Sitges lies on the Catalan coast between the towns of Castelldefels and Vilanova i la Geltrú, about 36 kilometres southwest of Barcelona. The municipality belongs to the Garraf comarca and is part of the Garraf Natural Park, which is characterised by limestone hills. To the west it borders Vilanova i la Geltrú, to the north Sant Pere de Ribes and Olivella, and to the east Castelldefels. The town is connected to Barcelona and Tarragona by a toll motorway and a railway line.
The name Sitges dates back to pre-Roman times and means “granary.” There were early settlements here as far back as the Stone Age; later the Iberians and Romans used the place as a trading post. In the Middle Ages a castle stood here, belonging to the Crown of Barcelona, and the de Sitges family ruled for more than seven hundred years. In the nineteenth century trade with America flourished, bringing wealth to many residents. They invested in villas, factories and, later, in the emerging tourism industry.
Today Sitges is known mainly as a cultural and tourist destination. A long seafront promenade runs along the coast, lined with grand villas and the striking church on its rock. The townscape is shaped by Art Nouveau buildings and historic houses. Every year a tango festival, a fantasy film festival and a carnival with colourful parades attract visitors. The cuisine offers typical Catalan dishes such as the Xato salad, while the surrounding area, with its marinas, golf courses and the natural park, invites hiking and water sports.
