Sitges
If you have spent a few days in Barcelona and feel like you’ve done the beaches, had a few good nights out, eaten at a fine selection of restaurants but want a bit of a change. 35km south west of Barcelona is the town of Sitges. It really is the perfect day trip as it is cheap and assessable from the city and can be done in either one day, or you can spend the night in one of the many hotels there and come back the following day.
Sitges is a Mediterranean coastal town, located in the Garraf area in the province of Barcelona. As it is sheltered by the Garraf mountains and due to its geographical position in the Mediterranean, Sitges has a warm “micro-climate” that makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities almost every day of the year. The Barcelona winter can seem pretty harsh and cold so if you need a day trip to a warmer climate then Sitges is your answer! Moreover, throughout the year numerous events take place in this beautiful town: the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Carnival, the Festa Major, Theatre Festivals, The Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally, Harvest Festival, concerts, the list goes on. So before you head to Sitges have a quick check online to see the up and coming events while you are there.
But the town is not all about special events. You can also enjoy simply taking a stroll along the sea-front boulevard, a bike ride through the Garraf Natural Park or soak up the atmosphere of the Sitges nights on the renowned “Dos de Mayo” street. If you are heading to Sitges in the summer time then you can pick your spot on the four kilometres of beach with a delightful sea-front promenade featuring turn of the 20th century colonial Indiano mansions on one side and the sea on the other.
But like anywhere new it is always important to find good places to eat out and have a drink. So as not to be ripped off on your trip in shabby restaurants and bars here is a rundown of the best restaurants and bars in the town…
Mama #5
Carrer de Sant Bonaventura 5, 08870, Sitges, Spain
This is a beautiful restaurant where you can find a great mix of Peruvian and Mediterranean dishes. The staff are very warm, welcoming and attentive. You can enjoy the likes of pea and mint soup, pork bellies and dahl. It is a real back street eatery and speaking to the people on the next table over when we went back a second time they were back for third! Well worth a visit!
La Nansa
Carrer de la Carreta, 24, Sitges, Spain
This traditional restaurant located in the heart of Sitges’ old town has been serving locals since 1963. La Nansa has a simple philosophy: to serve home-cooked food using local ingredients and based on recipes that have been handed down for generations. For a great value meal go for the ‘traditional menu’ which includes dishes such as stuffed cannelloni, fresh fish or squid.
Komokieras
23 Carrer d’Espalter, Sitges, Spain
The name Komokieras is a sort of play on words which could translate to ‘as you wish’ and reflects the willingness of the owners to make customers feel at home in their restaurant. Dishes are homemade and the menu boasts a large selection of hot and cold starters which are ideal for sharing. This restaurant is a little cheaper than the others, but this doesn’t reflect in the food which is still top quality. It can get a little busy around lunchtime so maybe book to guarantee yourself a spot.
Fragata
Passeig de la Ribera, 1, 08870, Sitges, Spain
At the other end of the cost scale is this fine-dining restaurant with a firm basis in Mediterranean cuisine. If you are looking to impress your other half with top quality cuisine then this is the place to take them! Fragata was established over 50 years ago but benefited from a full makeover in 2005. The menu features some of the best Spanish and Catalan ingredients, such as jamon Imberico foie gras, lobster and anchovies while the wine list has over 200 options from across Spain.
Maricel
Passeig de la Ribera, 6, 08870, Sitges, Spain
Just a few doors down from Fragata is this delightful restaurant. It is born of a desire to offer an alternative to the traditional seafood restaurants that Sitges was so well known for. A contemporary fine-dining establishment, dishes are sophisticated and elegantly presented in a setting that includes an outdoor terrace overlooking the beach and the old church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecia
But of course, after a long day on the beach it is nice to settle into the evening with a cold drink or cocktail before heading to one of the restaurants on offer…
El Piano
Calle Sant Bonaventura 37, 08870, Sitges, Spain
If you want to hear live music then this is the place to come to as they have live acts every night. Drink prices are compared to anywhere else in Sitges but what sets this place apart is the atmosphere in the bar. Very lively and friendly with helpful and attentive staff.
Pub Voramar
Puerto Alegre 55, 08870, Sitges, Spain
If you are looking for something a little fancier than a beer then come to Voramar. The cocktails here are the best in Sitges. The staff really take their time to make them beautiful and presentable and they taste fantastic as well. Many thanks to Spain’s ‘free pouring’ policy on spirits these will get you a buzz in in no time!
El Gin Tub
Carrer Parellades 42, 08870, Sitges, Spain
As the name suggests this bar is all about gin! There are many different varieties of it from all around the world and the staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable in picking the right one for you and making up a delicious drink with that particular brand! Certainly not one to be missed by any gin lovers out there!
So on your trip to Barcelona pop down to Sitges and enjoy a day trip in one of the most picturesque towns along the east coast.
