Barcelona Day Trip to Sitges

Sun, Sea and the Charming Streets of Sitges
Located just 30 minutes southwest of Barcelona, the coastal town of Sitges is a dreamy escape offering a relaxing, historic atmosphere far from the busy city. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Garraf mountains, Sitges is famous for its elegant seafront promenade, beautiful beaches, and charming Old Town full of tapas bars and boutiques. Sitges is a shimmering gem, with rainbow-colored espadrilles hanging from whitewashed walls, bright bougainvillea and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. There's plenty to do in Sitges all year round, whether you want a lazy beach day, cava by the sea or a wild night out.

Getting to Sitges from Barcelona
The easiest way to reach Sitges from Barcelona is by train, it's a direct ride from Barcelona Sants station and you'll arrive in about 45 minutes. Pro tip: Snag a window seat for incredible views of either the mountains or the sparkling Mediterranean.

Just don’t miss the last train back—unless you’re feeling adventurous. After a few too many glasses of cava, we missed the train and couldn't find a taxi back to the city. So, we ended up taking a midnight swim in the moonlit sea.

Beaches in Sitges

Sitges is a coastal town in Catalonia, no surprise it boasts plenty of sandy spots to watch the waves. Platja de la Bassa Rodona is the main beach, lively and popular, while Platja de Sant Sebastià is smaller and more family-friendly. Whether you're in the mood to swim, sunbathe, or just people-watch, there's a beach for every mood.

Exploring Sitges

During a recent trip to Barcelona, Sitges was high on my list. My plan was to wander with my camera, sit in the bay with my book, and take the train back to Barcelona. But nstead of a solo day trip to Sitges, I ended up on a spontaneous adventure!

When traveling solo, I prefer to stay in hotels geared toward freelancers and digital because there's usually a more social atmosphere. And I opted for a private room at a lively boutique hostel in central Barcelona. One day, while lounging at the rooftop pool, I befriended two other adventurous female solo travelers. It seemed like we would make a decent travel trio, so I invited them to join me on a day trip to the adorable beach town of Sitges.

We arrived in the afternoon and walked along the promenade that curves around the outskirts of the Old Town before exploring the interior twisting streets.

If you’re a fan of art and history, like me, check out The Maricel Museum or Cau Ferrat Museum. Both offer collections of Catalan and Spanish art, housed in gorgeous historic buildings with sea views. We didn’t go inside this time but the architecture alone is worth a look.

As the sun lowered, we made our way up to a rooftop bar for happy hour to catch panoramic sunset view of the sea mountain range surrounding the town. Once dusk settled in, we decided that a few more plates of tapas were in order — our day of exploring really worked up our appetite. Sitges has plenty of options for fresh seafood, tapas, and traditional Catalan dishes. We watched the sunset from a rooftop bar and then filled our bellies with pintxos (Basque-style tapas). If you're in the mood for something special, grab a seaside table. When it comes to Spanish tapas, the more, the better, I can't get enough grilled asparagus, crispy bread with aioli, thick olives and blistered pimetos de Padrón! As it turns out, you don't even need to hit a club to party in Siges. Just find a friendly waiter who makes sure your glass is never empty.

I’ll be the first to admit, it can be hit or miss exploring a new place with strangers. Luckily, our particular trio had a good vibe. Our day was filled with stories of travel and studying abroad. Meeting like-minded people is one of my favorite things about traveling solo. I tend to have these experiences more frequently when I explore solo rather than with a friend. So, I hope this story inspires you to get out and explore on your own. You'll make memories and maybe a new friend along the way.