There’s cause that household holidays in Spain are so fashionable – and with its seashores, laid-back environment, historical past and Barcelona on the doorstep, it pays to look past the crowded Costas to plan a visit to Sitges with youngsters.
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Straightforward to succeed in – it’s solely 16 miles from Barcelona airport – the twisting cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, you’ve acquired blue flag seashores for youths to take pleasure in, and not one of the mass tourism that impacts different elements of the Spanish coast.
Often known as a well-liked spot for artists and poets, you’ll discover greater than Bohemian attraction right here although, with a string of incredible issues to do in Sitges with youngsters in addition to some nice villas for households.
Seashores in Sitges for households
It’s the seashores which are a magnet for most individuals to Sitges with youngsters – and also you’re spoiled for alternative, with 19 separate seashores in and across the city (together with nudist and homosexual seashores).
There are a number of that are significantly good for households, whether or not you’re searching for watersports and services or just some attractive golden sand to chill out on and paddle.
One of the vital central seashores, Platja Sant Sebastià is fashionable with locals in addition to households, though it does get busy throughout the summer season months. With calm waters and golden sands, it’s nonetheless an amazing choice with youngsters, particularly you’ll discover loads of services together with bogs and a close-by playground.
On the opposite facet of the church, Platja de la Fragata is good should you’re searching for extra actions than making sandcastles – there’s seaside volleyball, and the choice to rent paddleboards or attempt different watersports together with crusing with Membership Nautico. In the course of the summer season, you’ll typically discover additional enjoyable together with trampolines and mini golf too, though no sunbeds to hire right here.
Subsequent door, Platja de la Ribera is among the longest seashores in central Sitges, and among the many hottest for households with youthful kids. A greater choice than neighbouring Platja de la Fragata should you’re seeking to chill out, there are extra calm waters, sunbeds and umbrella rental, in addition to bogs and eating places.
Slightly additional alongside the coast, Platja de l’Estanyol has its personal distinctive draw, due to the ‘Wibit’ floating 100 metres out at sea – this inflatable playground and impediment course is big enjoyable (if more durable than it seems!). One other of the longest seashores in Sitges, it additionally has loads of services and locations to eat.
Or should you’re searching for the least crowded seashores in central Sitges, attempt Platja Riera Xica subsequent door and Platja de la Barra which regularly has reside music.
Additional west, Platja Terramar and Platja de les Anquines are a half hour stroll from the centre of city, though there’s a practice service to save lots of drained legs.
Backed by Parc Terramar (learn on for extra particulars), the pair of seashores are recognized for his or her heat water and watersports – the breakwater which surrounds the realm makes it best with youthful youngsters, plus it’s place to check out something from kayaking and stand-up paddleboards to renting pedalos and surf boards.
Or head east and Platja d’Aiguadolç, round quarter-hour from the centre of Sitges, has sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, a restaurant and seaside bars, plus browsing, paddleboarding and snorkelling to attempt.
In case you’re seeking to escape to a quieter stretch of sand, head additional alongside the coast, not removed from Castelldefels to Les Botigues Seaside (additionally knowns as Platja de Castelldefels). A whopping 1.5km lengthy, this Blue Flag seaside additionally has nice disabled entry, in addition to snack bars and cafes galore.
Platja del Garraf is one other nice choice should you’re trying past Sitges itself, recognized for its fairly inexperienced and white homes lining the seaside – relationship from the Twenties, they as soon as belonged to the realm’s fishermen.
Get pleasure from some watersports
There are three separate marinas in Sitges, in addition to varied watersports to attempt on among the city’s seashores, so that you’ll have loads of alternative should you’re searching for family-friendly choices.
Nootka Kayaking on Terramar seaside is good should you’re in Sitges with youngsters who’re new to watersports. They’ve summer season camps which run throughout the mornings, in addition to separate classes and excursions to attempt kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
For an extended kayaking journey, there’s a three-hour kayaking journey from Vilanova to Sitges – whereas it’s appropriate for rookies, it’s greatest for older youngsters and teenagers
Or Membership Nautic Sitges, proper within the coronary heart of city close to the church, has a crusing summer season camp in addition to household programs should you’re all seeking to study, to not point out windsurf, paddleboarding and browsing lessons.
The Aiguadolç space can also be nice for locating corporations providing browsing and crusing classes, together with the possibility to attempt paddleboarding and hire your individual boat.
And barely additional out of city, Port del Garraf, on the foot of Parc del Garraf, has its personal water sports activities exercise centre – there are crusing classes geared toward youngsters, in addition to varied different watersports at Membership Nautic Garraf.
Take a ship journey
In case you’d like to go out on the water with your loved ones, fairly than getting a crusing qualification, it’s also possible to hire boats from Navega Sin Titulo in Aiguadolç .
You don’t want a license to rent these (though there are additionally choices when you have one) with house for as much as 5 on board – you possibly can convey your individual foods and drinks, then set off to find the coast, discover a quieter cove to sunbathe or simply benefit from the surroundings.
In case you don’t fancy being the crew of your individual boat, it’s also possible to organize a sundown crusing journey with the captain (and a bottle of cava) included – minimal of 4 individuals.
Uncover some historical past
This a part of Spain has been inhabited since Roman instances, and whereas you must go to Tarragona for the most effective Roman stays (learn on for extra!), there’s nonetheless lots to find throughout a stroll round Sitges.
In all places you look, you’ll discover intricately embellished doorways, tiles which might have come straight from the Alhambra in Granada, and historic buildings starting from Renaissance to artwork nouveau.
As you wander, look out for the ruins of the outdated medieval wall on Carrer de la Davallada, in addition to the medieval arched doorways alongside Carrer d’en Bosch, the oldest avenue in Sitges.
Head to Plaça de l’Ajuntament as properly: the city corridor right here is constructed on the foundations of the medieval citadel, whereas the constructing subsequent to it was as soon as the Mercat Vell, or outdated market.
To identify all of the highlights of Sitges with youngsters, do that self-guided strolling tour, which takes you from Roman instances to the fashionable day
Absorb the views
There’s barely a nook of Sitges which isn’t beautiful, so that you gained’t be wanting fabulous views as you discover – however don’t miss the perspective at Plaça del Baluard.
Climb the steps to Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla Parish Church – higher referred to as La Punta, or the purpose, as you possibly can see it for such a good distance alongside the shoreline – and you may gaze all the way down to the ocean, in addition to being on the sting of the outdated city.
On the backside of the steps on the waterfront, look out for the mermaid – the Sirena de Pere Jou statue – along with her hand-held up. You’ll see the palm is worn shiny by passersby touching their very own palms to it.
Go to a museum
Museums may not high your checklist for a household vacation in Sitges, however there are some nice choices should you’re visiting with youngsters who love artwork or are searching for an choice on a uncommon wet day in Sitges – because the Spanish city will get 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, that’s hardly ever an issue although!
A number of historic buildings have been transformed into galleries and museums, together with the spectacular assortment on the Cau Ferrat Museum.
As soon as dwelling to modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol, you possibly can see three Picassos and two authentic El Greco work on show in addition to his work and extra element about his life. There’s even just a little quiz with challenges for youths, geared toward ages 7-10.
Or the shows within the Maricel Museum cowl 10 centuries of artwork, together with extra modernist work, alongside sculpture and antiques.
In the meantime the attractive Palau Maricel has a set of medieval artwork, though the constructing isn’t open day by day. And the Museu Romantic (briefly closed) is dwelling to one in all Europe’s largest collections of dolls and toys.
The museums are free for kids aged below 12 to enter and sometimes run household workshops throughout the 12 months too.
Take the Vacationer practice
Driving the little vacationer trains have been one in all my very own favorite childhood reminiscences of holidays in Spain, and an equally huge hit with my daughter when she was youthful – and Sitges has its personal vacationer practice for a part of the 12 months.
Working from Could to mid-September, in addition to at weekends between February and Could, it’s additionally an effective way to get round with youthful youngsters because the little practice travels alongside the 1.5 mile promenade between Paseo de la Ribera and Terramar.
The complete route takes round half-hour and prices 2.5 euros a method (or 4 euros return).
Play mini golf
Problem your loved ones with a recreation of mini golf in Sitges. A brief stroll from the beachfront, Minigolf Vinyet on Passeig de Vilanova has 18 holes so it’s straightforward to whereas away an hour or two taking part in the enjoyable course.
You’ll additionally discover ping pong tables and desk soccer, plus typically trampolines, should you’re searching for extra household enjoyable in Sitges.
Head to the park
The seaside isn’t the one alternative to get outside in Sitges with youngsters – Terramar Park has some nice locations for youths to play, in addition to the possibility to benefit from the greenery.
Los Jardines de Terramar is shaded, and an amazing play space for youthful youngsters, whereas it’s also possible to discover a zipline, sound backyard and loads of picnic areas among the many timber – to not point out plenty of house to run round.
Go to Garraf Nationwide Park
For a much bigger outside journey in Sitges with youngsters, head to the Parc del Garraf which has strolling and climbing trails for all ages and talents, in addition to mountain biking.
There are some guided walks at weekends, or just comply with the sign-posted trails – the AllTrails web site is an effective way to filter among the choices, together with some straightforward routes to attempt with youngsters or a tougher path to the ruins of a citadel, or discover extra data on strolling routes in Garraf Pure Park with youngsters right here.
Hold your eyes open for eagles, in addition to the opposite wildlife residing within the 12,820 hectares of hills.
Get pleasure from a fiesta
The Spanish love a fiesta, and that goes double for Catalonia – so should you time your vacation in Sitges with youngsters proper, you possibly can catch one in all these incredible and memorable celebrations too.
The largest occasion in Sitges is the Festa Main, a celebration of the city’s patron saint, Sant Bartomeu. The principle celebrations run for 36 hours from August 23, however occasions usually begin a number of days earlier round August 19 and run for a number of days afterwards till August 26-28.
Count on a fireplace dragon, giants and the normal Catalan human towers, in addition to a formidable fireworks show – don’t plan on getting an excessive amount of sleep with youthful youngsters although!
It’s not the one fiesta to be careful for, with the Pageant of San Juan on June 23, that includes extra fireworks on the seaside, whereas the Santa Tecla celebrations on September 22 and 23 are like Festa Main in miniature. However whereas these are the three largest, you’ll discover occasions happening in Sitges most months.
Issues to do close to Sitges with youngsters
Sitges can also be an amazing location to discover additional alongside the Costa Garraf, all the way down to the Costa Dorada and as much as Barcelona and Costa Barcelona.
Railway Museum, Vilanova
In case you’re visiting Sitges with youngsters who love trains, the Railway Museum of Catalonia in Vilanova y la Geltrú is unmissable.
Lower than 10 minutes from Sitges by practice (and the museum is helpfully proper close to the station), it’s dwelling to greater than 50 various kinds of trains, together with a reproduction of the primary one which travelled round this a part of Spain in 1848.
Look out for luxurious classic American passenger automobile, in addition to steam, diesel and electrical locomotives, and electromagnetic know-how, plus a play space for youths.
Tarragona
Lower than an hour away alongside the coast lies Tarragona, dwelling to among the greatest Roman websites in the entire of Spain.
One of the vital vital cities within the Roman Empire, Tarraco because it was then recognized, is most well-known for its fantastic amphitheatre reduce into the hillside above the seaside.
However that’s not the one Unesco-listed web site to discover: you possibly can see some stays of the discussion board, partitions and the circus, the place chariot races have been held, in addition to the aqueduct simply exterior Tarragona.
There are a number of excursions that will help you discover – do that Roman strolling tour or there’s additionally a scavenger hunt- type self-guided tour of Tarragona which is enjoyable with youngsters.
Jungle Trek
If journey tempts your youngsters greater than Roman historical past, don’t miss Jungle Trek, the incredible tree-top journey park not removed from Tarragona, round a 40-minute drive from Sitges.
With over 150 challenges and 13 high-ropes programs, there are alternatives appropriate for youths aged 4+ however you’ll additionally discover larger thrills for older youngsters as properly.
Together with the tree-top circuits, you possibly can velocity down the Jungle Coaster zipline, benefit from the jungle nets, play tennis and check out ‘mushy paintball’.
Set in La Mora, it’s straightforward to mix with a while on the seaside there too.
Go to a water park
There isn’t a water park in Sitges itself – aside from the Wibit inflatable course – however you’ll find two shut sufficient for a day journey from Sitges with youngsters.
Aqualeon is round half an hour away by automobile, with the Kidzworld space geared toward youthful kids, plus a wave pool and slides galore, together with family-friendly choices but additionally extra adrenaline-fuelled enjoyable.
There are additionally some water rides at Portaventura – learn on for extra particulars
Go to a theme park
Simply past Tarragona is Portaventura – the place theme park meets water park meets animal attraction, there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in throughout a time out right here.
With six themed areas, you may get a style of various civilisations from world wide, together with Polynesia, China and Mexico, plus a youngsters’ zone themed round Sesame Avenue. Alongside the way in which you could possibly take pleasure in a 4D expertise, check out the water rides, watch a reside chicken present, journey rollercoasters and meet Bert & Ernie.
You too can get mixed tickets with entrance to Ferrari Land subsequent door, filled with immersive experiences and high-speed rides, good for mini petrolheads.
Go wine tasting
The Penedès wine area is the center of Cava county, the place Spain’s well-known glowing wine is made – and Sitges is barely round half an hour from the vineyards the place you should buy and style the wine.
And even higher, you’ll find family-friendly choices so it’s nonetheless one thing to maintain in your wishlist for a vacation in Sitges with youngsters.
Bodega Freixenet has child-friendly excursions, the place you possibly can head down into the cellars 20 meters beneath floor, plus alcohol-free cava or grape juice for youths to attempt – and there’s just a little practice journey included as properly.
The tour is free for these aged 8 and below as properly, and it’s strolling distance from the railway station so you may get the practice there too.
Go to Barcelona
It’s lower than an hour to Barcelona by practice, so Sitges is an ideal base should you fancy a day in Barcelona with youngsters as properly.
After all there’s an enormous quantity to find within the metropolis for households, so you possibly can simply fill greater than a single day – don’t miss not less than among the fabulous fantastical structure from Gaudi, together with the Sagrada Familia, and taking the funicular up mount Tibidabo.
However there are additionally a string of household sights, together with museums and the beautiful aquarium to find, some nice avenue artwork and historical past galore to discovery right here too.
The place to remain in Sitges with youngsters
I’m a giant fan of staying in a villa with youngsters – not solely do you’ve gotten more room (which beats sitting in a darkened lodge room after youthful youngsters have fallen asleep), there’s extra flexibility and luxuries like a personal pool whereas nonetheless typically costing the identical or lower than a lodge.
Utopia Villas is the one firm in Sitges which has beachfront villas, so in addition to your individual pool, you’re minutes from the sand – Villa Augusta, simply 300m from the seafront, has a stunning pool.
Or there are villas close to the Parc del Garraf, like attractive Ibiza-style Villa Leila, should you’re planning to get out into the mountains.
In case you’re travelling with youthful youngsters, the gated heated pool of Villa Claudia is tempting, plus there’s all the things from three-bed villas as much as ones for larger teams of family and friends within the assortment.
Throw in high-speed WiFi as commonplace too (useful should you’re visiting Sitges with teenagers) together with the choice to rearrange babysitting, family-friendly excursions and airport transfers as a bonus.
Disclosure: Compiled in affiliation with Utopia Villas – all opinions on what to do in Sitges with youngsters are my very own. This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
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