Located 40 kilometres south of Barcelona, the beautiful town of Sitges has historically been one of Catalonia's great seaside getaways. With sublime beaches and a distinctively Mediterranean atmosphere, it makes for both an excellent Barcelona day trip and a relaxed holiday along the coast.

Much of Catalonia's Costa Brava and Costa Dorada has developed into resort-style destinations for European tourists. Sitges has been attracted Spanish visitors for over a century and continues to have a local and authentic atmosphere. The broad central streets are filled with the region's heritage and are easy to explore on foot. In particular, there's a wonderful contrast between Sitges Old Town and the Sitges Modernism buildings. La Punta Cathedral and Maricel Palace are the most typical examples of the town's rich history.While the streets are lined with cafes and cosy terraces, the major attraction are the beaches, all 17 of them protected by the Garraf Parc Mountains. Those lining the promenade closer to the city are bustling and colourful, while those out of town are much quieter.In particular, there are a string of small coves for tranquil sunbathing. The promenade gets lively in the evening, and Sitges has one of Europe's most vibrant gay scenes, yet visitors are never far from the most serene parts of town.

Regular trains connect Sitges with Barcelona, a 35-minute journey from Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gracia stations. Barcelona-El Prat is the closest airport. Most of central Sitges can be seen on foot, with bicycles and electric bikes a popular way to explore different beaches along the promenade.

Sitges has historically been a hub for avant-garde and alternative culture, something epitomised by the annual Sitges Film Festival, which specialises in horror and fantasy films.