Sitges: a vacation paradise for gays

Feb. 17 2014

by misterb&b

when you arrive in downtown Sitges, you will discover an active and very gay friendly life. Rainbow flags can be found all over the city. Sitges has long been a popular holiday destination for gay Europeans.

Just 30 years ago, Sitges was a small coastal town. Located about 30 kilometers south of Barcelona, it quickly became a favorite tourist destination for Swedes. After this wave, Sitges literally turned into a luxury destination where only Spaniards could go. With the democratization of Europe, Sitges has gradually become a paradise destination for gays and lesbians.

Sitges ranks in popularity with the Eixample district of Barcelona and Chueca in Madrid. Open-minded, Spain has welcomed gays and other destinations are now more "gay friendly" such as Playa del Inglés and Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

Photo: Apple Min (Flickr)

Today, tourism in Sitges is clearly linked to gay travelers: flags and tolerance prevail in the city. You can feel this vivacity that Sitges offers during the famous carnival in February. A Spanish Rio de Janeiro.

From Barcelona airport, Sitges is easily accessible by bus. If you are in a hurry, the cab will take you to the city center in less than 30 minutes. For those who don't want to use public transport, you should know that the cost of a cab from Barcelona to Sitges is around 60 euros one way.

After all these transformations, Sitges is now a mix between a charming little Spanish town while revealing its glam side! Of course, gay people who go on vacation to Sitges all enjoy the beaches and the good food. The sun is not a bad thing for many Europeans living in the north.

Photo: WikiQ.Org (Flickr)

Gay beaches of Sitges
Dotted along the coastline of Sitges, between the church and the hotel Terramar, you will discover the most beautiful beaches of the city. There are only three gay beaches in Sitges. However, the other beaches are all mixed.

Playa de la Bassa Rodona: Located 5 minutes walk from the city center, Playa de la Bassa Rodana is the main gay beach of Sitges. It is located in front of the Hotel Calipolis. In high season, this beach is invaded by a gay clientele.

Playa de Las Balmins: located 10 minutes walk from downtown, this beach offers naturism. It has become over time the alternative beach for gays. Not far from the church of Platja Sant Sebastia, you will easily be able to find it.

Playa del Muerto: located 10 minutes by cab from downtown Sitges, this beach becomes interesting when you know that it attracts an exclusively gay clientele. Far from the city center, isolated, it allows total relaxation.

Photo: Gig Harmon (Flickr)

Around Sitges
Renting a car in Sitges will allow you to discover what's going on around the city. Small towns like Girona, Valencia, La Rioja and Alicante are definitely not to be missed.

Gay and lesbian tourism is part of the daily life in Sitges. Discrimination and unpleasant looks are things of the past in this place. Enjoy the warm sun of Sitges.