Sitges: Day Trips and Tours from Barcelona

Once you’ve admired the Sagrada Familia, had your mind blown at Casa Batlló and strolled along La Rambla, it’s time to explore further afield. A day trip to Sitges from Barcelona is the answer. In this quaint fishing town, you’ll breathe in the sea air and enjoy a slice of life on the Spanish coast.

Sandy beaches and colonial buildings await your pleasure in Sitges, while a bonus trip to the mountains of Montserrat is often included.

Discover what you need to know about Sitges, one of the most exciting day trips from Barcelona.

What's the best way to travel to Sitges from Barcelona?

You’ll find the town of Sitges down on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, just 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. You can enjoy a day trip to Sitges from Barcelona by car, by public transport or on a guided tour.

From Barcelona to Sitges by car

It takes about 45 minutes to drive between Barcelona and Sitges, making a road trip not only feasible but also pleasurable.

You’ll need to take the C-32 south out of Barcelona, following it all the way to Sitges. Come off at exit 30 and continue into the town. There are several car parks just a short walk from the historic center.

From Barcelona to Sitges by public transport

You can journey to Sitges from Barcelona by train if you’d like to use public transport. There are several services a day, with the trip lasting around 45 minutes. Trains depart from both Barcelona Sants and Estacio de França.

Buses also operate between Barcelona and Sitges. They leave from Plaça España and Ronda Universitat, with the journeys taking between 45 minutes and an hour.

Guided tour to Sitges from Barcelona

The easiest option is to book a day tour to Sitges from Barcelona. You will have all your transport logistics taken care of, and some operators offer hotel pickups to sweeten the deal.

These excursions last a full day and usually incorporate a visit to another location, with Montserrat and Tarragona being popular choices.

What will you do on a Sitges day trip?

Your Sitges day trip from Barcelona begins after breakfast, either with a hotel pickup or collection from a convenient city meeting point. Check with your provider to see what is included.

As you settle into the minivan journey, enjoy views of the Spanish countryside out of the window. Your guide will give you an outline of the day so you know what to expect. They will also provide live commentary on board during the ride.

Most tours stop at either Montserrat or Tarragona on the way to Sitges. If your excursion includes the former, you’ll enjoy a cable car ascent up into the mountains. Here, you’ll be treated to a guided tour of the monastery and an easy walk along the picturesque trails.

If you’re visiting Tarragona, your guide will show you the historic attractions on a walking excursion around this UNESCO World Heritage site. Sandy beaches and crystal-clear water all add to the atmosphere in this coastal town.

You’ll then continue to Sitges where the beaches are the stars of the show. Here, you can buy lunch and stroll along the sand. A guided walk around the historic center of Sitges follows, where you’ll take in the major sites.

After your explorations, you will be driven back to Barcelona in time for dinner in the evening.

What different types of Sitges day trips are there?

There are a few different tours to Sitges, with most taking in either Montserrat or Tarragona along the way. Group excursions and private trips are available, so you can choose according to your budget and travel preferences.

Guided tour to Sitges plus Montserrat from Barcelona

This small group day trip to Sitges from Barcelona is a companionable way to travel and is easy on the wallet too. Minivan transport is provided between the destinations, and you’ll have an expert guide with you throughout the day.

Participant numbers are usually capped at eight, so the experience remains intimate. Pickups are from a central point in Barcelona. Tours stop in Montserrat for a visit to the monastery before continuing to Sitges.

Day trip to Sitges plus Tarragona from Barcelona

This day tour to Sitges is also run on a small group basis with up to eight passengers. Hotel pickups by minivan are provided for seamless door-to-door transfers. There will be a guide accompanying you with walking tours included at each location.

You’ll be stopping in Tarragona on the way, where you can explore the Roman Forum and the old amphitheater by the sea. A photo stop at the “Devil’s Bridge” aqueduct outside Tarragona is also included.

Private tour to Sitges from Barcelona

If you’re not keen on group tours and want to travel more independently, then private Sitges excursions are the answer. You will have an exclusive guide and vehicle, as well as a say in the itinerary.

These trips are perfect for families or couples who want to explore without the crowds. You can choose to stop in Tarragona en route to Sitges if you like. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are generally provided on private tours.

How much will you need to pay for a day trip to Sitges from Barcelona?

A Sitges day tour from Barcelona that includes a visit to Montserrat costs €90 per person. Round-trip transport, a professional guide and the cable car ride are included. You will need to make your way to the starting point in central Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the jaunt to Sitges with a bonus stop in Tarragona is priced at €100, with hotel pickups provided. Entry to the Tarragona Amphitheater and Tarragona Circus is covered, as well as guided tours.

Private Sitges day tours start at €230 per person for a 10-hour excursion. A visit to Tarragona and walking tours in both locations are covered in the package rate. Transportation is by private air-conditioned minivan and the guide will be just for you and your group. Entrance fees and lunch are extra.

Where can you go in Sitges?

The pretty coastal town of Sitges sits on the Costa del Garraf, perfectly positioned between the mountains and the sea. Sitges is an artistic settlement, thanks in part to its idyllic setting and laid-back vibe.

As you wander through the historic center, you’ll see traditional fishermen’s cottages as well as hip boutiques and trendy cafés. Don’t be surprised to encounter artists and musicians entertaining passers-by in the labyrinthine streets.

Those interested in Modernism will enjoy admiring the architecture at Casa Bacardi and Casa del Rellotge. Don’t miss the church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla or the Maricel Palace – the latter is like something out of a fairy tale!

The highlight of your day trip to Sitges from Barcelona will undoubtedly be a stroll along the shore. The town is known as the “Saint Tropez of Spain” thanks to its beautiful location and glorious sandy beaches. This is the place for photos and a picnic in the sun.

When should you visit Sitges?

A Sitges day trip is a pleasure at any time of year, thanks to the consistently mild temperatures along Spain’s southern coast.

Avoid the height of summer if you want to miss the crowds and come in spring or fall instead.

What are the other day trips from Barcelona?

• Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona
• Girona day trips from Barcelona
• Figueres day tours from Barcelona

Travel tips

• Book your Sitges day trip from Barcelona in advance to compare prices and bag the cheapest deals.
• Comfortable footwear is a must as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the towns.
• Take sunscreen and water in summer, especially if you’re planning on spending time at the beach.