Ultimate Sitges Travel Guide: What to Do Alone

Visiting Sitges alone, a small community outside of Barcelona, is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the vibrant culture commonly found in the Catalonia Region of Spain.

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From endless beaches, a buzzing nightlife, decadent cuisine, Sitges is one place that won’t leave you disappointed.

Things To Do When Visiting Sitges Alone

Sitges is a small town nestled along the Catalonia coast of Spain just outside of Barcelona. Sitges is well known for its vibrant nightlife , stunning beaches, and lively festivals.

Sitges is a perfectly safe destination for solo travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re an experienced solo traveller or first-timer, I’ve provided some tips and “must-do’s” to help you make the most of your visit to Sitges.

1. Embrace the Local Culture

Sitges is a town that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage. Take the time to explore the local museums and galleries, such as the Maricel Museum and Cau Ferrat Museum.

These institutions offer a glimpse into the town’s artistic past and present, showcasing works from renowned artists who once called Sitges home. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the historic Old Town, with its narrow, winding streets and beautifully preserved architecture.

2. Enjoy the Beaches When Visiting Sitges Alone

One of the main draws of Sitges is its stunning coastline, featuring 17 sandy beaches. Each beach has its own unique vibe, catering to different types of travellers.

Platja de la Ribera is one of the most popular beaches, located right in the heart of the town. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Platja de Balmins, known for its tranquil setting and mixed nudist area. If you prefer a quieter spot, Platja de l’Home Mort is a secluded beach popular with the LGBTQ+ community.

JUST ONE TIP: Don’t be shocked to see topless sun tanners when visiting the beaches in Sitges

3. Participate in Local Festivals

Sitges is famous for its lively festivals, which are a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people.

The Sitges Carnival

The Sitges Carnival which is held in February, is one of the most spectacular events, featuring parades, costumes, and parties that light up the town.

Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival

Another highlight is the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, held in October, which attracts film enthusiasts from around the world. The town of Sitges is booming with excitement during the month of October.

Sitges Pride Festival

Sitges is well-known throughout the Catalonia Region as being a diverse community which is frequented by the LGBQ community. Sitges is proud to showcase it’s inclusivity and has designated the week of June 5th for its Pride Festival.

Grape Harvest Festival and Wine Tasting

This is one festival that wine lover’s won’t want to miss! When visiting October 18 – October 20, visitors will have the opportunity to join in the celebration of the Region’s greatest pride…..it’s wine!

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Sitges during any of these festivals, you can’t help but to leave with that “feel good” feeling.

JUST ONE TIP: For a full list of festivals taking place during your visit to Sitges, check the website of sitgesanytime.com

4. Explore the Outdoors

For nature lovers, Sitges offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Garraf Natural Park

Take a hike in the Garraf Natural Park, located just outside the town. The park boasts scenic trails with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.

Rent a Bike

You can also rent a bike and explore the coastal paths along the Mediterranean, explore the alleyways in historic Sitges, or bike to one of the local vineyards.

Water Sports

With so many beaches, there is endless opportunity to get out on the water and have some fun. Whether you prefer paddleboarding or kayaking, their are rentals available which allow you some relax time out on the water.

5. Indulge in the Local Cuisine

Catalonia is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Sitges is no exception. Many solo travellers feel uncomfortable dining alone, however Sitges has a plethora of friendly restaurants and tapas bars where you can enjoy a meal at your own pace and take in the vibrant scene surrounding you.

Try local specialties like “xató,” a salad made with endive, cod, and a rich romesco sauce, or savor fresh seafood dishes at one of the seaside restaurants. Don’t forget to indulge in some churros con chocolate for dessert, and you certainly can’t miss out on the tapas found only in Spain!

6. Stay in Centrally Located Accommodations

When travelling alone, it’s often more convenient and safer to stay in centrally located accommodations. Sitges has a wide range of lodging options, from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses.

Staying in the town center will put you within walking distance of the beaches, restaurants, and main attractions, making it easy to explore without the need for extensive transportation.

7. Take Advantage of Public Transport

If you want to explore beyond Sitges, the town is well-connected by public transport. The train station is located in the town center, providing easy access to Barcelona and other nearby destinations, including the famous Montseratt Monestary .

Trains to Barcelona run frequently, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. This makes it possible to enjoy day trips to explore the vibrant city life of Barcelona or visit other coastal towns along the Costa Brava.

8. Practice Basic Safety Precautions

Sitges is generally a safe destination, however, it’s always wise to practice basic safety precautions.

It’s important to keep your belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. It’s also a good idea to have a map or navigation app on hand to help you find your way around, especially if you’re exploring the town’s more remote areas.

9. Connect with Other Travellers

Sitges is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, so it’s easy to meet new people. Consider joining a local tour or activity, such as a guided walking tour or a cooking class, to connect with other visitors. Additionally, many bars and cafes in Sitges have a friendly atmosphere where you can strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.

10. Take Time to Relax

One of the best aspects of travelling alone is the freedom to set your own pace. Take the opportunity to relax and unwind in Sitges. Take time away from exploring to enjoy a quiet coffee at a seaside café, or take a peaceful walk along the promenade.

There is no shortage of people watching when visiting Sitges, which can keep you entertained for hours on end.

11. Stroll The Promenade

No visit to Sitges is complete without taking a leisurely stroll along the 2.5 km long promenade. Often times you will have the opportunity to stop to listen to local musicians along the way, or shop at vendor stands set up, or just simply take in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

JUST ONE TIP: It’s very easy to get distracted by the beauty and vibrancy while walking the promenade. It’s important to watch your footing as you will frequently transition from sidewalk to sand. Take it from me……I’m a klutz and tore all of the legaments and tendons in my ankle lol.

How To Get To Sitges From Barcelona

There are various options to get to Sitges From Barcelona, including car, bus, taxi, and rail.

Car

While Sitges is only 20 minutes by car, finding parking once you arrive can be difficult to say the least. However, if you opt to drive, C32 will take you directly from Barcelona to Sitges.

Bus

There’s no doubt that taking the bus is a cost effective way to get to Sitges from Barcelona, it will take at least 1 hour, if not longer. The cost will range between 4 and 8 Euros or $6.00 – $10.00 Canadian.

Taxi

Taking a taxi to Sitges is always an option. Although it’s quick, it’s also the most expensive way to travel. Travelling from Barcelona to Sitges will take approximately 1 hour, however, it will cost at minimum a wopping $190.00 Canadian, plus tolls (yes there is a toll road between Barcelona and Sitges).

Train

Europe is known for its efficient rail system, and in my opinion, this is the best way to travel from Barcelona to Sitges.

The train departs from Rodalies de Catalunya every 20 minutes and takes approximately 45 minutes from Barcelona to Sitges. You can expect to pay approximately $7.00 Canadian (one way).

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sitges

There is no bad time to visit Sitges. Anytime is a good time in my opinion.

May – September

Beachlovers will want to visit during the Summer months between May and September, however, remember that this is peak season and it’s extremely busy! If you love the beach and the excitement of crowds, then June – September is the best time for you to visit.

March-May and October

I personally prefer visiting any destination during the off-season between March and May or in October. These months are slightly cooler, however, they are much less crowded which provides a better opportunity to explore without the crowds.

JUST ONE TIP: Travelling during off-season is less expensive

November-February

November to February is considered to be Winter in Sitges, however, it’s nothing like our Canadian Winters! When visiting Sitges during the Winter months, you can still expect temperatures to hoover around 15 Celsius, with sunny skies. The Winter months are the ideal time to visit Sitges for travellers seeking, relaxation and no crowds.

JUST ONE TIP: Winter in Sitges offers festivals galore. To participate in the excitement, I recommend visiting Sitges in February to experience the Sitges Carnival, one of Catalonia’s oldest and one of Europe’s best carnivals.

In Conclusion

So as you can see, visiting Sitges alone will leave you with memories that will last a life-time. Being a small town girl myself, I fell in love with the people, beaches, and most of all, the vibrancy of this small community. I’m anxious to return to explore more. I know once you visit Sitges, you’ll feel exactly as I do.

Yours in Travel 🙂

SAVE FOR YOUR VISIT TO SITGES!