Sitges is a charming coastal village, located only about a 30-minute drive from the city of Barcelona. ❤Aside from its favorable Mediterranean climate, Sitges also boasts an incredibly quaint historic center and a peaceful seaside promenade.

Anyway, because of its beauty and serenity, Sitges has become a haven for both Barcelona day-trippers, and expats looking for an escape. In fact, most of its inhabitants are foreign, and many are attracted to Sitges for its incredibly gay-friendly atmosphere. Coincidentally, I arrived during the town’s “Bear Pride Festival.” 🐻 Don’t let the name fool you! These men are celebrating fuzzy creatures of a different sort! 😛

Anyway, my friend I visited Sitges in search of two very different things: seafood and sea views. Likewise, we were surely not disappointed! 🌊🐠 😊While walking the promenade, we chose to have our seafood at El Indiano, in the Urban Beach Hotel. This midday meal was eaten during the Spanish lunchtime, which is around 2 or 3 PM. It’s also the biggest meal of the day. So big in fact, that their ‘almuerzo’ or ‘lunch’ is merely a mid-morning snack for them, and this midday meal is called ‘la comida’ or ‘the food.’ Bring it on! 🍴We each ordered a three-course set menu to share, where we were able to sample a fresh mozzarella salad, Thai mussels, seafood paella, octopus squid ink paella, and two sweet desserts.

By far, the highlight of the meal was the squid ink paella, with its delicious accompaniment of fresh octopus, mussels, artichokes, and grilled prawns. Perfect with a glass or two…or bottle of white wine. 😉

For dessert, I tried the Catalan cream. This is a famous dessert of the region, made with heavy cream, eggs, and sugar. It has been said that you either love it or hate it. I may have been the latter, but at least I gave it a shot while I was there.After la comida, we relaxed on one of Sitges’ gorgeous sandy beaches, named Platja Sant Sebastiá. The beach was family-friendly, had a few lifeguards, and the water was surprising warm for a windy September afternoon.

After working up an appetite from battling all those waves, we went in search of another Spanish delicacy, churros and chocolate, at Granier bakery.

Although I’m not a big fan of sweets, this may have become my new vice. O-M-G! The chocolate was so thick, I could stand a spoon straight up in my cup! Absolutely delicious!

Anyway, we ended the evening with a quiet stroll along the promenade, where we listened to an acoustic guitarist play in the street and heard waves crash upon the shore. 🎵 ☮️ 💙 It was a beautiful taste of this small town, and I’d definitely go back for more. 🙂

http://www.visitsitges.com/en/