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Sitges has a
fine collection of museums including Museu Cau Ferrat
the home of the painter Santiago Rusiņol who built
the his home out of two fisherman's cottages, adding
Gothic and Modernist touches. Next door is the Museu
Maricel which houses an eclectic collection of
Romanesque murals, Gothic paintings and a large
display of Catalan Modernist art. Artists still come,
fashionable Barcelonans flock here at weekends and gay
tourists are drawn by the tolerant lifestyle -
especially in February, when Rio comes to Sitges with
extravagant Carnival parades.
On the Sunday following
Carnival there is a vintage car rally from Barcelona
to Sitges. The Sunday after Corpus Christi in June is
marked by religious processions and 'flower carpets'
in the streets, while the Festa Major (23-24 August)
features dragons, giants and firecrackers and stick
dancing.
The beaches in Sitges,
of which there are plenty to choose from and ranging
from naturist through to family and volleyball, all
have blue flag status. The sand is clean and the
swimming is safe for children (there are lifeguards on
every beach). There is a wonderful, tree-lined Paseo
Maritimo (promenade) running almost 2 miles along the
seafront, passing restaurants, fine examples of
Modernist architecture and wide open beaches.
For a total contrast to
the lively coastal area and just 20 minutes drive from
the center of Sitges is the Garraf, one of Catalonia's
outstanding National Parks. There are marked trails
running across the hills making the area suitable for
hiking, mountain biking, and relaxation. At the center
of the Garraf is the Tibetan Buddhist monastery Sakya
Tashi Ling which is open for guided visits year round.
There are many other
excursions that can be made from Sitges including:
Barcelona - 30 minutes
by train.
Tarragona - the great
Roman port.
Montserrat and the cava
country - both great sources of Catalan pride.
Port Aventura - a great
day out for children at this fabulous theme park.
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