What to Bring to the Beach in Sitges: Gear Checklist

Sitges has 17 beaches and coves, and what you need changes with the one you pick. La Ribera calls for a towel and sunscreen; the rocky coves towards Garraf call for water shoes. This is the checklist we use.

The essentials for any beach

• Microfibre towel: dries fast, packs small and doesn't fill with sand. Well-rated option: Winthome Toalla Playa Reversible 180×90 on Amazon.
• SPF 50 sunscreen: the sun is strong on the Garraf coast from May to September, even under cloud. Well-rated option: NIVEA SUN Protege & Hidrata FP50+ on Amazon.
• Water and a hat: there's no beach bar next to the smaller coves.
• Waterproof phone pouch: handy if you swim and don't want to leave it on the sand. Well-rated option: JOTO Funda Impermeable ×2 on Amazon.

For rocky coves and snorkelling

South and east of the town the seabed is rock and stone. Water shoes prevent cuts and slips when entering the sea. Well-rated option: JOTO Escarpines Acuáticos on Amazon.

For snorkelling, the rocky seabed at spots like l'Home Mort has caves and plenty of marine life, but there are currents and it's for experienced swimmers only. Bring a CRESSI Sirena & Island 2.0 that seals well, and test the mask at home first.

Looking for accommodation in Sitges? Check availability and prices on Booking.com.

By beach or cove type

• Town beach (La Ribera, Sant Sebastià): La Ribera is almost a kilometre of sand, with lifeguards, showers and sunbeds. Towel, sunscreen and little else.
• Small cove by the marina (Aiguadolç): fine sand and a calm feel next to the marina. Bring water and food, as there's less on offer.
• Rocky cove (l'Home Mort, Cala Ginesta, Garraf area): access by steps or short walks. Water shoes, a light bag and water-resistant Well-rated option: NIVEA SUN Protege & Hidrata FP50+ on Amazon.
• Snorkel route: there are routes from Anquines to l'Home Mort and from Garraf to Cala Ginesta. They're for experienced swimmers; check sea conditions before going in.

For La Ribera and town beaches

At La Ribera beach there are lifeguards, showers and sunbed and parasol hire, so you can travel light. If you want your own shade, a Aktive 62221 (Ø200 cm) copes better with the tramontana wind.

What to leave at home

Valuables, thick cotton towels and giant parasols: they're heavy and not worth carrying by train or on foot. Sitges is 40 minutes from Barcelona-Sants on the R2 Sud, and the beach is a few minutes' walk from the station.

Activities in Sitges: Book tours, excursions and experiences on GetYourGuide.

FAQ

Do I need water shoes in Sitges? Not at La Ribera. In rocky coves yes, especially to get in and out of the water. Well-rated option: JOTO Escarpines Acuáticos on Amazon.

Is snorkelling safe? In rocky areas like l'Home Mort there are currents and it's only advisable with experience. If you're starting out, pick a calm cove and don't go alone.

Can I rent sunbeds and parasols? Yes, La Ribera has sunbed and parasol hire.

How do I get there without a car? R2 Sud train from Barcelona-Sants in about 40 minutes; the town beaches are a few minutes' walk from the station.

Which towel is best? A microfibre one: it dries fast and packs small. Well-rated option: Winthome Toalla Playa Reversible 180×90 on Amazon.

Getting to Sitges

R2 Sud train from Barcelona-Sants, about 40 minutes. More in how to get to Sitges.

More about Sitges

Pick your beach in Sitges beaches, plan the summer in Sitges in summer, eat by the sea at the beach bars and book a night in Sitges hotels.

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