Three days in Catalonia: old town, bar-lined lanes and beach life – compact, walkable and just 35 kilometres from Barcelona.
Just 35 kilometres south of Barcelona lies Sitges, one of Europe's oldest and best-known gay destinations. Old town, beach and a very visible queer scene sit close together, and most of it is only a few minutes' walk apart. Three days are enough to get to know the bar lanes, the beaches and the sights. For a full overview, see the Gay Sitges Guide.
Day 1: Arriving and the old town
From Barcelona – whether El Prat airport or the city centre – the Rodalies regional train takes you straight to Sitges. Stay in the old town near Plaça de la Indústria and you are only a few steps from the bars, the beach and the sights. The first day is ideal for a stroll through the whitewashed lanes of the old town, past the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla on the rock above the sea. In the afternoon, head to Platja de la Bassa Rodona, the central gay beach right on the promenade.
Day 2: Carrer del Pecat and nightlife
Queer life centres on Carrer de Sant Bonaventura and the bar lane locals call Carrer del Pecat, right next to Plaça de la Indústria. Within a few hundred metres, bar follows bar – quiet terraces by day, packed dance bars after midnight. Spend the day on the beach or in one of the museums from the time around 1900, when Sitges was a meeting place for Catalan artists, then start the evening at Plaça de la Indústria and let the night take its course. For an up-to-date overview of bars and clubs, see Gay Bars in Sitges.
Day 3: Beach, Playa del Muerto and winding down
The last day belongs to the beach. Besides the central Bassa Rodona, it is worth walking along the coast to the naturist Platja de l'Home Mort (Playa del Muerto), one of Europe's oldest gay beaches – quieter and more secluded than the town beaches. Back in the old town, restaurants with Mediterranean cooking and sea views line the promenade and the side streets, ideal for a relaxed last evening.
Practical tips
You will hardly need transport within Sitges, as the old town, bars and beaches are close together. If you arrive by car, parking is scarce in high season – the train from Barcelona is usually the easier choice. Catalonia is one of the most open regions in Europe, and visible queer life has long been part of everyday Sitges. If your visit coincides with one of the big dates – Carnival in February, Sitges Pride in early June or Bears Week in September – the town fills up and popular accommodation is booked well in advance. A selection with context is available under Gay Hotels in Sitges.
Last reviewed: 17. October 2026
