Spain
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Sitges Spain Things to Do: What to Do in Sitges
Barcelona is a big, buzzing city. It needs no introduction, but haaaave you met Sitges? It's cute. It's sweet. It looks good in photos. It treats you well. Located only 37 km away from Barcelona, consider Sitges as your next day trip away from the city. There are countless fun things to do in Sitges, Spain! Like church, local restaurants, nightlight, wine? What about a seaside vacation for a night? There is a lot to see. From beautiful beaches to a thriving town center with cultural events, the narrow streets and passages of Sitges make it a unique destination. Consider this your Sitges guide.
What to Do When Visiting Sitges, Spain
About Carmen
Hello, I'm Carmen, a travel influencer based in San Diego, California. At this time, I've been to 22 countries & 11 U.S. states. As a travel influencer, I document & write about my experiences & how you, the reader, can do it even better! Whether you're browsing things to do in Warsaw, the top Milan highlights or maybe where to stay in Porto, Portugal, you'll find over 600 blog posts on the It's Carmen website. Learn more about me, what I do as a travel influencer & social media consultant. |
| Things to do in Sitges: Spend the afternoon at Sitges Playa. Shirt: Fila For Urban Outfitters Red Valentina Crop Top (sold out, sold on Urban Outfitters) |
Sitges is a beautiful seaside beach town with plenty of things to do in Sitges. Visit Sitges if you like beach vibes, good weather, & beautiful views. Find out what to do in Sitges, including spending the day museum hopping or beach bopping. Beautiful in the summer months and all year long.
How to Get to Sitges: Taking the Train From Barcelona to Sitges
After spending several days in Barcelona I started wondering what are some day trips near Barcelona? I ended up taking the train from Barcelona to Sitges, Spain. It went by relatively quickly, a painless train journey (unlike the Girona fiasco from 2018 - read the full story on my Instagram post here.) For the train from Barcelona to Sitges, simply find a seat & get comfortable. The same goes for the train from Sitges to Barcelona. It’s easier to buy a roundtrip ticket ahead of time but you can do it separately. No need to stress.
Related reading: Bunkers del Carmel Turo de la Rovira Barcelona: Things to Do
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| Relax at one of the many beaches at Sitges. |
Sitges Beaches (Sitges Playa)
Sitges is known for its 17 beaches. Love being seaside? Sitges has a lot of beaches, including Platja d'Aiguadolç, Balmins, Barra, Bassa Rodona, Cala de l’Home Mort, Cala Ginesta, Cala Morisca, Cap de Grills, Desenrocada, Estanyol, Fragata, Garraf, Les Anquines, Les Botigues, Platja de la Ribera, Riera Xica, Platja Sant Sebastià beach (Platja de Sant Sebastia), Terramar, and Vallcarca. The warm sun & breezy air of the Sitges weather felt perfect during my October visit. People sat at Sitges Playa with their towels & umbrellas. Which of the beaches would you want to experience?
Activities & Sports
If you're on the hunt for things to do in Sitges, consider cycling, golfing, kayaking, volleyball, running, or a chi kung (also known as qi gong) lesson. The sunny Sitges weather of this Catalan seaside town makes the coastal town centre an ideal destination for outdoor activities & sports fans. I'm not a golfer, but I'd absolutely spend a leisurely afternoon by the sea at Golf Terramar. Relish the Mediterranean views from holes 3 & 4; it's only 15 meters / 50 feet away! |
| Sitges Church Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla & beachgoers. |
Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla (Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla)
You might spot the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla (also called Iglesia de San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla or Sant Bartolomeu) within your first few minutes in Sitges. It's pretty dang iconic. Soak in the Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla from afar or up close. Don't forget to high five the mermaid (reminds me of Warsaw's mermaids)! You can take in some stunning views of the water from this angle as well.Port d'Aiguadolç
You'll find Port d'Aiguadolç just a 10-minute stroll away from the old town centre downtown area. The Port de Sitges-Aiguadolç has 17 local restaurants & bars, so you could spend the morning grazing at a couple stops before sailing for the afternoon. |
| Just me & the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla in the background. Shirt: Fila For Urban Outfitters Red Valentina Crop Top (sold out, sold on Urban Outfitters) |
Museums in Sitges
The town of Sitges has a range of museums to visit. You know I love an art museum. I go in every city, but since I only stayed in town for a day trip, I didn't get to visit any of them. If I had more time in town, this would be one of the things to do in Sitges, Spain!Fundació Stämpfli Art Contemporani (Stämpfli Foundation Contemporary Art Museum)
Need a dose of art? Fundació Stämpfli contemporary art museum is located in the town's old fish market (now Sitges Town Hall Square) & has nearly 100 pieces of art from all over the world.El Museu Del Cau Ferrat (The Cau Ferrat Museum)
Founded in 1893 by artist Santiago Rusiñol, Museu Del Cau Ferrat began as a workshop house then turned into a public museum in 1933. The Cau Ferrat Museum contains a mix of ancient art collected by artists as well as modern art. |
| Palau de Maricel (also written Palau Marcel & The Maricel Palace). |
El Museu de Maricel (The Maricel Museum)
Enjoy sculptures & altarpieces from the Romanesque & Gothic periods. Browse artwork from the Neoclassic period. It's all at El Museu de Maricel. There's also the Palau de Maricel (The Maricel Palace).Other Seasonal Activities
The best things to do in Sitges depend on what time of year you happen to visit. From winter treats like the Sitges Christmas Festival & Winter Market Sitges to the iconic Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya, there are many seasonal activities, events, & happenings in the area, so take a look at the events calendar. Find out what to do in Sitges while you're in town! Sitges Terramar Golf Club is nearby if you are seeking a golf course.Festival Jardins Terramar Sitges
Get your fill of live music, dance, & other festivities at the Festival Jardins Terramar Sitges. Who doesn't love a festival? There is more Sitges Spain things to do than you'd think! |
| Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya (Sitges Film Festival) flags hanging throughout Sitges. |
Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya (Sitges Film Festival)
I happened to be in town for the Sitges Film Festival, so Fred & I bought tickets online ahead of time. Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya also known as The International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, or more simply as the Sitges Film Festival, specializes in the fantasy & horror genres. I saw 4x4. |
| Made it to Sitges Film Festival (Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya). Shirt: Fila For Urban Outfitters Red Valentina Crop Top (sold out, sold on Urban Outfitters) Shoes: Fila Disruptors // Shop these exact Fila Disruptor sneakers here. |
Food, Eating, & Restaurants in the town of Sitges
Gobble up coastal cuisine with a side of fresh breeze with all the local restaurants & wine you want. Try to dine at one of the outdoor eateries near the beach with a sea views of the Catalan coastline. The fresh air pairs perfectly with whatever you're eating. Take a look at some of the top-rated places to eat in the town of Sitges. Does anything suit your fancy?Fred & I grabbed a vegan burger made with black bean, wild rice & smashed nut patty at Beach House. It was pretty bomb. Walk around the town to see what restaurants there are. Walk the streets after as you digest your yummy meal.
Big Al's - craft American burgers
La Pícara - Tapas bar & wine bar
Nem - Un bar de tapes, a tapas bar
Booking.com
Official Sitges tourism website: Sitges Anytime
Spain's official tourism website: España.info
Getaway from the city for a night. Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Cadiz, are located in southern Spain. As you walk around the place, you'll see this small Spanish town is worth a visit. Bring your curiosity, a list of things to do in Sitges, maybe a hat & sunglasses thanks to 300 days of sunshine, & you're all set. The train from Barcelona to Sitges is affordable & should take less than an hour. Pop on a podcast - click here for some of my podcast recommendations - & discover the charisma of Sitges.
Check out the things to do in Sitges: Go on a food & wine tasting tour!
La Pícara - Tapas bar & wine bar
Nem - Un bar de tapes, a tapas bar
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| What to do in Sitges, Spain? Try loads of food. |
Where to Stay: Hotels & Airbnbs in Sitges
Which hotel you stay at depends on your needs. There are over 500 hotel listings in Sitges, so you have plenty of hotels, beachfront properties, vacation homes, & goodies to rent. Simply type in the dates you'll be in town & see what works for your stay with this handy dandy map. It's so easy! Spain has so much to savor.Booking.com
Bye Sitges, Until We Meet Again
As a travel influencer, I love when a city has a tourism board. It's one of those things in life that give me joy for no reason, like inanimate objects with faces or seeing wild rabbits at night outside of my apartment. Take a look at the official Sitges tourism website. Their website is pretty robust with plenty of tourist information and ideas on what to do in Sitges. I loved my time in Spain.Spain's official tourism website: España.info
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| Why not take a few photos at one of the many Sitges Beaches (Sitges Playa)? :] |
Shirt: Fila For Urban Outfitters Red Valentina Crop Top (sold out, sold on Urban Outfitters)
Shoes: Fila Disruptors // Shop these exact Fila Disruptor sneakers here.
What would you like to see in the town of Sitges? Would you visit a church, restaurants, nightlight, wine? This is the place to be. Spain has much to experience. Sitges is a good place to relax, stroll along the beach, head to a beach club or nudist beach, have a cocktail at a beach bar or rooftop bar, head to the gay bars, or just savor the amazing views of Spain Sitges.
Pin an image on Pinterest to share with others what to do in Sitges. :]
Bunkers del Carmel Turo de la Rovira Barcelona: Things to Do + The History
What if I told you there's a magical 360° view of Barcelona that's completely free?
Free dollars. Free euros. Free o'clock.
Free things to do in Barcelona? Count me in! Bring comfy shoes and take a hike through what's left Bunkers del Carmel underground military bunkers and be prepared to discover panoramic views of Barcelona city skyline. Del Carmel Barcelona is a great place to get lost within the city. I would say it's a hidden gem but plenty of people know about it.
Free things to do in Barcelona? Count me in! Bring comfy shoes and take a hike through what's left Bunkers del Carmel underground military bunkers and be prepared to discover panoramic views of Barcelona city skyline. Del Carmel Barcelona is a great place to get lost within the city. I would say it's a hidden gem but plenty of people know about it.
Hike Bunkers of Carmel on Turo de la Rovira for a panoramic view of Barcelona.
Imagine a panoramic look at Barcelona from 262 meters/859 feet above sea level. Picture yourself looking out at the Mediterranean Sea, La Sagrada Familia, & the entire city of Barcelona from up high. Find this unforgettable location at Bunkers del Carmel/Bunkers el Carmel on the hill known as Turo de la Rovira, the site for the defense of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. The best way to get is here to take public transportation then walk the rest of the way.Related items: National Geographic Map of Barcelona (Available on Amazon)
Related reading: Welcome to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany
The History of Turó de la Rovira
Turó de la Rovira is a Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA) heritage space, which officially opened in 2011 after undergoing restoration. It once contained the anti-aircraft battery used to defend Barcelona from air attacks. Pretty historic, eh? The Rick Steves Barcelona book is a great resource on things to do while you're in the city. Check out Rick Steves Barcelona here.
The View of Barcelona, Spain from Bunkers Del Carmel / Bunkers el Carmel
Perhaps you're a sucker for savoring spectacular sights. Me too, my friend, me too. If you want to take a selfie, get the best Instagram travel influencer shot, or snap a memorable photo, del Carmel Bunkers is the spot to check out. The view of the city is incomparable from the top of Bunkers del Carmel. On one side you can see the Mediterranean Sea, La Sagrada Familia, & all the Barcelona hot spots. On the other side, stare out at the Barcelona homes.
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
Things To to Do at Bunkers Del Carmel on Turo de la Rovira
Remember that it's free of charge to explore. Who doesn't love free things to do in Barcelona, Spain? Everything adds up: the museums, the cathedrals, the parks. Why not add something free to the list? So you made it up Turo de la Rovira, now what?Have a picnic on top of the world.
Take snacks & drink so you can have yourself a merry little picnic. It goes without saying to pick up after yourself & dispose of any trash. Have you visited Bunkers del Carmel? Have a question? Want to share your experience? Leave a comment below! Popular things to do in Barcelona include Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and much more. You can always use tools like TripAdvisor or read articles on New York Times to plan your trip. What you do next is up to you! Are you feeling like some tapas? Stroll Plaça de la Catedral or Las Ramblas. There's so much to do in Barcelona as well as the surrounding area. To learn more about Barcelona, Spain, check out some of the books available on Amazon. Where to now?
Where to Stay in Barcelona
What are some accommodations options in Barcelona? Here's a map with some affordable options. Traveling somewhere soon? Make sure to check if there are any visa requirements!
I Need To Be My Own Best Friend
I'm writing this on my cracked iPhone as I ride the metro from Poble Sec to Mundet. I'm in Barcelona, Spain. It's my first time here. It's October but the temperatures remind me of San Diego. I'm happy & unhappy simultaneously.
I'm writing to pass the time. I can’t help but feel turned around, as though my navigation is completely askew. Where is my compass? Where is my internal guide? Perhaps I haven’t been listening. I take things too much to heart. I think about scenarios that don’t exist. I crave friendship & connection but am horrible at executing it myself. I prefer online community & communication. I have to write in order to understand myself & my feelings.
I’ve been lost because I haven’t spoken to myself. I am a person. I can have a relationship with myself. I should have a relationship with myself. Who am I? What do I like? How would I describe myself? What do I want?
I need to be my own best friend, my biggest supporter. I need to quit holding myself back, quit critiquing my every move. If my friend did that to me, they would be a crappy friend. Am I being a bad friend to myself?
Shouldn’t I be best friends with myself? Shouldn’t I have more faith in myself? Shouldn’t I care more about myself? Shouldn’t I be a better friend to myself? Shouldn’t I communicate with myself, understand who I am, what I want, what I like? Just like I’d get to know any human. It’s time to stop second-guessing every choice. It’s time to stop tallying, counting, take note. It’s time to do. It’s time to take action. It’s time to live.
I deserve a good relationship with others but it starts with me. If I were to name my 5 best friends, I wouldn't be on the list. This needs to change. I need to be my own best friend.
What are your thoughts on this mental health & self-care subject? Leave a comment & tell me a bit about yourself!
What are your thoughts on this mental health & self-care subject? Leave a comment & tell me a bit about yourself!
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