Sitges and Catalunya
Sitges
Sitges is a place with enormous charm and
when I arrived here in 2002, and like many other people I have
met since, I felt instantly at home. One gentleman I know sailed
his boat into the Port and docked, intending only to stay the
night and buy water. Instantly captivated, he stayed. That was
14 years ago! 36km south of the city of Barcelona, it is a town
on the coast of Catalunya facing the Mediterranean Sea. The
mountainous range known as The Garraf Massif forms a stunning
backdrop and helps to create a special micro-climate which has
often found me and my family on the beach enjoying the sun
whilst it´s been raining in Barcelona.
It has a large but not overwhelming
population of foreign residents, currently standing at around
21% of the total population of the 20.000 inhabitants. Whilst
it´s cosmopolitan and boasts an eclectic mix of bars,
restaurants and shops with local culture, art, fiestas and
traditions, it´s original charm and character remains intact.
We certainly enjoy a different way of life
here, both calm and relaxed but with lively fiestas that take
place all year round. In fact, the Mayor and the local govt.
authority will be promoting Sitges from now on as "Town of
Fiestas" because of the diversity and regularity of the
celebrations, many of which culminate in "firewalks",
spectacular torchlit processions with firecrackers, and
beachside firework displays. Other festivals held include one
for International Films every October, Tango in July, Vintage
car and Motorbike rallies, plus sports like International Rugby
7s and International Women's football to name a few.
Sitges is very well equipped with services
with everything you´d expect to find, plus good leisure
facilities and activities for children of all ages. It´s
situation being very close to Barcelona means that many of the
residents use the excellent train service to commute to work in
the city or to El Prat (which means "The Meadow"), Barcelona´s
excellent airport. If you prefer to drive, the motorway takes
you through the impressive Garraf tunnels, or the historic
coastal road, filled with hair-raising, hair-pin bends, will
bring you to Castelldefels and Barcelona at a more leisurely
pace.
The beaches are an all year round
attraction, not just for sunbathing but for walks, fishing and
cycling beside. Of the coastal resorts in Catalonia, it has the
highest number of harbours, with 3 marinas and a commercial
port. The town is spread over 4km of coastline with 17 beaches,
most of which have fine, golden sand and some have shingle.
During the summer months, the beaches fill with twice as many
holiday makers as there are permanent residents. After
Barcelona, Sitges has the highest number of 4* hotels. Currently
there are 8, although this figure is set to increase.
As I´ve already mentioned, the mountains
are literally an outstanding feature. Apart from providing
respite from the summer heat of the town, the difference in
temperature sometimes being 4ºC, the area is unspoilt and is
home to distinctive vegetation, fauna and geology.
Sitges is an interesting paradox, relaxed
but exciting, traditional with modern attitudes, cosmopolitan
with many foreign influences but unspoiled. It´s not perfect and
it´s not paradise, but I wouldn´t live anywhere else - you?
|
