There’s a very good cause that household holidays in Spain are so widespread – and with its seashores, laid-back ambiance, historical past and Barcelona on the doorstep, it pays to look past the crowded Costas to plan a visit to Sitges with youngsters.
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Simple to achieve – it’s solely 16 miles from Barcelona airport – the twisting cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, you’ve obtained blue flag seashores for youths to get pleasure from, and not one of the mass tourism that impacts different components of the Spanish coast.
Often known as a preferred spot for artists and poets, you’ll discover greater than Bohemian attraction right here although, with a string of unbelievable issues to do in Sitges.
Seashores in Sitges for households
It’s the seashores which are a magnet for most individuals to Sitges with youngsters – and also you’re spoiled for selection, with 19 separate seashores in and across the city (a few of that are nudist and homosexual seashores).
There are a number of that are notably good for households, whether or not you’re searching for watersports and services or just some beautiful golden sand to chill out on and paddle.
One of the vital central seashores, Platja Sant Sebastià is widespread with locals in addition to households, though it does get busy throughout the summer time months. With calm waters and golden sands, it’s nonetheless an amazing choice with youngsters, particularly as you’ll discover loads of services from bogs to a close-by playground.
On the opposite facet of the church, Platja de la Fragata is good for those who’re searching for extra actions than making sandcastles – there’s seashore volleyball, and the choice to rent paddleboards or attempt different watersports together with crusing with Membership Nautico. Throughout the summer time, you’ll typically discover further enjoyable together with trampolines and mini golf too, though no sunbeds to lease right here.
Subsequent door, Platja de la Ribera is without doubt one of the longest seashores in central Sitges, and among the many hottest for households with youthful youngsters. A greater choice than neighbouring Platja de la Fragata for those who’re seeking to chill out, there are extra calm waters, sunbeds and umbrella rental, in addition to bogs and eating places.
A bit additional alongside the coast, Platja de l’Estanyol has its personal distinctive draw, because of the ‘Wibit’ floating 100 metres out at sea throughout the summer time months – this inflatable playground and impediment course is gigantic enjoyable (if tougher than it appears!). One other of the longest seashores in Sitges, it additionally has loads of services and locations to eat.
Or for those who’re searching for the least crowded seashores in central Sitges, attempt Platja Riera Xica subsequent door and Platja de la Barra which frequently has stay music.
Additional west, Platja Terramar and Platja de les Anquines are a half hour stroll from the centre of city, though there’s a prepare service to avoid wasting drained legs.
Backed by Parc Terramar (learn on for extra particulars), this pair of seashores are identified for his or her heat water and watersports – the breakwater which surrounds the world makes it superb with youthful youngsters, plus it’s a very good place to check out something from kayaking and stand-up paddleboards to renting pedalos and surf boards.
Or head east and Platja d’Aiguadolç, round quarter-hour from the centre of Sitges, has sunbeds and umbrellas to lease, a restaurant and seashore bars, plus browsing, paddleboarding and snorkelling to attempt.
In the event you’re seeking to escape to a quieter stretch of sand, head additional alongside the coast, not removed from Castelldefels to Les Botigues Seashore (often known as Platja de Castelldefels). A whopping 1.5km lengthy, this Blue Flag seashore additionally has nice disabled entry, in addition to snack bars and cafes galore.
Platja del Garraf is one other nice choice for those who’re wanting past Sitges itself, identified for its fairly inexperienced and white homes lining the seashore – courting from the Nineteen Twenties, they as soon as belonged to the world’s fishermen.
Get pleasure from some watersports
There are three separate marinas in Sitges, in addition to varied watersports to attempt on a few of the city’s seashores, so that you’ll have loads of selection for those who’re searching for family-friendly choices.
Nootka Kayaking on Terramar seashore is good for those who’re in Sitges with youngsters who’re new to watersports. They’ve summer time camps which run throughout the mornings, in addition to separate classes and excursions to attempt kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Or Membership Nautic Sitges, proper within the coronary heart of city close to the church, has a crusing summer time camp in addition to household programs for those who’re all seeking to be taught, to not point out windsurf, paddleboarding and browsing courses.
The Aiguadolç space can be nice for locating firms providing browsing and crusing classes, together with the possibility to attempt paddleboarding and lease your personal boat.
And barely additional out of city, Port del Garraf, on the foot of Parc del Garraf, has its personal water sports activities exercise centre – there are crusing classes geared toward youngsters, in addition to varied different watersports at Membership Nautic Garraf.
Take a ship journey
In the event you’d like to move out on the water with your loved ones, quite than getting a crusing qualification, you can even lease boats from Navega Sin Titulo in Aiguadolç .
You don’t want a license to rent these (though there are additionally choices in case you have one) with area for as much as 5 on board – you may carry your personal foods and drinks, then set off to find the coast, discover a quieter cove to sunbathe or simply benefit from the surroundings.
In the event you don’t fancy being the crew of your personal boat, you can even prepare a sundown crusing journey with the captain (and a bottle of cava) included.
Uncover some historical past
This a part of Spain has been inhabited since Roman instances, and whereas you must go to Tarragona for the most effective Roman stays (learn on for extra!), there’s nonetheless loads to find throughout a stroll round Sitges.
In every single place you look, you’ll discover intricately embellished doorways, tiles which may have come straight from the Alhambra in Granada, and historic buildings starting from Renaissance to artwork nouveau.
As you wander, look out for the ruins of the previous medieval wall on Carrer de la Davallada, in addition to the medieval arched doorways alongside Carrer d’en Bosch, the oldest avenue in Sitges.
Head to Plaça de l’Ajuntament as effectively: the city corridor right here is constructed on the foundations of the medieval fort, whereas the constructing subsequent to it was as soon as the Mercat Vell, or previous market.
Take in the views
There’s barely a nook of Sitges which isn’t pretty, so that you received’t be in need of fabulous views as you discover – however don’t miss the perspective at Plaça del Baluard.
Climb the steps to Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla Parish Church – higher often known as La Punta, or the purpose, as you may see it for such a great distance alongside the shoreline – and you’ll gaze right down to the ocean, in addition to being on the sting of the previous city.
On the backside of the steps on the waterfront, look out for the mermaid – the Sirena de Pere Jou statue – together with her handheld up. You’ll see the palm is worn shiny by passersby touching their very own palms to it.
Go to a museum
Museums may not prime your listing for a household vacation in Sitges, however there are some nice choices for those who’re visiting with youngsters who love artwork or are searching for an choice on a uncommon wet day in Sitges – because the Spanish city will get 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, that’s not normally an issue although!
A number of historic buildings have been transformed into galleries and museums, together with the spectacular assortment on the Cau Ferrat Museum.
As soon as house to modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol, you may see three Picassos and two authentic El Greco work on show in addition to his work and extra element about his life. There’s even slightly quiz with challenges for youths, geared toward ages 7-10.
Or the shows within the Maricel Museum cowl 10 centuries of artwork, together with extra modernist work, alongside sculpture and antiques.
In the meantime the attractive Palau Maricel has a group of medieval artwork, though the constructing isn’t open day-after-day. And the Museu Romantic (briefly closed) is house to one among Europe’s largest collections of dolls and toys.
The museums are free for kids aged beneath 12 to enter and infrequently run household workshops throughout the 12 months too.
Take the vacationer prepare
Driving the little vacationer trains had been one among my very own favorite childhood reminiscences of holidays in Spain, and an equally massive hit with my daughter when she was youthful – and Sitges has its personal vacationer prepare for a part of the 12 months.
Operating from Might to mid-September, in addition to at weekends between February and Might, it’s additionally a good way to get round with youthful youngsters because the little prepare travels alongside the 1.5 mile promenade between Paseo de la Ribera and Terramar.
The total route takes round half-hour and solely prices just a few euros a technique.
Play mini golf
Problem your loved ones with a sport of mini golf in Sitges. A brief stroll from the beachfront, Minigolf Vinyet on Passeig de Vilanova has 18 holes so it’s straightforward to whereas away an hour or two taking part in the enjoyable course.
You’ll additionally discover ping pong tables and desk soccer, plus generally trampolines, for those who’re searching for extra household enjoyable in Sitges.
Head to the park
The seashore isn’t the one alternative to get open air in Sitges with youngsters – Terramar Park has some nice locations for youths to play, in addition to the possibility to benefit from the greenery.
Los Jardines de Terramar is shaded, and an amazing play space for youthful youngsters, whereas you can even discover a zipline, sound backyard and loads of picnic areas among the many timber – to not point out numerous area to run round.
Go to Garraf Nationwide Park
For a much bigger open air journey in Sitges with youngsters, head to the Parc del Garraf which has strolling and mountain climbing trails for all ages and skills, in addition to mountain biking.
There are some guided walks at weekends, or just comply with the sign-posted trails – the AllTrails website is a good way to filter a few of the choices, together with some straightforward routes to attempt with youngsters or a more difficult path to the ruins of a fort, or discover extra data on strolling routes in Garraf Pure Park with youngsters right here.
Preserve your eyes open for eagles, in addition to the opposite wildlife residing within the 12,820 hectares of hills.
Get pleasure from a fiesta
The Spanish love a fiesta, and that goes double for Catalonia – so for those who time your vacation in Sitges with youngsters proper, you may catch one among these unbelievable and memorable celebrations too.
The most important occasion in Sitges is the Festa Main, a celebration of the city’s patron saint, Sant Bartomeu. The principle celebrations run for 36 hours from August 23, however occasions usually begin a number of days earlier round August 19 and run for a number of days afterwards till August 26-28.
Anticipate a hearth dragon, giants and the standard Catalan human towers, in addition to a powerful fireworks show – don’t plan on getting an excessive amount of sleep with youthful youngsters although!
It’s not the one fiesta to be careful for, with the Pageant of San Juan on June 23, that includes extra fireworks on the seashore, whereas the Santa Tecla celebrations on September 22 and 23 are like Festa Main in miniature. However whereas these are the three greatest, you’ll discover occasions going down in Sitges most months.
Issues to do close to Sitges with youngsters
Sitges can be an amazing location to discover additional alongside the Costa Garraf, right down to the Costa Dorada and as much as Barcelona and Costa Barcelona.
Railway Museum, Vilanova
In the event you’re visiting Sitges with youngsters who love trains, the Railway Museum of Catalonia in Vilanova y la Geltrú is unmissable.
Lower than 10 minutes from Sitges by prepare (and the museum is helpfully proper close to the station), it’s house to greater than 50 several types of trains, together with a duplicate of the primary one which travelled round this a part of Spain in 1848.
Look out for an opulent classic American passenger automobile, in addition to steam, diesel and electrical locomotives, and electromagnetic expertise, plus a play space for youths.
Tarragona
Lower than an hour away alongside the coast lies Tarragona, house to a few of the greatest Roman websites in the entire of Spain.
One of the vital essential cities within the Roman Empire, Tarraco because it was then identified, is most well-known for its great amphitheatre reduce into the hillside above the seashore.
However that’s not the one Unesco-listed website to discover: you may see some stays of the discussion board, partitions and the circus, the place chariot races had been held, in addition to the aqueduct simply exterior Tarragona.
There are a number of excursions that will help you discover – do this Roman strolling tour.
Jungle Trek
If journey tempts your youngsters greater than Roman historical past, don’t miss Jungle Trek, the unbelievable tree-top journey park not removed from Tarragona, round a 40-minute drive from Sitges.
With over 150 challenges and 13 high-ropes programs, there are alternatives appropriate for youths aged 4+ however you’ll additionally discover larger thrills for older youngsters as effectively.
Together with the tree-top circuits, you may velocity down the Jungle Coaster zipline, benefit from the jungle nets, play tennis and check out ‘mushy paintball’.
Set in La Mora, it’s straightforward to mix with a while on the seashore there too.
Go to a water park
There isn’t a water park in Sitges itself – other than the seasonal Wibit inflatable course – however you’ll find two shut sufficient for a day journey from Sitges with youngsters.
Aqualeon is round half an hour away by automobile, with the Kidzworld space geared toward youthful youngsters, plus a wave pool and slides galore, together with family-friendly choices but in addition extra adrenaline-fuelled enjoyable.
There are additionally some water rides at Portaventura – learn on for extra particulars
Go to a theme park
Simply past Tarragona is Portaventura – the place theme park meets water park meets animal attraction, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from throughout a day trip right here.
With six themed areas, you may get a style of various civilisations from all over the world, together with Polynesia, China and Mexico, plus a youngsters’ zone themed round Sesame Road. Alongside the way in which you possibly can get pleasure from a 4D expertise, check out the water rides, watch a stay chicken present, journey rollercoasters and meet Bert & Ernie.
You can even get mixed tickets with entrance to Ferrari Land subsequent door, full of immersive experiences and high-speed rides, good for mini petrolheads.
Go wine tasting
The Penedès wine area is the center of Cava county, the place Spain’s well-known glowing wine is made – and Sitges is simply round half an hour from the vineyards the place you should purchase and style the wine.
And even higher, you’ll find family-friendly choices so it’s nonetheless one thing to maintain in your wishlist for a vacation in Sitges with youngsters.
Bodega Freixenet has child-friendly excursions, the place you may head down into the cellars 20 meters beneath floor, plus alcohol-free cava or grape juice for youths to attempt – and there’s slightly prepare journey included as effectively.
The tour is free for these aged 8 and beneath as effectively, and it’s strolling distance from the railway station so you may get the prepare there too.
Go to Barcelona
It’s lower than an hour to Barcelona by prepare, so Sitges is an ideal base for those who fancy a day in Barcelona with youngsters as effectively.
In fact there’s an enormous quantity to find within the metropolis for households, so you may simply fill greater than a single day – don’t miss at the least a few of the fabulous fantastical structure from Gaudi, together with the Sagrada Familia, and taking the funicular up mount Tibidabo.
However there are additionally a string of household sights, together with museums and the stunning aquarium to find, some nice avenue artwork and historical past galore to discovery right here too.
The place to remain in Sitges with youngsters
I’m a giant fan of staying in a villa with youngsters – not solely do you could have more room (which beats sitting in a darkened resort room after youthful youngsters have fallen asleep), there’s extra flexibility and luxuries like a non-public pool whereas nonetheless typically costing the identical or lower than a resort.
Utopia Villas is the one firm in Sitges which has beachfront villas, so in addition to your personal pool, you’re minutes from the sand – Villa Augusta, simply 300m from the seafront, has a beautiful pool, whereas for those who’re travelling with youthful youngsters, the heated pool of Villa Anne is tempting, plus there’s the whole lot from three-bed villas as much as ones for larger teams of family and friends within the assortment.
Or there are villas close to the Parc del Garraf, like beautiful Ibiza-style Villa Leila, for those who’re planning to get out into the mountains.
Throw in high-speed WiFi as normal too (useful for those who’re visiting Sitges with teenagers) together with the choice to rearrange babysitting, family-friendly excursions and airport transfers as a bonus.
You will discover extra choices on reserving.com as effectively with free cancellation, whether or not you’re Sitges city centre or wish to be on Sitges beachfront. In the event you desire a resort, Jet2Holidays additionally has a string of areas to select from – just a few are higher for adults (or adults-only), however there’s loads for households as effectively.
*First revealed 2022, final up to date 2026*
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee – all opinions on what to do in Sitges with youngsters are my very own
Pictures courtesy of Depositphotos
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