If you haven't yet visited Sitges, arguably Europe's premier LGBTQI+ destination, what are you waiting for?

Aside from the sunshine and beaches, the nightlife and culture, and all that Barcelona has to offer just 40 minutes up the coast, there is some great hiking to be done even right from the town. My husband Derek & I have been visiting for more than 20 years, and last year we got our own place and are visiting more and more.  Join us there this October, and why not make a longer trip of it?

This was originally conceived as a weekend event, but it is scheduled from Monday afternoon to Thursday morning to allow you to make the most of your weekends and of your trip. Come for longer if you can, or of course come for less if you can't come for it all.

October in Sitges is not as busy as the height of the summer season, culminating in Bears' Week in early September, but the weekends especially are still lively. The weather in October is lovely for hiking as well as for beach-going, and prices are at low season rates.

As well as everything else that Sitges has to offer, the following weekend, Thu 24-Sun 27, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Creative Connexions Ireland festival.  The previous week, Sat 12-Sat 19, there is opportunity to join a GOC Mallorca cycling and walking week, a short flight or ferry ride from Barcelona.

What I have arranged (updated 1 October) is:

• on Monday afternoon from 4pm (repeated Thursday morning), the Sitges Rainbow Tour of local LGBTQI+ history  with Colors Sitges Link (SOLD OUT)
• on Monday from 6pm, Welcome drinks hosted by Colors Sitges Link at one of the most historic buildings in Sitges
• on Monday from 8pm, a group booking with set menu at Le Patio Jardin Terrasse restaurant in the heart of the gay village (£25 in advance via the event page)
• on Tuesday from 10.30am, the 8-mile, difficult walk Sitges-Ermita de la Trinita circular (with faster, slower and shorter & easier options)
• on Tuesday from 8pm, Dine Around at five different restaurants in small groups, and meet at a bar later to swap notes
• on Wednesday from 10.30am, the 10 mile moderate walk Sitges-Vilanova circular (with faster, slower and shorter & easier options)
• on Thursday morning from 10am, a guided tour of three Sitges museums (£15 in advance via the event page)
• on Thursday morning from 10.30am (repeated from Monday afternoon), the Sitges Rainbow Tour (2) of local LGBTQI+ history  with Colors Sitges Link (£10 in advance via the event page)
• on Thursday evening from 7-9pm, we are invited by Colors Sitges Link to join their monthly members' social at Boys Bar, with karaoke - see their Fri 18 Oct members bulletin for details. There is no need to book, show up at any time and stay as long as you like
• on Friday evening from 8pm, for those still in town, a last hurrah at the Queenz Dinner Show (£66 in advance via the event page)
• promo codes for discounted hotel and apartment bookings, and a Whatsapp group for you to self-organise shared travel, accommodation or anything else before or during the trip (see member-only information below)

Sitges is around 40 minutes by train from Barcelona and Barcelona Airport, and about 20 minutes from the airport by airport bus or taxi. Sitges can be reached comfortably in a day by high speed rail from London via Paris and Barcelona, or from further afield with a stop-over en route - see  Man in Seat 61 and member-only information below.

For more on what to expect and what's available, see Visit Sitges, Sitges Tourism, Sitges Anytime & Garraf Tourism, Garraf Routes and TravelGay & Patroc.

Please share any questions and suggestions in the comments below, or in the WhatsApp group.