Sitges in the Off Season: Calm, Quiet Subarb of Barcelona Before the Crowds Arrive

If you are considering visiting Spain for a European getaway this spring, consider staying in the little town of Sitges. A spectacular 30-minute ride along the Mediterranean coast by Renfe train or Mon-Bus will deliver you from the airport or downtown Barcelona to this conveniently located scenic town with many pleasant surprises. The town offers a quaint old town with classic European narrow winding streets and plazas galore, amazing eateries, and unique shopping. During the off-season, Sitges maintains a good balance of international and Catalonian culture, without the huge party-seeking beach crowds of the summer. Safe and easy for a single traveler, there are many reasons to base yourself in Sitges on your getaway.

Laid Back
Sitges has a much more laid back atmosphere than the hustle bustle in Barcelona, making it ideal for single travelers or those seeking a relaxing vacation. Most of the town shuts down daily during siesta from 2:00 - 4:30 or 5:00pm, except for the multitudes of cafes and restaurants lining the beach, so your pace of life will be slower with time to reflect, sip coffee, nap, or simply enjoy.

Easy Access
Sitges is close enough to Barcelona so it uses the same public transportation systems; train tickets are good throughout the region. Short train rides west take you to excellent towns to explore such as Tarragona, Reus, Vilanova de la Geltru, each offering their own spectacular castles, Roman ruins, shopping areas, and old towns. Short train rides east take you into Barcelona, where there is no shortage of things to see, do, buy, eat, and visit. You can feel any stress of the city melt away when you return to Sitges for the evening.

Hidden Gems
In addition to the attractions listed in tour guides primarily geared for summer-travelers, Sitges offers excellent facilities for visitors year round. The municipal pool in Sitges offers daily or ten-time passes open to the public and offers an indoor heated swimming option while the sea is still too cool to swim. Included in the reasonable admission is their extensive jacuzzi, with three different kinds of waterfalls, interactive hydro massage bubbles, and steam/sauna rooms. Hotel Estela offers free entry to their extensive, changing art exhibits, which are scattered throughout their multiple floors. Jardins de Terramar is a calming botanical park with unique musical and other sensory experiences.

There are so many great pubs, art galleries, quaint places to stay, and great food shops, and a small town market. Their helpful tourist information facility in front of the train station will help you book a place to stay. Sitges makes it easy to enjoy Europe - consider it for your next vacation.