Beaches: Barcelona vs. Sitges

It's really an entirely different vibe. Sure, the beaches in Sitges are probably 'nicer', but the escape from the city and the beach-town vibe is what makes the difference.

The beaches in the city are like a picnic in an urban park. Going to Sitges is a 'trip to the shore'.

Are the beaches in Sitges enough nicer to justify the trip up there?

I'd say yes, while both will be absolutely overflowing with tourists come July, maybe Sitges will have less pickpockets/thieves interspersed among them.

Just saying that we locals wouldn't go near Sitges or Barceloneta beachs. There are beaches that we go that are less well known to foreigners.

+1 for scudder. I remember that the Sitges beach is extremely wide and flat, so tide height may make a difference, (Warning: I was there in 1987!) Very nice resort vibe, but just as hot as Barcelona. So it wasn't a relief that way. We spent the night, and I noticed that the shower water was either softened, or wells invaded by seawater. Talking about texture and rinsing, not odor or safety.

I'm not sure why an East-Coaster would take time away from the city of Barcelona to sit on a beach, but it's your vacation. The beaches in, say, Lewes DE are superior beaching and bathing, if without topless suntanners! I remember a lot of knock-off tee shirts for sale in Sitges.

Tim, how do the Barcelona and Sitges' beaches compare with LBI/Point Pleasant/Wildwood? All different vibes.

That could depend on where you are going before and after Barcelona. You really don't have a lot of time there.

In September 2017, we spent a couple of hours in Sitges as part of a day trip to Tarragona (which I highly recommend) from Barcelona. The beaches were gorgeous, and we enjoyed huge gin tonics at one of the many beach bars. Even in the off-season, the people watching was excellent.

I think the "vibe" and the relatively short travel time to Sitges would justify the trip.

Lindy, it's not a good comparison. I chose Lewes because the beaches there are exceptionally wide, even compared to those of my youth, Jones Beach for example. But the Jones Beach sand, and minor surf are both MUCH more attractive. There are better food options in Sitges, especially if you don't worry too much about refrigeration of pre-made sandwiches(!)

On LBI NJ, the sand is also softer and pleasanter, but the beach is "narrow", what I remember from Fire Island NY, but it's a more uniform economic demographic. I guess what I'm saying is that I remember the Sitges beach being more like the flat, compacted sand space between the high and low tide lines (but in Sitges, not actually washed by the tides). Another really wide beach I've been to is Ostend, Belgium, but the sand there is nicer.

I personally do not spend expensive European travel time on beaches. But I'm lucky enough to go to the Caribbean sometimes, and live on the US East Coast. Both of those destinations are superior to Sitges, or most of the places I've gone to look at (but not to sunbathe) in Europe.

Or you could compromise and do what I did (on the advice of some friends from Barcelona), take the regional train to El Masnou. Beach is just across the tracks. It was awesome, much quieter than Barceloneta, and much closer than Sitges.

Personally, I'd take the broad Castelldefels beach over the small, crowded ones in Sitges. It is closer to Barcelona, too.
I have not been to the Maresme coast immediately north of Barcelona, so there may be some hidden gems there, too ("El Masnou" was referenced a few posts above).

I like @Scudder's reply... I would agree.

In both cases, they will be packed, but to me, Sitges beaches are 'homier' than Barcelona's. Also notice that Sitges has different beaches, and the ambience also changes between one and the next. If you like them less busy, head towards the end of the promenade.

Tim, thanks for the well-defined distinctions. I, too, would not go to a beach because of where I live, but that's just me. I think there were times and places that I would especially in my teens and twenties and now with the grandkids on Long Island.

Scott, I hope you find a great "shore" experience in Spain!

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Very helpful.

It sounds like beaches in the area are okay, but that I would be better off spending the day touring around the city itself. The comparisons to the beaches in Delaware and Jersey were helpful context, since I've been to them many times.