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Planning for the future: a day trip to Sitges

In light of the current situation that the world finds itself, there is a need for sensibility and responsibility. As the COVID-19 virus has halted travel plans for the foreseeable future. The most important thing for everyone now is to respect the measures in place and prioritize health and well-being. That is not to say that we should not have anything to look forward to for when normality resumes in the future. Therefore, we would like to give you the chance to learn about Sitges, a coastal spot near Barcelona, so that you can consider it as a future spot to travel to. In the meantime, we are hoping for good health to all and hope this blog can take your mind off things. Situated some 35 Km away from Barcelona, you can find the wonderful seaside town of Sitges. This area is known for its winding streets, charming buildings and, of course, its beach. In addition to this, it is one of the most welcoming communities, accepting people of all backgrounds and beliefs. This makes for a wonderful place to visit, especially when the yearly Sitges Carnival comes to town. This article will look to show you all the things you can enjoy doing on a day trip to Sitges. In the process, looking to show you why so many Barcelona locals have their summer beach houses here! Transport Before you set off to this beach town, you will need to know how to get there! Luckily enough, there are frequent trains that run to and from the centre of Barcelona. With most trains departing from Barcelona Sants train station, costing you around €15 for a day return, ideal! The train journey takes just over half an hour, depending on the service you get, but it is definitely our most recommended method of transport to and from here. You can, of course, get a bus or drive there, both of which will take around an hour each way. Beaches Sitges is home to some 17 beaches, which stretch across the coastline towards Castelldefels. The most popular one being the Platja de la Ribera, you can find this by casually walking down the hill from the train station, through the town, at the bottom. Here are many bars and restaurants for you to enjoy some sangria and tapas. The local delicacy of Sitges is called Xató, this is an almond and pepper based sauce that is usually enjoyed with salad or tuna/anchovies. Feel like a local with some of this treat after some swimming in the sea. Before this, we suggest working up an appetite by taking a surfing lesson with Escola Catalana de Surf, who are located on this main beach in Sitges. As for other beaches, we recommend travelling to the Garraf village beach, this finds itself between Sitges and Castelldefels. This beautiful beach is surrounded by the Garraf National Park. A former fishing town that is now a popular tourist destination. In Garraf you can even go to the Celler Guell, a winery built by Gaudí!  Casa Bacardí Sitges If you’re a fan of cocktails then sitges has it covered for you. Here you can visit the Casa Bacardí, a place of fun and partying- as well as learning! Find out more about the history and making process of Bacardí. Then get stuck in and make a wonderful Bacardí cocktail, learning about the flavours, distillation and much more on your day trip to Sitges. This is a great idea for a couple or even a birthday group, as they take private events where you can spend an afternoon making memories with your friends and family! Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla As you enjoy being at the Platja de la Ribera, you will notice the Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla church. This is simply a marvellous building that looks out to sea. It was consecrated in 1672 on the same site where two churches had previously stood, one Romanesque and one Gothic. With several altarpieces and a bell tower, this beautiful church really captures the imagination and is easily understandable as to why it is a focal point for the residents of Sitges. Museums in Sitges One of the best activities to do when exploring a new place is learn about its culture through its museums. Luckily enough, Sitges has some gems when it comes to this, keeping you busy on your day trip here. We believe that the following are the must-see museums in Sitges. Maricel Museum: Refurbed in 2015, come and explore the Maricel Museum, here you will find a collection of local art from Sitges and the surrounding Catalonia. There are Romanesque paintings and gothic work, showing you how the creative minds of this region were able to draw on the inspiration of their surroundings to make a masterpiece. Cau Ferrat Museum: This next museum was home to one of Catalonia’s leaders of the modernisme movement, Santiago Rusiñol, who lived and worked here along Sant Sebastià beach. Here you will find iron work, sculptures and other works of art from Rusiñol. As well as his collection of art that he admired throughout his life. This gives you a way to look into his life in a unique and intimate way. Another way in which this museum makes for a must-see among all lovers of art. Can Llopis Romanticism Museum: Lastly, this museum is set up in a neoclassical building that was home to the Llopis family for many years, being built in 1793. Here you will be able to pass through all the rooms of this house, such as the music room. All contain pieces of art and other historical features, such as a Parisian harp. Most have been here since the beginning of the museum.  We look forward to being here to welcome you back to Barcelona and its surrounding area in the future. Allowing you to explore one of Europe’s most magical cities. We should now, we’ve been writing about it for years! Take care and remember, tough times don’t last but tough people do. Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long term apartments across Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Sandra Roig

Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long term apartments across Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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10 Comments

  1. I always wanted to go back to Spain one day so it’s nice to have something to look forward to. I’ve done Tarragona and Barcelona for a day and Salou but Sitges was one we didn’t have time for. Next time it’ll be top of the list!

    I had thought of doing it as a day trip from elsewhere like Salou but actually transport directly from Barcelona seems very convenient. My old school friend has been in Barcelona for the past year and a half working there as a teacher and loves it, so I’ll have to ask whether he’s been to much of Sitges. I hadn’t realised just how big the place is given it has 17 beaches, nor that there’s a winery in Garraf built by Gaudi himself. Wouldn’t mind learning a little more about that. There’s definitely more to Sitges than it seems to get publicity for, it’s not a sleepy coastal area for an hour long day trip, it actually has a lot to offer. I’m a sucker for museums so we could probably spend a whole day in those alone.

    1. Hi Dani,

      Thanks for your comment, we really appreciate it.

      That’s great to hear that Sitges is on the top of your list! It is well worth the visit, as we hope this article suggests.

      Yes the transport to and from Sitges are a main benefit due to being so reliable. Yes, getting advice from someone there is always the best protocol.

      I would also say that Sitges is deceptively large, with an amazing community that are very friendly and look to give visitors a memorable visit.

      Yes, the Gaudí winery would be an incredible place to visit, as well as all of the museums we have mentioned!

      We hope you get to visit soon.

      Kind regards,
      Owen

      On behalf of AB Apartment Barcelona

  2. Just a note, the train ticket cost 4€10 one way (8€20 return) , and you can catch the train from every train station in Barcelona. As the last train from Sitges to Barcelona is at 11:15pm, roughly, I recommend to stay there at least 1 night or more! Enjoy the trip, it’s worth it!

    1. Hi Michelle,

      Thanks for your contribution. Just double checked and you’re right, our apologies! Our €15 pricing came from a 2 person return, thanks for your correction.

      Yes, with the last train at around 11.15pm, staying for 1 night would be a great idea.

      Thanks again for your comment.

      Kind regards,
      Owen

      On behalf of AB Apartment Barcelona

  3. Barcelona is one of my favourite European cities but even then I sometimes feel I need a break from its intensity. Next time I visit I’ll definitely make time to call in on Sitges for a breath of fresh air.

    1. Hi Liz,

      Thanks for your comment, it means a lot to us.

      That is 100% the best way to be. As much as we love our city of Barcelona, sometimes a break from it all is very welcome. That is why we often look to research interesting day trips to have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. As well as Sitges, we recommend Tarragona, Sabadell and Castelldefels.

      Thanks again for your contribution,

      Kind regards,
      Owen

      On behalf of AB Apartment Barcelona

  4. I have had Barcelona high on my travel list for quite a while. Spain was one of the first European countries I wanted to visit a few years ago but landed on Italy instead. So I’m definitely looking forward to going there one day and enjoying their food and wine. Also, I liked the last part where you said tough people can make it through tough times, that was a thoughtful touch and it helped to read that…

    1. Dear Larry,

      Thank you for your thoughtful contribution, we really appreciate it.

      We hope you enjoyed Italy, I managed to spend a month there last summer travelling around the south of the country and it was amazing.
      The food and wine of Spain is amazing, we recommend the Vermut when in Barcelona or other parts of Catalonia. The time will come soon enough, our articles on here are focused on Barcelona and its surrounding area- hopefully they can be of use.

      Glad to hear you enjoyed that. At these times, remembering how far you come on a daily basis can boost your emotion and bring about a PMA.

      Take care, Larry.
      Kind regards,
      Owen

      On behalf of AB Apartment Barcelona

  5. This article makes me feel hopeful that yes, we can still plan for the future. Travel is certainly going to be one of the things people will be looking forward to when this is all over. Sitges was never in my sights when visiting Barcelona, but it seems like it’s a worthy one-day detour to enjoy the beaches and the carnival. It will be something new and exciting to experience.

    1. Dear Salvatorre,

      Thank you for your wonderful comment.

      Yes, most people will already be thinking about where they can look forward to getting away to once this situation is over. That was the idea behind the article.

      The beaches alone are magnificent and this town is unlike others in Spain due to its historic and communal feel. If you can plan to go for carnival then you definitely should! However, due to this event being so popular it is hard to get away for a final train. Therefore, we recommend getting an earlier train back to Barcelona or trying to stay in Sitges on the night.

      Kind regards and stay positive!

      Best,
      Owen

      On behalf of AB Apartment Barcelona

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