Be Picky Barcelona: Selected Tips from Insiders

Especially on hot summer days, a day trip to the small coastal town of Sitges, only a 45-minute drive from Barcelona, is well worth it. This charming town, with its lovely beaches and old town, reminds me of Ibiza with its narrow streets and boutique shops. Sitges boasts over 20 beach bars, known as chiringuitos — quite a lot for a town of just 30,000 residents.

My favorite restaurant is called Club Nàutic, located on a stone jetty. You can hear the waves lapping against the shore as you enjoy your meal and take in the lively scene along the promenade. The freshly caught fish tastes delicious — and is also affordable. A three-course menu costs no more than 25 euros.

The annual Sitges Film Festival in October and the carnival, from late February to early March, draw large crowds. The carnival is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. As a native of Cologne, I love to celebrate here and enjoy the warm weather while watching the parade with hundreds of dancers in imaginative feathered costumes.

Take a trip down memory lane and experience the charm of Sitges with a day tour, bookable through GetYourGuide. One highlight: Tarragona, home to one of the most important and best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Spain, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ute Alvarez Alonso has been working as a Lufthansa flight attendant since 2001. She lives in Sitges near Barcelona and speaks nine languages: German, Spanish, French, English, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Catalan, and Galician. She keeps her skills sharp on her many travels and enjoys chatting in the local language with locals or guests on board.