Events in Sitges since 1880
Once upon a time in Sitges...
Sitges is always in fashion. In fact, from 1880 to the present Sitges has been steadily earning a reputation as a cosmopolitan tourist destination, specialising in MICE since 1992 and becoming a top pick for holidaymakers. Sitges is bursting with creative energy, tradition and a unique personality. Thanks to its free spirit and cosmopolitan soul, for centuries it has been a meeting point and magnet for intellectuals, patrons, entrepreneurs and artists from all over the world, such as Santiago Rusiñol, Charles Deering, Facundo Bacardí and Quentin Tarantino.
Sitges has been an accessible destination since 1881
- 1881First Sitges–Barcelona train.
- 1992Construction of the Garraf Tunnels, connecting Sitges to Barcelona’s international airport in 25 minutes and to the centre of Barcelona in 35 minutes. Sitges is a lifestyle symbol: as early as the 19th century it was seen as a glamorous tourist destination.
Sitges is a lifestyle symbol: as early as the 19th century it was seen as a glamorous tourist destination
- 1892 – 1899First meetings in Sitges, five small art “conferences” with international artists from different disciplines, organised by Santiago Rusiñol and known as Fiestas Modernistas.
- 1916Opening of the first hotel in Sitges and Catalonia: the Hotel Subur.
- 1861Foundation of the Casino Prado Suburense and Societat Rectreativa el Retiro societies to promote culture. The buildings were turned into theatres in 1869 and 1870 and later into cinemas in 1911 and 1908 respectively.
- 1965-1986Construction of the three marinas: Club Nàutic Garraf, Port de Sitges - Aiguadolç and Port Ginesta.
In 1919 Catalonia’s first Garden City was built, with an original design including:
- 1933The luxury Hotel Terramar Palace and the noucentista gardens, currently the Jardins del Terramar.
- 1927Club de Golf Terramar, the second golf course in Catalonia.
- 1923Terramar racetrack, the first racetrack in Spain. Casino by the sea, which was never built.
MICE, MICE, MICE
- 1992Strategic leap forward: Auditorium, Convention Centre and 4-star hotel
Auditorium with capacity for 1,400 people, Convention Centre and 4-star hotel, managed by Meliá, the largest in Catalonia at the time. - 2004Opening of Dolce Sitges and its Convention Centre New capacity for 500 pax and clear positioning in the premium MICE segment.
- 2004Creation of the Sitges Convention Bureau Public-private partnership to structure and project the destination in the MICE market.
Sitges, a pioneer in nightlife
- 1960sFirst Pacha in the world.
- 1980sL’Atlàntida, the first outdoor club.
Sitges, a venue for international events and festivals
- 1870Sitges Carnival.
- 1959Barcelona - Sitges International Vintage Car Rally.
- 1968Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia.
- 2000Bears Week.
- 2005International Patchwork Festival.
- 2009Sitges Pride.
Sitges, a sustainable, innovative, welcoming and vibrant destination
- 2016Sitges becomes a Biosphere destination.
- 2022Biosphere Gold destination.
- 2024Sitges CB joins the Biosphere Commitment.
In addition, in 2022 Sitges becomes part of the DTI network of Smart Tourism Destinations, which focuses on the key areas of governance, accessibility, innovation, sustainability and technology.
Over the past 20 years, Sitges has established itself as Catalonia’s leading MICE destination in after Barcelona thanks to its identity, character, warmth, charm, dedicated professionals, quality establishments, an attractive and surprising range of complementary activities, and its perfect location.