Description of Sitges & Vilanova i la Geltru
When visiting Barcelona, Sitges should be on your list of day trips along with Montserrat Monastery & mountain or Sitges could be considered as an ideal holiday destination due to it's proximity to Barcelona.
This page gives an overview of what to do and see in Sitges and nearby Vilanova I la Geltrú.
Why Visit Sitges?
- Festivals: in a beach town south of barcelona every month there is a different festival. (see the Sitges Day Trip page for a festival calendar).
- Postcard views: of whitewashed Mediterranean houses, and over 4 kilometres of long sandy beaches, including a clothing optional beach.
- Culture: Sitges is a favorite of artists, poets and painters. The headland in the middle of town has the prominent Church of Saint Bartholomew, Iglesia de San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla, around which sit multiple museums such as Cau Ferrat, Maricel Mucseum, Maricel Palace, Stampfili Foundation as well as art galleries in the town centre.
- beaches: 4 kilometres of long natural sandy beaches, including a clothing optional nudist beach. (see the Sitges Day Trip page for a Sitges beach Guide)
- LGBT Friendly: hosting the annual Gay pride Sitges festival at the beginning of June. Open minded town all year round.
- Sitges Boulevard along the seafront is a broad palm tree lined boulevard full of bars and restaurants, opening till late in the evening.
- Medieval Walls: Historic centre of Sitges has remains of the medieval city wall which can be viewed from the terrace of Bar La Guineu de Sitges.
- Artisan and Boutique shopping: in the narrow carrer Mayor street that provide great photo opportunities.
- Hiking in Garraf Natural Park: The GR-92 coastal path runs the whole length of the Mediterranean coastline passes via the Garraf park. I have included a section of this trail from Garraf to Sitges.
About Vilanova I la Geltrú
Taking the train one stop further along from Sitges is the town of Vilanova I la Geltrú. Here you will find a railway Museum full of steam trains and the opportunity for activities such as paddle surf, Se Kayak and SUP (Stand Up paddle).
Kayak, Surf and Paddle in Vilanova I la Geltrú
Getting to Sitges
The Rodalies R2 train from Barcelona-Estació de França, Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona-Sants takes only 35 minutes to get to Sitges and runs a daily frequent service of two to three trains every hour.
Trains on the R2 train line will terminate at Vilanova I la Geltrú or Sant Vicenç de Calders with the Sant Vicenç de Calders trains making less intermediate stops between Barcelona and Sitges.
Train Tip: These are double deck trains so sit on the top deck on the left side with respect to the direction of travel to get good views of the beaches, rocky coastline and small villages on the way to Sitges.
Click on an image below to find more detail more about the attractions in and near Sitges.
Happy Exploring!
