A happy St. Columbus Day to all of our readers. It's a national holiday in Spain and in most of Latin America and the US. Most people here are making it an extra long weekend..taking Friday off aswell. We expect a lot of local Spanish boys and their Barcelona friends to hit the clubs in Sitges this weekend. So if you're visiting expect a lot of locals.
Enjoy the day!
Well boys, wouldn't you like that in your bed! Good news.. he's in Sitges.. .bad news… hes Straight…. but hey.. that never stopped a gay boy!
We haven't had much in the way of eye candy at this year's Sitges Film Festival. Some of the movies have been spectacular, but not so many actors as previous years. All that changed this weekend when Ian Somerhalder dropped in to say hello to his film buddies. He was here to promote his latest movie, Pulse. If you don't know Ian, most Spanish people will recognise him as Boone Carlyle from the hit TV series Lost.
The movie, from the brilliant mind of Wes Craven, is a tecnho-horror…if there is such a genre. Its an ok movie. When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world. The best bits are definitely watchin Ian on screen!
For those of you who are traveling to Sitges by car, may we suggest that you take the mountainous route. Didn't know there were two ways to get to Sitges? Well there are! The most common route (C-32) is through the mountians via the autopista. It costs approximately EUR 5 and gets you to Sitges in a jiffy…but it's rather a monotonous route.
We suggest you take the alternative route. Its the C-31. Mind you, you have to be a fairly confident driver. The bends on the road are hairpin and the drop on the other side is spectacular. Not to mention the crazy motorcyclists and the huge trucks roaring past you every five minutes! But it is worth it. We recently took two friends back to the airport via the mountain route at night with a full moon to light our way. The views of Sitges were amazing.
So, don't be a common boy or girl. Take the gay route. The views of the little coves and beaches on the way to Sitges are stunning and it is the perfect way to start your trip to Sitges. Of course the best way to travel is in a high-performance car. So book a nice convertible or better still something that will get all the boys turning in your direction. For high performance car rental we suggest you visit Elite Rent-a-Car, a swiss company with offices in Barcelona and a fantastic range of automobiles.
Beats the long queues on the train, that's for sure!
Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists, both Gay and Straight, decend on the tiny town on Sitges to take in the breathtaking views, Catalan cuisine, beautiful beaches and stunning gay boys and girls, only to leave it just as quickly by the end of September.
But as we have discovered recently, there is a lot to be said for visiting Sitges out of season… It makes a great weekend base to explore Barcelona or the perfect stress-free getaway, where you can relax and unwind from the cares of the world.
Here are out top 7 reasons why Sitges shines, no matter what time of the year!
1. SUN
With 300 days of Sunshine and a unique microclimate it's more likely to be Sunny in Sitges while the rain pours down in Barcelona. Temperatures in October are around 21 to 22 degrees high. And whilst it gets cooler in the evenings, it’s still great to walk along the beach at midday and feel the warmth of the sun!
2. SPACE
Off Season is quieter. With fewer tourists around there's no battling to get that perfect sun lounger on the beach. Waiters and barmen are less stressed so service is generally better, but remember it is Spain so the mañana factor will always apply!
3. SEX
Locals will be glad of the new face… and they will probably remember it the following day. With fewer tourists to choose from, your chances of scoring have increased 10 fold! Cruising happens everywhere in Sitges, but there are some regular well known places too.
4. SHOPPING
Sitges is only a 30 minute journey from Barcelona. There are some great sales on in October, from Laptops to Leather Items…oh err! A lot of the shops in Sitges have some good bargins at this time of the year as well.. before they close for the season.
5. SIGHTS
The local tourist office puts together some amazing tours in October. Imagine a night tour of Garaff Natural park, or travelling back in time and exploring the architecture of the Americanos'. The tours are intimate, personal and a great way to learn more about the culture of one of Spain's most cosmopolitan destinations. Barcelona has something for everyone… from dancing dogs to the best that Gaudi had to offer!
6. SOUNDS
Some of the bars close in October, but favourites such as El Piano, Prinz and Oreks keep the music pumping where you can dance your ass off until the early hours of the morning! Catch up with a local and practice your Spanish!
7. SUMMER
After your out of Season visit, you will have made some great friends and know exactly where everything is! What better forward planning for your next visit during the crazy Summer Season… or better still why not book your weekend for Carnaval in February.
Remember, if you need any help, advice or guidance in planning your next trip to Sitges or Barceloan, drop us a line.
Like most other things, the Houses in Sitges are truly spectacular. Its no wonder so many gay men want to make Sitges their second home. This tour takes you through scenic routes to see the architectural gems from the times of the Americanos, Sitges residents who, between the late 18th century and the 1930’s, immigrated to Cuba in search of fortune and who, returning to their village, invested a large part of their savings in constructing buildings and mansions. The houses by the oceanfront are more reminiscent of the mansions of old Cuba or new Miami than of Spain.
It is truly breathtaking to take in the Mediterranean ocean on one side and these beautiful houses on the other
…..not to mention all the fine gay men on the beach!
This route consists of about 80 different buildings and monuments created during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are Americano buildings that belonged to traders from Sitges, and the first examples of summer homes built in the Terramar garden city. The different styles that went into building them (neoclassicism, Romantic, eclecticism, modernism and noucentismo) represent different stages that set the town apart.
So for the perfect tour of Sitges finest architecture, visit the Ageis website. Tours are the third Sunday of each month and cost EUR 8.00 per person.
Reservations: 619 793 199 or contact GaySitgesGuide.com if you wish to organise your own private tour.
Please note that due to extensive renovations to the El Prat/BCN Train line, passengers are experiencing severe delays in getting to and from the airport to Sitges… but, not to worry, there is an extensive bus service to Sitges. Visit our “Getting to Sitges Section” here, for further information. Its all due to the work being carried out on the line for the high speed AVE train link to Barcelona.
Of course you might see some cute Spanish builders on your travels… nice!
When: 5th October to 15th October 2006
Where: Throughout Barcelona
The Barcelona Gay Film festival is one of the highlights of the gay calender in Barcelona. So if the Sitges Film Festival is a little too straight for you, then you can always hop on a train to Barcelona to catch some of the gay culture and lifestyle in one of the sexiest cities in the world.
For further information visit the official site of the Barcelona Gay Film Festival.
When: Oct 6th to 15th 2006
Where: Hotel Melia, Cine El Retiro, Cine Prado
Although not a gay event in itself…. the Sitges Film Festival means that the town will be busier than ever for the next 10 days.. and what gay boy or girl can't resist the glamour of movie stardom! The list of who will be attending this year will be confirmed tomorrow and Gay Sitges Guide will be present at all the events bringing you the best photos of those famous stars you know and love.
For further details check out the listing for the festival on Gay Sitges Guide or visit the official Website, http://www.cinemasitges.com
Everything in Spain is Hot! You know that… its why you come here in your thousands… and now even the politicians are getting in on the act. Take for example the boy in the photos above. Ok, we have no idea what his sexual persuasion is.. but he looks hot… He's a lawyer, he's 25 and hes Catalan…. very very nice.
He has our vote in November… definitely.
Who said politics was boring!
When Available 2nd, 9th 17th and 24th of October
Where Garaff Nature Reserve
Continuing on our theme of doing something different…. what about a night tour of Garaff Park, one of the most spectacular nature reserves in Spain? This October you have the opportunity of visiting the park at night with a guided tour group where you will explore the old castle, Jafra and the wild fruits of the forest. For further information contact Jafra Natura: 627 978 569 / 627 978 568 or visit the offical site for the park.
The latest from Gay Sitges for the 2023 season, the bars, dance clubs beaches and current situation, plus where to stay.
Sitges Carnival 2022 returns with some changes to the program, most notably to the parades. All of the bars and night bars have reopened.
