Spain’s beaches have long been popular with sun-loving Britons with millions of us descending on the well-trodden coastline each year. Many of them are rammed with people sitting cheek-by-jowl jostling for that tiny patch of precious sand.

There is, however, a hidden gem of a town with lovely beaches only half an hour from Barcelona. Sitges boasts a lovely, curved promenade lined with towering palm trees and a pristine wide sandy beach.

It sits between the Costa Dorada and Costa Brava and as well as sensational beaches, there are some important historical and natural attractions too. 

Explore the natural attractions at the sprawling nature reserve which is one of Catalonia’s most important bio-reserves. Lace up your walking boots and explore the deep gorges, and caves, or hit one of the many scenic hiking trails.  

There are pine and oak forests to wander through and incredible wildlife where you’ll likely spot birds of prey such as eagles and falcons as well as wild boar and Mediterranean tortoises.

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Sitges’ charming old town dates back to Roman times. Narrow alleyways take you onto pretty squares surrounded by colonnaded walkways and old palaces. 

Maricel Palace is a city landmark and has pillared archways, lavishly decorated rooms and terraces, and cloisters. The city’s major landmark is the 17th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla which sits atop a hill surrounded by two beaches. 

The city loves to party and there are many fiestas and festivals seemingly held every month. They also host an annual film festival.

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Most visitors will stroll at least once, past the Sitges Marina and Nautical Centre where gin palaces moor up for the evening but it’s the beaches that holidaymakers really come for.

There are so many to choose from it’s not easy to choose which one is best. Garraf Beach is a popular family hangout with calm waters, beach bars, and all the toys such as pedal boats and kayaks while

Terramar is a long beach with beautiful sands and man-made islands to snorkel around. Ribera Beach couldn’t be more conveniently located if it tried as it sits right in front of Sitges. Given its proximity it is busy but the bonus is you don’t have to travel far back to your hotel.

Wine lovers can explore the region on an informative guided e-bike tour with lunch and visits to sprawling vineyards with, of course, plenty of tastings along the way.

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