Gay Sitges - an LGBT guide to Barcelona

Barcelona has its own gay community so large that it has its own district Eixample (Gaixample), which offers LGBT travellers every possible form of comfort and entertainment from gay bars and eateries to gay hostels and a range of small clubs. Bored of Barcleona? Then shoot 35 km south, just a half-hour train ride away, to another hot gay travel destination - Sitges.

When planning a break in Sitges, it's important to book gay friendly accommodation well in advance, especially if your are planning a trip during the high season (June, July, August) or during the gay Stiges Carnival week (varies Feb or March).

Don't worry if you arrive during peak season and can't find a room. Ask the hotels for cancellations, check with the Tourist Office at the back of the Oasis Shopping Centre, or look out for signs on balconies or buildings advertising apartments or rooms for rent ('en alquiler' or 'es lloga'). There may also be noticeboards in larger supermarkets, local cafes and bars.

There are few gay-owned hotels in Sitges. Accommodation can be shared amongst a group of friends and works cheaper than seperate rooms, however, the last few years has seen more apartments to let for gay men and women. Apartment rental is becoming more popular with advantages over staying in a hotel - gay hotels in Sitges.

Gay friendly accommodation in Sitges

La Masia Casanova

Mardi Gras - Carnival in Sitges

Carnival in Sitges is great. A week long party with the locals and visitors engaging in full. This is one of the most outragious holidays in Spain. The week of Carnival varies depending on the date of Easter in that specific year. In Sitges it always starts on a Thursday.

The first event on that Thursday is the ritual bringing 'back to life' the Carnival King. An event that should not be missed. It is held on the seafront.

Then on the Sunday there is the first of two parades and the carnival queens of Sitges are given free reign to show off their stunning costumes, dance routines and tasty bodies. There is a procession with colourful floats, often with their own sound systems and bar. THe prcoession travels Sitges' narrow streets into the town centre and then along the promenade.

Then on the Tuesday comes the second parade, often more bodacious, and more camp than the first. There are drag queens from all over the world. Not an early night. This is followed by street parties throughout Sitges with the bars opening until the very last person drops.

On Wednesday, the last day of Carnival, in the centre of Sitges, the King and his Queen fight a battle with the Spirit of Lent, who ritually slaughters them. Their bodies get transported back to the beach for re-burial - only to be reborn and unearthed the following year.

The gay Sitges mourning procession which follows the cortege of their recently-deceased Madames- dozens of drag queens in full, jet-black mourning gear and head-dresses . Wailing, screaming, howling, crying and clawing as they cling to each other for mutual support with their grief and pass through the the cheering crowds as Carnival once again comes to an end.