Travel & Stay
Our recommendations for Sitges and the surrounding areas.
FLIGHTS
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the closest airport to Sitges.
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For our Australian friends and family - common airlines flying to BCN include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.
For our American friends and family - common airlines flying to BCN include Iberia, American, British Airways, and Delta.
Alternatively, you could consider flying to a major hub such as Heathrow, Frankfurt, or Zurich and take an easyJet or Vueling flight from there to Barcelona.
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Sitges is located about 30 minutes from the BCN airport. From the airport, you can take the MonBus (bus) direct from Terminal 1 to Sitges, the train RENFE to R2 Sud line, a taxi/private transfer/uber, or rent a car.
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Sitges is located about 40 minutes from Barcelona. From Barcelona, you can take the Rodalies R2 Sud train, the MonBus from Sants station or Placa d'Espanya, a taxi/private transfer/uber, or rent a car.
Everyone will need to bring a valid passport with at least 3 months until it expires and not older than 10 years.
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The EU has a new entry/exit system that all non-EU nationals, including Australians and Americans, will need to register at in order to travel in or out of the Schengen area.
On your first entry to the EU, you will be required to have your fingerprints and photos taken and answer Schengen Border Code questions. This will create a digital record that registers your biometric details and will be valid for 3 years. You do not need to do anything before arriving to the boarder and registration is free.
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Everyone will need to apply for the new online, pre-travel authorization through ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to the EU which is rolling out in the last quarter of 2026.
This will cost between 7-20 euros, will remain valid for 3 years, and is required for all ages. We recommend applying for this at least 30 days in advance of your travels.
As a reminder, you are not allowed to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days in every 180 days!
DOCUMENTS
What to Do in Sitges
What to Do in Barcelona
Spain uses the Euro. Most places will take tap to pay or apple pay, but we do recommend carrying a small amount of cash with you.
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Spain is known for its relaxed, late-night Mediterranean pace. Embrace the late night dining (dinner around 9-10:30pm) and tapas culture. Try out a tapear (moving from bar to bar, having one drink and one tapa each).
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Tipping is not expected, rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving small change is sufficient.
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Always ask "qui es l'ultim?" (who is last?) when arriving at a busy counter or service point.
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In Sitges, try out the Vermut, a beloved tradition of having a vermouth drink and snacks (crisps, olives, cockles) around noon before lunch.
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If in Barcelona, avoid wearing beachwear (bikini tops or no shirts) outside the beach area which can result in fines.
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Pickpocketing is common in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. Make sure to keep your valuables secure and travel smart. Ask Alyssa about her pickpocket experience in Barcelona.
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Last, but not least, partake in the siesta. The siesta is a traditional short afternoon nap, generally between 2pm to 5pm to avoid the hottest part of the day. You may find that smaller restaurants and shops may close for the afternoon and that things are generally more quiet during this time. Its a great opportunity to rest up and get your energy back for those later night dinners.
Local customs
Knowing some basic Catalan and Spanish will go a long way. You will get much better service if you are able to say hello and order your morning coffee in Catalan/Spanish. Some common terms to know are below. Don't be afraid to try, the effort means more than you think even if you switch to English after.
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Catalan
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Bon dia (Bohn DEE-uh) – Good morning
Bona tarda (BOH-nuh TAHR-thuh) – Good afternoon
Si us plau (See oos PLOW) – Please
Gràcies (GRAH-syuhs) – Thank you
De res (Duh REZ) – You're welcome
Hola / Adeu (Oh-la / Ah-DEW) – Hello / Goodbye
Disculpi (Dees-KOOL-pee) – Excuse me
Quant costa això? (Kwant COH-stah ay-SHOH) – How much does this cost?
Un cafè, si us plau (Oon kah-FEH, see oos PLOW) – A coffee, please
Spanish
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¿Dónde está el baño? (DOHN-deh eh-STAH el BAHN-yoh) – Where is the bathroom?
Una caña, por favor (Oo-nah KAH-nyah, por fah-VOR) – A small draft beer, please
¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS) – Do you speak English?
Perdón / Perdona (Per-DOHN / Per-DOH-nah) – Pardon me / Excuse me
No entiendo (No en-TYEN-doh) – I don't understand