A party town like no other!
When the Roman’s first visited Spain over two thousand year’s ago they built a town called Subur. Sitges now stands on that very same spot. We all know how the Roman centurions liked to party and that tradition continues to this very day. Welcome to Sitges, a party-town like no other.
Travelling to Sitges is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate perfectly Mediterranean, the people relaxed, the beaches long and sandy, the food and drink easy to come by and full of regional variety.
Video Guide
Picture Perfect….
Unspoilt by the tourist boom of the 1960’s, Sitges has retained that “picture-postcard” look, with narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Spanish architecture and unspoilt scenic views; a world away from the plastic and the concrete of the more traditional Spanish resorts along the Costa Brava and Costa Del Sol. With a microclimate of its own Sitges has over 300 days of Sunshine with temperatures ranging from 26 degrees to 33 degrees during the Summer months. This is Spain as it was meant to be… but even better! Visit Weather
A Cultural Heritage…
Sitges has a long-standing gay appeal, being renowned as a bohemian hang-out and artist’s colony since the early nineteen hundreds. Painters such as Picasso, Dali and Miro adored the town. It was also a favourite of writers, Tennessee Williams and Douglas Fairbanks. The artistic heritage lingers on in several fine galleries and art museums.
The town also boasts some stunning Cuban-style colonial architecture (built on the wealth of the sugar trade), and many grand neo-classical Catalan mansions with magnificent carved timber doors, hand-painted ceramic tile murals, and intricate wrought iron balconies, door lanterns and window grilles. Visit Events
Gayer than Gay….
The first gay disco in Spain opened in Sitges 25 years ago. It is still going stronger than ever. Trailer’s foam parties on Sunday night are world renowned. Hands get frisky as the foam level rises.
The resort’s population swells from 30,000 locals to 250,000 revellers during peak season (Late April to Mid October)) with most of the tourists either gay or curious! Off season, Sitges takes on a more relaxed atmosphere has many festivals and events and is perfect for that second holiday ro weekend getaway. The influx of tourists essentially makes the town is one big cruising zone, but to help you on your way there are 2 areas where you are definitely in for a treat. Visit Cruising
Size Matters….
There is 1 gay beach, 2 nudist beaches, 450 Shops, dozens of outdoor cafes, amazing restaurants, 20 gay bars, 2 amazing nightclubs, 2 very busy Saunas and thousand of hot homo hombres to keep you busy. And all within a 10 minute walking distance! So in this case, small really is beautiful! The partying starts at 11pm and doesn’t finish until 6am at the earliest. Visit Bars & Clubs
Any excuse….
There is a fiesta every week in Sitges, or so it seems. The Catalans know how to throw a party and every weekend there is some special event or occasion that deserves the odd firework and a cold glass of sparkling Cava. So whether it’s Carnival in February, Corpus Christi in June, the Fiesta Mayor in August or the Film Festival in October, there’s always a party taking place in Sitges. Visit Events
And Easy…
Sitges has to be one of the easiest gay destinations to visit. It is just 20 minutes train journey from Barcelona. And the resort is the perfect base for exploring the other parts of Cataluna. Universal Studios theme park is nearby at Port Aventura, and the ancient monastery of Montserrat is in the mountains to the north.Visit Getting Here
A to Z Directory of Recommended Bars in Sitges
Sitges Gay Bar Guide
Sitges offers a wide and varying scene when it comes to bars and clubs. According to some people there is a circuit, where you do a certain bar first and then move on. But to be honest, if you find a bar that you like, then stick with it until the circuit comes to you.... it saves you having to go from bar to bar in the heat trying to catch up.
Parrots pub is normally the first stop of the day on your way back from the beach or before you head out to dinner . Being on the main thoroughfare (Mont Roig, The Street of Cafes), it is the perfect place to watch the world go by, especially the straight and gay boys coming of the beach in their trunks and towels.
Why not take a seat at one of the many outside tables at both the terrace and the pub where you can sip your cocktails, beer or sangria as you take a break from sunbathing. The parrots boys are always on hand to take your order.
Parrots is also the starting point for many on their nights of clubbing and debauchery! As daylight turns to dusk the streets get busy once more and the bar takes on a new atmosphere as boys go on the hunt for their next hot date. The intimate tables make it easy to strike-up a conversation with a stranger and with a clientele from around the world you have a host of nationalities from which to choose!
Most bars get busy from 12pm onwards. People generally go to the smaller bars first where it is easier to have a conversation. The bigger bars, such as Mediterraneo tend to get busier around 1.30ish.
Bonaventura has a number of great bars, Bourbons, Piano, Azul, Mediterraneo and Man Bar offer something to suit all tastes.
The scene is quite mixed in terms of age and types... It is quite normal to go to a bar and to see an 80 year old at one end of the bar and an 18 year old at the other.
Being Sitges, cruising goes on in most of the bars. Those with a dark room are obviously that bit cruiser, XXL, Man Bar, Bourbons and Oreks for example. And for those who love Bears, visit Bears Bar, on C.Bonaire.
Bars like Privilege, Comodin and B Side put on shows during certain nights of the week so check out the day-by-day guide to find out what's on when. The usual fare of hot strippers strutting their stuff is to be expected along with some fabulous drag shows!
For an exceptional show be sure to check out the lovely Marco in Prinz. The strip shows are great fun and very hot. Be sure to say hi to Ryan, the friendly barman!
When you finish at the bars, (normally around 3am or so) head for one of the late discos, Organic or Trailer. Organic is more Euro-pop with some theme nights. Trailer is for the more hardcore amongst you, with a large dark room, a famous Wed night foam party and a "lights-out" night on Thursday. And don't forget the Gay Beach Party on Tuesday Nights during the Summer. Its on at the L'Átlantida which is a beautiful outdoor nightclub with stunning views of the sea and even hotter looking men!
Miles and miles of golden sand.
Dotted along the Sitges coastline, between the parish church and the Terramar hotel are nine of the most beautiful beaches you will find in Spain. All of these beaches offer sun loungers for rent, showers and little huts selling refreshments. There are 3 gay beaches, but be aware that most beaches are mixed.1. The Gay Beach - Playa De la Bassa Rodona
Time : 5 minute walk from the town center
Directions: Turn right when you get to the sea front. The beach is located between the Life Guard Station and Picnic restaurant.
Description:
The main Gay Beach is La Playa De La Bossa Rodona, directly below the Picnic Restaurant, opposite the Hotel Calipolis. Over the past number of years it has been attracting more of a straight clientele, but it still is packed with gay boys during the peak season. You will know when you get there! Its not difficult to miss the bronzed bodies, the skintight speedos and the designer glasses and beach towels.
Beware though; the beach hawkers and masseurs will constantly bombard you with their offers of continuous refreshments and various massage treatments. And watch your belongings. Remember, bags go missing when you go swimming!
2. Gay & Mixed Nudist / Naturist Beach - Playa De Las Balmins
Time: 10 minute walk from the town center
Directions: Turn left when you get to the sea front. Walk past the church and continue on close to the coast. Stay on the path next to the beach. Pass a long beach strip. Climb a hill past a cemetery. The beach is then right in front of you. The first two sections of the beach are where the gay boys let it ALL hang out.
Description:
The nudist beach beyond the church at Platja Sant Sebastia, Platja dels Balmins (for mixed nude bathing) and Platja d'Aiguadolc. has become a popular alternative for those Gay Boy's in the know. And whilst it is encouraged to go nude, no one will make you take your speedos off, unless you want them to of course.
3. Gay & Mixed Nudist / Naturist Beach - Playa del Muerto
Time: 10 Minute Taxi to L'Atlantida disco (€10) and 10 minute walk, or 50 minutes walk from the centre of Sitges.
If you prefer to tan allover, away from the gaze of the nosey tourists (who do bring cameras by the way) and you feel like a brisk walk, then make the journey to the nudist beach just beyond the Terramar Hotel. The first of the beaches is about 10 minutes walk past the L'Atlantida disco. It is a mixed beach, a little bit pebbly for our taste, but worth a look. There is a beach bar serving a wide range of snacks and drinks.
The second beach, Playa Del Muerto, is exclusively gay. It also has a small bar, however the pebbles on this beach make it very uncomfortable. Its popularity is in the large forest behind the train tracks, which are full of gay men looking for sex during the summer. Be sure to look in every nook and cranny as you never know what you might find!
You can get to both of these beaches by bike, on foot or by taxi. A taxi to the L'Atlantida disco costs around €10, but you will then need to finish the journey on foot, which takes about 10 minutes. If you decide to walk, it will take you approximately 50 minutes to get there. But it is well worth it!
A word of caution. You can either walk by the train tracks of over the mountain hills to get to the Gay Beach. But beware. The hills are very rocky (you wont get a bike over them unless you are one of the mad Spanish boys who like to show off on their dirt bikes) and the trains run past the tracks at 130km per hour.
So many men, so little time
Sitges is simply one big cruising zone. The men are amazing and sometimes its hard not to stop and stare at the beauty that surrounds you. (lots of puns intended). Here are our tips for guaranteed action.
During the Daytime
All of the Beaches are very cruisy during the day, especially the ones we have listed in our beaches guide, complete with maps and directions. There is also a long stretch of cruising between L''Estanyol beach and the Terramar hotel as boys make their way to Playa del Muerto.
Saunas And Massage in Sitges
There are two Saunas in Sitges. Sauna Sitges it is very popular, especailly during the Summer Months. Their Foam Parties during peak season on Fridays and Sunday afteroons are legendary.
In the Summer of 2008, a new entrant into the market opened at the end of July under the management of Parrots Group. The Sauna is located on C, Joan Tarrida, 16 in Parrots Hotel. They have regular theme parties throughout the Summer.
For those of you planning a visit to Barcelona, the Sauna scene is quite varied, with everything from Sauna Bingo, where you can win a bingo boy to Sauna Thermes, which is a 4 story labyrinth. Check out GayBarcelona4u.com for more information.
A to Z Directory of Recommended Restaurants in Sitges
Bar Name | Description | More |
---|---|---|
Air> Discover an amazing fusion of locally sourced fresh food together with the latest in International cuisine to experience a true taste sensation. Air Bahia Sitges will impress even the most discerning palette. » View full listing | ||
The Beach House The Beach House Sitges has been delighting the tastebuds of gay boys and girls from around the world for the past five years. Award winning chef's Brad and Michaeloffer some of the most tempting menus in Sitges, all priced at an amazing EUR 20 per person.Making eating out in sitges fun. » View full listing. | ||
Creperia Del Mar Brand new this year to Sitges, Creperia Del Mar offers delicious natrual juices, ice creams, crepes, waffles and more right in the heart of Sitges.. »View full listing | ||
Cafe Al Fresco Located in the heart of Sitges C Major, Cafe Al Fresco offers something for everyone, open from 9am to 12am everyday with delicious breakfasts, sandwiches, full bar and outdoor terrace. »View full listing | ||
Exquisit Exquisit is our recommended restaurant in the Port of Sitges. A delightful menu full of international style and flair with superb cocktail menu in this ultra chic location. » View full listing. | ||
El Arte Del Cafe Opened in the Summer of 2008, El Arte Del Cafe is a welcome addition to the Sitges cafe scene. Whether its a great English Breakfast, a delicious vegetarian option or a tempting pasty or desert, El Arte Del Cafe offers something for everyone. » View full listing | ||
L'Aixeta L'Aixeta is located in the heart of Sitges at the end of C. San Francesc and offers delicious catalan food, from breakfasts to tapas and a la cartre » View full listing | ||
El Porteno The home of authentic Argentinian food in Sitges, El Porteno offers everything from delicious take away empanadas to superb Argentinian Steak grilled to perection.. » View full listing | ||
El Capricho Authentic french recipie makes this Creperie unique in Sitges. Delicious deserts, mouthwatering savoury crepes, delectable Movenpick Ice Cream... the menu goes on and on. Perfect for people watching as you enjoy a delicious light lunch or pop in for a beach take-away. » View full listing. | ||
Ma Maison Ma Maison is a beautiful large French restaurant located on C. Bonaire. Offering excellent value, their 3 course menu for EUR 20 is very popular. Inspired by French and English cuisine with an international twist, there is something for everyone. Saturday's cabaret shows are especially popular.»View full listing. | ||
Monroes Restaurant Excellent food, great service, all reasonably priced.. .thats our very quick description of Monroes, which has become a Sitges institution sinces it opened in 2006. The menu varies daily and the service is very tongue-in-cheek. Friday's drag bingo is a great night out and the perfect way to start your weekend.»View full listing. | ||
Mont Roig If you've ever been to Sitges then you can't have missed the Mont Roig Cafe. If its your first time, make sure you pay them a visit. Perfect for people watching it is open throughout the day from early morning right through to untill late in the evening. Highly recommended. »View full listing. | ||
Parrots Restaurant Superb food in a relaxing environment, Parrots offers a wide ranging menu with something for everyone. The outside terrace is perfect during the Summer months where you can enjoy the view of the boys walking through to Bonaire as you relax over a cool glass of Cava waiting for your dinner to arrive.»View full listing. | ||
Pizzeria D'Angelo Pizzeria D'Angelo has been offering authentic freshly made pastas and pizzas in Sitges for over 23 years and is located in the heart of Sitges.View full listing. | ||
So Ca Experience a true taste of Southern California in Sitges. Beautiful decor, great menu, excellent service and a superb cocktail menu make SoCa a truly unique experience in Sitges. Spacious, yet intimate the menu is healthy and delicious and offers something for everyone.»View full listing. | ||
Sitthai Sitthai is a wonderful addition to the Sitges restaurant scene. Delicious Royal Thai food served in a beautifully designed restaurant, right in the heart of Sitges. If you fancy a little bit of everything then try their food tasting menu or choose to relax in their chill-out lounge and sample one of their delicious cocktails. »View Full Listing |
Eating Out In Sitges - Breakfast, Lunch Or Dinner?
The range and quality of restaurants in Sitges is superb. Restaurants serving Catalan and regional Spanish cuisine are extremely popular. There are also restaurants catering to International tastes including Thai, Japanese, Indonesian, French and Chinese. If you are looking for the Vegetarian option, then you will be disappointed. Meat is very very popular in Spain!
Remember that restaurant opening times can very, especially during the off season. Some do lunch as well as dinner. On Sundays opening times can differ also. Most Spanish people eat late so don't be supervised if you find your restaurant empty at 9pm. All of the restaurants in Sitges offer excellent value, with most having a fixed price offering of about EUR 20 for a 3 course meal including local wine. Of course, you can always order a-la-carte!
If you are going out to eat for a special event or occasion, then please make sure you book ahead. There is nothing worse than wondering the busy streets of Sitges in the heat with nowhere to eat! But do not despair there are lots of good gay and gay friendly cafes that offer a wide range of snacks also you will fined lots of fast food outlets if all you are looking for is a quick bite to eat
The following restaurants are either gay-owned or gay-friendly and offer good value for money and great food.
Make your Euros, Pounds and Dollars go further this weekend. Take in one of the happy hours in Sitges bars:
- El horno – 5pm to 7pm
- B-Side – 9.30pm to 11.30pm
- Oreks – 10.30pm to 12am
- XXL – 10pm to 12am
- Privilege – 11pm to 1am
We mentioned earlier last week about the Sitges Wine Festival 2010. The event, which takes place over the weekend, features delicious gourmet food stalls right on the seafront on Saturday and Sunday along with the annual barrel run and trashing of the first grapes on the Sunday Afternoon.
Check out the Sitges Wine Festival Page on Gay Sitges Guide here for further information.
The Closing Party at the Gay Beach Party – Sitges 2009.
Posted on 09 September 2009
It was the closing night of the 8th season of Sitges Gay Beach Party… and what a closing night. With bears, boys, drag queens and everything in between it was a party to remember. The number of International visitors we have met this year who have come to Sitges specifically because of the reputation the party has gained abroad is phenomenal.
We would like to thank the barmen, the dancers, the security staff and the organiser Luis Enriquez for their hospitality throughout this years events and look forward to seeing you all again soon at the next Gay Beach Party Event. And remember with a major pride event in Sitges in 2010 you can expect some amazing beach parties!
Just moved Spain up on the "must visit" list!
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