
The perfect day trip only 45 minutes from Barcelona, Spain.
24 Hours Itinerary in Sitges, Spain
How to plan the perfect overnight trip an hour from Barcelona, Spain
Sitges is one of the best places for a day trip if you’re visiting Barcelona and want a coastal town getaway. This charming spot is known for its amazing beaches, great food, and stunning streets. It’s an easy trip, just about an hour by train, making the perfect day trip or you can stay overnight for a short but sweet coastal escape.
Step by Step Sitges Itinerary
Here are all the details on where to stay, how to get there, and what to see while you are in Sitges!
🌅Mornings: Board Train and Head to the Coast
To start your trip, head to the nearest train station that services the R2 line—this will take you directly to Sitges with no transfers needed! You can purchase your ticket at the station, and if you’re buying a round-trip, make sure to hang onto it; you’ll need it on the way back to Barcelona. Tickets are super affordable, making Sitges an easy and budget-friendly escape from the city.
When you arrive in Sitges, the train drops you just a short walk from the town center. For our overnight trip, my sister and I went straight to check into our hotel. Hotels in Sitges are surprisingly affordable and often way nicer than a typical budget stay in the U.S., which made it feel like a true getaway. We stayed at Melia Sitges, and it did not disappoint. It had a beautiful pool, ocean views, and great restaurants right on the property. While it’s a bit outside of the town center (about a 15-minute walk), it was still very convenient—and there are also plenty of lovely options right in the heart of town.
After settling in, we headed into town to explore!
🏖️Afternoon: Tapas and Lay at the Beach
Now it’s time to head into the city and start exploring! On your walk into town, make sure to stop by the iconic Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla. Perched right on the water, this beautiful church offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding town. You can also step inside to admire its gorgeous architecture and historic charm.
After soaking in the views, I recommend grabbing some tapas at one of the many cozy local restaurants. You’ll find tons of great options, some right by the beach, and others tucked away in the charming little streets. Most places serve delicious food, so you really can’t go wrong grabbing a snack or light lunch.
Once we were refueled, we strolled through the streets, popping into beachy boutique clothing stores, candy shops, and of course, stopping for some gelato.
After exploring the town, it was time to hit the beach and soak up the sun. Sitges has some of the best beaches in Spain; the sand is soft, and the water is the perfect temperature for a summer swim. I recommend bringing a large towel or blanket so you can relax for a few hours and catch a tan. I loved the beaches here because they were much calmer and quieter than the bustling beaches in Barcelona.
After getting a tan that bordered a sunburn we headed back to shower off and change for the night.
🥂Night: Beachside Dinner and Catch the Sunset
As the sun starts to set, it’s the perfect time to wind down with a relaxed beachside dinner. We headed to Cinnamon, a vegan restaurant right on the water. This spot has a fun island beach aesthetic with tropical decor, chill music, and fresh, colorful dishes that are delicious and healthy. Whether you're plant-based or just looking for a lighter meal, Cinnamon is a must. Watching the waves while eating dinner here was such a peaceful way to close out the day.
After dinner, we grabbed a deck of cards and headed down to the sand to catch the sunset. Sitting on the beach, playing cards, and watching the sky turn pink and orange was an amazing memory and great way to spend the evening. It was the perfect blend of fun in the town and beach vacation.
If you’re in the mood to keep the night going, Sitges also has a super fun nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars, beach clubs, and spots to dance; so if you want to switch from cozy to lively, there’s definitely something for you.
🚞The Next Day: Breakfast and Catch the Train to BCN
After waking up to the sound of ocean waves and clear blue skies, we packed up and headed into town for breakfast. The walk was peaceful and refreshing; we even caught a few early morning surfers out on the water, which made the town have an extra nice vacation feel.
We ended up at a café called Amanit, and it was the perfect breakfast spot. They had everything from breakfast sandwiches to smoothie bowls, plus great coffee and all served with a view of the sea. It was the ideal way to soak up a little more of Sitges before heading out.
Once we finished eating, we made our way back to the train station. It’s the same station you arrive at, and getting home is just as simple. If you purchased a round-trip ticket, make sure to hold onto it, or you can grab a one-way for the ride back. The R2 line takes you directly into the Barcelona city center, making the return commute quick and easy.
Check out some photos and an interactive map of all these great locations bellow!
A Look into Sitges