One of Barcelona’s most popular tourist destinations, Sitges, is enhancing its online travel content to help people pass these long days of coronavirus lockdown – and plan their next holiday when the crisis ends.
Initially, the VisitSitges website was established to share the town’s lifestyle, activities, culture, people, parties, restaurants, cinema and street ambience. In short, showcasing its whole world (“surprisingly large within a Mediterranean pueblo with so much charm”), for both people living in Sitges and those visiting the town. “Because no-one is a bigger fan of Sitges than its own inhabitants. We experience its life with intensity, open to the world, without taking into account nationality, origins, sexuality, political colour or religion”.
Now, say its creators, with such exceptional current circumstances, they have been prompted to adapt the website, “while remaining true to our objective of showing people how fantastic Sitges is, by highlighting thousands of ideas and options, and inspiring post-coronavirus visitors – albeit from home – to continue enjoying everything that Sitges has to offer”.
Another key objective is to support local businesses and establishments that have been obliged to close in accordance with the nationwide “State of Alarm” (extended by parliament until 11 April).
“Sitges is standing with you. Museums, cinemas, restaurants, bars, stores, shopping galleries, sports centres, libraries, shows, social entities… you are the essence, soul and life of Sitges. Have no doubt: we will come out the other side of this, re-open our doors, and once again fill the streets, events and life of Sitges.”
In changing the focus of VisitSitges so it can be enjoyed “from home”, local tourism authorities say they want to keep people informed about the situation – those living and currently staying in Sitges, plus others who would like to plan a trip in the future – including details of such services as home deliveries by restaurants and other outlets.
Popularly known as the “Saint-Tropez of Spain”, Sitges is only 30 minutes from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
Vintage Rally Postponed to 2021
Some scheduled 2020 events in Sitges, and other parts of Barcelona and the wider Catalan region, have understandably been forced to announce cancellations, or postponements.
These include the 62nd edition of the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage International Car Rally, held in collaboration with Sitges Town Hall and Barcelona City Council, and due to take place from 21 to 23 March.
According to its organising body, Foment de Sitges, in line with a decree by the regional government’s ministry of health, and because it hadn’t been possible to find suitable alternative dates this year, it is now planned for the rally to be rescheduled in 2021.