Sitges is an excellent charter starting point if you want to combine the calmer stretches of the Costa Dorada with the vibrant energy of Barcelona in a single trip. The area offers shorter, easy-to-plan legs, making it perfect for discovering Catalonia’s harbours, beaches, and coastal towns at a comfortable pace. It is especially appealing for sailors who want to mix cruising with gastronomy, culture, and relaxed seaside stops. The routes below help you decide whether a gentler coastal loop or a fuller one-week adventure suits you better.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Sitges?
- Ports and islands around Sitges
- Sail in Sitges! Sitges sailing itineraries
- Marine gas near Sitges, boat gas stations around Costa Brava
Which month is best for sailing in Sitges?
The best time for sailing around Sitges is generally from May to September, with late spring and early autumn being especially attractive, when the Mediterranean is already warm, the days are long, and the winds are usually friendly while still giving enough breeze for enjoyable cruising along the Garraf Coast.
Spring: In spring, Sitges gradually comes alive after the quieter winter months and begins to show one of its most appealing sides for the yacht charter community. From late March onward, daytime temperatures usually range from 16 to 22 °C, while the sea starts out fresh at around 14 to 18 °C and becomes much more inviting by May. Along the coast, winds are often light to moderate, typically around 8 to 15 knots, creating pleasant and manageable conditions for shorter coastal passages. The sea is often smooth or only lightly rippled, and the marinas are not yet at full capacity, giving the season a calm, sunlit and exploratory atmosphere.
Summer: In summer, Sitges fully embraces its Mediterranean sailing personality. From June to August, air temperatures are commonly around 26 to 30 °C, sometimes climbing higher on hotter days, while sea temperatures usually sit between 23 and 26 °C, ideal for swimming stops and comfortable anchoring. Winds often range from 7 to 14 knots, delivering easy, predictable summer sailing, although afternoon thermal breezes can sometimes add a livelier touch to the day. The sea is generally calm, at most lightly choppy, but beaches, marinas and the waterfront become noticeably busier, so summer sailing here feels vibrant, social and full of energy.
Autumn: Autumn is one of the most rewarding sailing seasons in Sitges, especially in September and early October. Daytime temperatures usually remain between 20 and 27 °C, and the sea still holds much of the summer warmth, often staying around 21 to 24 °C. Winds can become a little more variable, commonly ranging from 10 to 18 knots, with occasional stronger easterly or southwesterly flows bringing a more spirited and sporty feel under sail. The sea is still very navigable most of the time, though autumn weather systems can occasionally create rougher and more textured conditions. With the peak summer crowds fading, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed while the marina life still feels lively and stylish.
Winter: In winter, Sitges remains surprisingly mild for a Mediterranean sailing base. Daytime temperatures are typically around 12 to 15 °C, and sea temperatures usually stay between 13 and 15 °C. Winds arrive more often with passing fronts, so periods of 10 to 20 knots are not unusual, and occasional stronger northwesterly or easterly flows can bring a livelier sea with shorter, steeper waves. Marinas, anchorages and the seafront are much quieter, so winter is better suited to more experienced sailors or those drawn to peaceful days, crisp air and wide, uncrowded horizons.
Ports and islands around Sitges
Port of Sitges
The port of the town goes by the name El Port Esportiu de Sitges Aiguadolc. They have 742 berths for yachts with a maximum length of 32 metres. There are also great bars and restaurants here. Rent a boat in Sitges and experience what it feels like when everything is perfectly timed – the sunset, the sea, and freedom.
Club Nautic Cambrils
Thanks to the reforms implemented in recent years, the club has two parts. It can accommodate up to 426 yachts between 8 metres and 25 metres in size. Moreover, eight premises cover various yacht maintenance and repair services. There is a 24-hour crew service. You can also find a bar and a restaurant here, and of course, there is free Wi-Fi-access available. Cambrils sailing yacht charter Cambrils
Port Vell
Barcelona is one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean. The Port Vell can accommodate 148 vessels up to 190 metres long yachts. Drinking water, electricity and cable TV are available. Barcelona sailing, boat rental Barcelona
Port de Blanes
The port is run by Blanes Sailing Club. It provides 309 berths for yachts up to 24 metres in size. The club has a café, a restaurant and a sailing school, too. The port combines recreational sailing with commercial fishing activities. Blanes sailing, boat rental Blanes
Marina Palamós
The marina offers 866 berths and is able to accommodate boats up to 30 m in length and the maximum water depth reaches 10 m. There are fantastic facilities including maintenance station and access to drinking water, electricity and showers. Palamos sailing, boat rental Palamos
Club Nàutic Estartit
This port is located in the L’Estartit resort. It has 643 berths for yachts up to 32 metres in size. The port has a depth of 2.3 metres. There are a number of excellent services available. There is also a bar and a restaurant. L’Estartit sailing
Port of Empuriabrava (Roses)
They often refer to the city as “The Venice of Spain”. One of the largest ports of the world can be found here, with 5, 000 moorings for locals and visitors. 700 of these are preserved for tourists and can accept 26 metre-long yachts. The place offers modern facilities and equipment. For instance, if you are hungry, you can choose from 50 restaurants.
Port of Roses
There berths for around 485 vessels in the new port. 374 of them are preserved for yachts docking there permanently, while the others are for yachts passing through. The entrance is nearly 70 metres wide and there is a depth of 9 metres here, while in other places, the minimum depth is 3, 5 metres. The port has modern services and great amenities. boat rental Roses
Sail in Sitges! Sitges sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing in Sitges: Plan for a one-week-long sailing trip
This relaxed 1-week itinerary from Sitges follows the coast with short to medium daily legs and several urban stops, making it ideal for easy exploration. It is a great choice if you want to combine sailing with beach time, sightseeing, and evenings in lively marinas. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Sitges – Garraf (4.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
The picturesque village is located at the foot of the Garraf Massid mountain. It used to be a small fishing town and then became a holiday resort thanks to the flourishing tourism. If you love nature, you should visit the Garraf National Park that you can explore on foot and by a bicycle as well. The modernist mansion built-in 1890, Plana Novella is located in the heart of the park. There is a Buddhist community living here today.
Day 2: Garraf – Castelldefels (3.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
This cosy town has a great beach called Long Beach, which is 5 kilometres long. Visit the beautiful castle, Castle Fels, the oldest building that the town got its name from. There are dozens of night clubs and bars serving the nightlife in Castelldefels. If you are looking for a nice meal, you can choose from cheap as well as exquisite restaurants. You should try the typical Catalonian dishes and the local culinary, too. Spend the night in the port of the town.
Days 3: Castelldefels – Barcelona (13.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours)
The wonderful Barcelona has 7 beaches, the most famous of which is Playa Barceloneta. Nature enthusiasts must visit the Parc del Laberint d’Horta, which is the oldest park in the city. The main sight here is the La Sagrada Familia – the Expiatory Church of the Holy Family – and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. If you are looking for a special gastronomic experience, you must try the famous “tapas” at Born. We also recommend that you explore the popular market, Mercat de la Boqueria.
Read more about what to do in Barcelona or Barcelona sailing. Yacht charter Barcelona.
Day 4: Barcelona – Badalona (6.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Our next stop is Badalona, the history of which dates back to the ancient Roman times in the 3rd century. The city has an 8 kilometre-long shore with sandy beaches that are famous for their great equipment. Famous sights include the Godmar Castle and the Casa de la Vila (city hall). We should also see the Roman baths and the La Rambla pedestrian precinct.
Day 5: Badalona – El Masnou (4.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Read more about what to do in El Masnou or El Masnou sailing. Rent a boat El Masnou.
Day 6: El Masnou – Mataro (7.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
There are beautiful sandy beaches in the resort. If you visit the place, go to La Riera (main street) or the Plaza de Santa Anna (main square). Mataró is the birthplace of architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch who designed several buildings in town. The ruins in Mataró are also famous for a Roman bathhouse, built-in the 1st century. You can still see the place, only discovered recently.
Day 7: Mataro – Barcelona – Sitges (35.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 6 hours)
After bringing back the yacht it is worth looking around in Sitges if you have some time. Famous events in Sitges are, for instance, the International Vintage Car Rally or the Catalonian Film Festival. During the religious festival Corpus Christi, the streets are covered with colourful flowers. The city has a buzzing nightlife; there are many cocktail bars and clubs in the centre. If you are looking for a nice meal, try the seafood – we recommend La Nansa and El Trull in particular.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
Sitges sailing: 7 days sailing itinerary (longer)
This 7-day Sitges sailing route gradually builds into longer passages along the Costa Dorada, so careful timing is especially important for the long return leg. It is ideal if you want to connect several ports and nature-focused stops in one rewarding charter week. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Sitges – Vilanova i la Geltrú (4.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 2: Vilanova i la Geltrú – Torredembarra (15.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 2.5 hours), Day 3: Torredembarra – Tarragona (10.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 4: Tarragona – Cambrils (9.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 5: Cambrils – L'Ametlla de Mar (16.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 6: L'Ametlla de Mar – Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre (11.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 7: Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre (Club Nautic Riumar) – Sitges (53.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 8.5 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
More Costa Barava itinerary ” href=”https://boattheglobe.com/sailing-in/mediterranean/spain/costa-brava/sailing-in-costa-brava” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Costa Brava sailing tours.
How to choose a Sitges sailing route?
- If you want a relaxed and easy week: choose the 1-week itinerary built around shorter daily legs and city-based stops.
- If you want more ports and longer sailing days: the 7-day Sitges sailing route is the better option for a more varied and dynamic week.
- If your crew is less experienced or you are sailing with family: stay with the shorter coastal legs, where daily planning is easier and stop options are more flexible.
- If you want a balance of scenery and experiences: choose a route that combines sailing with beaches, gastronomy, and sightseeing.
Marine gas near Sitges, boat gas stations around Costa Brava
- BARCELONA: Depth: 6 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.3888, 2.159
- BARCELONA: Depth: 6.00m, Working time: 8–22, GPS Coordinates: 41° 23.1128, 2° 12.0265
- BLANES: Depth: 1, 8-7m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.6742, 2.7904
- CAMBRILS: Depth: 8 m, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 41.06477355957031, 1.0590695142745972
- EL MASNOU: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41º 28′ 30″, 02º 18′ 47″
- L ESTARITIT: Depth:4 m, Working time: 8-21, GPS Coordinates: 42.0540057, 3.2013105
- LLORET DE MAR: Depth:2-4m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.70706558227539, 2.8809142112731934
- PALAMOS: Depth:7m, Working time: 6-23, GPS Coordinates: 41º 50, 4 N i 03º 08, 1 E
- ROSES: Depth:3-5, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 42.2632018, 3.1755328
- SANT CARLES DE LA RAPITA: Depth:4, 5-5, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 40.61808395385742, 0.5952594876289368
- SITGES: Depth:3, Working time: 9-19, GPS Coordinates: 41.11667, 1.25
- TARRAGONA: Depth:6, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 041º06’20”001º15’08”
In this article, we have listed the reasons why it is worth sailing in Sitges. The holiday resort is a perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful Costa Dorada, the “Golden Coast”. The fact that it is located near Barcelona, makes the place even more attractive to visitors.Find more Costa Brava sailing destinations
Request an offer for your Sitges charter and choose the route that best matches your crew’s pace. Set off well prepared and make the most of the Catalan coastline.




