While the roots of Sitges' artsy reputation date back to the late 19th century, when Catalan painter Santiago Rusiňol took up residence there during the summer, the town really came into its own during the 1960s, when it was the only centre for the counterculture on the mainland of Spain (then still under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco), and became known as a sort of "Ibiza in miniature".

Very much a gay tourist town in the summer, Sitges offers a varied and dynamic cultural oasis, and provides a contrast from Barcelona. However, in July and August the town is taken over by families (generally Spanish rather than foreign as in other tourist towns in Catalonia) and the streets are packed. In September the families disappear and the presence of gay tourism can be felt again.

Sitges is renowned worldwide for its film festival and Carnival.