Bears Week Sitges 2023 – May Edition

Bears Week – The Early Edition in Sitges, Barcelona 2023

April/May Bank holiday sees the small beach town of Sitges playing host to the international bears week, with thousands of bears, cubs and their admirers arriving from all over Europe for what is now considered the start of the Summer Season.

• Visiting Sitges for this event? As it takes place over a holiday weekend, you should book your hotel now! With just 15,000 hotel rooms, the Village can fill up fast. Fortunately it has over 300 different apartments available for groups.

Bears Week May Edition

• This is the 1st of 2 bear’s weeks held in Sitges, the second of which takes place in September.
• Both events see the bars and beaches and streets packed full of guys, ready for a good time.

What is the difference between the May & September Edition

• The May Edition is considered the “little Cub” to the “Big Bear” event in September. Having said that, the event has grown in popularity over the past 5 years.
• Unlike the September event, there is no purpose-built Bear Village in the seafront. This is the main difference. Also, while the September edition attracts over 6,000 visitors, the May edition is smaller. (2,000 Visitors Approx)
• The bars and beaches are still busy, but the pace is a little more relaxed and it is easier to get a table at your favourite restaurant and a spot on your favourite beach. Those seeking a more intimate event will be well rewarded with better service and lower hotel prices. 
• At Night, the “Bear Alley”, is just as packed as September, if not more so, given that there is no Bear Village on the seafront, so all the bears and boys are together from early evening. The streets get busy from 5pm with Happy Hour at El Horno Bar and by 9pm, Calle Joan Tarrida is full!
• During the day, Balmins, “the bear beach” is open and busy. Given that it is a Bank Holiday Weekend, expect lots of Barcelona Bear Weekenders!

Where to stay in Sitges?

Sitges is a stiny Village and fills up quickly, so booking a hotel needs to be done as early as possible. If you are traveling in a group consider one of the many beautiful Villas available.

The following hotels are especially popular:

• Platjador hotel – Seafront hotel with large rooms, sea views with a pool and sundeck. Located 1 min from bear alley.
• The Calipolis hotel – 4 Star hotel with wraparound balconies and great service. Located 2 min from bear alley.
• Parrots Hotel – Located “on bear alley”, gay hotel and part of the Parrots Group. Sells out fast.
• Hotel MiM – The hotel of famous footballer Messi, with large rooms, a great sky bar and excellent spa and gym.

Popular Bars during Bears Week

• Bears Bar – With a fun “bearlcony” with views of Bear Alley, Bears Bar is always worth a visit. Dark room with sling, friendly guys and campy pop music.
• La Villa – One of the town’s most stylish bars with a beautiful garden terrace. Sexy waiters and great cocktails.
• El Horno – Home to the bear happy hour and one of the oldest gay bars in Sitges.
• Man Bar/XXl – now part-owned by Parrots Group; over the past year the bar has extended the outdoor terrace. XXL has a busy upstairs cruising zone, but watch your pockets.