Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Fashionable Resort of Sitges Costa Dorada

One of the main coastal resorts used by the people of Barcelona, the town of Sitges is a jewel in an otherwise dreary stretch of coastline. Fashionable since the late nineteenth century when it became a haven for artists, Sitges grew in popularity during the 1960’s and has continued to thrive ever since. The arty heritage developed when a popular Catalonian artist named Santiago RusiƱol spent some time there, some of his Modernista work can be seen in the local art museums. Modern day tourists head to Sitges to enjoy the fine sandy beaches (of which there are around 17 in the area), the upmarket shops and the vibrant night life. The town is fairly expensive in comparison with others nearby, and has prices in line with the wealthy city of Barcelona and rooms in the town can be scarce during the busy season. The town is renowned for its Carnival and for its International Film Festival which is held every year in October/November. Sitges attracts a large number of gays and has exclusively gay and nudist beaches. The town enjoys a delightful climate and the weather in Sitges is as good as any resort in the Costa Dorada, with sunshine being the order of the day from late May to October. Sitges is located just off the C-32 between Vilanova I la Geltru and Castelldefels. Map of Sitges.