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Sitges or Blanes with small children

I’m currently planning a trip to Spain for the end of September/first week of October. We will be traveling with a 4yo and 3yo. We are hoping to find a location outside of Barcelona where we can relax on the beach for ~4 days. We are not renting a car so need to find a location that is reachable by train and walkable with a beach that is pleasant for small children. So far, I’m looking at Sitges (perhaps including a day trip to Tarragona) vs Blanes.
Does anyone have experience with these locations? Thoughts on why I’d pick one over the other? Thoughts on which locations might be more fun for young kids? We are also open to recommendations for other destinations in the area.
Muchas gracias!

Posted by
3874 posts

Have you considered Tossa de Mar? I think that would be my top pick in the area. I used to spend my family holidays there when I was a kid and loved it! The bus company Sarfa Moventis operates direct services from Barcelona (Estacio del Nord) to Tossa de Mar. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Don't only think of our trains, know that our buses are also quite good.

Posted by
108 posts

Hi, check out Vilanova i la Geltrú. It's connected by rail (well, it was until very recently when a signal box on the line to Barcelona caught fire — but, hopefully the situation will be resolved by end of July, if not sooner) and has a rail museum. It is one stop further south than Sitges. I've visited Sitges several times over the years, and at different times of the year, and it's agreat place to visit, sure. I've visited Blanes only two or three times — basically because IMHO it's a pretty boring place. However, I think you and your youngsters will find Vilanova i la Geltrú more young family friendly and less hassly. Enjoy your visit.

Posted by
108 posts

Hi, to add, I would ordinarily second Carlos's excellent suggestion of Tossa de Mar — in fact my daughter and her two year-old and six-month old daughters will be there in June — However, Tossa is not on a rail line, and, if using public transport, is a bit of a pain to get to from Barcelona. Been there and done it quite a few times over the years. Worth considering — and there is a handy combined train-bus combo ticket you can buy from Barcelona but…but experience again…it is not as convenient a journey as you may imagine, especially with little ones.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you all for the suggestions! I’ll be looking at Tossa de mar and Vilanova I la geltru

Posted by
108 posts

Hi again, and then, of course, there's Sant Pol de Mar —the rail station is on the beach. Good little, scenic spot, about an hour and a quarter by train, with a few chiringuitos (beach bars) and a relatively traffic-free town center with cute shops and bar-restaurants. We know it well — we have very dear friends who live there, two of whom have a five-year old daughter, who loves being able to go to the beach every day.

Posted by
7181 posts

I see the internet suggests that Sitges October temperature range is 57-74F.