Sitges
14 places in and around Sitges, 2 of them among my favourite picks.
Chapter One
The story of Sitges
A Catalan fishing town that became, in the late 19th century, a meeting place for “Catalan Modernism” artists thanks to the painter Santiago Rusiñol. It grew into one of the most beautiful coastal resorts near Barcelona, and it has the “Cau Ferrat” and “Maricel” museums.
Figures of Sitges
- 1861–1931
Santiago Rusiñol
A Barcelona painter and writer who made Sitges his base. He turned his house, the “Cau Ferrat”, into a museum of his collections and works, and organised the “Modernista festivals” there.
- 1862–1934
Miquel Utrillo
A painter and critic who settled in Sitges and oversaw the design of the “Maricel” art complex.
- 1852–1927
Charles Deering
An American businessman and art collector who built the “Maricel Palace” in Sitges to house his art collections.
- 1814–1886
Facundo Bacardí Massó
Born in Sitges, he emigrated to Cuba, where he founded the famous company “Bacardí”.
Chapter Two
Places in Sitges
14 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Heritage and monuments
1Museu del Cau Ferrat
The seaside home of the artist Santiago Rusiñol, full of wrought iron, ceramics and paintings (including works by Picasso and El Greco). Its arched windows look directly out over the Mediterranean.
My tip
One hour is enough. Closed Mondays.
Restaurants and cafés
10Vivero Beach Club
A beach club and Mediterranean restaurant on the rocks; paella; open daily.
- With a view
- Romantic
TrySeafood paella, grilled fish
Booking essential · Casual · Suits couples and friends and groups
Can Laury
Fish, seafood and rice at Aiguadolç harbour; open daily.
- With a view
TryGrilled fish, seafood rice
Booking advised · Casual · Suits families and children, couples, business meetings and friends and groups
Timo's Bistro
A modern bistro with Mediterranean fusion cooking; closed Tuesdays.
TryFusion bistro dishes, Mediterranean fish
Booking advised · Casual · Suits couples and friends and groups
Cinnamon
A 100% vegetarian Indian restaurant on the seafront; open daily.
- With a view
TryVegetarian curry, samosa, dal
Casual · Suits families and children and couples
La Incidència del Factor Vi
Creative cuisine by the chef, with a tasting menu and a large cellar. Dinner, with lunch at weekends only.
TryTasting menu
Booking essential · Smart casual · Suits couples
Alfresco
Innovative Mediterranean cooking in a courtyard shaded by trees. Dinner only; closed Mondays.
- With a view
TryChef's menu, fish dishes
Booking advised · Smart casual · Suits couples
Maricel
A classic of product-led Mediterranean cooking by the sea. Tasting menu; closed Tuesdays.
- With a view
- Romantic
TryTasting menu, fish, rice
Booking advised · Smart casual · Suits couples and business meetings
Fragata
Mediterranean cooking with the best of the market, with a terrace over the promenade; cannelloni and brioche; open daily.
- With a view
TryBrioche, Mediterranean market dishes
Booking advised · Casual · Suits families and children, couples and friends and groups
Restaurant L'Oca
Spit-grilled chicken, charcoal grills, and calçots in season; open daily.
TryChicken grilled on the spit (a l'ast), calçots with romesco
Booking advised · Everyday clothes · Suits families and children and friends and groups
El Cable
A classic tapas bar, always crowded. No bookings. Opens at noon on Mondays and at weekends only.
- The most famous and most authentic tapas bar in Sitges, according to the local press.
TryPatatas bravas, Padrón peppers, calamares
Everyday clothes · Suits friends and groups
Experiences and family
1San Sebastian beach
The most beautiful of Sitges's small beaches, with fine sand and clear water between the walls of the old town and its church overlooking the sea.
My tip
40 minutes by train from Barcelona. Go in the morning in summer to find a spot.
Where to stay
2Eurostars Sitges
- One of the city's best hotels
A resort on a hill above Sitges (formerly Dolce), with a large pool, spa and sea views, and a free shuttle to the beach.
My tip
Suits families and quiet stays.
MiM Sitges
- One of the city's best hotels
Directly opposite the beach, with a rooftop pool. The walk to central Sitges is easy.
My tip
Ask for a renovated room with a sea view.
Chapter Three
When to go to Sitges
Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
Where to stay in Sitges
Hotels I recommend in Sitges
- Eurostars Sitges
- MiM Sitges ★★★★
Chapter Five
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from Sitges: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
Xató sauce
XatóBroad-leaved endive salad with a romesco-like sauce (almonds, hazelnuts and dried peppers), salt cod, anchovy and tuna. It is the most famous dish of Sitges and the Garraf coast, and its season is winter.
Romesco sauce
Salsa romescoAn almond, hazelnut, roasted pepper and olive oil sauce, bought packed as a gift and served with grilled fish.
Vilanova port fish
Pescado de Vilanova i la GeltrúThe fishing port next to Sitges supplies restaurants with fresh fish and prawns daily, so order the grilled fish “a la plancha” or fish rice.
Arbequina oil
Aceite ArbequinaA soft, fruity Catalan oil of the “Arbequina” variety, available in the town's shops. Look for DOP Siurana or Les Garrigues.
Panellets and Catalan cream
Panellets y crema catalanaClassic Catalan sweets are available in Sitges bakeries: panellets in autumn and crema all year round.
Chapter Six