Originally, a small seaside town around 30 miles south of Barcelona, Sitges started to become popular with gays in the early 1980’s and has developed into one of Europe’s many summer gay destinations. And it’s easy to see why.
The beach is something special with fine golden sands divided into some 20 plus bays and sectors. Three of these have now become popular with gays. The most convenient the Plays de la Passo Redondo or Picnic Bar beach named after the bar that overlooks it is right in the centre of town. To the far west, some 45 minutes walk away beyond the golf course is the gay nudist beach at Playa de los Muertes with it pine woods behind. This is the second bay along but in recent years the first bay has become increasingly gay also.
More recently since the local town hall permitted nudism nearer the town, a mixed gay nudist beach has developed just along from San Sebastian Playa at Playa de la Balmins.
Then the style of the town with still it’s Spanish heart of narrow streets now largely pedestrianised provides the sort of small intimate properties that are ideal for gay bars and restaurants as well as the many fashion shops and boutiques. So after your day on the beach, head for a pavement café and sip your early evening drink watching everyone else stroll back to their hotels – it’s the place to see and be seen. Or try an early evening in the Sitges Sauna celebrating its 16th anniversary in 2010.
And it’s well connected. Half an hour on the train north takes you to a day out in the exciting city of Barcelona or south to Tarragona and its Roman remains. And the connections extend to flights - most British regional airports in less that a two hour flight away and transfers to Sitges are quick and easy.
Two tips for Sitges:
Most hotels offer half board with “eat as much as you like” buffets. Breakfast is usually available until around 11am during the peak season and dinners from 19.30 to around 22.30. These offers are much cheaper than eating out in local restaurants and can really make your Euros go a lot further.
Chose a flight that arrives and departs from Barcelona Airport during the day. You can then take the train transfer which takes around 45 minutes and costs around €3 each way and save a fortune on taxis. Just ask us and we’ll give you all the details.