Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Suzy McCullough
Visiting Sitges with kids is an experience you will all cherish forever. A Mediterranean pearl in Catalonia in Northeast Spain, it provides ample activities for children of all ages while offering sophistication for the adults.
Sometimes, when we plan our family holidays, we focus so much on keeping the kids happy that the adults are forgotten! Do you really want to spend all your evenings eating burgers and watching Mini Mouse strut her stuff? What happened to relaxing in the sun, eating delicious food, and experiencing a different culture?
Well, if you choose Sitges for your next family holiday you can have all of that and the kids will have a ball too!
1. Family-Friendly Beaches
Let’s start with the nineteen sandy beaches to choose from. Even in the height of summer, there is space for all the family. There are beach bars strung all along the waterfront, perfect for a cooling beer or an ice cream. In high season you will find a mini-golf circuit, a miniature train, bungee trampolines and a giant Wibit in the sea. The kids will go wild!
2. The Coolest Kids Clubs
I’m going to let you in on a local secret that most tourists know nothing about. Known in Catalan as “Esplais”, there are fabulous summer camps where you can leave your children to learn all sorts of fabulous activities.
The local and international kids who live in Sitges spend most of their summer attending Esplais. These include surfing, skateboarding, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pony trekking and tennis.
The instructors generally speak English and your kids will make friends while learning a new sport. Best of all, you get some time off! You enjoy the benefits of a hotel with a kids club while enjoying the freedoms of independent travel. Perfect!
3. Treetop Adventures
In a short distance of Sitges, there is a wide variety of family fun on offer. One of my favourites is Jungle Trek. A 40-minute drive towards Tarragona, this is a tree-top adventure park with over 130 challenges. It is suitable for children aged over 4 but is perfect for older kids as there are courses with considerable thrills!
It is located in the lovely seaside village of La Mora; a beautiful spot for a late lunch and a swim after the exertions. And if you are craving a bit of history, Tarragona is 10 minutes away with its Roman amphitheatre dramatically overlooking the Mediterranean.
4. Thrilling Theme Parks
For serious thrill seekers, PortAventura is just a little further on, past Tarragona. It also has amazing shows and fireworks displays. Aqua Leon is a water park that is around a 30-minute drive from Sitges and is a firm favourite with kids of all ages.
5. Beautiful Barcelona
Only half an hour from Sitges you have everything that a big city can offer. Don’t miss Park Guell which was designed by Gaudi and offers stunning views across the city to the sea. And of course, Barcelona has wonderful museums dedicated to Picasso and Miro. Teens in tow? They will love the shopping Barcelona has to offer. And if that’s all too hot Barcelona has the benefit of being a city with a beach.
6. Blissful Evenings
One of the best things about visiting Sitges with kids is simply how welcome they are. As long as you don’t try and take them out night clubbing you will find they are warmly welcomed wherever you go. The town centre is buzzing with families till very late in the evening. The Spanish like to stay up late and their young children are with them for all the fun. It creates a lovely atmosphere that is calm and friendly. You won’t find any lager louts singing football anthems here.
7. Fireworks & Fiestas
No one knows how to party like the Spanish and Sitges is no exception. Visiting with kids near the end of June? Then you are in for a crazy night! Locals from miles around make their way to the beach to celebrate the Festival of San Juan.
They bring picnics and fireworks and the result is a chaotic and sometimes alarming spectacle. You may find it a little too unnerving with small children but with older kids and teens you will have a night to remember. Just don’t plan on getting any sleep as the bangs will be going off all night!
For a more organised blast of Spanish fun aim for Fiesta Major in late August. Again, everyone heads to the beach with blankets and food but this time the fireworks are an official display that will blow your minds!
Or you can head to the beautiful nearby town of Vilanova y La Geltru. In early August there is a truly astonishing event known as Correfocs. Prepare to witness dragons who are literally breathing and oozing fire in the form of fireworks as they parade through the streets.
At midnight the 3 dragons convene in the square where fireworks will rain down over your heads. They will set fire to your clothes so make sure to dress appropriately! Again, this is one for older kids. Little ones will be terrified!
Where to Stay When Visiting Sitges?
To gain the most from a holiday in Sitges we would recommend the freedom of a gorgeous villa with your own pool. Utopia Villas has a fabulous range of properties that will guarantee you have a relaxing holiday while visiting Sitges with your kids.
Kick back with a book and let them run free in the garden and play in the pool. Catering can be arranged for those evenings where you want to be waited on hand and foot without stepping outside the grounds. Need babysitters’ no problem. Utopia Villas concierge service can arrange it all for you.
Finally! A family holiday, ALL the family will enjoy!
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