LGBTQ+ Sitges: Celebrate Pride in a postcard town!
Rainbow over the iconic Sant Bartomeu church
Imagine a place where rainbow flags dance in the Mediterranean breeze, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden calas and iconic beaches, and where the spirit of love and acceptance is palpable in the warm welcome of the locals.
Benvinguts a Sitges, the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ pride celebrations and a magical place we’re blessed to call home!
Nestled on the stunning Garraf coast, near Barcelona, this postcard-perfect town offers so much more than sol y playa; it’s a vibrant haven of inclusivity and joy. ¿Nos acompañas?
The magic mix of Sitges: traditional & progressive
Sitges isn’t just a place — it’s a vibe. Stroll through quaint, narrow streets with whitewashed buildings and bright pink bougainvillea, while admiring the architecture. This town has a history as rich as its progressive spirit, making it a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day inclusivity.
Festivals that sparkle
It’s no secret, Spaniards love to party. And Sitges is no exception, with a year-round agenda that has nothing to envy to larger cities. Fiestas are loud, colorful, and simply irresistible — Remember that when the Correfocs wake you up at 6am!
Traditional festivals include Fiesta Mayor, Santa Tecla and Corpus Christi.
The Fiesta Mayor fireworks
The main modern events are Sitges International Festival — with its awesome Zombie Walk —, Carnaval, and, of course, Sitges Pride and Bears Week.
This week-long — or, actually, month-long? — fiesta of parades, parties, and performances light up the town with rainbows and joy. It’s a celebration where the only rule is to be yourself, and the energy is nothing short of electric. We just love the vibe this time of year!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Spaniards — and party tigers — are not morning people.
If you want to beat the summer crowds and have the town and beach all to yourself, wake up at sunrise!
Go for a walk along El Baluarte, the church lit by the first sun rays, and listen to sound of the waves andthe swallows: do you feel the magic of Sitges?
A world culinary tour
Foodies, rejoice! Sitges is a culinary paradise. With only 30,000 inhabitants, the town offers more than 500 restaurants!!!
As a result, the standard is pretty high for a town that small, as restaurants must be really good to be competitive!
From traditional tapas and seafood dishes to innovative gastronomy, you’ll enjoy Catalan and Spanish food like never before.
And if you feel like eating other cuisines, you’ll find almost anything you could ask for: Japanese, French, Mexican, Peruvian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, American, Italian…
For local food, we can recommend Costa Dorada, Bon Estar, La Salseta, El Cable… These are just a few of our favorites!
Great nightlife… but at human scale
If you want to party, but you’re not a big city person, Sitges is for you!
As the sun sets, Sitges’ nightlife comes alive. With a plethora of bars and clubs, the town is a playground for night owls — with all the main spots within walking distance. Start your evening with cocktails at Parrots Pub, a local favorite known for its welcoming crowd, festive vibe… and Eurovision parties, then dance the night away at hotspots like Queenz.
Sin Street - Calle del Pecado
Sin Street's reputation dates back to the 1970s when Sitges began to establish itself as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. Over the decades, this street has evolved into a vibrant hotspot where diversity and celebration are the norms.
BTW, the “real” name of the street is Calle Primer de Maig, in case you’re using a map!
Art and culture
It’s not all one big party in Sitges! The town is also a haven for art lovers. The galleries and museums, like the Museu Cau Ferrat and stunning Palau Maricel, offer good mix of modern and traditional art. Wander the streets, and you’ll discover boutique shops brimming with unique crafts and stylish fashion — mostly for men, though!
Beaches and nature
If you need a break from all the crazy partying, Sitges is surrounded by beautiful beaches and hiking trails!
Beach love
Sitges’ beaches are famous for a reason. Whether you’re looking for lively vibes or a quiet escape, there’s a stretch of sand here for you. Playa de la Bassa Rodona is the go-to gay beach, known for its fun, friendly atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.
For a more secluded experience, Platja del Home Mort (Playa del Muerto in Spanish) and the other coves along “La ruta de las calas” offer serene beauty and a touch of privacy.
Balmins is another LGTBTQ+ hotspot if you’re into nude beaches, but swimsuits are welcome too!
Our favorite secret spot: Sorry, can’t tell you, it’s where we live, after all! But if you’re in town, let us know and we’ll tell you over a coffee!
The first gay beach
Going back to 1930, Platja del Home Mort (Playa del Muerto) is the world’s first gay beach! Surrounded by cliffs, its natural seclusion made it a safe space where nudity and inclusivity thrived at a time when it wasn’t the norm. Today, it remains a beloved symbol of LGBTQ+ liberation and community spirit.
Garraf Natural Park
Garraf Natural Park is a stunning blend of rugged limestone landscapes, Mediterranean forests, and unique biodiversity. It also contributes to Sitges’ microclimate!
Covering over 12,000 hectares, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching. And you can even explore ancient monasteries like the iconic Palau Novella, now a Buddhist monastery.
From Sitges, you can access many different trails leading to the park.
For an easy and scenic hike, walk to La Ermita de la Trinitat. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous sea views!
We also love Sitges-Olivella.
A community of acceptance
A long history
What truly sets Sitges apart is its spirit of inclusivity. This town has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a sense of belonging that’s palpable.
The Pink Triangle Monument
against homophobia…
… was erected in 2006, to mark the 10th anniversary of a tragic event when police cracked down on gay men, leading to riots and the murder of a gay waiter by neo-Nazis. The pink triangle, a powerful symbol reclaimed from its use in Nazi concentration camps, serves as a reminder of the fight against homophobia with the inscription "Sitges against homophobia. Never again"
But it’s not just the LGBTQ+. 35% of Sitges population is foreign, and this helps contribute to the open-minded mentality. We got married at Sitges City Hall in English, Spanish and French by the founder of Gay Sitges Link Association and Town Councillor for Tourism — with music!
While preserving their Catalan traditions, locals welcome new customs. Catalan kids and foreign kids celebrate Halloween while eating Panellets, and the Easter bunny finds its way along the Mona. And you know what? It works!
book for children and the young at heart, explains the history of Sitges over the course of 50,000 years. From the pre-Neolithic settlement to the first Gay Pride, follow the little heart through the history of humanity!
Local children grow up with an open mindset, embracing the LGBTQ+ and foreign cultures as the norm. And they go to the beach all the time — it’s part of the school curriculum!
Finally, it’s not a secret that Sitges is a wealthy town, with multi-million mansions and crazy penthouses with sea views. However, you never get this ostentatious feeling when walking through town. The vibe — and dress code — is totally low-key, and people usually don’t show off.
Whether you’re here for the festivals, the beaches, or the sheer charm, you’ll find a community that welcomes you with open arms.
Interview with a local
Robert, originally from Boston, moved with his husband to Sitges in 2018. Motivated by job layoffs and a long-term plan to retire in Europe, they decided to expedite their move. They chose Sitges for its favorable weather, inclusive community spirit, and economic potential for vacation rentals compared to Barcelona.
“We love the gayness of it, the openness of it. It’s unlike a lot of places in the US where you're traveling around, you won't see kids with families sitting at a gay bar, at a gay cafe.”
He explains that the evolution of Sitges as a gay-friendly town began around the turn of the 19th century, with artists visiting this seaside location. These artists, known for their open-minded and free-spirited nature, attracted a similar following, leading to the town's growing artistic and progressive community. During the Franco years, Sitges’ relative isolation from Barcelona allowed it to become a haven for more open expression with less persecution.
“So once these beachside community towns establish themselves with a gay following, we tend to keep going back, because it's a place where we can feel safe.”, says Robert.
His insider tip: "Plaza de la Indústria, also known as Parrot’s Square or Judgment Square, is a lively spot where all chairs face outward, allowing people to watch and "judge" those passing by — it’s all in good fun. But, if you go, give yourself a once-over!
Every once in a while, you'll see a little kid, and all of a sudden, they walk into Parrot's Square and there's all the fluffy umbrellas. And they're like, I love it here. It's a magical place.”
Robert is the owner of Sweet Sitges, located at Calle Mayor 36, a charming chocolate shop offering artisanal chocolates, cards, candles, souvenirs and gifts. The shop features products from local artisans, including ceramicists and painters, and most of the chocolates are made in-house.
At Penguin Trampoline, we’re hooked on his peanut butter cups, which actually fuel most of our blog creation!
Plan your visit
Ready to dive into the magic of Sitges? Here’s a few tips to help you plan.
When to visit Sitges? #SitgesAnytime
The town has a LGBTQ+ scene year-round, but obviously, Sitges Pride in June and Bear Weeks in September and May guarantee the most fun.
If you’re after a quieter getaway, fall is our favorite season. The sea is still warm, and the town slowly transitions to its quieter-off-season state.
Accommodation in Sitges
Book your stay early, especially during festival season. Accommodations in Sitges are usually not cheap, and obviously more experience in summer. However, from luxurious hotels to cozy Airbnbs, there’s something for every taste and budget.
How to get to Sitges
Sitges is just a hop from Barcelona, with regular trains and buses making it an easy and scenic journey.
You can also rent a car, but everything is walkable in town.
Here is a party playlist for your trip:
Sitges isn’t just a destination; it’s a celebration of love, life, and the freedom to be yourself. Whether you’re dancing in the streets during Pride, lounging on its postcard beaches, or exploring its rich cultural offerings, you’ll find a place that feels like home.
Is it a utopia? Of course not! It’s not perfect. But there’s a reason why so many people visit year after year and eventually decide to stay.
Come to Sitges and fall in love with our little town with a big heart.
For more resources, visit Sitges for Everyone, created by a member of our community.
