The coastal resort of sun-soaked Sitges has a cosmopolitan, boho feel to it. It’s a place where sporty types, shoppers and foodies alike all flock to when Barcelona’s buzz doesn’t tempt them. But this town is a haven for beachgoers and party people in its own right, with a chock-full events calendar to boot. It’s also one of Spain’s best places for LGBTQI+ scenes!

With a summer climate in the mid-twenties, Jet2holidays here are jolly alright. Plus, thanks to cooler winter temperatures, keen golfers can tee off without breaking into a sweat. If that’s not the perfect balance, we don’t know what is.

Let us talk you through everything you need to know about Sitges…

The beaches

No sunshine getaway would be complete without a day or two at the beach, would it? Make sure you’ve packed your hat, towel, sun cream and a good book, because Sitges has a whopping 19 beaches along its coastline! The fine sand runs for 17km and you’ll find all sorts of different patches. Some are bigger, busier and have parasols and loungers, while others are quieter and more remote. Take Sant Sebastia Beach, for example – it’s top-notch for a peaceful, lazy day in the rays. Or there’s even Sausalito Beach, a snug cove around a 20-minute amble from the centre.

Plus, between June and September, you’ll be able to get stuck into a variety of seaside activities and water sports. Ever tried yoga outdoors? Now’s your chance. If long lunches while you flake out by the shore sound more up your street, the chiringuitos will be ready to seat and serve you.

The culture

Can’t go abroad without wanting to dig up the local culture? We hear you. Start with a walking route around Terramar or in the Port of Sitges and you’ll instantly get a sense of the Mediterranean. Not only does it dish up sights of swish yachts and all things nautical, you’ll find a smattering of restaurants, bars, ice cream parlours and cafés intermingled with palm trees and historical landmarks.

Speaking of, the fascinating Parròquia de Sitges is a church with stunning altarpieces, while Maricel Palace is another jaw-dropping must. You’ll have a museum there too, plus the Cau Ferrat. And when all’s said and done, you might want to put your feet up with a flick – Sitges has a fab reputation for cinema – or make a beeline for an art gallery. It’s also a renowned hotspot for hip boutiques and trendy delis.

The events*

Not sure when’s best to go? You might like your Sitges holiday to coincide with one of these:

• 6-14 February: Things get colourful at Sitges Carnival
• March: Go bohemian at Sitges Art Fair
• 25-31 March: Locals celebrate Sitges Holy Week
• March/April: Sitges Jazz Festival is alive with saxophones
• 18 May: It’s exhibitions galore on Sitges Museum Day
• 23-24 August: Sitges Festival is a two-day annual event
• October: You’ll find Sitges Film Festival wins gold for silver-screen footage

*Please note: Dates are subject to change

The LGBTQI+ scene

Sitges is not just an arty place, but a really welcoming and friendly one as well. It’s known for its great LGBTQI+ scene, thanks to a dedicated gay beach, lots of hotels, pubs and restaurants. Parrots Pub & Terrace and Central Bar are two favourites, with the former being a total suntrap as a bonus. Whether you go for a meal or just evening drinks at sunset, it’s equally fab.

And with its promise of everything from boat parties to live shows, Sitges Pride is an annual event not to be missed. It’s usually held in June, so check the dates online beforehand, then mark your calendars.

The nightlife

Between swanky rooftops and on-the-ground chill-out lounges, Sitges hits the nail on the head for bars. So, if you’re up for painting the town red, you won’t go home disappointed. It would be rude not to combine your evening out with a couple of pintxos dishes before working through those oh-so-tempting cocktail menus. Of course, you’ll spy your fair share of pint-pulling pubs here, alongside the odd cabaret show.

El Gin Tub is the place to be for botanical tipples served in quirky bathtubs with straws and diddy umbrellas, while Rich Monkey Bar offers a fun vibe with streaming neon lights, to name just two. You can’t beat just strolling around Sitges and seeing where you fancy though!

Eager to experience Sitges for yourself? We knew you would be!