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Barcelona to Sitges Classic Car Rally | Vintage Cars & Coastal Views

Since 1959, the Sitges Classic Car Rally has brought vintage cars and period fashion from Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter to the seaside promenade of Sitges

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by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 3k

About the Barcelona Sitges Classic Car rally

The first edition of the Rally was held on 8 February 1959 and contained twenty cars with the number of participating cars increasing substantially since then. At the time of the first event the route took the only road to Sitges which is now what is known as the C31 which from Castelldefels follows in parts a cliff top road with curves that snake along the coast before arriving at the Aiguadolç area of Sitges to head into the centre of town.

The cars are from the 1920s and 1930s period with all drivers and passengers dressed in period costumes from the time of manufacture of their vehicles. Originally the event was conceived as a sporting event with all vehicles having to maintain a timed speed on the uphill and downhill sections of the coastal road. Nowadays it is just for fun.

At the end of the rally the vehicles park up in Passeig de la Ribera in Sitges in front of the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla church for the spectators to admire the vehicles and costumed drivers and passengers.

Visiting the Barcelona to Sitges Classic Car Rally 2026

The next edition of the Barcelona to Sitges Classic Car Rally will take place on Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March 2026.

Saturday 28th February 2026 – Exhibition Day

Sunday 1st March 2026 – Rally Day

The Rally Begins in Plaça Sant Jaume

In the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Jaume transforms into a portal to the early 20th century. Beneath the stately facades of the Ajuntament and Palau de la Generalitat, rows of gleaming vintage cars and motorcycles line the cobblestones, their brass fittings catching the morning light. Drivers and passengers, dressed in period attire — velvet coats, cloche hats, leather goggles — mingle with curious onlookers as the square fills with the scent of engine oil and anticipation.

The motorcycles — with exposed engines, leather saddles, and springer forks — stand proudly beside their four-wheeled counterparts, evoking the spirit of early road travel. Nearby, a beautifully restored 1920s coach from Sagalés — one of Catalonia’s oldest transport companies — showcases the elegance of group travel in a slower, more stylish age. With its rounded rear, wooden-framed windows, and blue-and-white livery, the bus is a rolling tribute to the golden era of public transport.

It’s a moment suspended in time: the rumble of pre-war engines, the click of cameras, and the hum of swing music echoing off stone walls. As the rally prepares to depart, the vehicles stand proudly like museum pieces in motion, ready to retrace the historic coastal route to Sitges.

Midpoint Magic: The Costas del Garraf

As the rally leaves the urban sprawl behind, the convoy enters one of the most breathtaking segments of the route — the Costas del Garraf. This cliff-hugging coastal road, carved into the rugged limestone hills, offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and dramatic curves that test the mettle of vintage engines.

Here, the procession of classic cars and motorcycles becomes a moving postcard: open-top roadsters gliding past turquoise coves, leather-clad motorcyclists leaning into the bends, and the occasional honk echoing off the rock face. The sunlight flickers through tunnels and glints off polished chrome, while spectators gather at scenic pull-offs to wave and snap photos.

One of the best places to catch the rally in motion is just a 2-minute walk from Garraf train station. From there, you can reach a vantage point along the coastal road where the vehicles pass in full view — framed by sea cliffs and Mediterranean light.

Though there’s no formal stop at Garraf, this midpoint offers a natural pause in the journey. Some vehicles slow to enjoy the view, others pull over briefly near Garraf beach or the old train station, where the contrast between vintage transport and timeless landscape is especially striking.

It’s where the rally breathes — a moment of wind, sea, and motion before the final push into Sitges.

Winding Through the Heart of Sitges

After the sweeping curves of the Garraf coast, the rally makes its first ceremonial stop at the Hotel Port d’Aiguadolç. While the location sits beside the marina, the sea view is largely obscured by rows of holiday apartments — a stark contrast to the elegance of the vehicles arriving. Still, the charm of the moment isn’t lost: vintage cars and motorcycles gather in tight formation, engines cooling, drivers chatting, and spectators getting their first close-up look before the final push into town.

From here, the convoy begins its dramatic entrance into Sitges town centre. The wide coastal road narrows into winding pedestrian lanes, and the rally transforms into a slow-moving spectacle. Open-top tourers, brass-era motorcycles, and three-wheeled rarities weave through the labyrinth of cobbled streets, their engines echoing off stone walls and balconies.

Spectators line the route shoulder-to-shoulder, pressed against doorways and storefronts as the vehicles pass within arm’s reach. The town becomes a living stage — feathered hats and fur coats waving from windows, children perched on shoulders, and cameras flashing from every angle.

Finally, the procession spills out onto Passeig de la Ribera, greeted by the sea breeze and the applause of thousands. The cars fan out beneath the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla church, their polished chrome and brass catching the afternoon sun. It’s the perfect finale — a celebration of heritage, elegance, and the joy of the journey.

End the Day in Style

After a day steeped in vintage charm, coastal beauty, and cultural discovery, there’s no better way to unwind than with a leisurely dinner in Sitges. Choose one of the town’s standout restaurants from the Barcelona Travel Hacks Sitges guide, and treat yourself to a meal that matches the elegance of the rally itself.

For a truly memorable experience, I personally recommend the beachfront restaurants along Platja de Sant Sebastià. With tables just steps from the sand and views of the headland of historic buildings, these spots offer a relaxed yet refined atmosphere — perfect for reflecting on the day’s highlights.

And since you’re not driving a vintage car back to Barcelona — but hopping on a comfortable 45-minute train ride — go ahead and order that bottle of wine or cava. Toast to the timeless beauty of classic motoring and the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Accessibility & What to Bring

The rally unfolds in the heart of Sitges’ historic town centre, where narrow pedestrian streets, cobbled lanes, and charming alleyways set the scene. The town slopes gently downhill from the train station to the seafront, making for a pleasant walk — though some streets include steps or uneven surfaces. If mobility is a concern, alternative step-free routes are available and well-marked, allowing access to key viewing areas without navigating stairs.

Most of the rally route is outdoors and exposed to the elements, so it’s wise to come prepared. Here’s what to bring:

There are plenty of cafés and public restrooms along the route, and Sitges is well-equipped for visitors with varying needs. Whether you're watching from the promenade or tucked into a quiet corner of the old town, the rally is designed to be enjoyed by everyone.

Barcelona Sitges Classic Car rally Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 9.20 FREE Child € 9.20 FREE Notes Classic car rally is free to watch, return train ticket costs 9.20 Euros

Getting to the Barcelona to Sitges Classic Car rally

Finish Line Address: Passeig de la Ribera S/N, Sitges, 08870

The rally begins in Plaça Sant Jaume, located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The nearest metro stop is Jaume I on the yellow line (L4), just steps from the square.

To reach Sitges for the finish, take the R2 Rodalies train from either Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona-Sants stations. Trains run frequently and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

For travel within Barcelona, use a T-Casual ticket or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which offers unlimited rides on metro, bus, tram, and train networks within the city.

Train fare to Sitges: €9 return

Documents for Barcelona Sitges Classic Car rally

Route Map of the Barcelona Sitges Classic Car rally

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