Sitges

Sitges (Catalan: [ˈsidʒəs], Spanish: [ˈsitʃes]; Old Catalan for 'underground [grain] silos') is a town about 35 kilometres southwest of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain, renowned worldwide for its film festival, Carnival, and Catalan culture. Located between the Garraf Massif and the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its beaches, nightspots, LGBTQ+ tourism, and historical sites. While the roots of Sitges' artistic reputation date back to the late 19th century, when painter Santiago Rusiñol took up residence there during the summer, the town became a centre for the 1960s counterculture in mainland Spain during the Francoist regime, and became known as "Ibiza in miniature". Today, the economy of Sitges is based on tourism and culture, offering more than 4,500 hotel beds, half of them in four-star hotels. Almost 35% of the approximately 26,000 permanent inhabitants are estimated to be foreigners, a majority from Northern Europe. There are 17 beaches in Sitges, the most popular being Platja de Sant Sebastià, Platja de la Fragata, Platja de la Bassa Rodona, Platja dels Balmins, Platja de la Ribera and Platja d'Aiguadolç. Sitges has been referred to as the Saint-Tropez of Spain, with property prices approaching those of the most expensive European cities, the main reason for this being the setting by the sea and the surrounding Garraf Park. Proximity to Barcelona-El Prat Airport is also a major advantage.