An easy escape from the city
When Barcelona's city beaches feel too busy, many locals and visitors head south to Sitges. Trains from the city take around 40 minutes, following the coast past the cliffs of the Garraf massif, where the line passes through tunnels and opens onto glimpses of the sea.
Sitges is a well-established resort with a strong cultural life, a famous carnival and a long-standing reputation as one of Europe's most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers.
The town and its beaches
The old town sits on a small headland topped by a baroque church, with narrow streets of white houses leading down to the sea. Several small museums, including one in the former home of a modernist artist, are worth a visit if you want a break from the sun.
From the headland, a long seafront promenade runs past a series of sandy beaches separated by breakwaters. They are generally calm, with shallow water and good facilities, and they get quieter the further you walk from the centre.
Garraf village
Between Barcelona and Sitges, the tiny village of Garraf has one of the most charming beaches on this coast. A row of small green-and-white wooden beach huts, once used by fishermen, lines the sand below the railway, and the bay is sheltered by cliffs.
It has a train station of its own, but not every train stops there, so check the timetable. The surrounding Garraf natural park has walking trails through limestone hills with views over the Mediterranean.
Food and evenings
Sitges has a wide choice of restaurants, from beachfront spots serving paella and grilled fish to tapas bars in the old town. The local sweet wine, Malvasia de Sitges, is a traditional speciality worth trying.
Evenings are lively in summer, with bars and terraces around the old town. If you would rather stay by the sea than in the city, the site's hotel search includes Sitges, and it is easy to combine with a few nights in Barcelona.
When to go
Summer brings warm water and crowds, especially at weekends. Late spring and early autumn are often ideal, with pleasant sea temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere. Even in winter, Sitges is a lovely place for a seafront walk and a long lunch in the sun.
Good to know
- Sit on the sea side of the train from Barcelona for coastal views.
- Check which trains stop at Garraf before setting out.
- Walk away from the centre for quieter beaches.