From what I recall from 30 years ago, Sitges is a charming little fishing village just a short train ride south of Barcelona.

We're stopping in Barcelona in late April 2009 on a cruise ship visit and was considering taking the train back down to Sitges for the day. I'm sure it will be too early in the season to do beach things. Is it still a worthwhile place to visit? We've done Barcelona already.

I remember we had a great dinner at a restaurant on the outskirts of town, within walking distance. We sat out in a courtyard with trees, and they served a basket of various sausages/pepperoni with bread as an App. It was a great experience, and thought it would be ideal for an afternoon lunch.

Does such a restaurant still exist, and would you recommend a day trip to Sitges? Would appreciate any other restaurant recommendations.

Hi winstoncup

I would encourage you to revisit Sitges - but bear in mind those 30 years have fostered some changes (if not with you - then at least with Sitges).

It is not quite as sleepy as it was in the past. It has developed very nicely and is an excellent site for a day visit. The RENFE station is about 1 kilometer from the beach and it is easily walkable. The train takes about 25 minutes each way.

We spent 3 days in Sitges in March 2008 and had fantastic weather - 27 degrees. There are a series of very nice beaches, laced with palm trees, and lots of cafes, tourist shops and small grocery stores to meet all your needs.

Also in the past 30 years, Sitges has gained an international reputation as a gay resort, and its 'gay-ness' is obvious but not aggressively so. So while it has plenty of gay-oriented establishments, there are also plenty of straight visitors and places that cater for them.
April isn't yet the high season but the period aroud the Semana Santa (5-12 April) will be busy (and expensive).

We spent several days in Sitges in March 2007, also had great weather. I wouldn't have wanted to swim, but Sangria in a cafe on the beachfront was great.

We had a great lunch in a chicken/barbecue restaurant, starting with Romesco Sauce and Calcots (spring onions grilled, with garlic/almond sauce, eaten with your hands)

It's a nice, and easy walk from the train station into the centre of town. The trains were relatively frequent, from what I remember.

It isn't a 'charming little fishing village', but still a great place for walking along the beach, enjoying the people, etc.

As a gay man I can assure you that the gay people who go to Sitges aren't any more "aggressive" in their tourism than some of the straight people..and no, they won't "bother" you, either.

Siges would probably still BE that "little village" had some gays not discovered it.

If you can stay until around sunset, that will be beautiful.