There’s a great cause that household holidays in Spain are so well-liked – 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 received blue flag seashores for youths to get pleasure from, and not one of the mass tourism that impacts different elements of the Spanish coast.
Referred to as a preferred spot for artists and poets, you’ll discover greater than Bohemian appeal right here although, with a string of improbable 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 (together with nudist and homosexual seashores).
There are a number of that are notably good for households, whether or not you’re in search of watersports and services or just some beautiful golden sand to loosen up on and paddle.
Probably the most central seashores, Platja Sant Sebastià is well-liked with locals in addition to households, though it does get busy in the course of the summer time months. With calm waters and golden sands, it’s nonetheless an important possibility with youngsters, particularly as you’ll discover loads of services together with bathrooms and a close-by playground.
On the opposite aspect of the church, Platja de la Fragata is good if you happen to’re in search of 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. Through 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 likely one of the longest seashores in central Sitges, and among the many hottest for households with youthful kids. A greater possibility than neighbouring Platja de la Fragata if you happen to’re trying to loosen up, there are extra calm waters, sunbeds and umbrella rental, in addition to bathrooms and eating places.
Just a little additional alongside the coast, Platja de l’Estanyol has its personal distinctive draw, due to the ‘Wibit’ floating 100 metres out at sea – this inflatable playground and impediment course is big enjoyable (if tougher than it seems!). One other of the longest seashores in Sitges, it additionally has loads of services and locations to eat.
Or if you happen to’re in search of the least crowded seashores in central Sitges, attempt Platja Riera Xica subsequent door and Platja de la Barra which frequently has reside music.
Additional west, Platja Terramar and Platja de les Anquines are a half hour stroll from the centre of city, though there’s a practice service to save lots of 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 realm makes it perfect with youthful youngsters, plus it’s a great 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.
If you happen to’re trying to escape to a quieter stretch of sand, head additional alongside the coast, not removed from Castelldefels to Les Botigues Seaside (also referred to 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 possibility if you happen to’re trying past Sitges itself, identified for its fairly inexperienced and white homes lining the seashore – relationship from the Nineteen Twenties, they as soon as belonged to the realm’s fishermen.
Get pleasure from some watersports
There are three separate marinas in Sitges, in addition to numerous watersports to attempt on a few of the city’s seashores, so that you’ll have loads of selection if you happen to’re in search of family-friendly choices.
Nootka Kayaking on Terramar seashore is good if you happen to’re in Sitges with youngsters who’re new to watersports. They’ve summer time camps which run in the course of the mornings, in addition to separate classes and excursions to attempt kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
For an extended kayaking journey, there’s a three-hour kayaking journey from Vilanova to Sitges – whereas it’s appropriate for newcomers, it’s finest for older youngsters and youths
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 if you happen to’re all trying to study, to not point out windsurf, paddleboarding and browsing lessons.
The Aiguadolç space can also be nice for locating corporations providing browsing and crusing classes, together with the prospect 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 numerous different watersports at Membership Nautic Garraf.
Take a ship journey
If you happen to’d like to go out on the water with your loved ones, reasonably than getting a crusing qualification, you may as well lease boats from Navega Sin Titulo in Aiguadolç .
You don’t want a license to rent these (though there are additionally choices if in case you have one) with area for as much as 5 on board – you possibly can deliver your personal food and drinks, then set off to find the coast, discover a quieter cove to sunbathe or simply benefit from the surroundings.
If you happen to don’t fancy being the crew of your personal boat, you may as well prepare a sundown crusing journey with the captain (and a bottle of cava) included – minimal of 4 individuals.
Uncover some historical past
This a part of Spain has been inhabited since Roman occasions, and whereas it’s important to go to Tarragona for the perfect Roman stays (learn on for extra!), there’s nonetheless lots to find throughout a stroll round Sitges.
In all places 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 outdated 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 nicely: the city corridor right here is constructed on the foundations of the medieval citadel, whereas the constructing subsequent to it was as soon as the Mercat Vell, or outdated market.
To identify all of the highlights of Sitges with youngsters, do this self-guided strolling tour, which takes you from Roman occasions to the fashionable day
Absorb the views
There’s barely a nook of Sitges which isn’t beautiful, so that you gained’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 referred to as La Punta, or the purpose, as you possibly can see it for such a great distance alongside the shoreline – and you may gaze right down to the ocean, in addition to being on the sting of the outdated 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 high your listing for a household vacation in Sitges, however there are some nice choices if you happen to’re visiting with youngsters who love artwork or are in search of an possibility on a uncommon wet day in Sitges – because the Spanish city will get 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, that’s not often 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 dwelling to modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol, you possibly can see three Picassos and two unique El Greco work on show in addition to his work and extra element about his life. There’s even somewhat 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 gorgeous Palau Maricel has a set of medieval artwork, though the constructing isn’t open day by day. And the Museu Romantic (quickly closed) is dwelling to certainly one of Europe’s largest collections of dolls and toys.
The museums are free for youngsters aged beneath 12 to enter and sometimes run household workshops in the course of the 12 months too.
Take the Vacationer practice
Driving the little vacationer trains had been certainly one of my very own favorite childhood recollections of holidays in Spain, and an equally massive hit with my daughter when she was youthful – and Sitges has its personal vacationer practice for a part of the 12 months.
Working from Could to mid-September, in addition to at weekends between February and Could, it’s additionally a good way to get round with youthful youngsters because the little practice travels alongside the 1.5 mile promenade between Paseo de la Ribera and Terramar.
The total route takes round half-hour and solely prices a couple of euros a technique.
Play mini golf
Problem your loved ones with a recreation 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 enjoying the enjoyable course.
You’ll additionally discover ping pong tables and desk soccer, plus generally trampolines, if you happen to’re in search of extra household enjoyable in Sitges.
Head to the park
The seashore isn’t the one alternative to get outdoor in Sitges with youngsters – Terramar Park has some nice locations for youths to play, in addition to the prospect to benefit from the greenery.
Los Jardines de Terramar is shaded, and an important play space for youthful youngsters, whereas you may as well discover a zipline, sound backyard and loads of picnic areas among the many bushes – to not point out a number of area to run round.
Go to Garraf Nationwide Park
For a much bigger outdoor 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 observe 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 citadel, or discover extra info on strolling routes in Garraf Pure Park with youngsters right here.
Maintain your eyes open for eagles, in addition to the opposite wildlife dwelling within the 12,820 hectares of hills.
Get pleasure from a fiesta
The Spanish love a fiesta, and that goes double for Catalonia – so if you happen to time your vacation in Sitges with youngsters proper, you possibly can catch certainly one of these improbable and memorable celebrations too.
The largest occasion in Sitges is the Festa Main, a celebration of the city’s patron saint, Sant Bartomeu. The primary 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.
Count on a fireplace dragon, giants and the normal 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 Competition 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 also be an important 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
If you happen to’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 practice (and the museum is helpfully proper close to the station), it’s dwelling to greater than 50 various kinds of trains, together with a duplicate of the primary one which travelled round this a part of Spain in 1848.
Look out for luxurious 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, dwelling to a few of the finest Roman websites in the entire of Spain.
Probably the most vital cities within the Roman Empire, Tarraco because it was then identified, is most well-known for its fantastic amphitheatre lower into the hillside above the seashore.
However that’s not the one Unesco-listed website to discover: you possibly can see some stays of the discussion board, partitions and the circus, the place chariot races had been held, in addition to the aqueduct simply outdoors Tarragona.
There are a number of excursions that will help you discover – do this Roman strolling tour or there’s additionally a scavenger hunt- model self-guided tour of Tarragona which is enjoyable with youngsters.
Jungle Trek
If journey tempts your youngsters greater than Roman historical past, don’t miss Jungle Trek, the improbable 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 greater thrills for older youngsters as nicely.
Together with the tree-top circuits, you possibly can velocity down the Jungle Coaster zipline, benefit from the jungle nets, play tennis and check out ‘comfortable 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 – aside from the Wibit inflatable course – however yow will discover 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 kids, plus a wave pool and slides galore, together with family-friendly choices but additionally 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 will get a style of various civilisations from world wide, together with Polynesia, China and Mexico, plus a youngsters’ zone themed round Sesame Avenue. Alongside the way in which you might get pleasure from a 4D expertise, check out the water rides, watch a reside fowl present, journey rollercoasters and meet Bert & Ernie.
It’s also possible to get mixed tickets with entrance to Ferrari Land subsequent door, filled with immersive experiences and high-speed rides, good for mini petrolheads.
Go wine tasting
The Penedès wine area is the guts of Cava county, the place Spain’s well-known glowing wine is made – and Sitges is just round half an hour from the vineyards the place you should purchase and style the wine.
And even higher, yow will discover 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 possibly can head down into the cellars 20 meters under floor, plus alcohol-free cava or grape juice for youths to attempt – and there’s somewhat practice journey included as nicely.
The tour is free for these aged 8 and beneath as nicely, and it’s strolling distance from the railway station so you will get the practice there too.
Go to Barcelona
It’s lower than an hour to Barcelona by practice, so Sitges is an ideal base if you happen to fancy a day in Barcelona with youngsters as nicely.
In fact there’s an enormous quantity to find within the metropolis for households, so you possibly can simply fill greater than a single day – don’t miss not less than 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 an enormous fan of staying in a villa with youngsters – not solely do you will have more room (which beats sitting in a darkened lodge room after youthful youngsters have fallen asleep), there’s extra flexibility and luxuries like a personal pool whereas nonetheless typically costing the identical or lower than a lodge.
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 stunning pool, whereas if you happen to’re travelling with youthful youngsters, the heated pool of Villa Anne is tempting, plus there’s every little thing from three-bed villas as much as ones for greater teams of family and friends within the assortment.
Or there are villas close to the Parc del Garraf, like beautiful Ibiza-style Villa Leila, if you happen to’re planning to get out into the mountains.
Throw in high-speed WiFi as normal too (useful if you happen to’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 nicely with free cancellation, whether or not you’re Sitges city centre or need to be on Sitges beachfront. If you happen to favor a lodge, Jet2Holidays additionally has a string of places to select from – a couple of are higher for adults (or adults-only), however there’s lots for households as nicely.
*First revealed 2022, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit comprises 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
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