If you’re into big beefy boys with a bit of bounce, then you’ll probably be interested in the buffet of bears being served up in Sitges for Bear Week.
Where is Sitges?
Sitges is a beachside holiday town in Spain. It’s just a bit to the south of Barcelona. It’s easy to get to – if you fly into Barcelona’s airport, you can then take a train or pick up a hire-car for the short journey to Sitges.
What makes Sitges a gay travel destination worth visiting?
Apart from the bears – we’ll get to them in a minute – Sitges ticks a lot of boxes as one of Europe’s best gay beach destinations.
Sitges retains a lot of its old-world charm. Although there has been some development it’s still got traditional and historic buildings – it feels a lot more ‘authentically Spanish’ compared to places such as Benidorm, Torremolinos, or the gay nightclubs in Gran Canaria.
Sitges is also one of the best destinations in Spain for gay vacations. Sure, it’s popular with families and holiday-makers of all sexualities, but Sitges has been known for being a queer haven for decades.
When is Bear Week in Sitges?
There’s actually two Bear Week events held each year in Sitges – one in May and the other in September. The September event is generally the biggest.
In 2022, the dates for the September edition of Bear Week are 2-11 September.
What Goes on During Bear Week?
It’s 11 days of fun in the sun. You don’t have to be there for the entire time, but the final weekend is probably the one to aim for if you can’t commit to 11 days of action.
The program is fairly relaxed – you could just spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach and your nights hitting the numerous gay bars, clubs, and cruising venues. However, if you want something a bit more social, there are events and tours and activities that you can opt into.
Like anywhere in Spain, nightlife in Sitges gets going late. You’re going to need your stamina for this trip.
Sitges Bear Week is renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You won’t find a lot of attitude, just big, beefy boys looking for some gay bear sex.
Which are the gay beaches in Sitges?
There’s three main beaches that you need on your radar for your trip to Sitges.
Playa De la Bassa Rodona
This is the most accessible gay beach in Sitges – pretty much opposite The Calipolis hotel, overlooked by the Pic Nic beach-side restaurant. There’s a relaxed vibe, swim-briefs on, and plenty of people watching.
Playa De Las Balmins
Not far from the Melia hotel, like all the best gay beaches, you need to know where you’re going to find this one. You’re heading beyond the church at Platja de Sant Sebastià. Follow the path alongside the beach, climb the hill past the cemetery. It’s an easy walk from the centre of town, or you could take a taxi.
Playa del Muerto
Beyond the Terramar Hotel and a bit past the L’Atlantida Disco is Playa Del Muerto. It’s a pebble beach and has a small bar. A feature of this beach is the wooded area behind the railway, which is good for cruising. This beach takes the most effort to get to, but it’s worth it. It’s naked, gay, and generally has a fairly strong sexual vibe.
How to Prepare for Bear Week in Sitges?
Booking your accommodation is an important first step. Sitges is busy throughout the summer, but an event such as Bear Week brings extra people into town. The Calipolis is generally the preferred hotel for Bear Week – it puts you on the central beach and within walking distance of all the nightlife. Another solid option is the Melia Hotel – this overlooks Playa De Las Balmins which is one of the main clothing-optional beaches.
You’re probably going to want to grab some new swimwear for the trip. Sure, there’s clothing-optional beaches in Sitges, but there’s also moments where you can’t be completely naked – some slutty swim-wear is never wasted on a beach-side vacation.
Practice your Spanish. Sitges is a destination that is used to hosting international visitors – if you’re speaking English, pretty much everyone will understand you. However, a little bit of Spanish goes a long way – especially if you just want to try and start a conversation with a guy that you’ve met on the beach or in one of the bars.
Hola, guapo!
