Day Trip to Sitges from Barcelona: A Great Seaside Getaway

A day trip to Sitges from Barcelona offers a relaxed seaside getaway with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, art museums, picturesque beaches, and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Each year, Sitges receives thousands of tourists and locals from Barcelona visiting to explore the cute town, relax at the beach, or enjoy one of the town’s many cultural offerings.

Especially on weekends and public Spanish holidays, Sitges is a very popular place to go for a day trip from Barcelona. So, if you’re planning on visiting on a weekend or a public holiday, I strongly recommend that you leave as early as possible from Barcelona to avoid getting on a too crowded train to Sitges.

I visited Sitges for the first time around 10 years ago on a weekend trip to Rat-Penat, a small residential area between Castelldefells and Sitges.

After moving to Barcelona in 2023, I visited Sitges a couple of times, including ending a hike from the nearby town of Vilanova i la Geltrú near Sitges.

In this post, I will cover how to best do a day trip to Sitges from Barcelona: how to get there and how to spend your day in Sitges!

Let’s get under the skin of Sitges!

The Complete Guide for a Day Trip to Sitges from Barcelona

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Day Trip to Sitges – Before You Go

Sitges is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona with its easy access, long white beaches, and cute old town.

Let’s dive into everything you need to plan the perfect Sitges day trip from Barcelona!

What is Sitges Best Known For?

Sitges is famous for its Mediterranean beaches, its charming whitewashed old town, stunning seafront promenade, and its lively cultural scene, including several art museums and popular cultural events, including the Sitges Film Festival and the Sitges Carnival.

Sitges is also famous for its open-minded, welcoming atmosphere, making it a very popular LGBTQ+ community travel destination, with plenty of inclusive bars, beach clubs, and annual Sitges Pride celebrations.

Where is Sitges?

Sitges is a coastal town south of Barcelona, with a direct train connection that takes about 40 minutes from the city center!

Sitges belongs to the Barcelona province of Catalonia and is known for its breathtaking Mediterranean views, a charming historic fishermen’s town, and several art museums.

Sitges is a charming old Catalan seaside town that is a perfect day trip destination from Barcelona!

Sitges, Spain, Map

Check out all the best things to do in Sitges, Spain, on the map. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app

How to Get From Barcelona to Sitges?

A day trip to Sitges is super easy because both transportation from Barcelona city center to Sitges as well as getting around Sitges, is very easy!

You have multiple choices for traveling from Barcelona to Sitges. You can opt for a train or bus journey, or decide to rent a car and drive to Sitges yourself.

Let’s explore them together!

From Barcelona to Sitges by Train

The train is the most convenient option for a Sigtes day trip from Barcelona.

The train ride from Barcelona to Sitges only takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the train you catch. This makes Sigtes one of the easiest beach towns to visit on a day trip from Barcelona.

To get from Barcelona to Sitges by train, you need to take the R2 Sud Rodalies Cercanías train from Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, or Estació Sants in Barcelona.

The last stops on the R2 train to Sitges are Vilanova i la Geltru or St. Vincenç de Calders. So, keep an eye out for these two names when you are looking for the right train to Sitges.

The train ride from Barcelona to Sitges takes around 40 minutes and costs €5.05.

You can purchase train tickets to Sitges from automated machines or the ticket offices at the stations in Barcelona.

You can also purchase the ticket online with Trainline or in the Renfe Cercanías app.

When you purchase with Trainline, you get an electronic ticket on your phone with a QR code.

When you arrive at the station, you will need to find the entrance port with a small red light on the front side (not all of them have one at the Passeig de Gracia station). Scan the QR from your phone, and the doors open!

On Trainline, you can also check the timetable for the trains to Sitges! And the site is super easy to use and shows the different options available for the day you are looking to visit Sitges.

From Barcelona to Sitges by Bus

A less-frequently used way of getting to Sitges from Barcelona is by bus.

The bus company Bus Garraf operates the buses from Barcelona to Sitges, leaving from Plaça Espanya and various stops on Avenida Diagonal in the center of Barcelona, as well as Barcelona’s Airport, El Prat.

The bus stops several places in the center of Sitges, as well as at Sitges Camping.

The bus route from Barcelona to Sitges is slightly longer than the train ride, about one hour and 30 minutes.

A one-way ticket by bus from Barcelona to Sitges costs 6.35€.

The bus leaves once every hour from Barcelona, and the same for returning from Sitges to Barcelona. You can check the timetable at Bus Garraf’s website.

I have never taken the bus to Sitges, because it simply didn’t make sense to me, as the train is so much easier to use.

Because of that, I’m also not entirely sure how it works with the bus tickets. I believe you can buy them on the bus because it isn’t possible to pay for them through the Bus Garraf website or any of the ticket platforms I normally use.

From Barcelona to Sitges by Car

Instead of taking either the train or the bus from Barcelona to Sitges, you can also turn your day trip to Sitges into a road trip and rent a car in Barcelona and drive to Sitges.

Renting a car for your Sitges day trip is especially beneficial if you want to bring a lot of stuff with you or you want additional freedom to make stops along the way.

The car ride from Barcelona to Sitges takes around 40 minutes. From Barcelona, head south on the C-32 highway until you reach the turn to Sitges.

Rent a Car for Your Sitges Day Trip

From Barcelona to Sitges with Private Transfer

For a complete hassle-free experience of visiting Sitges, you can also hire a private transfer and taxi to drive you from Barcelona to Sitges.

Renting a private transfer is especially beneficial if you’re traveling in a larger group or with older family members.

A private transfer or taxi is the pricier option, but definitely also the more comfortable one. You can easily book a private transfer to Sitges with GetTransfer.com.

How to Get Around Sitges?

Sitges is a small and very walkable town, so it is very easy to get around once you arrive. Here are the best options for getting around Sitges!

• Walking – The best and easiest way to get around Sitges is by walking. Most attractions are within walking distance, and it’s hard (some places even impossible) to get a car through the charming but narrow streets of Sitges’ old town. The beautiful surroundings by the Mediterranean Sea and the old town, definitely, make it worth walking around to explore Sitges and soak in the atmosphere. It is a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable shoes for your Sitges day trip, as you will be doing a lot of walking!

• Taxi – Taxis are available in Sitges in case you want to get around quicker. However, the many times I visited Sitges, I have never felt the need to take a taxi because I much rather want to stroll through the town.

• Public Transport – Local buses are circulating in Sitges, but as with the taxis, I never needed to use them. For a day trip to Sitges from Barcelona, you will not really need public transportation, since most of the popular attractions and things to do in Sitges are located in and around the old town and very close to each other.

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Sitges Day Trip Itinerary: What to Do in Sitges in One Day?

Now it is time to explore Sitges a bit more! There are many things to do in Sitges that it can be hard to fit them all into just one day in Sitges.

I have tried to select what I think is realistic to cover on a day trip to Sitges with this day trip itinerary.

So, let’s explore what to do in Sitges in one day!

Explore Sitges with a tour

Morning: Old Town & Museum

I recommend that you aim to arrive early in Sitges from Barcelona to get the most out of your day trip.

Arriving early will also allow you to explore some of the more popular areas in Sitges before the crowds of other day trippers from Barcelona arrive in Sitges.

Explore Sitges Old Town & Church of Sant Bartomeu

Start your Sitges day trip by exploring Sitges’ old town with its narrow cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses.

Centuries ago, Sitges was a fishermen’s village, and the cute whitewashed houses in Sitges’ Old Town are the old houses where the local fishermen used to live.

When exploring Sitges’ Old Town, don’t miss a visit to Sitges’ 15th-century church, Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.

Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, also called Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla in Catalan, is relatively small with a beautiful Baroque interior. The entrance to the church is free of charge.

The church is located on a small hill in the old town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Sitges’ seaside promenade and some of Sitges’ most popular beaches.

From the square in front of the church, a large staircase leads down to the Sitges Seaside promenade, and it’s a great spot to snap pictures of Sitges.

Sitges’ Old Town is a tourist hotspot featuring restaurants, tapas bars, ice cream shops, and small boutiques selling everything from souvenirs to clothing.

During the day, the narrow streets quickly get crowded, so the earlier you start exploring Sitges’ Old Town, the better.

Visit a Museum in Sitges

Sitges has an impressive number of museums and stunning architectural gems for such a small town, and it is honestly hard to fit a visit to all Sitges’ museums into a Sitges day trip.

So, I recommend that you spend the rest of your morning in Sitges’ old town visiting one of Sitges’ museums:

• Museu Cau Ferrat – A local art museum featuring works by several Catalan artists, including Santiago Rusiñol, Pablo Picasso, among others. The building that houses Museu Cau Ferrat used to be Santiago Rusiñol’s private home and workshop, and the exhibitions include artifacts collected by Rusiñol
• Museu Maricel – Located right next to Museu Cau Ferrat, Museu Maricel showcases a diverse collection of art ranging from medieval to modern times. The museum features paintings, sculptures, and maritime artifacts that tell the story of Sitges’ artistic and cultural heritage.
• Palau de Maricel – An impressive palace built in the early 20th century by American art collector Charles Deering and designed by Miquel Utrillo. The Palau combines Gothic and Mediterranean styles, and can be visited through guided tours showcasing the stunning architecture.
• Fundació Stämpfli – A contemporary art foundation located near the historic center of Sitges, featuring over 90 works from international artists focusing on post-war and modern European art movements.. The collection was created by Swiss artist Peter Stämpfli and his wife Anna Maria.

After Sitges’ museums, I think it’s about time for a lunch break!

Lunch with Seaside Views

Since Sitges is a very popular beach holiday destination for most locals and international travelers, there are plenty of tapas bars and restaurants to choose from for lunch.

For a more traditional restaurant experience where you can try traditional Catalan cuisine, head to La Fragata.

La Fragata is located right by the staircase from the Church of Sant Bartomeu and in front of the Platja de la Fragata.

Vivero Beach Club is a popular option with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and plenty of seafood options.

For a more relaxed beach-vibe place for lunch, head to one of the many beach bars, chiringuito, along the Sigtes Beach.

A chiringuito is a small beach bar or restaurant typically found along the coastline, serving refreshing drinks, tapas, and fresh seafood. The chiringuitos are the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch in Sitges with your feet in the sand.

Wander Along Seaside Promenade

After lunch, take a stroll along Sitges’ seaside promenade, Passeig Maritim.

Passeig Maritim stretches from Platja de la Fragata by the staircase to the Church of Sant Bartomeu all the way to Platja de les Anquines and the massive hotel ME Sitges Terramar.

Right in front of Platja de la Ribera, you will find a moment for Facundo Bacardí Massó, the founder of the world-famous rum brand, Bacardí.

Mr. Bacardí was a Sitges local. In 1828, he left Sitges and went to Cuba, where he founded the Bacardi rum distillery.

The Bacardí monument in Sitges was created in 2009 in honor of Mr. Bacardí. The monument features the iconic Bacardí logo within a circle and two hands that look like they are lifting it up.

Along the promenade, you’ll experience some of Sitges’ beautiful modernist architecture, and the further away you get from the center of Sitges, the more impressive the houses and mansions by the promenade get.

Afternoon at the Beach (and optional Hidden Gem)

No day trip to Sitges would be complete without spending some time at one of its beautiful beaches!

Relax at Sitges Beach

To end your day trip in Sitges by spending the afternoon relaxing at Sitges beach.

Sitges is famous for its 10.5-mile (17 kilometers) long stretch of sandy coastline. Sitges coastline makes up 19 different beaches, each with its own vibe and atmosphere.

Platja de la Ribera is located right in front of the town center and offers a lively and busy atmosphere. It is one of the most popular beaches in Sitges and a great place to swim, sunbathe, or people-watch.

The beaches get less and less busy the further away you come from the town center and Platja de la Ribera. At the far end of Sitges’ seaside promenade, you have Platja de les Anquines, one of the quietest beaches in Sitges. By Platja de la Anquines, you also have a small dog beach.

On the opposite side of Sitges Old Town from Platja de la Ribera, you will find Platja de Sant Sebastià (Sant Sebastià Beach), a beach with a more relaxed setting and beautiful views of the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.

For a more relaxed beach away from the town center, head to Platja d’Aiguadolç behind Sitges port area. Platja d’Aiguadolç is located a 15-minute walk from Sitges’ city center.

Sitges is also known for its inclusive and open-minded atmosphere, and several of its beaches are LGBTQ+ friendly, especially Platja de la Bassa Rodona.

The beaches are all within walking distance from the train station, making it super easy to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea before ending your Sitges day trip.

Bonus Hidden Gem in Sitges: Wine Tasting at the Malvasia Interpretation Center

The Malvasia Interpretation Center is one of the best-kept hidden gems in Sitges, and is completely worth a visit if you have time on your day trip to Sitges!

The Malvasia grape is an ancient grape variety that can only grow in very specific climates, among which is the Mediterranean climate in Sitges.

Sitges has a long winemaking tradition, and the Malvasia grape holds a special place in the town’s history. At the Malvasia Interpretation Center in Sitges, Centre d’Interpretació de la Malvasia de Sitges in Catalan, you can learn more about the Malvasia grape, its importance for Sitges, and taste some of the locally produced Malvasia wine.

The Malvasia grape variety was once about to disappear, but thanks to the efforts of the local Sant Joan Baptista Hospital in Sitges, the tradition of producing Malvasia wine has been carefully preserved.

At the Malvasia Visitor Center, you can learn about the fascinating history behind this sweet, aromatic Malvasia wine and how it became such an important part of Sitges’ cultural heritage.

The guided tour includes visits to areas normally closed to the public, such as the small urban vineyard in the center of Sitges and the modernist Joan Baptista Hospital complex.

At the end of the guided tour, there is a tasting session where you can sample different styles of Malvasia, from classic dessert wines to more modern, dry varieties.

A visit to the Malvasia Interpretation Center is a wonderful way to learn more about Sitges’ history and taste local flavor in one visit. After your tasting, you can also stop by the on-site shop to bring a bottle (or two) home as a souvenir from your Sitges adventure!

Honestly, the Malvasia Interpretation Center is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Sitges, and it is still very much a hidden gem in Sitges!

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Get the Most Out of a Day Trip to Sitges

Sitges offers a great mixture of beautiful historical buildings, art museums, and picturesque beaches.

To get the most out of your time in Sitges, here are some ideas for top-rated tours and activities in Sitges and some of the popular guided day trips to Sitges from Barcelona if you prefer to go with a tour.

There are plenty of things to do in Sitges to spend longer than one day in this charming town, so if you have time in your Barcelona itinerary, I recommend turning your Sitges day trip into a longer stay.

Top-rated Tours & Activities in Sitges

Here are some of the most popular tours and activities to do in Sitges:

• Guided Tour of Sitges
• Sitges Food Tour
• Free Walking Tour of Sitges (in Spanish only)
• Photo Walking Tour in Sitges
• Self-Guided Tour of Sitges with Audio Guide
• Guided Walking Tour of Sitges with Breakfast and Tapas
• Wine tasting tour from Sitges to Penedes
• Wine Tasting of Natural and Organic Wines near Sitges

Popular Guided Day Trips to Sitges From Barcelona

There are a couple of top-rated guided Sitges day trips if you are short on time and prefer to visit Sitges with a guided tour:

• Day Trip to Sitges with a Shared Car
• Day Trip to Sitges with wine tasting & tapas
• Tarragona and Sitges Tour with Small Group
• Private Day Trip to Sitges with Hotel Pick-up
• Private Day Trip to Sitges with Paella Experience

Personally, I find it so easy to take the train from Barcelona to Sitges on my own that I would recommend signing up for a guided tour once you’re in Sitges.

This gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore with town on your own and get a bit off the tourist trail.

Where to Stay in Sitges?

Sitges is one of the absolute most popular destinations to visit from Barcelona, and according to Sitges Anytime, in 2024, Sitges received 467,929 overnight staying tourists!

So, there are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels in Sitges to choose from if you want to extend your day trip!

Here are some of the most popular hotels in Sitges:

• ME Sitges Terramar Hotel – A stylish 5-star hotel located in a quiet part of Sitges with a pool area, restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly. I stayed here with my husband and mother-in-law.
• Alenti Sitges Hotel – Mid-range boutique hotel located in the heart of Sitges’ Old Town.
• Hotel MiM – Centrally located mid-range hotel with an outdoor pool area, a few meters from the beach.
• Hotel Medium Romantic – Budget-friendly hotel in Sitges located in a 19th-century mansion with a beautiful patio.

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Final Thoughts: Is Sitges Worth Visiting?

Yes, Sitges is definitely worth visiting! There is a reason why Sitges is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona!

A day trip to Sitges offers both relaxing beach time as well as more cultural activities like visiting one of the town’s many art museums and admiring Sitges’ beautiful modernist architecture.

Sitges is a great seaside escape from Barcelona’s busy streets, with a more relaxed atmosphere, while there are still plenty of things to do and see!

Personally, I think you can easily spend longer than a day in Sitges, but if you are short on time, a day trip to Sitges is a great way to experience another side of Catalonia.

With this Sitges day trip guide, I hope I have given you inspiration on how to spend one day in Sitges and shown you how extremely easy it is to do a Sitges day trip from Barcelona!