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Just a short drive southwest of Barcelona, sits the celebrated city of Sitges in Catalonia. This popular gay and lesbian holiday destination resembles an upscale tropical paradise, sitting picturesquely between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the lush green hills.

Sitges is an ideal destination to visit any time of year. There are different possibilities to stay, e.g. a nice Costa Dorada hotel or a Costa Dorada apartment. Many visitors flock to the area for its many festivals. Sitges is known internationally for its International Film Festival and its Carnival celebration. Carnival is a popular festival in the months of February and March, and is widely popular for the cultural dancers with bright costumes and its large parade that seemingly envelopes the city streets. The International Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally and the International Jazz Festival are also popular events.

Since the late 1800s, the city has grown and evolved into a hub for the art community, bringing together a diverse mix of local and seasonal writers, artists, and intellectuals. Enhancing the city's uniquely artistic ambiance is its large number of international residents, estimated to comprise over one third of the city's permanent residents. The artistic and international dominance creates a truly eclectic and liberal atmosphere.

The city is also known for its seventeen gorgeous beaches, which draws in gay and lesbian visitors in the months of July and August. Playa del Muerto is popular with the gay and lesbian community. Throughout the year, the area's nightclubs and restaurants are popular destinations for locals and visitors.

The Spanish city offers a diverse range of architecture, including a beautiful combination of centuries-old historical buildings with a distinctly Cubanesque influence. The Sant Bartmeu church is one of Sitges more popular historical structures, and was built in the 17th century. You will also want to spend some time exploring the Cau Ferrat Museum and the Maricel Museum.

While you are visiting Sitges, be sure to sample its delicious Catalan cuisine. Xato is one of the city's most popular dishes, and features escarole salad, cod, tuna, anchovies, arbequine, and black olives. Its sauce is made from scalded chillies, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and hot peppers. Other popular dishes include stewed sepia with potatoes and all-i-oli, bull de tonyina, fideuada, and stuffed peppers with cod. Such variety guarantees the extraordinary richness and singularity of Catalan's and Sitgetan's gastronomy. A meal in Sitges would not be complete without the accompaniment of Sitgetan malvasia, a dessert wine.