in the minority. One of the most famous gay bars is Parrots Pub ( Placa Industry, 2).
The entire city center is replete with drinking establishments. Come to the main square, Plaza del Cap de la Vila, and explore the surrounding streets, you will surely find something to your liking.
One of the locals' favorite bars is called Piano ( Calle Sant Bonaventura, 1). This is a fairly small establishment, and it is almost always filled to capacity. In the evenings there are sometimes cabaret shows there.
If going to a bar is for you a quiet evening with a glass of something alcoholic, you can go to any tapas bar or sports bar.
Other bars:
- Tres Quarts ( C. Bonaire, 36);
- Pub Vormar ( Lugar Port Alegre, 55);
- La Morocha Bar & Art ( C. Sant Pau, 19);
- Bar Baron ( C. Sant Guadenci, 11).
Clubs and nightlife
There are not very many nightclubs as such in Sitges. Like bars, some of them are aimed at gay people. However, there are several places in the city where everyone can go.
Few people know that the first branch of the world-famous Pacha club opened in Sitges, and this happened about 40 years ago. To this day, the establishment provides a vibrant atmosphere of fun. The program and entry prices are constantly changing, so I would recommend visiting the club's official website before visiting. Pacha is located in the port area.
Address: Urbanizacion Vallpineda, Calle San Didac C.P., s/n.
Another famous club is Trailer. Its visitors are almost exclusively gay, but girls are also allowed there. The establishment is famous for its foam parties, which are held on Sundays.
Address: Calle de Angel Vidal, 36.
Entrance to almost all clubs in Spain is paid. If you arrive before midnight, you may not be charged, but all events start no earlier than twelve. This timing is explained by the very way of life of the locals. As I already said, the Spaniards do not eat heavily during the day. They have dinner at 20–21, after which they go to some bar, where they start the evening. And after the bars close, they go to the clubs.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
In Sitges you can buy typical Spanish souvenirs as gifts for friends and relatives, as well as some things unique to this city.
Pay attention to the local wine Malvasia de Sitges. This is a dessert sweet wine of increased strength (about 15 degrees). There are several varieties of the drink: sweet red and sparkling. You can buy Malvasia in almost any supermarket or souvenir shop in the city.
In addition, crafts flourish in Sitges, a good idea is to bring jewelry, figurines and various paraphernalia with the characters of Festa Major (dragons, eagles, demons) made by local residents.
Prices for all products vary depending on where you purchase them. I recommend moving away from the beach to the outskirts of the Old Town, where you can find cheaper souvenirs.
How to get around the city
Due to the small size of Sitges, it is most convenient to navigate it on foot. In all my visits to the city, I have never resorted to using transport, but I know that there are no problems with it.
Taxi. What features exist
Taxi ranks in Sitges are located next to the hotels, as well as near the train station (C. Salvador Mirabent Paretes). Free cars are parked near the Dolce Sitges hotel ( Av. Cami de Mirapeix, 12), in the summer also on the Paseo Maritimo promenade (near Avenida Sofia and Hotel Terramar) and on Joan Salvar Papasseit street (near the Melia Hotel). The journey will cost you a few euros: all taxi drivers work on a meter, and the distances in the city are short.
You won't be able to catch a ride on the street. In Spain, it is simply not customary to engage in private transportation. Travel is carried out only by official taxis.
You can most likely only pay for the trip in cash. As a rule, only taxi drivers at airports have machines for paying with credit cards. It is advisable to have small bills and coins with you; drivers may simply not have change. There is no need to leave a tip; on the contrary, the taxi driver will collect change to the last cent and may even be offended by your desire to “forgive” him a small change.
There is excellent writing about how to act at taxi ranks, how to distinguish between legal and illegal cars, and the tricks of Spanish taxi drivers.
Buses
All buses leave from the railway station. In total, there are three lines in the city that connect all areas of the city. The bus route can be viewed on the City Hall website.
Transport rental
There are two car rental agencies in Sitges - Sitges Car Rental and Oder Car Rental. Both offices are located in the city center. You can book a car directly on their websites or compare prices. Renting a car is a good idea if you plan to travel around the area and other cities. If you're planning on spending your entire holiday in Sitges, you're unlikely to need a car and I don't recommend spending money on rent.
You can move around the city at a speed of no more than 50 kilometers per hour, and in some areas no more than 30 kilometers per hour.
Finding a parking space in the city center can be difficult, but there is a network of public parking as well as private and city parking. Pay attention to the Vado permanente sign, it means that parking is prohibited. If you leave your car in the wrong place, it will be sent to a parking lot. To pick it up, you will have to pay a fine and tow truck services.
If you have been issued a fine for exceeding your parking time in the “blue zone”, you can “cancel” it on the same day and pay only 10 EUR. Subsequently, the fine will increase.
Flights- You can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!
Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?