Two-minute guide to ... Sitges

Sitges on Spain's Catalan coast is less than an hour from Barcelona and the airport. It is a town of scalloped shell beaches, perfect for swimmers and sunbathers.

See

The church of San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla is a focal point of Sitges, with its location at the end of the promenade up a set of stately stairs. Some of the best buskers play in front of the cathedral doors and there is often a small market. The square below the cathedral is the site of the wine festival in September.

Sip

Visit the Bacardi museum for a genuine Mojito, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, 11. Take in the views of the coast from the rooftop bar in the Platjador Hotel, Passeig de la Ribera, 35.

Sup

Enjoy genuine tapas and pinchos at Guria Taberna, Carrer de Sant Pere, 30, a crowded place with excellent food. For a modern take on Spanish food try Nem, Carrer de l'Illa de Cuba, 9.

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Sleep

Sitges is a town of architectural gems, particularly Art Deco and Art Nouveau. There are numerous lovely hotels. Noucentista, from €79, C/Isla de Cuba, 21, and Royal Rooms €95 C/Francesc Gurna, with its tropical garden.

Shop

Cap de Vila, in the centre of town, has five streets radiating off it. There are many boutiques selling clothes, jewellery, shoes, knick-knacks and furniture, plus some good cafes and bakeries for a break along the way.

Skip

Carnival is the biggest social event of the year for a week every February. However, it is very busy and crowded, so instead go for the Sitges Horror Film Festival in October, when everyone gets dressed up as zombies and dozens of makeup artists get everyone ready for the procession around the town.